Photos by Paul Hilchen, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Volcanoes Stadium 6700 Field of Dreams Way Keizer, OR 97307 Salem-Keizer Volcanoes website Volcanoes Stadium website Year Opened: 1997 Capacity: 4,252 A Volcano in the Pacific Northwest Nicknamed "Oregon's Field Of Dreams," Volcanoes Stadium is the home of the Salem-Keizer Volcanoes, now part of the 4-team Mavericks Independent Baseball League. The team began operations in 1997, the same year the stadium opened. The organization was transferred from Bellingham and returned minor league baseball to Salem after an eight-year absence. The city's first professional team were the Salem Senators, who played from 1940-1965 under a few different names and affiliations. The stadium has a capacity of 4,252, which at first glance seems like a lot considering the seats only go as far as the end of the dugout on the third base side. The bullpens for each team are on the field, as they are at Wrigley Field in Chicago. It is not the most advanced stadium out there although there have been upgrades recently including a large video board just beyond the left-center field fence. In 1999, the American Institute of Architects honored the ball club with a design award for the stadium. The Volcanoes have been a very successful team since their inception, winning 5 NWL championships ('98, '01, '06, '07 & '08). The team also boasts several alumni that have reached the major leagues including Joe Nathan, Ryan Vogelsong, Pablo Sandoval, Tim Lincecum, and Buster Posey. Food & Beverage 4 The food selections at Volcanoes Stadium are relatively standard stadium fare. Overall, the menu items here are less expensive than other sports venues, which is a definite plus these days. Hot Dogs and Burgers ($3 - $4), Soda (Pepsi products) $3 - $4, Beer $5 - $6, and so on. There are a few non-traditional baseball items available such as a Chicken Rice Bowl at the Asian Wok for $8, and Eruption Burrito at Cafe Ole for $8, or an SW Chicken Wrap at The Healthy Hut, also for $8. In the left field corner, there is the Lava Lounge, which opens at the top of the 2nd inning, where you can get mixed drinks and beer. Atmosphere 4 A game at Volcanoes Stadium is baseball at its most basic level, which is a good thing. Most teams will run special gimmicks to get fans in the door, and there's nothing wrong with that. The stadium has a very cozy feeling to it that is very refreshing. As I walked around the stadium, it was my perception that most people there knew each other. Even though the Salem-Keizer area is a decent size, it feels like a small town ballpark. Neighborhood 3 Volcanoes Stadium is adjacent to Interstate 5 on the north side of the Salem-Keizer area. The stadium is in Keizer proper, tucked in behind Keizer Station, a sizable shopping area. If the menu at the stadium doesn't interest you that much, Keizer Station has an Outback Steakhouse and a Panera Bread that might fit the bill. Salem has many historical sites worth visiting while you're in the area. The State Capitol is a popular site to visit as well as the Willamette Heritage Center. The Willamette Heritage Center features a retrospective of the Mill that helped Salem thrive as well as a full history of the area. If you want an outdoor adventure, Detroit Lake is a popular spot about an hour southeast of Salem. The Oregon Coast is approximately an hour west, and Portland is about an hour north. Fans 4 There is a small-town cozy feeling to the stadium. The game I attended was mildly attended. Some might see that as a negative, but the fans that were in attendance were very in tune with the on-field activities. The crowd was fairly loud for its size. I did not see a lot of the unruly fans you would see at other venues. Many fans were building memories with their families and just enjoying themselves. It was clear to me these fans were here for the love of the game, which in my time reviewing stadiums, I can't say I've seen that often. Access 5 Volcanoes Stadium is off of I-5 at Keizer Station. You have to weave yourself through the area, but it's not bad at all. There is a large parking lot, capable of accommodating a capacity crowd and then some. Inside there is plenty of room to maneuver about. The main thoroughfare is wide and can handle many fans at once. The bathrooms have plenty of room for all. There are plenty of spots for handicapped fans at the top of the box seat section. Return on Investment 4 Single-game tickets range from $9 on the left field berm to $20 for the lower box seats. There are a couple of specialty seating sections, one being the 4Topps VIP seating. Four swivel seats with table, in-seat waiter service, and the best sightline in the stadium directly behind home plate for $120. The other is the Party Patio down the right field line. $900 will get you this area exclusive for large groups of up to 75 (additional tickets can be purchased for $12) with a private bartender. There is also an option to add a pregame meal. The stadium does have Skybox Suites. These are available on a 3-year lease and seat 12 in theater-style seating. I have to say that the value you get going to a Volcanoes game may or may not show it in dollars and cents, but the experience you get when attending makes it all worthwhile. Extras 3 Souvenirs are about what you would find at other stadiums. Caps $22-$30, Hoodies $30-$39, balls $5, shirts $13 and up. You can also get MLB balls and caps ($6, $20). On the night of this review, it was Don Larsen night. Fans had a chance to get an autograph from the only man to throw a perfect game in the World Series. There is a Kids Area behind the right-field bleachers that has a batting cage, batting tee, a play structure, and a bounce house. Parents should be cautious here because this area is not supervised. Crater, the Volcanoes mascot, invites the kids on the field for the 7th inning stretch to sing "Take Me Out To The Ballgame," and also races kids around the bases in between an inning. The big attraction for the 2017 season will be Eclipsefest. On August 21, Keizer, Oregon will be sitting in the path of a once in a lifetime total solar eclipse. The start time on that day will be in the morning and be the first-ever "eclipse delay" in baseball history. Fans on that day will receive commemorative sunglasses to wear during the delay. Final Thoughts If you are a person that goes to a baseball game purely for the love of baseball, this is the place for you.

Photos by Paul Donaldson, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Pat Kenelly Diamond at Alumni Field W Dakota St Hammond, LA 70402 Southeastern Louisiana Lions website Pat Kenelly Diamond at Alumni Field website Year Opened: 1992 Capacity: 2,500 Pat on the Back Pat Kenelly Diamond at Alumni Field, home to the Southeastern Louisiana Lions, is an under-the-radar college baseball mid-major gem. While other stadiums across the country might provide more modern features like wild concession items and minor league antics, The Pat provides a comfortable environment with the classic elements that provide a great neighborhood ballpark atmosphere. The ballpark is located in the city of Hammond on the southwest corner of the Southeastern Louisiana University campus. Since opening in 1992, Alumni Field has undergone several enhancements including brick wall fencing along both foul lines, installation of a new playing surface with natural Bermuda Tifway 419 sod, and decorative-perimeter fencing on the outside of the stadium. A new video scoreboard and party-deck-style box seats in the foul area along right field were installed in 2016 and have improved an already great environment. The playing field is named in honor of former long-time baseball coach, athletic director, and football coach for Southeastern Louisiana, Pat Kenelly, and was designated as such on February 19, 2006. The official capacity is listed as 2,500. Food & Beverage 2 The Pat provides the basic stadium staples you’d expect at a ballpark and also offers a couple of unique items like frozen daiquiris. The main concession stand and an ice cream cart are located under the grandstand and behind the home plate. Beyond the bleachers down the first baseline is a beer and daiquiri stand operated by Wise Guys Daiquiris (a local, independent vendor). While the variety of options is anything but unlimited, the basics are covered. Your main entree items will include a Chick-fil-A sandwich ($5), hamburger ($4), hot dog ($3), and nachos ($4). Snacks include popcorn ($2), peanuts ($2), pickles ($1), and assorted candy ($1). Specials such as pulled pork sandwiches and jambalaya are available and vary from game to game. There’s also an ice cream stand (Captain’s Tasty Treats) across from the main concession stand which offers up ice cream sandwiches and bars. The ballpark serves bottled Coca-Cola products for $3. One of the most unique items offered at The Pat is an assortment of daiquiris served up at the Wise Guys stand out in the right field concourse. Beer is also available for purchase, which is somewhat unique for a college ballpark. Atmosphere 5 Pat Kenelly Diamond at Alumni Field provides a genuinely great neighborhood ballpark atmosphere. Situated at the corner of the campus where the university meets the residential area, your view around the ballpark includes neighborhood homes and Strawberry Stadium beyond the outfield wall. The brick foul line walls and iron outer fencing add to the cozy ambiance of the ballpark. The new video scoreboard has enhanced the overall experience. It’s pretty unique to see a mid-major program with its outfield bullpen (of such high quality), which is located inside the left field wall and was constructed in 2012. Some additional signage and displays provide a “home” feel around the ballpark. Both dugouts have signage that displays the field name. The area underneath the grandstand behind home plate pays homage to significant Lion baseball players and coaches with banners hanging from the rafters. A display can be found on the wall listing the different Lions baseball players who have gone pro including Kirk Bullinger and Wade Miley. Post-season accomplishments are displayed including TAAC Championships and NCAA Regional appearances in both 1992 and 1994 and a College World Series berth in 1975. The layout of the stadium is a strength with box seats available under the main grandstand and just behind home plate. A new “party deck” area was developed down the first base line in the right field. In the upper level, chair backs are provided in the center of the seating area with bleacher seating on both sides. The bleacher seating along the third baseline typically features the younger crowd, including SLU student groups. Fans of the opposing team often sit on the first baseline side of the upper deck grandstand, across from the visitor’s dugout. Neighborhood 3 The city of Hammond is your classic small college town. While there isn’t a long list of attractions in the area, Hammond is home to a few great independent restaurants and you’ll find enough entertainment to keep you satisfied during a trip in town. For extended stays, both Baton Rouge and New Orleans are within driving distance (approximately an hour's drive). While in town, be sure to stop at Mariner’s Inn in the historic downtown area. This pub-style restaurant offers a bar area, a couple of tasty chowders, and an amazing ‘Kickin’ Chicken’ sandwich. Tommy’s on Thomas is another great stop for pizza, Buffalo breadsticks, and drinks. Some additional options include Brady’s Restaurant (order the club sandwich), Trey Yen (try the sweet and sour pork), and La Carreta Mexican Restaurant (fajitas are great). When it comes to attractions, Hammond doesn’t have a plethora of options, however, you’ll find a few decent college town bars and some family entertainment in the area. Check out The Red, White & Brew, and Wise Guys Daiquiris for a pre or postgame drink. If you are traveling with small kids, the Louisiana Children’s Discovery Center is a small, but fun break from the baseball action. If you have time for a 30-minute drive, the Global Wildlife Center offers a fun family safari adventure complete with feeding giraffes and other wildlife. There are several hotels in the Hammond area. If you’re looking for a bed & breakfast experience, check out the Historic Michabelle Inn & Restaurant. The Holiday Inn Hammond – Northshore offers a comfortable stay near I-12 and the Hammond Square Mall shopping center. Fans 4 The Southeastern Lions baseball fan base is continuing to grow with the success of the program. While fans are not the rowdiest you’ll encounter, most are friendly, supportive, and knowledgeable about baseball. The typical crowd for Southeastern baseball games ranges from about 900 to 1,200, depending on the match-up. It wasn’t long ago when the program struggled to bring in 250 consistently, but winning ways have Lion faithful feeling nostalgic about a program that had a successful run in the ’90s. Crowds will reach their peak against in-state rivals like Tulane, UL-Lafayette, and LSU, as well as in-state conference foes including Nicholls State, McNeese State, and Northwestern State. Lions fans get into the game during big plays and bad calls. The baseball program can be credited with starting the newest and most visible fan tradition at Southeastern, known as the “Lion Up.” Both hands make an L shape and are placed on both sides of the head. Access 4 Overall, access to Alumni Field is a breeze. There are a couple of pain points, but you shouldn’t experience many problems getting around the ballpark. Hammond is located at the intersection of two major interstates, I-55 and I-12. The ballpark is accessible from both, depending on the direction you’re arriving from. Your quickest route to the stadium is probably via I-55. Exit onto W. University Ave. and head east for about 1.75 miles until you reach the SLU campus. Turn right onto N. General Pershing St. and go about a half mile where you’ll then turn left on Western Ave. You’ll see the ballpark and parking garage connected to Strawberry Stadium. There are a few rows of ground-level parking behind the right field wall, but these spots will typically fill quickly and are in prime home run broken window territory. If you don’t mind a little longer walk, park on the first level of the parking garage or the ground lot around it (further out from the outfield wall). Parking is free and plentiful around the stadium. The ticket booth is located at the end of the first baseline in the right field. As crowds have increased, so has the line at the ticket window. Be prepared for as much as a 15-minute wait to purchase tickets. The main entrance gate is on the first base side of the home plate. As a smaller, neighborhood ballpark, The Pat is constrained some by the surrounding homes and facilities. The concourses are typically wide enough to move around comfortably but can get a little congested as the concession line grows. The restrooms usually don’t have any lines but are a bit small for the typical crowd size. The foul line bleachers along both the first and third baselines don’t have clear aisles, so for bigger crowds, it can sometimes be a challenge to get up and down to your seat in these sections. Return on Investment 5 Considering the overall experience and atmosphere, it’s hard to top the return on your investment at The Pat. General admission for adults is $8 and $5 for youth (3-12). Chairbacks are available for $12 and the lower box seats are for $15. Concession prices are reasonable and parking is free. Extras 4 There are a few “extra” items at The Pat which significantly enhance the overall game day atmosphere: SLU does an outstanding job memorializing past accomplishments and great players. Several banners are hanging in the main concourse which honor former players and championships. The ballpark also has a starting lineup display, as well as the current conference standings. It’s a nice benefit to fans in the main concourse. While more and more college baseball programs move towards a synthetic turf playing surface, it’s refreshing to watch a small college baseball game played on a beautiful, well-kept, authentic grass playing surface. The program keeps the playing field in excellent condition. The brick foul line walls and decorative iron fencing add to the overall ambiance of the stadium. Many recent improvements have helped establish a truly classic ballpark feel. Finding beer at college baseball venues isn’t easy, much less frozen daiquiris. It’s a nice bonus that doesn’t get out of hand.

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Allegacy Federal Credit Union Stadium 475 Deacon Boulevard Winston-Salem, NC 27105 Wake Forest Demon Deacons website Allegacy Federal Credit Union Stadium website Year Opened: 1968 Capacity: 31,500 Welcome to Deactown Along Tobacco Road, Wake Forest University joins Duke , North Carolina , and North Carolina State , v ying not just for prominence within the state of North Carolina, but also in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). Wake Forest has a football history that dates back to the late 19th century – initially playing as an independent program starting in 1888, and then as a member of the Southern Conference beginning in 1936 until 1952, the Demon Deacons were charter members of the ACC when it was founded in 1953. Wake Forest has seen its fair share of highs and lows over the years. Despite being the smallest program in any of the Power 4 football conferences (the ACC, Big Ten, Big XII, and SEC), in recent years the Demon Deacs have shown the ability to hold their own in one of college football’s top conferences.   Food & Beverage   5 At first glance, the stadium concessions may seem rather standard, featuring several stands offering familiar options like hot dogs, burgers, chicken fingers, pizza, popcorn, peanuts, and candy. Given Pepsi’s popularity in the Carolinas, it is no surprise that this is primary beverage served at Allegacy Stadium, though several types of Gatorade are also available throughout. What is  a bit eye-opening walking around the concourse are the collection of food trucks along the exterior fence, which really gives fans a taste of the local fare. The food trucks at Allegacy Stadum include fried fish, gourmet hot dogs, soul food, wings, and paninis, while international foods include Greek, Nigerian, and Latin cusine, There is also a concerted focus on sweet treats, with Kona Ice, Chick-fil-A shakes, gourmet popsicles, and several flavors of kettle corn. Allegacy Stadium also has a well-stocked selection of alcoholic beverages, headlined by the Wake Forest and Fiddlin’ Fish collaborations “Roll the Quad” IPA and R&D Brewing light beer, “Deacon Brew”. Seltzers, premixed canned cocktails, wine, and hand mixed cocktails are also widely available around the stadium. Wake Forest does an excellent job at giving fans the basics when it comes to food and drink options, but then goes above and beyond with the numerous food trunks and extensive alcohol options.   Atmosphere   4 What would the college football experience be without tailgating? Wake Forest is no exception, with premade tailgating encampments set up and ready to go in the lots to the south and west of the stadium. The “do it yourself” tailgaters set up shop mostly along the grassy patches of the parking lot to the north, but several tailgating sites boast impressive arrays both in terms of size and the Wake Forest festive vibe. The tailgating scene here probably does not quite compare to some of the traditional southern football powers, but you can at least get a sense of this key pre-game tradition. Allegacy Stadium shares a similar structure to Indiana University’s Memorial Stadium and Virginia Tech’s Lane Stadium , with slightly recessed sections running from the 30-yard line t o each end zone. Despite these structural similarities, the Deacon facility has its own unique features, including a strong use of brick, aligning with the high-class aesthetic of Wake Forest’s other athletic facilities and campus buildings. Deacon Hill, the grassy, tree-backed hillside in the southwest corner beneath the large videoboard, provides a picnic-like grassy area. However, unlike at minor league baseball stadiums, this area is not overrun by unsupervised groups of young fans. Between plays, interactive scoreboard features like the “Smile Cam” and logo shuffle game keep fans engaged. These features resemble those found in minor league baseball games, but do a good job filling downtime during the game. The Demon Deacon band, much like other collegiate marching bands, is also a big part of the in-game experience. The marching band’s smaller size, though, as well as the in-stadium music that plays over the stadium speakers, can tend to drown out the band during their interludes following first downs and big plays. Overall, Wake Forest offers a solid Power 4 college football experience, albeit just on a smaller scale. While the stadium’s off-campus location does take a bit away from the excitement, it is not an dealbreaker to the overall experience.   Neighborhood   4 Although Allegacy Stadium is located off campus, it sits within a cluster of Wake Forest’s other athletic venues, inclu ding the Wake Forest Tennis Center, David F. Couch Ballpark  (baseball), and Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum  (basketball). The Winston-Salem State Fairgrounds also neighbor the football stadium, which in part creates to bit of disconnect it from being a campus facility. The stadium is just three miles from Winston-Salem’s city center, where downtown’s 4th Street is lined with restaurants featuring sidewalk dining and multiple hotel options. Closer to the stadium is the Innovation Quarter, a hub of research and development that has re-purposed many former R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company buildings into breweries, restaurants, shops, and green spaces. The coming years will see a significant upgrade to the area just west of the stadium, as the section from University Parkway to the front steps of Allegacy Stadium will be developed into a mixed-use development to be called The Grounds  – this will undoubtedly add to the game day atmosphere that surrounds Allegacy Stadium. Winston-Salem definitely does not have a college town feel to it, but the Wake campus and its nearby athletic facilities do not make you feel as if you have the skyline of the city breathing down your neck, either.   Fans   3 Each side of Allegacy Stadium does appear to have patches of emptiness in terms of attendance, but when you take into account the large number of fans who sit on the grassy berm below the scoreboard, who would fill in many of these openings, on the whole I would say Deamon Deacon fans do a good job filling the venue. With an enrollment of just under 5,500 undergraduate students, Wake Forest is the smallest school in any of the Power 4 conferences. Despite the size of the student body, however, Wake students do their part showing up and filling the student section, but staying throughout the game is another story – as the game moves into the second half, the attendance in the student section definitely takes a significant hit. Fans are supportive of the Deacs and responsive to the ups and downs of the game, but it is disappointing, even in the midst of a tight game, to see the mass exodus of students following half time – this does take away from the overall atmosphere.   Access   3 Wake Forest University, not to be confused with Wake Forest, North Carolina, where the university was originally located, is a short drive from downtown Winston-Salem. The area is fairly well served by both local and regional transportation. The larger surrounding area has is known as The Triad, and includes Winston-Salem, High Point, and Greensboro. Interstate access to Allegacy Stadium is as straightforward as can be, from I-85 to the south, I-73 or I-74 to the north, or I-40 from the east. Due to the catastrophic flooding caused by Hurricane Helene throughout western North Carolina and eastern Tennessee, those heading east from western destinations will be significantly detoured due to interstate closures for the foreseeable future, until at least mid to late next year. When getting to and from Allegacy Stadium, as would be expected at just about any major sporting event, there will be delays involved. Your best bet is, if possible, to get there early and try to stay late. There is enough parking in the lots around Allegacy Stadium to leave just a short walk to the venue, and for those parking in the lots adjacent to the state fairgrounds, a tunnel goes under the road, so as not to impede traffic and also to protect pedestrians. Fans can enter the facility through any of the ten gates leading into the main seating area – this high number of entries gets fans in quickly, and limits backups getting into the stadium. The McCreary Tower entrance does create a bit tighter of a walkway, but nothing that feels overly crowded, although it does take some patience to navigate. For the most part, though, the concourse is rather wide open, especially along the northeast and southeast sides of the stadium.   Return on Investment   4 It is a bit difficult to pinpoint the overall return on investment for Deamon Deacons football, as much of the ticket price depends on the specific game on the schedule/that week’s opponent. Tickets for lesser conference rivals can be had for as low as $20, while bigger name teams or events such as Parents’ Weekend can start at $40 to $55 before fees. Parking rates, however, are consistent with other schools of this size at $30. There are also a handful of independent lots in the area that go for $20, and free parking is available at 2400 Reynolda Road with a shuttle to the stadium. Concession prices are consistent with what would be found at similar stadiums. The food truck offerings are a bit more expensive, but fans are paying for a higher quality of food there, and do receive decent-sized portions. While there might not be a top notch value week in and week out, given the varying ticket prices based on the opponent or promotion, there definitely is the ability to not have to break the bank to go to a Wake Forest football game.   Extras   5 Prior to gates opening, the Deactown Fan Zone at McCreary Plaza has inflatables to entertain young fans, a handful of vendors giving out free promotional items, and a refreshment trailer selling various beers and seltzers, as well as a large video wall to watch early games of interest. A live band also plays to entertain fans during pregame. Two hours and fifteen minutes before kickoff, the Deacon Walk through the plaza of McCreary Tower takes place – the start of the walk is signified by the revving of a motorcycle engine in the distance, as the band belts out the school’s fight song. Accompanied by the ruffles of cheer poms, the Deacon mascot then slowly leads the team into the stadium while passing trough the band, cheer squad, and fans. The main entrance through McCreary Plaza recognizes the Demon Deacons’ conference championships and bowl victories, with large displays and plaques of the box scores from the games. One of the most iconic buildings on Wake Forest’s campus is Wait Chapel – the chimes of the chapel’s bell, along with the revving of the motorcycle, are both played following big plays – this is a nice way to bring the campus feel into the stadium. Following the game, win or lose, the team gathers in front of the band and student section to pay tribute to the University by singing the alma mater. Winning does spark quite the on-campus celebration, however, as it has become tradition to roll the trees of the quad with toilet paper.   Final Thoughts The Wake Forest football game day experience is not one that will ever compete with the elite college football programs, but that seems to be just fine. What Wake does provide is a cozy atmosphere for college football – in a time when many football programs are focused on building the biggest and most impressive facilities, Wake has done well to focus more on providing a well refined college football experience in one of the most intimate settings in the country.

Photos by James Hilchen, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.29 Riverfront Stadium 275 S McLean Blvd Wichita, KS 67213 The Wichita Wind Surge website Riverfront Stadium website Year Opened: 2021 Capacity: 10,000 A New Team Blows Into Town Riverfront Stadium in Wichita, Kansas, opened in 2021 and is home to the Wichita Wind Surge of the Texas League. To say the team has had a unique start would be an understatement. The franchise relocated from New Orleans and was ready to start the 2020 season in the Triple-A Pacific Coast League. That would not happen as the COVID-19 pandemic canceled the season. Then, before the 2021 season, minor league realignment saw the team move from Triple-A to Double-A. With the 2021 professional season delayed by a month, Riverfront Stadium opened on April 10, 2021, when the Wichita State Shockers defeated the University of Houston, 10-1. The Wind Surge made their debut at home on May 11, 2021, in a 3-2 loss to Amarillo. The Wind Surge takes its name, in part, from the fact that there always seems to be a breeze in Wichita. The Wind Surge is the city’s first affiliated baseball team (Minnesota Twins) since the Wichita Wranglers. The Wranglers played from 1987-2007 at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium . The Wichita Wingnuts of the American Association would debut the following year and operate at the stadium until 2018 when the city decided to raze the ballpark to make room for Riverfront Stadium. Food & Beverage 4 The large choice of food is much more than would be expected. The basics are certainly covered between hot dogs and jumbos, chili cheese dogs, cheeseburgers, loaded fries, grilled cheese, etc. The prices range from $3.75 for the regular dog to $7.75 for the chili cheese dog. Tacos (chicken or steak) are a good option for $9.75 for 3 tacos. For the lighter eaters, a nice garden salad can be had for $8.50 or a veggie burger is $9.75. One of your options behind home plate is Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers. Freddy’s has locations throughout much of the states. In addition to their signature double steak burgers ($10.50), their custard, particularly their concretes (custard mixed with your choice of a litany of toppings) is a great choice ($7.50). The snack options are also completely covered with everything from pretzels to peanuts and cotton candy to cookies. Most snacks run from about $3 to $5. Coke products are your soda choice along with water, sports drinks, energy drinks, lemonade, and coffee. The ballpark offers 16-ounce cans of Bud Light, Coors Light, and Modelo. Pseudo Sue Pale Ale is available for $8. Wine and other drinks are available throughout the park. Be sure to check out the left field bar for some microbrew options. Atmosphere 5 There are three entrances to the ballpark; the left field corner, the center field, and near the right field corner. Grass berms encompass the left field corner and most of the left field, with the only break being the home bullpen. Over the right field wall are the visiting bullpen and some nice rail seating, which allows a great view of the field. A very nice feature at the ballpark is the seats. The seats are wider and there is a lot more legroom than your typical stadium. As someone 6’4” rarely, my legs aren’t wedged against the seat in front of me, but that wasn’t the case here and it was tremendous! Stadium seating surrounds the playing surface from foul pole to foul pole except for the grass berm down the left field line. Concessions stretch throughout the open concourse which allows you to not miss a pitch if you are standing in line for something to eat or drink. Restrooms are spaced nicely throughout the ballpark and there is a mother’s lounge behind section 10, near home plate. You can walk around the interior of the ballpark. In the outfield concourse, there is a bar in the left field, a kid's play area sits behind the batter’s eye in the center field, and the team store and team officials are beyond the right field area. The second deck includes the press box, suites, and two-party areas. The Fidelity Club (second deck down the third baseline) is a nice indoor area where you can watch the game. Numerous folks have bought season tickets there, but there are also tickets available for individual games. If you have a suite or have tickets in the Homerun Deck, the seats are made of mesh rather than a traditional stadium seat. As such, the seats tend to stay up to as much as 20 degrees cooler, which is a huge perk on, particularly warm days. Neighborhood 3 The ballpark sits in a part of town that is a mix of commercial and residential and also sits next to the Arkansas River. There is nothing as far as restaurants that are next to the ballpark but there are some very good options within a mile. The Delano Barbeque Company offers up some tasty BBQ and is located a few blocks away on W Douglas Ave. Down the street from Delano is Ruben’s Mexican Grill. You also have your regular mix of chain restaurants in the area. If you are looking for a place to have a drink before or after the game, try the Vagabond Café on W Douglas. Some nice places to visit within about a mile of the ballpark include Exploration Place, which is a big science education center that kids will love. In the same area are the Wichita Art Museum and the Old Cowtown Museum. Fans 4 The team is drawing well in its first year. Not having an established identity in town yet, there isn’t an abundance of established hardcore fans as there hasn’t been time for that to occur organically. But, the fans that are there are largely engaged in the game, appear to know the players, and spend more time watching the game than playing on their phones. Access 4 Getting to the ballpark is easy from Route 400. Once inside, one thing that is pleasant and noticeable is the concourses are very wide. Even with some beer carts and other concession carts in the concourse, there isn’t any congestion during the game. There are plenty of restrooms and there were no lines. For concessions, there were some lines on occasion, but with the plans in the works to add more (some with a more local flavor) vendors, this problem should be minimized in the coming years. Riverfront Stadium is cashless. Cards are needed to purchase concessions and in the team store. If you only have cash, you can convert it to a debit card through what can be described as a reverse ATM. The good thing about it is the money doesn’t have to be spent at the park. If you have any leftovers, they can be spent anywhere credit/debit cards are accepted. Return on Investment 5 There are three main seating sections. Seats on the grass berm are $10 for adults and $8 for kids aged 3-12. Field box seating (sections 1-21) is $15 and Boot Barn Homerun Deck (right field) tickets are $20. There is some free parking across Arkansas River, or you can pay $5 to park next to the ballpark. Between that and average concession prices, you can have a good time at a great park for a very reasonable price. Extras 5 One point goes to something that hasn’t happened yet. The team offices sit behind the right field concourse. There is a large area of the building that is currently empty, but the plan is to add a Kansas baseball museum that will hopefully be ready by Opening Day, 2022. An extra point goes to the wider and more spaced-out seats. Being comfortable makes it far easier to enjoy the game. The ballpark celebrates the city and its huge aerospace industry through art. Throughout the park, you will see little reminders including lights in the form of jet engines as you enter the park, riveted bars that look similar to a plane wing, and much more. Above home plate on the second deck is a nice tribute to Lou Schwechheimer, the former owner of the Wind Surge. Schwechheimer never got to see his team take the field in Wichita as he passed away from COVID-19 in July of 2020. A nice feature that will be utilized more in the future is a podcasting area that can also be used for live newscasts and other features. The area faces the road (which is closed during games) in front of the team store and offices, which opens up all sorts of fun possibilities. Final Thoughts In its first few seasons, Riverfront Stadium is already a great ballpark. With the plans that are in place, it will only get better in the coming seasons. Good food, great seats, and an aesthetically pleasing stadium allow for a fun time for fans. For baseball-traveling fanatics, be sure to add this one to your list; it won’t disappoint.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Trenton Thunder Ballpark One Thunder Rd Trenton, NJ 08611 Trenton Thunder website Trenton Thunder Ballpark website Year Opened: 1994 Capacity: 6,150 Trenton Makes The Fans Take Since our last visits, a lot has changed in Trenton, New Jersey. For starters, the team and the rest of the minor league baseball world shut down for the 2020 season due to a worldwide pandemic. Then the Thunder's parent club New York Yankees switched affiliates to nearby Somerset, a move that was met with vehement objection from Trenton management. Major League Baseball cut off 42 teams to improve player development. The club opted to join the newly formed MLB Draft League instead of the independent Atlantic League. When it returned in the summer of 2021, it shared its ballpark with the displaced AAA Buffalo Bison and pushed the summer collegiate to the campus of Rider Univesity's Sonny Pittaro Field . When Trenton Thunder Ballpark (originally Waterfront Park) debuted in 1994, it ushered in an epoch of minor league ballparks in the state of New Jersey. The home of the Double-A Eastern League Trenton Thunder is a jewel of a facility that revived excitement back to the capital city and proved that the state was capable of hosting minor league baseball – its last venture was the Jersey City As playing in decrepit Roosevelt Stadium in 1978. Within seven years there would be seven more minor league stadiums constructed within the 8,729 square miles of the country’s most densely populated state. The saturation of other minor league ballparks has not diminished the crowds at the 6,150-seat stadium located next to the Delaware River. The Thunder continuously draws well. The $16.2 million structure set the standard for aesthetics and construction. Two other ballparks in the state, TD Bank Ballpark in Somerset and the now vacant Campbell’s Field in Camden share similar designs to Trenton Thunder Ballpark. Food & Beverage 5 The main concession stands Thunder Road and River Ave. Food Court showcase traditional ballpark fare of hot dogs, burgers, nachos, and peanuts; however, there are also grilled chicken sandwiches, veggie dogs, corn dogs, fries served in a helmet, and pierogies. Deep-fried ice cream, Oreo churro bites, ice cream, water ice, and gelato are a few of the dessert selections at the park. Down the first base side is Fitch’s Place, a portable stand offering hoagies and barbecue favorites including pulled pork meatballs, pulled chicken, and pizza slices. On the opposite side is the Waterfront Grille offering grilled sausages, brats, cheesesteaks, and pork roll sandwiches. and Chickie’s & Pete’s crab fries – French fries sprinkled with Old Bay seasoning. The Case’s Pork Roll Paradise stand is also very popular and a must-try for any out-of-towners to the ballpark. Pork roll is a regional delicacy invented in Trenton and traditionally served on a bun with egg and cheese; however, the Thunder offer some insane combinations that include the Thunderdog (a hot dog wrapped in pork roll and cheese) and the Pig Pen (mashed potatoes with pork roll, pulled pork, and crumbled bacon). My suggestion is to go traditional and get the Oink, Egg, and Cheese. As soon as you walk up the staircase of the main entrance Killarney’s on the Delaware bar offers cans and drafts of premium and domestic beers. The prices are not too bad as 16-ounce beers are $6.25 and 32-ounce beers are $9.50 – and that is for both local and domestic brands. Tuesday nights feature $2 Rolling Rock drafts. On the healthier side is the Horizon Healthy Plate section offering gluten-free items, salads, turkey burgers, and portobello mushroom sandwiches. This is not your normal ballpark food, but there will be plenty of patrons who appreciate being able to enjoy a baseball game and eat healthy at the same time. Atmosphere 4 Attending a game is still quite fun and there have been vast improvements to the park to enhance a visit that includes a modern 21 x 68-inch high-definition video board in right field, cup holders on every seat, and an expanded picnic area. However, the main entrance to the stadium remains the same – a simply elegant design featuring a brick exterior and green canopy. There are photos above the suites on the interior showcasing former New York Yankees Derek Jeter and Andy Petitte when they played during rehab assignments along with current stars Gary Sanchez and Brett Gardner. Also included is the sign “Welcome to Thunder Country,” a definite nice splash to make the ballpark stand out among other similar facilities across the state. Boomer and Cloudman are the club’s two mascots who are seen throughout the game. Boomer is based on the team’s original logo, while Strike is a thunderbolt. Both are very active and enjoyed by many kids in attendance. If you want to grab some merchandise, the team has a store located near the entrance, plus a few extra tables selling discounted items. There are many fantastic bargains with some great t-shirts selling for as low as $10. There is a children’s play area down the right field line. Also in this area is the Delaware River which may go unnoticed by many in attendance. It is sort of hidden behind the first base side of the facility. The team features bat dog Rookie who is the third generation of bat dogs for the team that began with his grandfather “Chase” in 2000. Neighborhood 2 The capital city of New Jersey has both its good and bad parts, and the area of the stadium is one of the nicer parts. Directly next to the stadium is Rho Restaurant, which also acts as a nightclub as the evening moves along. Rozmaryn Restaurant, Amici Milano, and the Shrimp Boat Restaurant are three local favorites in the city. The New Jersey State Museum offers rotating exhibits throughout the year. Across the river and a few miles away is the town of Yardley, Pennsylvania. The small downtown offers a couple of nice places: Vault Brewing Company and the Yardley Inn. Located in an old bank, the restaurant showcases many of the building’s original banking features like vaults, receipts, teller windows, and thick doors. Fans 4 They love their baseball in Trenton, as the team has been one of the better draws in the Eastern League. The average attendance has exceeded over 5,000 fans over the last decade and has been the lone successful professional sports entity in a city where hockey, basketball, and indoor football have failed on several occasions. This is the highest level of baseball in the state and the Thunder faithful not only value watching the game but enjoy watching future Yankees and the atmosphere at the ballpark. Access 3 ARM & HAMMER Park sits along the Delaware River in downtown Trenton. It is not complicated to get to, and there are various signs directing motorists from US-1 and Route 129, I-195, and from the NJ Turnpike, Route 295 and 29. The parking is $5 in multiple lots around the stadium and is well-lit and marked. Inside the stadium, the stands are split by a middle concourse, while the main concourse offers a multitude of both fixed and movable concession stands. The bathrooms are clean, easily accessible, and comfortable. Return on Investment 4 The Thunder offers $12 tickets in advance for both the 100 and 200-level seating sections; however, the price increases to $13 the day of the game. Kids ages 4-12 and seniors 60 years and up get in for a dollar less, while anyone with the military pay $8 for their tickets. Fans are not allowed to bring in any food to the game, but concession prices and promo nights keep prices low (dollar hot dog night, kids eat free nights, and Thirsty Thursdays). Extras 4 One extra point for the updated and diverse choice of food inside the ballpark. The team does not rest on its laurels and looks for ways to improve the game day experience. There is a lot to choose from and the team offers nice menu graphics for its locations at the park. Another point for the golden retriever bat dog that is now in its third generation of dogs who help out during the game. Another point for the Thunder becoming the Trenton Pork Roll on Friday nights. The promo is complete with merchandise and pork roll sandwiches for a buck at the concession stand. A final extra point for the amount of affordable team gear on various tables inside the main concourse. It is hard not to pick up an inexpensive souvenir during your visit. Final Thoughts The Trenton Thunder have played baseball for over 25 seasons in New Jersey. It seems like only yesterday that the team arrived and spearheaded a movement toward ballpark construction in the state. However, the ballpark still stands out as a beauty and provides a highly enjoyable baseball experience. The stadium is kept up well, offers diverse menu items, and provides a sound environment to make the place pop.

Photos by Steven Bieniek , Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Cashman Field 850 N Las Vegas Blvd Las Vegas, NV 89101 Las Vegas 51s website Cashman Field website Year Opened: 1983 Capacity: 9,334 Winner Winner Chicken Dinner When you think of Las Vegas, baseball is probably not the first thing that comes to mind. Glitz, glimmer, neon lights, constant bells and whistles, gambling, expensive steak dinners, cheap steak dinners and anything in between is probably what you think about. Maybe you just think of the Hangover movies. Tucked away past the Strip and past Downtown, yet still on Las Vegas Boulevard is Cashman Field, home of the AAA affiliate of the New York Mets, the Las Vegas 51s. If you still want to associate your ideas of glitz and neon lights with this stadium, I would quickly change your thoughts. Food & Beverage 4 The food and beverage truly provides the surprise of the venue in both a good and bad way. Being in Las Vegas you may expect something extremely unique and over-the-top just because everything in Las Vegas is over-the-top. While you’re not going to find that specifically, what you will find is an extremely great variety. You’ll find individual stands for hand made tacos, freshly made Philly cheesesteaks, specialty hot dogs, Ben & Jerry’s and Dippin’ Dots. There are two main concession stands that have a very large menu that includes stadium favorites such as a variety of cheeseburgers, pretzels, french fries and loaded tots. Prices compare favorably with other minor league ballparks, especially considering you’re standing in a place where lone properties drop millions a day between gambling and food and beverage prices. The actual quality of everything is the only thing that kind of leaves you wanting a little more. All of the orders seem to just be on the lukewarm side at best; if not just plain out cold. Loaded tots are a fantastic idea; but nacho cheese has to be hot to make it great. Seeing there are a ton of places that you could eat before you go to the game within a few miles radius; eating at this ballpark still holds up considering price and selection. Atmosphere 3 Atmosphere and entertainment is right in the meaty part of the bell curve for a minor league ballpark. The ball club does the normal cute games in-between innings that include some Las Vegas flare, such as using oversized dice for people to try to roll the highest number. There are also a couple slot machines in the concourse where you can take a free spin to try to win prizes. Cosmo the mascot does a great job of keeping fans entertained and really creates a nice family atmosphere. The stadium and concourse is also nicely painted in 51s colors so you know exactly where you are at all times. Lastly, the field is positioned in such a way that you get a great view of the mountains in the distance which is one of the few times you’ll see something other than a ton of neon lights while in Las Vegas. If you’re in Vegas for any extended period of time, Cashman Field is really a great spot to take a break from the Las Vegas norm. Neighborhood 2 To put it bluntly, the neighborhood where the stadium is located is really not great. There isn’t really anywhere you’d want to walk outside of the stadium complex. The stadium is a fairly short drive from both Downtown and the Strip and that’s really the only reason you’d want to give the neighborhood a rating that is more than one star. Once the game starts and once the game is over, there is no reason to hang around the stadium. Fans 3 Las Vegas makes most of the money for the state of Nevada every year through tourism. As a result, you’ll find a lot of tourists at a 51s game. You’ll see plenty of locals that are also die-hard baseball fans and most likely, the tourists are huge baseball fans as well. Let’s face it, when you’re in the City of Sin, you have to be a huge fan of baseball to drag yourself away from the Strip. Since there are many tourists and the rest of the city is such a high energy city, 51s games are somewhat subdued, which is not necessarily a bad thing. The 51s fall into the same category as a lot of other minor league stadiums where many people go to just sit and enjoy the game and not yell and scream as loud as they can. Las Vegas is a city that seems to always try to distinguish between locals and tourists as well, but in this case, if you’re at the ballgame, it probably doesn’t matter which you are. Access 3 The stadium itself is pretty easy to get to. The stadium is just above the strip and downtown so it’s pretty easy to find and easy to park due to the huge parking lot that is accessible for just a small fee. However, if you’re a tourist and you haven’t rented a car in Las Vegas, you’d pretty much either have to take a cab or the bus. For anyone who hasn’t been to Las Vegas, you can get a cab at any hotel in Las Vegas, so getting to the stadium isn’t the problem. Traffic is a problem though so leave yourself at least 20 to 30 minutes if you’re leaving any time around rush hour. Getting back to your destination could be a slight issue though. After the game there are a few cabs waiting as they do at hotels, but once those are gone then there isn’t a lot of natural taxi activity in the area. The team does have a taxi phone outside the stadium, but it’s debatable on how long you have to wait. The stadium is not in the best part of town, so just make sure you know how you are getting back once the game is done. Return on Investment 5 Going to a 51s game is probably the cheapest thing you’ll do in Las Vegas. Tickets max out at $15, so great seats are easily attainable. The food, beer and parking are also fairly cheap considering that you’re at a AAA game and in Las Vegas. The baseball is played at a high level, the entertainment is pretty good and the experience itself could be really relaxing if you want it to be. Making the decision to take a night to go see the 51s is a no-brainer. Extras 2 One extra star goes to the stadium making the best seats in the house somewhere other than the first few rows behind home plate. It’s no secret; Las Vegas gets hot in the summer. The management at the 51s were smart enough to put misters underneath the overhang that is above the top 10 or so rows of the stands. One more star goes to the 51s in general for giving Las Vegas another option of entertainment other than shows and casinos. Final Thoughts Cashman Field is a great place to see a minor league baseball game. It doesn’t have many frills but in a town full of frills, all you really need is somewhere to relax and watch great baseball. This is easily achieved at Cashman Field. If you’re a local or on a prolonged vacation in Las Vegas, it would be one of the best investments you could make to go see the 51s. And to think, you could go see them for what it costs a lot of people to play one hand of blackjack.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Chace Athletic Center 1150 Douglas Turnpike Smithfield, RI 02917 Bryant Bulldogs website Chace Athletic Center website Year Opened: 2001 Capacity: 2,000 Thrill of the Chace   The Elizabeth and Malcolm Chace Wellness and Athletic Center is a multi-purpose arena on the Bryant University campus in Smithfield, Rhode Island. Constructed in 2001, the facility was dedicated in honor of the Chaces in 2003 for their support of many financial initiatives at the school, from scholarships to senior class gifts and facility funding as Bryant expanded. Today the Center serves as home to the Bryant Bulldogs men’s and women’s basketball, swimming and women’s volleyball team.   Basketball has been played at Bryant University since 1963. The Indians, as the team was then known, originally competed at the NAIA level. In 1976 the team moved up to Division Two, joining the Northeast-10 conference in 1980. The university changed their nickname from the Indians to the more politically correct Bulldogs in 1995. In 2008 the university moved all their athletic teams to Division One, joining the Northeast Conference.   The Bulldogs moved to the America East Conference beginning with the 2022-2023 season. Bryan has qualified for one NCAA tournament, in 2022. The qualified for seven NCAA Tournaments while competing in Division Two, reaching the title game in 2005.   Food & Beverage 1   There is a small concession stand just outside the gym which offers a limited menu. Coca-Cola products, popcorn and a selection of snacks are sold here. In the past hot dogs and pizza slices were also sold but were not available on the night of Stadium Journey’s visit.   Atmosphere 3 The Chace Center is pretty typical of the smaller college basketball gyms that dot the landscape throughout the country. When a capacity crowd is present, this place can get LOUD. Even when the Chace Center is not fully packed, all the elements are here for a good time.   Fans who have not visited Bryant in a few years will immediately notice the new video boards that have been installed at either end of the court. These boards are put to great use with videos, replays, graphics and game information.   The Bryant pep band takes their place at the top of the bleachers on the west side of the gym, filling the gym with music. There are cheerleaders and a dance squad who perform throughout the game, as well as a mascot who roams the center interacting with fans. The PA announcer does his best to keep the energy level up, keeping his volume at 11 no matter what is going on in the game. During play stoppages fans take the court for shooting contests for prizes. A Bryant game can be a fun experience for visiting fans.   Neighborhood 3   Bryant University is located in Smithfield, RI, about a twenty-minute drive from Providence. Although Smithfield is a very nice place to live, it’s certainly not a destination location. The area near campus has built up a bit over the years, with a few choices for visiting fans who prefer to stay local.   There are a few dining options right near the Bryant campus on Route 7. Parente’s Restaurant, Blackies, and Laura’s Bar and Grill are popular spots. Stadium Journey recommends J’s Deli for their impressive variety of great grinders (that’s what we call sub sandwiches here in Rhode Island). Several national chain restaurants and shopping options are located about a 10-minute drive away on Route 44. Fans visiting from out of town may opt to take the 20-minute drive to Providence, which has no shortage of top-notch restaurants and lodging options.   Speaking of lodging options, the story here is similar if visiting Bryant. There is a Holiday Inn Express, a Hampton Inn and Suites and a SureStay Plus right near campus, but visitors may opt to stay in nearby Providence or even Boston, only an hour’s drive to the north. Twin Rivers Casino is in nearby Lincoln just a few minutes from Bryant. If spending time in a casino is on your agenda, the twin resorts of Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun are located an hour away just over the Connecticut state line.   Fans 3   Bryant averages about 1,000 fans per game at the Chace Athletic Center, just below the average for the America East conference. Bryant is slowly carving out a niche as a solid third option in the Rhode Island college basketball scene, behind Providence College and the University of Rhode Island.   The fans who fill the Chace Athletic Center consist mainly of local hoops fans and alumni. With Bryant’s affordable pricing, it’s not unusual to see many families filling the stands here. The student section can be hit or miss, depending on the opponent, Bryant’s record, and the day of the week. The student section, which can be loud and salty at times, tends to empty out quickly after halftime. Despite Bryant’s reputation, this is not a hostile place for visiting fans.   Access 4   Bryant University is located in Smithfield, Rhode Island, 13 miles from downtown Providence. The campus is most easily accessed by car. Visitors to Bryant will simply take exit 15B off Interstate 295. The campus is just over a mile away from the Interstate on Route 7.   Fans using public transportation to arrive at Bryant will find a Rhode Island Public Transportation (RIPTA) bus station on the Bryant campus, offering service every 40 minutes to downtown Providence. T.F. Green Airport is 20 miles away, with Boston’s Logan Airport an hour’s drive away. Train service to the area is provided by Amtrak, which has its downtown Providence station 20 minutes away.   The gym at the Chace Wellness and Athletic Center is just one of many features of the complex, which also contains a pool, aerobics studio and the Bryant Athletics Hall of Fame. Championship trophies and banners are scattered throughout the building’s lobby. In the hallway directly outside the gym are the concession stand and rest rooms. Lines can form at halftime, but are generally not an issue.   The seating areas at the CAC are located on either side of the gym, with no seats on the ends. One side of the gym has individual stadium seats, while the other has molded bleachers without backs. With the small size of the CAC gym, all seats have excellent views of the action.   Return on Investment 4   There is a two-tiered pricing system at Bryant basketball games. Bleacher seats are sold for $15, with chairback seating priced at $25. With free parking and inexpensive concessions, a trip to the Chace Athletic Center is an affordable entertainment option for Rhode Island sports fans.   Extras 2                                                                                                 The Bryant Athletic Hall of Fame is located in the lobby of the Chace Athletic Center. In addition to trophy cases that display the hardware garnered by Bulldog squads over the years, there is an interactive electronic display for fans to check out.   Banners hanging inside the CAC gym honor Bryant tournament appearances and conference championship teams in all sports.   Final Thoughts   In tiny Rhode Island, Providence College basketball is king and University of Rhode Island basketball is a solid second. Bryant University is carving out a niche in the area with a more intimate, affordable gameday experience than their two Ocean State neighbors.     Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter  and Instagram  @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Stephen Hoogerwaard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Parc des Princes 24, rue de Commandant Guilbaud 70156 Paris, France Paris St Germain website Parc des Princes website Year Opened: 1972 Capacity: 48,527 Pyro in Paris The Parc des Princes stadium in Paris holds a lot of history, and this isn’t all about football. The stadium is named after the Monarch’s hunting grounds that it’s built on, it was initially opened as a multi-purpose venue on the 18th of July 1897. It hosted the final stages of the Tour de France for decades since 1902 and there were many athletic events. The national football team started official games at the Parc des Princes in 1905. After rebuilding the ground in 1932 it was also used as a velodrome, but the current venue’s history began in 1967 when General Charles de Gaulle decided that Parc des Princes only should be used for football and rugby matches. Architect Roger Taillibert got the task to create a unique stadium for both disciplines. The current Parc des Princes was inaugurated on the 4th of June 1972 and became one of the world’s most unique venues and was way ahead of its time. Underneath its concrete shell, it holds a double-tier stand that runs all around the ground. The stadium has a seating capacity of 48,712 spectators and has been the home of the French football club Paris Saint-German since 1973. Paris Saint Germain is the main tenant of the stadium and is one of the biggest football clubs in France. Together with Olympique Marseille, they have the most fanatic supporters in the country. The various supporter groups, known as ‘Ultras’ are divided into different parts of the stadium. In 1984 the stadium was host at the European Championship and also hosted the final between France and Spain (2-0). So the first major prize in French national team football history was won by ‘Les Blues’ at the Parc des Princes. The stadium also hosted matches for the World Cup 1998, the European Championship 2016. Next year the Parc des Princes will host the opening match of the Women’s World Cup 2019. Food & Beverage 3 Inside the stadium are food and drink counters on ground level and the walkway before entering the second tier. There is a lot of variety of sodas or coffee. At high-risk matches, no beer is served. The choice of food is limited; you can buy French fries, hamburgers, pre-made sandwiches, or just some candy. At half-time vendors are on the walkway selling only sodas to minimize big queues at the regular sales counters. Atmosphere 5 France is usually not reputed for the quality of its stadia, but the Parc des Princes is a good example of a vibrant atmosphere. The Parisian stadium has benefited from the presence of a concrete roof hanging partly over the second tier and therefore has great acoustics. The atmosphere in the Parc des Princes has often been described by away fans as ‘true hell,’ relating to the deafening noise that Paris Saint-Germain supporters produce on match days and the pyrotechnics that are smuggled inside the ground. Neighborhood 4 The Parc des Princes stadium is located in the southwest of Paris on the fashionable edge of Bois the Boulogne and just half a mile south of the French Open tennis grounds of Rolland Garros. In this part of the city, you can find big lanes and good-looking apartments. It’s one of the better areas in Paris and it’s safe to park your car here. Fans 5 The fans of Paris Saint Germain are very passionate and are known for making a very good atmosphere inside the ground. Every supporter's group is housed in their section of the ground. The most vibrant groups occupy both stand behind the goal, the Kop of Boulogne to the south and Virage Auteuil and Authentics to the north. Away fans are housed in some kind of cage in the northwest part of the stadium. This away section holds a capacity of 2,000 spectators. The biggest rivals of Paris Saint-German are Olympique Marseille. Matches between these two French giants are marred with crowd troubles most of the time. During these matches there are safety zones outside the stadium, large police forces separating the supporter groups and there are lots of tifo-actions (banners and pyrotechnics) in the stands. Access 4 The Parc des Princes is easily reachable by metro (subway). On match days it’s also advised by the club to use this way of transportation. Just leave the metro at station ‘Porte de Saint-Cloud,’ from there it’s just a five-minute walk to the ground. In case you travel by car, the address of the stadium is 24, rue de Commandant Guilbaud, 70156 Paris. If you are lucky you can park your car somewhere within half a mile radius of the stadium (street parking). Return on Investment 4 Football in Paris is expensive. For a home match of Paris Saint Germain in the league (Ligue1) against the smaller clubs (like Lorient, Caen or Guincamp) you can buy tickets from Euro 26,- (seat behind the goad) till Euro 170,- (seat in the center of main stand next to the director's box). When they play bigger league opponents the ticket prices will increase dramatically. It’s easy to buy your tickets for a home match with Paris Saint Germain. Tickets for the matches at the Parc des Princes can be bought via the club site www.psg.fr or brokers at regular prices at http://www.francebillet.com/ or www.ticketnet.fr . For the neutral spectator, visiting a match of Paris Saint Germain is more than just visiting an ordinary football match. It’s a great experience! Besides the action on the pitch, there is also plenty to enjoy from the stands. Extras 3 When leaving the metro station ‘Porte de Saint-Cloud’ there is a Mcdonald's restaurant at the roundabout. You can buy your drinks and food for less money than inside the stadium. The Parc des Princes stadium has been built above the Boulevard Périphérique, this is the main ring road through Paris. This is another feature that makes the stadium even more special. Final Thoughts When you are on a city trip in Paris and have seen the Eiffel Tower, La Louvre, the Sacre Coeur Dame, and all the other great highlights of the French capital and there is still time left, please consider a trip to the Parc des Princes stadium and attend a match of Paris Saint Germain. You will be moved by the great atmosphere inside the stadium, it will surely make your city trip even more worthwhile.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Memorial Gymnasium 1201 Lions Path Rushville, IN 46173 Rushville High School website Memorial Gymnasium website Year Opened: 1926 Capacity: 2,600 Still Looking Good After 90-plus Years of Hoops Memorial Gymnasium in Rushville, Indiana has been home to high school basketball since 1926. It is now home to the Rushville Consolidated High School Lions basketball program and the small 2,600-seat facility is in pristine condition for its age. It has been preserved very nicely and is ideal for the small town of 6,600 located 45 miles southeast of Indianapolis. City boosters formed the Rushville High School Athletic Corporation in 1925 to raise money for a new gymnasium to house the basketball team. The corporation raised $27,000 through the sale of special bonds. The gym would be completed the following year for $80,000 and paid off from gate receipts in 1944. The original seating configuration was for 5,000, but renovations in 1988 cut it down to almost half its capacity. The construction of the Memorial Gymnasium kept it as the site of sectional play and brought regional play to the city. The gymnasium would host sectional (1926-1971) regional (1926-1958), and county (1926-1968) play through the years. The basketball programs would flourish for both boys and girls as various teams captured 77 sectionals, 30 regionals, and 5 semi-state championships combined. The boys’ team would lose a heartbreaker to Marion High School 82-76 in the 1976 state championship – their lone appearance. The gym has served as a fully functional multi-purpose arena hosting a myriad of events that have included the circus, concert performances, county fairs, and high school commencement. It was the home of the 4-H Club, home economics, and garden exhibits. It also housed physical education classes at a time when the original high school was six blocks away, making PE class quite an adventure. However, the most unusual use of the facility was as a rifle range underneath the north bleachers; participants would lie down on their stomachs and open fire at a target. Food & Beverage 3 There are two concession stands at the gym, a larger one in the facility’s annex and a smaller one at the rear entrance. Both locations offer hot dogs, freshly popped popcorn, nachos, and fresh slices of pizza from an Indiana staple, Pizza King. The thin, cracker-style pizza is offered by an unusual slice, rather than the typical party square. Ask for it with crumbled pepperoni or sausage. Slices are $3, while hot dogs are $2. Atmosphere 3 What Memorial Gym lacks in size makes up nicely in charm and old-time feel. It is a classic study of facilities from this era that was once commonplace before the massive gyms of the 1950s and 1960s. The small-town atmosphere is alive and well before the start of the varsity game. The band lines up on the stage and fans slowly walk to their seats from the main entrance lobby. Pretty soon it will be game time. The varsity squad runs onto the court followed by cheerleaders holding up flags. Everyone in the building is up on their feet clapping and rooting for the Lions The band gets into a frenzy and pretty soon players are introduced over the P.A system. Supporters fill up many sections of the arena, visitors are relegated to their section of the stands, and the student section sits behind the nets opposite the large stage. The stands are made of blonde wood that is in sterile condition forming a horseshoe 15 rows deep from the floor. The small seating area can provide an ideal setting for basketball. The crowd can become intense at times, creating an impressive home-court advantage. The glass case at the entrance to the gym displays memorabilia from the erstwhile Rush County schools dating back to the ‘30s including gym shoes, varsity sweaters, belted shorts, photographs, and the Good Luck Horseshoe that would be awarded to the annual winner of the Rush County Tournament. The original blueprint of the gymnasium is on display above the entryway. Neighborhood 2 There are a few options to choose from in the small town that includes both national and regional chain restaurants; there are some nice local spots to enjoy a home-cooked meal. The Corner Bar prepares freshly baked biscuits on site and serves breakfast all day, while locals swear by the Mexican cuisine at both El Reparo and Mezcal Bar & Grill. Pizza King is one of my guilty pleasures; their pies are cracker thin and can be served with crumbled sausage or pepperoni. There are not a lot of lodging options in town. The Comfort Inn is located less than a mile away from the gymnasium on the main street in town. The Covered Bridge Motel is located south of downtown on SR-3. Fans 4 The fans quickly fill their seats inside the gymnasium and stand and cheer for the team as they march onto the playing court. The game has been embedded into the community for over a century and generations of fans have been attending games in the facility since 1926. There are many stories to pass on to a younger audience and the mix of people inside varies in age. Access 3 The town of Rushville is located 40 miles southwest of Indianapolis on SR-52, a very nice drive through a few small towns of the state. The city is also 17 miles from I-74 at the Shelbyville exit. Inside, the arena access is quite efficient and bathrooms and concessions are located in the outside lobby of the gymnasium. Return on Investment 3 The price of an adult ticket is only $5, along with the same lines as many other high school basketball gymnasiums, and well worth the price of admission. The concession prices are inexpensive and whenever you can watch a game in a historic facility, it is always well worth the investment. Extras 3 The gymnasium is in magnificent condition; the seats are refurbished, the lighting is sharp, the floor well sanded, and the sightlines are extra close. The exterior is in spotless condition as well after 90 years of high school basketball. There is a sense of community spirit inside the gym; the bigger gyms in the state are amazing, but there is something a little different here in Rushville. It is among the oldest gymnasiums still being used for high school basketball in the state of Indiana, perhaps even the country. The intimacy and proximity of the stands to the court provide a time capsule to the old-fashion design of gyms of yesteryear. Final Thoughts Memorial Gymnasium is the third oldest facility still in regular use for high school basketball in the state of Indiana. After 90 years of service, the place is in fantastic condition and a pleasant diversion for a comfortable night of basketball. Many of these facilities are no longer in use and lay vacant only for us to imagine what it must have been like; fortunately, that is not the case here in Rushville.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Physical Activities Complex 200 University Ave W Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1 Waterloo Warriors Basketball website Physical Activities Complex website Year Opened: 1967 Capacity: 1,957 The Warriors That Built This Town When your facility was built in 1967, there comes a time when renovations are necessary. The drably named Physical Activities Complex at the University of Waterloo has been in need of a major facelift for a long time. The first step began when the old, wooden bleachers were replaced with modern plastic seating. The latest renovation at the PAC, completed for the 2021-2022 season, has injected new energy into the once drab building, worthy of the decent basketball history the Waterloo Warriors have enjoyed. The Warriors have hit the hardwood, representing the University of Waterloo since 1958. Currently enjoying conference play in the OUA (Ontario University Athletics) as part of the larger USports organization, regulating university sports in Canada, the Warriors have enjoyed Wilson Cup victories as conference champions in 1974, 1975, 1976, 1977, 1983 and 1986. The highlight of the Warriors basketball history was the 1975 CIAU National Championship won at the PAC against the Manitoba Bisons. Although the basketball fortunes on the court for the Warriors have not compared to the seventies and eighties, fans can expect a great experience going to a Waterloo game, especially in their new/old digs. Food & Beverage 3 This review was completed during restrictions as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. The mark for food takes into account previous concessions scenarios. Pre-COVID concessions consisted of simple snacks sold from a temporary table in one of the corners of the PAC. Soda, popcorn and chocolate bars dominated the limited menu. With the renovations to the PAC, a food court outside of the entrance in the main lobby is one of the featured improvements. Subway and Jugo Juice are among the featured restaurants and fans can bring food into the PAC with them. Vending machines are also on site. It will be interesting to see if the food court will suffice for concessions in the future, or if there will be a return to the previous concession options inside as well. Atmosphere 3 The University of Waterloo is in the final stages of a significant renovation to the PAC that has seen some pretty significant changes to the atmosphere. A child of the sixties, the PAC was a cold, soulless, concrete cavern … at least that is what it has been in the modern era. A main entrance has been created on the eastern side of the building which offers an attractive glass entrance, covering up the former brick and concrete that is found around the other three sides of the building. This does force fans who park in Lot M, just north of the PAC, to walk around to the opposite side that they are used to. However, this is a small price to pay for what is a better entrance overall. The main entrance brings fans into a bright, clean concourse which is a far cry from the drab concrete stairs that were what passed for welcoming in the old days. After passing through security and having the tickets scanned, fans ascend to the PAC and enter the main seating area. Many OUA facilities just seem like a simple gymnasium which is as much a home to PE classes as they are to Varsity Athletics. The PAC does have a bigger feel to it, with the right crowd can produce some significant energy. New lighting and flooring to go with the updated seating, which was installed a few years ago, give the PAC a brighter, cleaner, bigger-event feel to it. Those hideous, old wooden bleachers that were among the worst anywhere have been converted, smartly, into a welcoming Warriors sign fans can see before entering the PAC. The court runs from southwest to northeast, with each of the four corners labeled according to the four directions. The southeast side of the court is where to get that perfect picture, while the more comfortable, stadium chair seating is found on the northwest side. Another new, and desperately needed feature that was part of the major renovation is the bridge which links the north and east corners of the PAC. History has been embraced at Waterloo with the naming of the court after longtime Athletic Director, Carl Totzke. The northeast wall features a plaque dedicating the court and explaining the importance of Carl Totzke to the Warrior family. The southwest wall features a simple, yet effective, basketball scoreboard, complete with player information. The scoreboard is surrounded by a plethora of Warrior provincial championship banners, including six Wilson Cup banners. The 1975 National Championship banner also hangs proudly on the southwest wall. The adventurous and the historians will want to look in the north corner of the court to find the marked spot where Phil Goggins hit the game-winning shot to defeat the Manitoba Bisons to win the 1975 National Championship game. One of the greatest players to play at Waterloo was Mike Moser, whom the USports basketball MVP is named after, tragically died in 1975, before the Warriors had their playoff run. His number has been retired by the Warriors. Waterloo needs to take the next step to fully embrace their history and display that retired number in the PAC. The numbers of Peter Savich, Bill Jones and Jaan Laaniste are also retired from basketball and should be on display. The gameday experience is about what one would expect for an OUA basketball game. The gameday operations are mostly run by students, including the video streaming, play-by-play, colour analysis, camera work and PA announcing. A variety of music is played in warmups and during stoppages. Neighbourhood 5 The PAC is located at the north side of the campus of the University of Waterloo, minutes from Uptown Waterloo. The Student Life Centre is now joined directly to the PAC and there are some food options there. The University Club is just a quick jump across the parking lot and does have some limited seating times. Uptown is where there is far more to consider. The Huether, The Pub on King, Ethel’s Lounge, Beertown and Morty’s Pub are just a few of the culinary options that can be found on King Street. University Shops Plaza is a little closer to the opposite end of campus and has a number of options including Lobster Burger Bar, Williams Fresh Cafe, Mel’s Diner and Molly Bloom’s are all good options. There are a bunch of other sporting options in the area. The Warriors field a full complement of athletic teams and the PAC is shared with the women’s basketball team and volleyball teams among others. On the other side of Columbia Street is the Columbia IceField Arena, home of Warriors hockey and Warrior Field, home of Warriors football. Just “up the street” from the University of Waterloo, is Wilfrid Laurier University. The Golden Hawks compete in basketball at the Athletic Complex, football at University Stadium and hockey at the Waterloo Memorial Recreation Complex. Heading to the other side of the twin cities border will bring fans to Kitchener, home of the Kitchener Rangers and their home at the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium. The Duke of Wellington and Jazz Room on King Street offer fans live music on weekend nights. Taking the train to the town of St. Jacobs for the market may be of interest or walking through Waterloo Park if the weather’s nice is fun also. Oktoberfest is the busiest time in Kitchener-Waterloo and the largest German party rages on around Thanksgiving. For fans wishing to stay near the PAC, the Inn of Waterloo is just north on King Street and the Delta by Marriott Waterloo is a short drive away. Fans 3 It is very difficult to assess OUA basketball fans as attendance figures are not normally published. The Warriors, it seems, draw a couple hundred fans per game. Keep in mind that all Warrior basketball games are doubleheaders with the women playing first and the men playing after and there are plenty of people coming and going. That being said, with the renovations that have been completed, there is an audible increase of energy in the building that has been sorely lacking for years. It feels more like a spectator sport rather than a rec league game that just happens to be happening. Access 4 Getting to the PAC is not terribly difficult. It is located at the north end of the campus of the University of Waterloo, which is easily accessed from Columbia Street West. It is a significant distance from the Conestoga Parkway and driving through Waterloo will be required for those coming from out of town. Parking at the PAC is an option as Lot M is at the top of the hill, very close to the Columbia Street entrance. Other lots are not too far and most have a $5 or $6 charge. Lot X, on the other side of Columbia Street, is free on weekends. For fans wishing to take public transportation to the PAC, there are a couple of options. Grand River Transit buses travel the entire Ring Road, which circles the campus. The University of Waterloo stop for the ION light rail is also a short walk through campus to the PAC. Fans should check the GRT website, if interested, for times, maps and fares. The flow of people through the PAC has drastically improved with the renovations. With a dedicated entrance, fans are no longer confused as to which of the four corners of the building would be unlocked for admittance to the basketball game. Also, there are now washroom facilities at the level above the main seating area, which is much better than the previous system where fans were required to go all the way to the basement to find a washroom. The bridge linking the north and east corners also improves the flow of fans and allows for a more intimate experience with fans on both sides of the court. Security protocols and Covid protocols are consistently in flux. Stadium Journey implores fans to consult the Waterloo Warriors website for up to date information before heading to the game. Return on Investment 4 OUA basketball is very affordable. At $10 a ticket for adults, with discounts for children, seniors and students, the price is just right, especially in this world of rising ticket prices. It is a little unfortunate that there is a charge for parking, which is a hit or miss affair for the league. Concession prices are what one would also expect. The product on the court is at a high level and the atmosphere and fanbase seems to be consistently improving. Overall, heading to a Warriors basketball game will not disappoint. Extras 4 An extra mark for the recent renovations of the PAC, improving the gameday atmosphere and access to and in the building drastically. An extra mark for the student-run event, especially their work for online broadcasts. An extra mark for the increased embrace of Warrior basketball history with the marking of the 1975 National Championship spot and dedicating of the court. An extra mark for Roly Webster and Ari Grossman. A couple of former Golden Hawks have taken the helm of the Warriors athletic programs and pushed the re-investment in the facilities and programs and are hoping for some big results on the court. Final Thoughts In the sixties and seventies, the PAC was the place to be, with some of the best basketball support in the country. Times have drastically changed, not just in Waterloo, but across the league. On the bright side, the University of Waterloo’s investment in their athletic facilities has shown a commitment to the program and hopefully the results on the court will follow. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on Twitter @profan9 and on Instagram.

Photos Courtesy of Canisius Golden Griffins Athletics Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Koessler Athletic Center 1829 Main St. Buffalo, NY 14208 Canisius Golden Griffins website Koessler Athletic Center website Year Opened: 1968 Capacity: 2,176 A Golden Opportunity for College Hoops It’s kind of old school, but it’s been given a much needed facelift. The Koessler Athletic Center, located on the edge of the urban Canisius College campus, is the home of Canisius Golden Griffins basketball. The facility also contains a gymnasium, swimming pool, weight room and other athletic training facilities. Opened in 1968, the arena underwent renovations to install chairback seating, new lighting, dot matrix scoreboards, sound system and refurbished floor. With a seating capacity of 2,196, it is one of the more intimate settings in all of division one basketball, with a feel of an old-school college or high school gym. The Griffins have appeared in four NCAA Tournaments in school history that have resulted in a 6-4 record: 1955, 1956, 1957, and 1996. The 1950’s team were by far the most successful squad making it into the regional semifinals and finals for three straight seasons. The school did return to glory capturing the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference regular season title in 2018. Food & Beverage 2 Concessions aren’t exactly the strong suit here, as there is but one comfort station offering the very basics in stadium fare. A slice of pizza, nachos, pretzel or popcorn will run $2, a hot dog $3, and bottled soft drinks or iced tea $2. The prices, though, are about as low as you will find at any venue at this level. Alcoholic beverages are not sold here. So if you’re looking for culinary delights or that specialty sandwich, try elsewhere before or after the game. Atmosphere 3 The first time patron will immediately feel and sense the intimacy of the place. Regulars and season ticket holders seem to know each other and the staffers who run the place on a first named basis. There is but one narrow aisle to get to one’s seat, and that is on the hardwood directly behind the media or scorers tables, so one can’t help but brush by the players and coaches. The end zone bleachers are saved for the students, and when they are full, the kids almost spill out onto the court and their presence is immediately felt. Add the Griffs mascot and the freshly scrubbed cheerleaders, who practically mingle into the stands, and it is a party with 2000 of your best friends. Neighborhood 4 The Canisius campus straddles Main Street, and almost sits on the boundary of one of the most opulent areas of the city- where the historic Forest Lawn cemetery and the Olmsted Parks system abuts some of the nicest neighborhoods and mansions. Travel a few blocks east and you’ll happen upon some of Buffalo’s most distressed neighborhoods. The neighborhood around Koessler itself is safe and clean, but nothing much to find in terms of walkable shops or bistros. Recommendations are up and down the Main Street corridor – southward hit up the famous Anchor Bar, birthplace of the chicken wing, or the Oakk Room, with its specialty martinis. Northward try the Central Park Grill, with hearty tavern food, or farther up yet the Lake Effect Diner. Fans 3 The regulars are what make the place. You’ll spot notable Canisius alums and former basketball greats from the Griffs who are still into the game and team and let their voices be heard. Chances are if you’re a newbie here who looks out of place someone will greet you and introduce themselves and make you feel welcome. The team draws fairly well, but with such a small venue capacity, it is not that hard to fill the place. Access 4 The Koessler Center is located right on the corner of Main Street and E/W Delavan, less than a mile south of the Main Street exit off the Scajaquada Expressway (rte 198). On campus parking is close by and free. On street parking in the neighborhood is also ample and free. Fans wishing to use public transportation can take the Metrorail, which runs from the First Niagara Center downtown all the way north to the SUNY Buffalo south campus. Exit at the Delavan/College station, which is right across the street from the Center. Return on Investment 4 Reserved (chairback seats) run $15. General Admission tickets, which include end zone seating run $10. Cheap eats. Free parking. Enough said. Extras 3 The entrance lobby and exterior concourse of the Koessler Center has seen huge upgrades, including a Hall of Fame which will also see some interactive elements. Very nicely done and deserving of a 2 star bonus. Add one star for the rivalry with Niagara University, their MAAC foe just 25 miles to the north of Buffalo in Lewiston, New York. These two schools battle it out for bragging rights in this region. It’s good fun and great to watch.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Joe and Rosie Ruhl Student Community Center Gymnasium 1031 Edgecomb Avenue York, PA 17403 Penn State-York Nittany Lions website Joe and Rosie Ruhl Student Community Center Gymnasium website Year Opened: 1970 Capacity: 1,500 Another Penn State Penn State-York is a commonwealth campus of Pennsylvania State University located in York, PA approximately 1 hour north of Baltimore, MD, and 30 minutes south of Harrisburg, PA. There are a little more than 1000 full-time students who attend the university. The Pennsylvania State University is a geographically dispersed university with campuses located throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Most people only know of the flagship University Park campus. Penn State-York teams participate as a member of the United States Collegiate Athletic Association (USCAA). The Nittany Lions are also a member of the Pennsylvania State University Athletic Conference (PSUAC). All members of PSUAC are Penn State Commonwealth campus with team nicknames such as Lions, Roaring Lions, and Nittany Lions. York's teams use the Nittany Lions name. It seems like it could get confusing at times. Many people do not realize that York, Pennsylvania is rich in history as it was the   first capital of the United States , the birthplace of the Articles of Confederation, and where the words “The United States of America” were first spoken. We attended the venue during a men's and women's doubleheader and the images are from the women's action. The experience should be the same no matter what game you attend. Food & Beverage 3 There is no permanent concession stand, although vending machines and a table selling simple food offerings for less than $5. Atmosphere 3 The arena is a small gym that is similar to many high school gyms. Because of the small size, it can get loud pretty quickly depending on the game's action. Neighborhood 3 Penn State York is located in York, Pennsylvania.  York, known as the White Rose City, is the county seat for York, Pennsylvania.  The college is located in the southern portion of York in an industrial portion of the city.  It has easy access to Interstate I-83.  York City hosts many attractions including the Harley-Davidson regional factory, a minor league baseball team named the   York Revolution , the York Barbell Hall of Fame, and a vibrant downtown area including markets, museums, and music venues. The city of York has only 43,000 residents;  you can see many of the sites in and around the city over a short period.  There are many historical sites to see such as the Bridge Diorama in Wrightsville, the Haldeman Mansion, and the Myers Mansion.  Also, in nearby Lancaster, you can visit the Strasburg railroad and Pennsylvania Amish attractions. There are many quality places to eat in York, however, many are not within walking or close driving distance to the college.  The White Rose Bar and Grill is a popular choice among locals and is located in the downtown part of York.  Also, a 15-minute drive from the campus is Wyndridge Farms.  The restaurant contains a brewery and is located inside a renovated barn overlooking the York County countryside. Fans 3 There were a decent number of fans in attendance and they were quite enthusiastic.  You are also likely to find a good number of fans of the opposing teams as many of the opposing schools are located close by. Access 3 Penn State York is approximately two miles from Interstate 83 near South Queen Street. The Joe and Rosie Ruhl Student Community Center is located at the back of the campus off Albemarle Street. Visitors should park in the Student Lot outside the M.S. Grumbacher Information Sciences and Technology Center. Return on Investment 4 There is no cost to attend a game at Penn State-York and the parking is free. Even the sim ple concessions are cheap so the value is very good. . Extras 2 The gymnasium has nice windows where you can view some of the game from both the main floor as well as the floor above. There is a nice display of Penn State-York's athletic history in the building's lobby. Final Thoughts The simple gymnasium at Penn State-York is a fun place to watch a game.

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Wells Fargo Arena 233 Center St Des Moines, IA 50309 Iowa Barnstormers website Wells Fargo Arena website Year Opened: 2005 Capacity: 15,181 Storming the Arena Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines, IA is a multipurpose venue that opened in 2005 and holds about 16K fans depending on what type of event is going on. The facility hosts a lot of concerts, but in addition, three different sports teams call this venue home, namely the Iowa Wild of minor league hockey, the Iowa Wolves of the NBA G League, and the Iowa Barnstormers of the Indoor Football League. Food & Beverage 4 There are a lot of different concessions options at Wells Fargo Arena – pizza slices are available from one stand, while Stu’s Bar+B+Q offers items beyond barbecue, including fried shrimp, chicken tenders, and Graziano sausage (a local favorite in the Des Moines area). Stu’s also offers cheese curds, which makes sense given the state’s proximity to Wisconsin. Options from other vendors include Nathan’s hot dogs and Johnsonville brats, and there is also a Totally Rolled ice cream stand as well as a Chick-fil-A stand. You can also find burgers at yet another stand (in addition to chicken tenders and chicken sandwiches if you don’t want the ones from Stu’s or Chick-fil-A). Corn dogs, cotton candy, and funnel cake round out the selection here, and you can also find all the typical side items like popcorn, packaged candy, Dippin’ Dots, chips, fries, etc. Drink options include beer, soda, bottled water, and strawberry smoothies – several stands only sell beer, and you can also find the seemingly ubiquitous convenience store type-stand with its huge selection of canned drinks. There are plenty of small tables dotted around the concourse if you want to eat your food or drink your drink at those before heading back to your seat. Note that not every concession stand at Wells Fargo Arena is open during Iowa Barnstormers games (you will see a few closed ones), but what is there should be more than enough to satisfy. There are also roaming vendors selling vodka lemonade and cotton candy in the stands themselves if you don’t want to walk to the concessions during the game. Atmosphere 3 A few football stadiums have cowbells, like Mississippi State football, and this is one of them – the cow bells are undoubtedly the most notable sound you will hear throughout the game. There are also plenty of fan contests like pedal car races and football tosses, and the staff tosses out t-shirts as well. The turf itself looks quite sharp with its alternating light green and dark green stripes and bright colors, and the field looks brand new, unlike a lot of arena football stadiums you may have been to. In addition, the team takes the field accompanied by strobe lights, smoke, and a group of motorcycles from a local club. But the best part of the atmosphere is probably the mascot – in the theme of the team’s name, the Iowa Barnstormers mascot fits the part beautifully – dressed as an old-timey prop plane pilot (think crop dusters). Neighborhood 3 There are plenty of restaurants and hotels near Wells Fargo Arena, which is located in downtown Des Moines right next to the river. One great local option is Pho 888, a Vietnamese restaurant about a mile from the arena – it might look like a dive from the outside, but the food is authentic. If you are looking to take in another sporting event while in Des Moines, the hockey and NBA G League seasons are likely over by the time indoor football rolls around, but you might be able to catch a horse race at Prairie Meadows if you time it right. Fans 2 There are not many fans at Iowa Barnstormers games, so the venue looks pretty empty even though the upper level is curtained off. Nevertheless, you will still hear a lot of noise from the cowbells I mentioned early, so the venue doesn’t seem quite as empty as it looks. You can also buy team gear inside the arena if you want some Barnstormers swag. Access 4 Parking right across the street from Wells Fargo Arena costs $10, and there is plenty of room to move around the concourse. Thanks to the myriad concessions stand which are open, you will also find very short lines (if you have a line at all) when getting your food and drink, and there are more than enough bathrooms to accommodate the size of the crowd. Getting to the venue is also very easy, as there is not a lot of traffic, even close to rush hour; I-235 goes right by the arena, either from the east or west. Return on Investment 3 The cheapest tickets to Iowa Barnstormers games run $18 when you buy at the door; you may end up paying a little more than that with fees if you buy online, so you can save a little money if you wait since the arena will not be sold out. Parking is reasonable at $10, and there are plenty of lower costs concessions options. All that said, the lack of fans does mean there is a lack of energy compared to some other IFL venues. However, it is an enjoyable night out, and you do get to keep the ball if it happens to come into the stands near you. Extras 2 There are TVs in the hallways so you can keep track of the game while getting something to eat, and there are beautiful views of the river from the huge windows along the hallways of the different levels.

Photos by Chris Tuck, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Weserstadion Franz-Böhmert-Str. 1 Bremen, Germany 28205 SV Werder Bremen website Weserstadion website Year Opened: 1924 Capacity: 42,354 The Weserstadion I love Bremen... but it didn’t start well. It’s a cold and grey winter day. I have just 24 hours to discover what makes the Weserstadion a German favourite and ascertain what this gritty north-western port city has to offer. As I arrived on my train from Hamburg, an impressive ‘up and coming’ city, Bremen refused to entice or court me with any obvious landmarks, style, or allure. Outside the Hauptbahnhof (central station), six lanes of tram tracks, buses, and cycle paths on the pavements each sought to end my visit to Bremen before it began. A less than salubrious onward walk plus a shifty looking ‘room-mate’ in my hostel and I’m considering surfing the net for an early flight home. At this point, I’m concluding that if a football team mirrors its city’s characteristics then Werder Bremen, or the ‘green-whites’ as they are known, will be an uncompromising and feared opponent. The first sight of their 40k-plus stadium, nestled on the north bank of the River Weser however reveals such an imposing and classy grandeur that it’s clear there’s far more to Bremen than first meets the eye. History suggests the same, whilst WB has struggled recently, with their better players poached by newest rivals Schalke, they’ve only once not been eating at the ‘Bundesliga top table.’ Their 4 league titles, 6 cups, and a 1992 European Cup Winners Cup win make them one of Germany’s top clubs. The Weserstadion, their home patch since 1909 is full for most games. Food & Beverage 3 Eating and drinking at the stadium is an intrinsic part of the German football experience. A ‘beer and bratwurst’ is mandatory. If you buy inside the ground remember to first acquire (and load with cash) a ‘Werder Card.’ Then use the card for all purchases at the various catering outlets. As a UK supporter, this seems an unnecessary additional transaction and another queue to ‘enjoy’ but it is normal across Europe and you can buy outside if it bothers you. Outside the ground, catering stalls can be found behind the north stand (Gates 4-8) and behind the west stand (Gate 11), providing the usual sustenance options. Back inside ‘Hunger & Durst’ catering outlets provide bratwurst (a mild smoked pork sausage) at 3.30 Euros, currywurst at 3.50 Euros, and krakauer (a smoked and cured sausage with garlic) at 3.30 Euros. You can get some brezel (a glazed brittle biscuit) for 2.50 Euros and for some matches, they also have some frikadelle im brotchen (Meatball rolls). Hunger & Durst also provides a variety of drink options: soft drinks come in at an expensive 4.20 Euros, coffee 2.50 Euros, and Becks and Haake Beck (a low alcohol version) are 4.30 Euros. In the south stand, drinks can also be purchased from a supporter’s bar that does a brisk business serving Becks into special club-branded containers which you can keep as a memento or return and get some cash back. If you’d like to avoid queuing for a werder card, then try offering a supporter 5 Euros cash at the bar and use their card, job is done. Atmosphere 4 The atmosphere at the stadium is positive, even when Werder is experiencing a tough season. With only a small ‘away’ allocation it is left to the home fans to make the majority of the noise. Weserstadion has hosted international football but was sadly overlooked as a venue for the 2006 World Cup. A recent interview with former player Sandro Wagner suggested playing at the Weserstadion “still makes the hairs on the back of his neck stand up.” The ground has been developed many times over the years; football was played here as far back as 1909. The most recent upgrades began in 2008 and have bequeathed an impressive stadium. A request to add a third tier however proved too costly. If that were to ever go ahead this really could be up with the best grounds in the world. A ground with no real ‘bad views,’ the playing surface was lowered during the last renovation which helps sight lines and gives a ‘close to the action’ feel, lacking when the ground had an athletics track in years past. Two LED video screens provide the information you need including ‘goal flashes’ from other Bundesliga games, this adds to the atmosphere as relegation rivals' goals are jeered and, when they concede, cheers. The unique features of the ground are the floodlights. Sixty-one metres high, peering down into the ground like ticketless schoolboys striving to get a view of the action. The other unique string in the Weserstadion is environmental; the stadium website explains best: “The centerpiece is a state-of-the-art photovoltaic system, which consists of a total of 200,000 solar cells and blends harmoniously into the construction concept. The system covers an area of ​​more than 2 football fields and generates up to one million kilowatt hours of electricity per year. This efficient use of renewable energies significantly reduces CO2 emissions and thus relieves the burden on the environment." Neighborhood 4 The Weserstadion is southeast of central Bremen, however, it’s by no means an ‘out of town’ ground. The size of Bremen means that the use of the trams or buses isn’t necessary during a visit but of course, they’re available if needed. Location means a lot to football fans, being able to walk from your city centre to the ground and straight back afterward is an attractive component of a fan’s match day experience. Three main areas are recommended to be explored during a visit; Viertel, Schlachte, and Alstadt. Viertel is an upmarket area with bars, restaurants, and coffee shops. If you stay in central Bremen it’s on the way to the ground as well. Coffee Corner (on the corner of Vor dem Steintor & Am Dobben) does exactly what it says on the packet and is great for people watching too! Further east along Vor dem Steintor is Bellini’s, a great Italian restaurant that shows Sky Sports. Schlachte has several bars and restaurants overlooking the River Weser. With Beck’s factory on the opposite bank, seemingly looking over your shoulder, you’ll feel bad ordering anything else (nonalcoholic versions available). Red Rock bar provides a lively atmosphere and shows the Bundesliga Friday night match. You can visit the Beck’s factory by the way and of course, the tour involves a little sampling. Altstadt (old town) is impressive and by day you need to tick off the town hall and Roland statue, both UNESCO world heritage sites, and St Petri Dom (cathedral) in the market square. Seek out the Spitzen Gebelin bar in a side street adjacent to the square, a 14th Century gothic townhouse, badly damaged in World War II. A trail you could take heads from the Aldstadt to Viertel then on to the Weserstadion. Stroll from the marketplace through the delightful windy lanes of Schnoor, numerous craft shops and bars are well worth a visit. Then head to Tandour restaurant, highly recommended by the locals, before continuing along Am Wall for the Kunsthalle Bremen art gallery featuring Rembrandt and Rubens no less. Then it’s the Theatre am Goetheplatz (however if it’s theatre you want the Theaterschiff, a theatre on a boat moored on the River Weser is worth experiencing). Continue along Am Wall, it’s a road that also provides some interesting street art and graffiti. The road becomes Ostertorsteinweg and that’s where the Irish bar Hegarty’s can be found. Deceptively large, there is a great atmosphere with the standard Irish singer and his guitar. At this point on the walk you are back to Coffee Corner and the Viertel area, another recommended bar here is Bermuda, especially when it's happy hour. Then continue to the Taubenschlag to meet the fans. Accommodation-wise, Townside Hostel is more than adequate (just up the road from Coffee Corner), but the City Ibis at 60 Euros a night might be more to your liking. Worth noting the Bremen tourism website is excellent and a must-visit if you are going to come to Bremen. Fans 4 Werder has a passionate and knowledgeable fan base that is proud of its Hanseatic status. The numerous ultra-groups add spice of course, many of whom drink in the Taubenschlag and other nearby bars just up the Auf Dem Peterswerder from the ground. Rivals of old are the mighty Bayern Munich, local rivals are Hamburg, and the newest addition to the list of rivals is Schalke. Capacity at the Weser is 42,100 and Werder fans' regular support means they average over 40,000 per match each season. The fans behind the goal on the east side of the ground (Ostkurve) make most of the noise, choreographed by a new loud hailer. This area of the ground is standing and the chants keep coming, the most spine-tingling when they call out ‘Werder’ and the west stand replies with ‘Bremen,’ over and over again. Then add all the usual songs and tunes you’d expect. As a fan from England, it’s always great to hear the Germans singing ‘Football’s Coming hHome’ which they do heartily before the game begins. A goal for the home side is followed by the sound of a fog horn and then ‘The Proclaimers” are blasted out on the tannoy singing 500 Miles, random but brilliant. Access 4 The size of Bremen means you don’t necessarily need to use the trams or buses once during your visit, but of course, they are there and available to use if needed. There are various ways to get to the Weserstadion; Walk – One route to get to the stadium is to walk along the Weser River, just 1 kilometre from the Aldstadt. The ground gradually comes into view and for night games those impressive floodlights beckon you in. Boat - One better than that would be to arrive by boat, prices from as low as 3.50 Euros and you can board from various locations – more info on the Bremen Tourism website Tram - Better to be in a tram than under one, so you can take the number 3 to the Weserstadion stop. Car - Cars are restricted near the ground however beyond that try north of the ground or use one of the parks and rides. Train – It’s a 40-minute walk from Bremen Hauptbahnhof. Fly – Bremen airport is very close to the city center so that’s your plan a. If you fly into Hamburg airport, it’s a 20-minute train ride into Hamburg Hauptbahnhof followed by an hour train to Bremen. Tickets can be purchased online from the club website and if you are on the ball, they are no problem to purchase. Once in the concourse areas, toilets and catering facilities are all within easy reach. If you have specific access issues then contact the club before you visit. Return on Investment 3 Tickets range in price depending on the category of the game. For a category 2 game expect to pay between 30-50 Euros with terrace tickets even cheaper. Buy online from the club website which includes a print-at-home option. Overall a trip to Bremen is good value. The Bundesliga is still cheaper than the English Premier League and often the atmosphere eclipses its UK counterpart. The Proclaimers' song played after the Bremen goal is worth the admission fee alone. Of course, it’s not cheap. We all know that lower down the football ‘food chain’ there are grassroots clubs that provide a warm welcome at a tenth of the price. However, in its context and maybe with a match where there are a higher number of traveling fans, the Weserstadion will be rocking and you wouldn’t be worrying too much about the amount you spend. Extras 3 Museum – There is a club museum within the north stand. Make time to visit if you can. Tours – Similarly if you are in Bremen for a few days you can book a tour of the stadium. Programme – Full colour, A4, 36 pages, and surprisingly good for mainland Europe, which isn’t noted for its programme par excellence. Final Thoughts Bremen is an open-minded, honest, and traditional city, and the football stadium and the team share those features. After an enjoyable week in Hamburg, enemy territory for Bremen fans, followed by an inauspicious introduction to the city, I leave with a heavy heart. Why? Because this place gets under your skin. Yes, there are fewer ‘bright lights’ than in Hamburg, but gems like the Market Square, the Schnoor and the huge mural of an old couple looking out on the city from the corner of Auf Den Hafen and Eduard-Grunow Starbe are irresistible. Then there is the walk along the river Weser towards the stadium, which is hugely evocative. From almost a kilometre away you can see it’s special, but as you get closer and closer its imposing shape and positioning do impress. I met a proper Bremen fan too, humble, fun and so welcoming that I’m not leaving early, I’m left wishing I could stay a while longer, and you will too.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Franklin Community Gym 2600 Cumberland Dr. Franklin, IN 46131 Franklin Community HS Grizzly Cubs Franklin Community Gym website Year Opened: 2007 Capacity: 2,758 Home of the Grizzly Cubs It has been a century since the town of Franklin celebrated its first state championship and the team that captured it would become so famous they would be coined the Franklin Wonder Five. The team began playing together in elementary school and under the tutelage of head coach Ernest “Griz” Wagner would win five straight championships at both the high school and collegiate levels. The school won three state championships in a row from 1920-1922. They would dispatch Lafayette, Anderson, and Terre Haute Garfield by combined scores of 92-50 at the state finals. The championship-winning team put the small town on the map and its legacy continues to this day. That state championship team became known famously as the Franklin Wonder Five which played together first in elementary school and went 104-10 during its four years under coach Ernest “Griz” Wagner. The Wonder Five would graduate and play at Franklin College where it captured the 1923 and 1924 Indiana State Collegiate Champions defeating powerhouses such as Illinois, Purdue, Notre Dame, and Wisconsin during a 50-game winning streak. The next season the team was Indiana State Collegiate Champions. That was five straight championships for the Wonder Five and their exploits captured the fancy of not just Indiana but around the country. The cagers put Franklin on the map and both the high school and university use the Grizzlies nickname in honor of coach Wagner. The team’s legacy continues 100 years after its first championship-winning season websites and Twitter pages have been created to honor these men. The Grizzly Cubs have captured 46 sectional championships, 12 regional championships, and 6 semi-state championships in its history. The school made it back to the finals in 1939, 1973, and 1974 but lost both times. Food & Beverage 3 There are two concession stands in the main lobby near the entrance to the gym and offer the usual food items that can be found at most gyms in the state of Indiana. However, the prices are somewhat on the cheaper side. Pretzels are $3, hot dogs are $2 (chili cheese dogs are $3), popcorn and candy are $1, and nachos are $2 (super nachos $3 with sliced jalapenos). Coca-Cola products are available for $2. Atmosphere 4 The gymnasium looks a lot different than many of its contemporaries and that is because it is among the most modern in the state having been built in 2007. The 2,758-seat gymnasium offers fans seating on all four sides of the court with some of the seating a few inches away from the foul lines. The seating is made up of blue plastic seats and the fans are close to the action no matter where they sit for a game. The walls are decorated with multiple championship signs won by the various school programs but the basketball state titles won by the Wonder Five are blended in with the rest of the championships–these guys need three separate banners hanging from the rafters, they are that legendary. However, the outside lobby has three giant pictures honoring these fellows along with the three other teams that were state finalists in 1939, 1973, and 1974. The main lobby is also quite impressive and is home to the Grizzly Cub Walk of Fame which is home to accolades and past players who made their mark in athletics at the school. There are also two ticket booths leading up to the lobby that provides an old-school feel to the very modern building. Neighborhood 4 Franklin, Indiana is situated about 30 miles south on US-31 and the high school itself is about 3 miles northwest of downtown. Downtown offers plenty of options and includes eateries such as Court Street Cafe, Bojak’s Bar & Grille, Jefferson Street Pub, and Shale Creek Brewing Company. The Historic Artcraft Theater was built in 1922 and restored to its former glory. The movies are of the older variety and cost just $6, but a few nights feature beer or wine included in your $10 ticket price. For more history, visit the Johnson County Museum of History during its hours of business from Monday to Saturday. Fans 4 At the game of this review, the student section made its presence felt like each member dressed in jeans and flannels as a sign of unity–perhaps it was to honor the 1990s grunge era, but the look was also mimicked for the away student section who also made an impact on the atmosphere with similar garb on the opposite side of the court. The rest of the fans made a lot of noise themselves cheering on their Grizzly Cubs in a tightly contested battle with rival Whiteland. A lot of them have been coming to games for years and can tell you a few stories about the program dating back a few decades. Access 3 The high school and gymnasium are located about a mile west of US 31 which itself is a few miles west of I-65. There is plenty of parking for the gym and the main lobby consists of concession stands, bathrooms, and a Walk of Fame. The seating itself offers four separate stands with various aisles in the middle offering access to your particular seat. Return on Investment 3 The cost of a ticket to a game is $6 and is on par with other high school basketball gymnasiums in the state of Indiana. The price of a hot dog is $2 and super nachos loaded with pickled jalapenos are $3. There are also free athletic programs and scorecards at the entrance of the lobby. Extras 3 The gymnasium earns a point for its aesthetically pleasing ceiling that provides a spectacular backdrop for the action underneath the net. The gym gets a second point for its main lobby which is modern and offers fans concession stands, championship team photos, and the Walk of Fame. The last point is for the lighting and sound system that provides a polished feel to the game. Final Thoughts There is much to enjoy at a Grizzly Cubs game and the size of the gymnasium alone makes for a spirited atmosphere even if the crowd is not at full capacity. It’s modern, comfortable, clean, and unlike most other buildings of its kind for high school hoops in the state of Indiana. Franklin is not too far off the main roads and interstates and its charming little downtown makes for a nice little weekend treat for your basketball pleasure.

Photo by Joseph Oakes, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Jim Perry Stadium 76 Upchurch Ln Lillington, NC 27546 Campbell Fighting Camels website Jim Perry Stadium website Year Opened: 1940's / Rebuilt in 2013 Capacity: 1250 Home Of The Camels Jim Perry Stadium, formerly Taylor Field, dates back to the 1940s when Campbell was a junior college. The stadium is named for Jim Perry, former Campbell player and Cy Young Award winner in 1970. However, the stadium as it stands today was constructed in 2011-12. These renovations included a new grandstand and press box, new dugouts, a ticket booth, a restroom, and concession facilities. The stadium was officially dedicated on March 26, 2013, as Campbell defeated Duke 6-3. More upgrades took place in 2017, which included the Jim and Daphne Perry Pavilion above the third base dugout which has new chairback seating, a viewing deck, locker rooms, and offices for the baseball staff. Jim Perry Stadium served as the home of the Houston Astros Class A affiliate in 2017-2018 while their new ballpark was being built in Fayetteville, NC. With this agreement, the Astros provided a new synthetic turf surface and a new 35 x 42-foot video board for Jim Perry Stadium. The ballpark now seats 1250 fans and is one of the nicest ballparks in the Coastal Athletic Association (CAA).   Food & Beverage 4  For what is a relatively small ballpark, Jim Perry Stadium offers a good variety of concessions. These offerings include chicken sandwiches, beef hot dogs, pizza, nacho, hot pretzels, popcorn, peanuts, chips, and cotton candy. There are a couple of items that you should try: the Creek Dog, an all-beef hot dog topped with cole slaw, BBQ sauce, and crispy onions; as well as the certified Angus beef cheeseburger. Both of these are grilled on-site and are delicious!   Beverage options include Pepsi products and bottled water. As Campbell is a Baptist-affiliated University, there are no alcoholic beverages offered.   Atmosphere 3  Jim Perry is a brick facility that has grandstand seating running from dugout to dugout. The three sections behind the plate are chairback, while the sections directly adjacent to the dugout are benchback. Above the Campbell dugout on the third base line is the Jim and Daphne Perry Pavilion with four rows of chairback seating and a viewing platform with picnic tables and umbrellas. There is additional seating in an area called “the Hump”, which is tiered seating on a grass hill down the right field line and in the outfield. There is a large video board in right field, that shows the line score and other in-game graphics. However, there are no video replays shown. One thing that we noticed in our recent visit was that the PA announcer is extremely quiet when announcing batters. The playing surface is all turf, and a large Camel logo is in the centerfield.   If you have a choice, we recommend sitting in the chairback seats above the third-base dugout. They are elevated and offer a great view of the field. However, if you are attending an afternoon game, the sun will be in your eyes, so you may want to sit somewhere else.   Neighborhood 2  Campbell University is located in the tiny town of Buies Creek, NC, between the larger towns of Lillington and Dunn on US 421. Its population is just over 2,000. Other than a couple of fast food places on campus (Chick-fil-A, Moe’s Southwest Grill), there is not much else to choose from. If you are looking for somewhere to eat or stay, our recommendation is to take the short drive to Dunn. It is located on I-95 and has a few restaurants and hotels to choose from. The larger cities of Raleigh and Fayetteville are approximately 30 miles away in either direction and offer many more activities if you desire.   Fans 4  Campbell baseball is in the midst of its most successful run in program history, making the NCAA Tournament in each of the last five seasons. Therefore, fan support is at an all-time high. While games may not always sell out, one can expect a crowd of 800-1000 for most games. Games against local rivals ECU, UNC, and NC State almost always sell out, so we recommend buying tickets for these games ahead of time.   Access 5  Access to Jim Perry Stadium is a breeze. Since Buies Creek is such a small town, there is almost no traffic when approaching Campbell’s campus. The stadium sits on campus adjacent to Gore Arena  so it is not hard to find at all. Parking is plentiful in the lot behind the scoreboard.   The ticket office and main entrance are located on the first base side. Once inside the stadium, there is a sidewalk that goes around the stadium. The restrooms and concessions are also located on the first base side. The concession line can get backed up for games with big crowds. There is a large walkway in front of the grandstand seating, and there are a few places for the handicapped to sit. There is also a grass walkway on the third base side that leads to tiered seating on a grass hill around the right field foul pole.   Return on Investment 4  Tickets for most games range from $7-$15, while games against local rivals such as UNC and ECU are $10-$20. Children 12 and under can get in for free if they sit on “the Hump”. Concession prices are not bad and parking is free. Overall not a bad deal for a team that is always near the top 25 and making NCAA regionals.   Extras 1  One extra point for the several Camel graphics around the ballpark, and the “Woop Woop” (from the Geico camel commercial) when Campbell hits a home run.   Final Thoughts While Jim Perry Stadium is a relatively smaller college stadium, it is the perfect size for Campbell baseball. In the baseball-rich state of NC with several ranked programs within a couple of hours of Buies Creek, Campbell Baseball is carving out its niche with the recent success of the program. We recommend a trip to Buies Creek to see the Campbell Camels!

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.43 Newport Casino 194 Bellevue Ave. Newport, RI 02840 Infosys Hall of Fame Open website Tennis Hall of Fame website Year Opened: 1880 Capacity: 3,900 (Bill Talbert Stadium) The International Tennis Hall of Fame The Newport Casino, located in the seaside resort city of Newport, Rhode Island, is the home of the International Tennis Hall of Fame. For one week every summer since 1976 it serves as the home of the Hall of Fame Open Tennis Tournament. The tournament is the only grass court tournament played outside of Europe, as well as the only grass court tournament held after Wimbledon. The Hall of Fame Open is annually held the week after Wimbledon. The culmination of the tournament coincides with the induction of the year’s Hall of Fame inductees. Beginning with the 2022 Tournament, the international information technology company Infosys entered into an agreement to become the title sponsor of the tournament. Despite the name, the Newport Casino has never been involved with gambling. The word “casino” originally denoted a small country villa, summer house or social club. The Newport Casino, however, does have its origin because of a bet. Per legend, James Gordon Bennett Jr., the publisher of the New York Herald, bet his polo partner, Captain Henry Augustus Candy, that he wouldn’t ride his horse onto the porch of the Newport Reading Room, the city’s premier gentleman’s club of the time. Candy proceeded to ride his horse right through the club, resulting in the revocation of both men’s memberships. Bennett then purchased a plot of land to build his own club. The new club opened in 1880 and soon became the center of fancy Newport society. Designed to include a theater, tennis courts, bowling alley, storefronts, restaurants, a billiards club, reading rooms and more, it was said by the Newport News “it is doubtful if a more lively place can be found.” The first U.S. Open Tennis Championships were held here annually until 1914, when the tournament, which had outgrown tiny Newport, was moved to Forest Hills, NY. In the 1950s the Casino was in danger of demolition to make way for a strip mall. The then-president of the Casino, Jimmy Van Allen, decided that tennis needed a place to honor its greatest figures and history. Thus, the National Tennis Hall of Fame was born, becoming the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 1986. The Casino remains today as a fine example of Victorian Shingle Style architecture. Food & Beverage 5 Concessions are sold in a dedicated area near the entrance to the casino on the northern edge of the complex. Catering for the tournament is provided by local company Russell Morin Catering. The menu is an eclectic mix of arena standards and unique items. The prices are a bit on the high side, but the quality is excellent. In addition to your standard burgers and dogs, hungry tennis fans can choose from a selection of sandwiches, including a turkey club, a chicken salad and a vegan bahn mi wrap. Grain bowls filled with quinoa and wild rice and arugula or chopped salad made of pepitas, sunflower seeds and roasted vegetables can be augmented with salmon or chicken. Of course, we’re in Newport, known for its high-quality, fresh seafood, so lobster rolls are featured on the menu. Portable carts scattered throughout the grounds sell Del’s Frozen Lemonade, a Rhode Island favorite and Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream. Cans of Coca-Cola products are sold at the concession tents. Fans who plan ahead and bring their own re-usable water bottles will be rewarded with several filling stations throughout the facility, where they can refill their bottles at no charge. A separate tent sells adult beverages, including beer from several local breweries, wine and mixed drinks. Atmosphere 5 You wouldn’t necessarily think of a tennis tournament in the high-society city of Newport at a former social club to be a family-friendly event, but the Hall of Fame Tournament puts on a show with plenty to entertain all members of the family. In addition to the tennis going on in every corner of the facility, there are plenty of activities to keep younger and casual fans entertained. Right when you enter through the gates of the Casino, you’ll see several tents set up with tennis-themed vendors hawking their wares as well as games to test your tennis skills. A speed serve booth and target booths were popular destinations. You might even see a pro or two trying their luck. The Casino’s famed horseshoe court is transformed into a recreation area, with cornhole and giant Jenga available for play. Bean bag chairs and tables are scattered throughout the area where fans can take a break from the action and enjoy some refreshments. Of course, the Hall of Fame Museum is located here as well. Hanging at the Horseshoe Court at Newport Casino, Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey The action at Stadium Court is geared to entertain tennis aficionados and casual fans alike. Between matches there are games for the kids in attendance, such as the classic “dress up like a pro” race. Interviews with the victors can be heard throughout the Bill Talbert Court, and the players hit autographed balls into the stands. Players have scheduled autograph times during the tournament as well. Neighborhood 5 Newport is known as one of New England’s premier summer tourist destinations . The Newport Casino is located close to many of the city’s historic attractions, including the Gilded Age mansions, Touro Synagogue (the first synagogue in the United States), and St. Mary’s Church (best known as the site of John F. Kennedy and Jacqueline Bouvier’s wedding in 1953). The Cliff Walk, a 3.5-mile-long trail which overlooks the Atlantic Ocean and Easton Beach on one side and the Newport Mansions on the other, is just a few blocks from the Casino. Fort Adams State Park and Brenton Point State Park are a short drive from downtown Newport. A drive along Ocean Drive is a must for any visitor. If visiting Newport from out-of-town, a trip to the Brick Market will certainly be on your itinerary. This mile-long stretch of waterfront from America’s Cup Avenue to Thames Street is ground zero for visitors, as it is loaded with shops, lodging options and restaurants. Visitors can explore the many waterfront wharves teeming with dining options or explore the city’s history. The White Horse Tavern, one of the oldest in the nation, is located nearby. Newport does have a notable sporting history, as it was the site of the first U.S. Open Tournaments in both tennis and golf, as well as every America’s Cup challenge between 1930 and 1983. Today, the Newport Gulls continue to play baseball at the oldest ballpark in use today, Cardines Field , located about a mile from the Newport Casino. Fans 5 The Hall of Fame Tournament is one of the highlights of the year in Newport, and the fans turn out in droves throughout the week. The crowd at a tennis tournament consists of more than just the fans who fill the stadium court, as matches take place throughout the grounds all week. The Casino is a small space, and is filled with people, movement and energy from the opening Sunday through Enshrinement Saturday and the championship matches on the final Sunday afternoon. You’ll see a mix of dedicated tennis fans who travel the world visiting tournaments, local sports fans experiencing one of the highlights of the Rhode Island sporting calendar, and the Newport socialites who appear tailor made to an event such as this. You may not expect this, but a tennis tournament is a family friendly event, with room for younger fans to roam and many activities for the younger or more casual fan to enjoy. Also impressive is the massive number of people who volunteer to work the tournament in various capacities, from the kids who serve as ballboys and ballgirls to drivers, ticket takers, hospitality specialists and more. It takes more than 200 volunteers to put on a tournament like this, and many locals show up year after year to do their part. Access 3 Newport is a city of about 25,000 residents located at the southern tip of Aquidneck Island. Best known as a popular summer destination, this seaside town is famous for its Gilded Age mansions and sailing history. Located 33 miles south of Providence and 74 miles south of Boston, it is not easily accessed by any highways. The closest interstate to Newport is I-195, which runs from Providence to Cape Cod about 20 miles north of Newport. Route 24 runs from Fall River down through the upper half of Aquidneck Island. Once the highway ends visitors will navigate Route 114 into the city. The Casino is located on Bellevue Avenue, just blocks from the city’s historic Gilded Age mansions, Cliff Walk, and beaches. The popular Brick Market, filled with fine waterfront restaurants and attractions, is about a mile from the Casino. More information about things to do and lodging options in Newport can be found here . The entire Casino grounds comprises less than an acre, and there is plenty of action crammed into seemingly every corner of the facility. With the big crowds in attendance, getting around can be challenging. There is no permanent seating around the side courts, so fans will stand around the perimeter of the courts or take in the action from the adjoining gazebo. The Stadium Court, named in honor of American Hall of Famer Bill Talbert, contains a large grandstand on the south side of the court, and more intimate courtside seating on the other three sides. These individual seats are much coveted, especially those covered seats which provide a shady spot on a hot summer Rhode Island day. The south stands were recently renovated and consist of comfortable plastic stadium seats. Bill Talbert Stadium, Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Return on Investment 3 Tickets to seats in the south stands of Bill Talbert Court start at $38 for the early rounds of the tournament, with courtside chairs starting at $59 and shaded box seats starting at $99. Tickets increase to a range of $95-$205 for induction Saturday. You can purchase a ticket for the entire tournament, ensuring the same seat all week long, starting at $373. Tickets to the Brooks Brothers Brunch, where you can watch the Hall of Famers present the new HOF inductee (for 2022 it is Lleyton Hewitt) with their Hall of Fame blazer while enjoying lunch and mimosas in the fabulous horseshoe plaza before heading to tournament semifinals from the south court chairs, are sold for $350 each. Parking is free on-street in the area around the Newport Casino. Good luck finding a spot, though, and pay attention to street signs for restrictions. Your best bet is to park at the Newport Gateway Visitors’ Center , located across the street from Cardines Field about a mile from the Newport Casino. Pick up a validation ticket inside the center, jump on the free RIPTA #67 trolley which departs the center every 20 minutes, and you can park all day in Newport for just two dollars. You can even leave your car there while you explore the city. You’d be hard pressed to find a better deal than that in Newport! Extras 5 Tickets to the Infosys Tournament also allow for admission to the Hall of Fame Museum. Youth clinics are held in conjunction with the tournament for local youth tennis players. The kids get to play right alongside the pros! The accessibility of the players to the fans may be a surprise to someone who hasn’t experienced a tournament like this. Players will sign autographs after matches and hit autographed balls into the stands. Virtually every child in attendance carries around a giant tennis ball filled with player autographs throughout the tournament. A pair of statues overlook the famous Horseshoe Court (which is available to be rented, by the way). The founder of the Hall of Fame, Jimmy Van Allen, is memorialized in one corner, while a statue of Frederick Perry stands at center court. This statue is a replica of the one that stands at Wimbledon. The tournament’s commitment to sustainability and renewable products deserves an extra point. Final Thoughts While holding a grass court tournament the week after Wimbledon may not seem like the best timing for a successful event, the Hall of Fame Tournament has remained a highlight of the Rhode Island sporting calendar for close to a half-century. Combining an intimate setting, small-town vibe in a summer destination spot and the history that comes with combining a tournament with the annual Hall of Fame Induction, the Infosys Hall of Fame Tennis Tournament is a Stadium Journey well worth the trip. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Andrew Maurins, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Greater Nevada Field 250 Evans Ave Reno, NV 89501 Reno Aces website Greater Nevada Field website Year Opened: 2009 Capacity: 9,013 Baseball Nights in Reno With names like the Silver Sox, Oilers, Padres, Chukars, Blackjacks, Astros, and back to Silver Sox, professional baseball has a long, colorful history in the Truckee Meadows across multiple leagues and levels of play. Most of those teams played at the 4,000-seat Moana Stadium, built in 1947 as part of a city-owned sports park a few miles south of downtown. When the Pacific Coast League’s Tucson Sidewinders announced their intention to move to Reno in late 2007, city leaders knew the site would be wholly inadequate to host a Triple-A baseball team. On a site next to the Truckee River and just east of downtown at the corner of 2nd Street and Evans Avenue, triple-A baseball finally came to Reno in 2009. A naming rights deal with a local credit union rechristened the stadium Greater Nevada Field in 2016, and now the ballpark enters its ninth season with a very noticeable enhancement in left field. Food & Beverage 4 In terms of selection and overall quality, the food and drink at Greater Nevada Field are exceptional, and easily the most overwhelming – but also best – parts of a visit to the ballpark. The service is friendly, credit cards are accepted, and the only real criticisms we can offer are the occasionally long lines and frequent waits once your order has been placed. The main concession stands have lots of items available either at multiple locations or specialty items at one particular location. These include a couple of grills (cheeseburger combo, all beef hot dog, chili cheese dog, pot stickers, spring rolls, souvenir nachos, refillable popcorn, crispy chicken sandwich, pretzels, chili cheese fries, fries, fruit cups, peanuts, candy, chips, funnel cake fries, deep fried Twinkies, ice cream sundaes, churros, waffle ice cream cones, giant corn dogs, specialty hot dogs, veggie burgers, chicken tenders, carnitas tacos, and kids’ hot dogs and tenders; a burger stand (specialty burgers, and Mexican street fries; and a pizza stand (pizza slices, nachos, small popcorn, verde meatball sub, and a monster cookie sandwich. Of particular note are the specialty “VS Dogs” that change for every home game, depending on that night’s opponent. The selection broadens even more with the floating concession stands, like Steakadelphia (cheesesteak and “steak on a stick”; and Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory (caramel apples and chocolate-dipped sweets; Dippin’ Dots ice cream. There is a cart from the nearby Arroyo Mexican Grill (street tacos, quesadilla, and a fajita burrito; Flocchini Summer Grill (bacon-wrapped hot dog, beer cheese brat, Italian sausage, foot-long hot dog, and Andouille sausage; Dickey’s Barbecue Pit (brisket sandwich, pulled pork sandwich or smoked chicken sandwich, each with a side; and a small stand for various candies (licorice ropes, kettle corn, caramel corn, cotton candy, and flavored ice. Drink choices are similarly expansive, with sodas of both the fountain (Coke, Coke Zero, Diet Coke, Sprite, Fanta Orange, Barq’s Root Beer, and Dr. Pepper, and bottled varieties, along with bottled water, hot chocolate, coffee, Monster energy drinks, iced tea, and fresh squeezed lemonade. Beer choices include the “domestics” (Coors, Coors Light, and Heineken in 24-ounce glasses and the always-changing “premiums”, as well as canned craft and Mexican beers, wine on draft or in small bottles, and cocktails. For the beer aficionado, the Burgertopia stand in the right field frequently has “tap takeovers” of one craft brewery’s offerings during select homestands. For a true minor league ballpark experience, we recommend one of the VS Dogs sold behind home plate. They rotate the ingredients depending on the day’s opponent, leading to some inspired combinations. Beware, though: the buns tend to split when picked up. Atmosphere 4 There’s a solidly entertaining experience to be had at an Aces game, and it’s a few small complaints shy of a “5” here. Most of the seats at Greater Nevada Field are folding plastic seats with armrests and cup holders concentrated along a single concourse level. There’s also a grass berm in the right field, additional cushions and personal concession service in the sections behind home plate, picnic table sections in the right-center field and the left field foul pole, and standing railings throughout the ballpark. The natural grass surface stretches 338 feet to left, 410 feet to straightaway center, 424 feet to right-center, and 340 feet to right, with a tall wall extending from left to center field. The suite level above the main concourse extends around the infield and features newly upgraded local artwork in each suite, a press box behind first base, and Bugsy’s Sports Bar and the rest of the Freight House District behind third base. The ballpark’s newest upgrades this season are a bigger HD video board in left field just above a brand new ribbon board, which spans nearly the entire left field wall. Smaller, secondary scoreboards on the opposite sides of the stadium were also added, which we appreciate. In-game promotions include local pet adoptions, seat upgrades, a “Salute to Service” on the main video board, dance and kiss cams, crowd participation games like dizzy bat races and pie eating contests, and singing contests that pit one side of the stadium against the other. Aces mascot Archie – sort of a cross between Grimace and the Philly Phanatic – is active in engaging with fans throughout the game, be it on the concourse or in seating sections. For the 7th inning stretch, a large, anthropomorphic baseball wearing an Aces cap named Mr. Baseball peeks over the batter’s eye in center field and begins singing “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” along with the crowd. The PA announcer and music are both at the right volumes as well. If it’s your first visit to the ballpark, a general admission ticket will enable you to sit on the grass (bring a blanket or folding chair and enjoy the view) or anywhere there’s a railing. If a fixed seat is more to your liking, a left-field reserved seat on the third baseline will afford a good view and keep you sheltered from most of the sun. On that note, be aware of the sun beating down on the right field half of the park for the first half of most evening games, and bring sunblock. Neighborhood 3 To the west of the ballpark lies an expansive array of pre-and post-game dining options and hotels, as well as several attractions of note. A considerable list of downtown dining choices can be narrowed down depending on what you’re in the mood for and how much you’re willing to spend. We recommend either Mellow Fellow, a gastropub directly across 2nd Street from the ballpark, or the Santa Fe Hotel, a family-style Basque restaurant on Lake Street. Other choices at the Freight House District connected to the ballpark include Duffy’s Ale House and Arroyo Mexican Grill. This area frequently hosts outdoor concerts with cover bands during and after weekend games, but we suggest venturing further downtown. The Truckee Riverwalk area boasts an assortment of shops and restaurants with scenic backdrops, and the Cargo Concert Hall is an intimate venue with different musical acts nearly every week. In the greater Truckee Meadows area, Virginia City and Lake Tahoe are both fine destinations for day trips. Like its restaurants, downtown Reno boasts a slew of hotels to choose from, all of which come down to personal preference and your price range. We personally like the Courtyard Reno Downtown/Riverfront, within literal shouting distance of the ballpark. Fans 3 Reno Aces fans are adequately engaged in the action at games and afford the team a decent home-field advantage by minor league standards. The ballpark typically averages between 5,000 and 5,500 fans per game out of an official capacity of 9,013, both of which are in the lower half of the Pacific Coast League. The figures tend to be buoyed by weekend games and games with strong promotional tie-ins like the team’s annual Star Wars Night or games where dogs are allowed on the right field grass area. Fans are appropriately reactive to big plays and respond well to music and cues to clap or sing along. In general, they’re fairly relaxed towards the proceedings happening on the field, but will happily cheer when given a reason to do so. Even if a game is close heading into the final innings, some people will still trickle out to beat the traffic home. Access 3 Because of its location adjacent to downtown and the ensuing parking problems that sometimes arise, getting into and out of a game at Greater Nevada Field is something of a minor hassle. Once you arrive at the stadium, however, things improve. Luckily, options to reach the area by bus are plentiful, as the Regional Transportation Commission’s main transfer station at 4th and Lake Streets is a two-block, four-minute walk from the stadium. One such route can take you from Meadowood Mall to the transfer station in 24 minutes for $2 per adult per ride. Reno-Tahoe International Airport is about 13 minutes away by car. Parking areas closest to the ballpark start at $5 for the Cal-Nevada, Harrah’s, or National Bowling Stadium garages on Center Street or various private lots in surrounding neighborhoods, and $10 at the Park Center Tower garage across the street. Center Street occasionally backs up after games because of this parking, but it’s not overwhelming. At the cost of an eight to ten-minute walk, we suggest trying the Eldorado or Silver Legacy parking garages if you don’t feel like paying but keep in mind they can also fill up for other events. The main entrance gate is directly behind the third baseline, and a quick check of any bags (provided they’re smaller than 16x16x8 inches) is the only real security concern. Small folding chairs are also permitted in the grass area in the right field. While ticketless entry is technically possible, the ticket office informed us it’s a little hit-or-miss at this time. On nights with more manageable crowds, the concourse is wide enough to comfortably accommodate everyone. But when long lines appear at concession stands, it can sometimes impede pedestrian traffic around the park. Fortunately, the concourse is completely open to the field and features closed-circuit TVs at every concession stand. The stadium’s bathrooms are big and fairly clean, with long waits (even for the women’s bathrooms) an extreme rarity. Handicap parking is available across Evans Avenue with a pass, and accessible seating is plentiful throughout the park. Return on Investment 4 There are lots of options for how much to spend on a night at the ballpark, and they’re all just about the right price for what they offer. Single-game ticket prices can vary depending on demand, promotions, group rates, and other factors. General admission tickets (grass area and standing railings) start at $8 to $9; right field reserved seats (sections 116-120) are $14 to $15; left field reserved seats (sections 101 and 102) are $15 to $16; infield reserved seats (sections 103, 115 and the upper halves of 104-107 and 111-114) are $18 to $19; seats right outside Bugsy’s Sports Bar on the suite level are $27 to $28; infield premium seats (near the dugouts in sections 104-106 and 112-114 and the upper halves of sections 108-110) are $25 to $26; and home plate premium seats (the lower halves of sections 107-111) are $32 to $33. The team offers a good-sized game program for free at various stands on the concourse. Fans can save a little money with promotions like Two for $22 Tuesdays (two general admission tickets, two hot dogs, and two sodas for $22), Boomer BOGO on select Wednesdays (2-for-1 tickets for fans 50 and older), Coors Light Thirsty Thursdays ($2 Coors Lights and small sodas up to the middle of the 5th inning) a dollar menu for Sunday games ($1 hot dogs, ribs, small popcorn, and candy) and a Friends and Family deal for select Friday and Saturday games (a right field reserved seat, Aces hat and voucher for a Wienerschnitzel combo meal for $17). Extras 3 We like the Kids Zone in right-center field, which features a playground and bounce house free of charge and a “test your speed” pitching game (3 balls for $1). It’s always good to have a place for young children to entertain themselves at a ballpark in the event they aren’t engaged in a game. Offering fans a free Wi-Fi network (with a quick sign-in) is also appreciated. Lastly, a few quick hits: the murals painted by local artists at the stadium’s home plate entrance – which change every season – are a nice touch; anywhere in right field affords a nice view of the downtown Reno skyline; there’s a fireworks show after every Friday night game; and the team’s media personnel were all courteous and professional to us. Final Thoughts A game at Greater Nevada Field represents a solid all-around value for what a ticket through the gate will get you. Minor quibbles with parking and concession lines are made up for with a high degree of interactive entertainment and a great selection of high-quality concessions. Bigger crowds on more nights of the year could elevate the venue from “above average” to a must-see destination for any serious baseball fan.

Photos by Chris Tuck, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Stade de la Libération Boulevard Eurvin, 62200 Boulogne-sur-Mer, France Union Sportive Boulogne website Stade de la Liberation website Year Opened: 1952 Capacity: 15,204 Ground hopping in Boulogne-sur-mer Many have passed through Boulogne in the north of France; how many can say that they’ve been to Boulogne? The town was known as the ‘gateway to the UK’ or the reverse for thousands of Brits arriving by ferry from the south coast of England. At best it was seen as a handy arrival port in which to leave again for the more romantic locations of Normandy, Paris, and the chic south. For Napoléon it was a staging post, a two-year dream to invade the UK which never came to fruition. These days a two-day visit is probably more realistic. Book your football tickets online and the town of Boulogne-sur-Mer, its football team ‘Union Sportive Boulogne’ and the wonderful Stade de la Liberation will not disappoint. Friday night football is the norm in the third tier of French football which provides numerous options for a long weekend on the Côte d’Opale and the possibility of groundhopping somewhere else on Saturday. Boulogne has a population of less than 50k and is known as a fishing port with a belfry that dates back to the 12th Century. Their main football team ‘US Boulogne’ came into being at the end of the 19th century, wearing their famous black and red from the beginning. They settled into their current stadium in 1952, hence the stadium's name. Food & Beverage 3 The French are renowned for their culinary prowess; that rarely extends to their football stadia. Unless you are a corporate ‘customer’ (their food looked good) you may well choose to eat elsewhere. The fan hub, based in a marquee behind the Tribune d’Honneur, sells crisps, sweets, beers, and soft drinks. Buy 10 ‘tokens’ for 10 Euros from the reception area and use them accordingly, ensuring you keep the branded beer receptacle as a nice keepsake. Other than that, a similar offering is available in the stand opposite, known as the tribune Frank Ribery (Yep that Frank Ribery, he was born in Boulogne and played at USBFC for two years in his younger days). The final option for sustenance inside the stadium is a large burger van, behind the goal where you enter the stadium, which provides the usual hot food options with generous portions. Just outside the stadium, two café bars next to each other provide good ‘liquid refreshment’ options. A swift half of Affligem at 6% in the Café PMU Les Marronniers is recommended. Then just sit outside, sip your beer, and watch the crowds arrive as the sun goes down. Atmosphere 3 As that same sun goes to work in a different hemisphere, the imposing and marvelous stadium floodlights come alive and beckon you in. Just over 3000 were in attendance against a team from the far south of France meaning little or no away fans for the match of this review. The stadium has seating on three sides only and without the modern ‘bowl shape’ the atmosphere can easily escape. When you walk in through the main entrance, it’s strange to be able to see the goalposts with just an athletics track and a large fence between you and the goalkeeper. The great thing about this stadium though is that it isn’t a modern bowl shape stadium. Instead, we have three distinct main stands in a horse-shoe shape, each with added enclosures at peculiar angles that give a nod to the eclectic. The huge bank of seats behind the goal at the far end remains out of use and looks a little tired. A bit like the away end at Craven Cottage may look in twenty years. Most of the crowd will be in the two main stands that run along the touchlines, each holding around 2500 people. Quite how 15k could fit in is not entirely clear but with average crowds of fewer than 3k, it’s not something USBFC has to worry about for now. Neighborhood 4 The stadium can be found just outside the ancient fortified town, adjacent to the war monument and up a very steep hill from the town centre and harbour. Aside from the hills, the town is easy to get around on foot and it feels safe to do so. Pre-match, a stroll through the Ville Haute is a good way to start. The city walls are still impressively intact and inside you’ll find some exquisite architecture. The Belfry is a UNESCO World Heritage site. L’Hotel de Ville (1734), Chateuex Boulogne (1231) and most impressively La Basilique Notre-Dame (1866) are all within a few minutes walk. The latter is known for its huge crypt, which becomes your landmark when you think you are lost and looks even more impressive when it’s lit up at night. Opposite, the basilica is the ‘Vole Hole,’ a tiny ‘cellar-themed’ bar that is worth frequenting, although, at 5 Euros for a Kronenburg, you know you are in the expensive part of town. As you leave the city walls you are faced with the huge and sobering war memorial paying tribute to thousands who lost their lives in the two world wars. Hotel and Air B& B options are very reasonable. The Ibis Budget Hotel is situated nearer to the harbour and is more than adequate. The Ibis Central is a little more expensive but just 500 yards from the stadium. The best restaurants are found in the old town, along Rue de Lille. If you don’t go native, there’s a trusty Indian restaurant called ‘Lal Qilla’ minutes from the stadium. Saturday morning and it’s time to explore Ville Basse, the lower end of town and the harbor area, completely rebuilt after the RAF sought to retain the advantages gained on D-Day. The main attraction, especially if you are with the family, is the Nausicaa, Europe’s biggest Aquarium. The grittier and even more defining landmarks however are the huge street art installations in and around the main shopping area. English artist David Walker is featured, a huge female face on the side of a block of flats is imperious. Elsewhere you will find the artwork high up on the sides of shop buildings and telecommunication cabinets on the side of the road do not escape. Walker, and other famous names such as Nikodem, Flag, and Marie Lou Peeren were invited to Boulogne to bring some sparkle and frankly, succeeded spectacularly. Their results are mesmerising. The street art turns what could be a drab, uninspiring shopping area into an uplifting, modern, and inspiring experience. With a beautiful sandy beach, the fish market, and ‘Musee 39-45’ (an acclaimed war museum) all in the vicinity you begin to see why Napoleon stayed so long. Fans 3 It’s a good time to be a fan of USBFC and fans are positive about the club’s future which hasn’t always been the case. Top of the ‘National 3’ and some exciting players displaying their talents, there are good reasons to be positive. Fans in the main stand are knowledgeable and warm applause is often the order of the day. The Franc Ribery stand opposite provides the more lively support but this is no cauldron of noise. Some ultras with flags try to raise the atmosphere but a nervy ending means it is always tentative rather than raucous. Watching a game here ‘under lights’ adds to the atmosphere of course and as it’s a Friday night, many could look forward to a couple of days off. Access 5 A visit to US Boulogne is far simpler than you may imagine. From the UK for example, you can be on the M25 at 1 pm and be sat in the bar opposite the Stade de la Liberation by 5 pm easily (even with the clock going forward one hour!). Eurotunnel prices for overnight trips are as little as £25 for a single whether you have 1 or 5 people in the car with you. From Calais, it’s just a 20-mile drive down the A16 and the views are decent too. On the way back if you have more time, take the coast road which takes a little longer but affords fantastic sea views and even a sight of those ‘white cliffs of Dover.’ The bus station is at the bottom end of town and the train station is just 10 minutes from the ground. Flixbus, the traveler’s iconic and air-conditioned friend, also calls here from Paris. Return on Investment 5 Highly recommended; especially if you can arrange a second stadium visit maybe at Calais, Lens, or Lille on Saturday. A trip from the south coast of England for example could cost you £50 in fuel, £50 for the Eurotunnel, £50 for a hotel, and then just your beer, coffee, and food. The great thing is that if there’re two of you the cost is halved! The match ticket cost 10 Euros (easily purchased and downloaded from the club website), a scarf is just 5 Euros and the programme is free. Extras 2 The huge scoreboard is a classic ‘European style,’ free-standing affair that is worth a photograph on its own. The standing areas at the back of the Frank Ribery Tribune are also a bonus for those who like to watch their football in a more portrait-than-landscape fashion. Final Thoughts The Stade de la Liberation has real character, looks great under the lights, and is located in a town that has plenty to explore. The tremendous street art provides a contemporary feel in what could otherwise be seen as a town beginning to feel sorry for itself. It is easy to get to, tickets purchased simply online and home games on a Friday night are also reasons to visit. With the football team in form and the ancient architecture to explore, groundhopping in Boulogne-Sur-Mer should be on your bucket list.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Glanbrook Arena 4300 Binbrook Rd Binbrook, ON L0R 1C0 Glanbrook Rangers website Glanbrook Arena website Year Opened: 1975 Capacity: 720 The Mystery of Glanbrook In 2001, amalgamation ballooned the City of Hamilton to include a number of small towns and villages.  Glanbrook can be found near the southern border of the current city limits, however, where the borders of Glanbrook can be found is a mystery.  The former town of Binbrook is found east of Glanbrook and the mailing address of Glanbrook Arena includes Binbrook as the town, but this only clears the fuzziness up just a bit.  Glanbrook is generally viewed as an agricultural area, probably between Mount Hope, another absorbed village into Hamilton, and Binbrook.  Former NHL goaltender Don Edwards called Glanbrook home. Playing in the Bloomfield Division of the PJHL, the Glanbrook Rangers have been around since 1975.  They have always been at the Junior C level, starting in the Niagara Junior C Hockey League.  The Rangers have seen success including three consecutive Schmalz Cups as the top Junior C team in Ontario.  The Glanbrook Arena opened in 1975, the same year the Rangers debuted. Food & Beverage 2 A small concession stand can be found in the outer lobby.  On the day of the review, the screen above the concession stand, assumed to be for the menu, was not working.  A simple selection of concessions can be found here including hot dogs, popcorn, chocolate and chips.  Coca-cola products, coffee, juice and Powerade are available.  A stand inside the inner lobby can be found selling beer, wine and coolers. Atmosphere 3 Glanbrook Arena has a simple exterior and is kind of inconspicuous, looking more like a school than an arena.  Brown brick and blue siding with accents and a low profile height is what fans will find from the outside.  Entry into the arena is on the east side and brings fans into a small outer lobby.  Concessions are found here along with some local artifacts in a trophy case.  Fans then pass into an inner lobby which has large windows on the north side that act as the glass of the south end of the arena.  Large wooden trophy cases are found in this room, including one dedicated to the Rangers.  A number of old photos and artifacts are found here.  This is the perfect room for fans who hope to watch the game in a warmer climate, or spend a little time warming up.  The climate change will be evident upon passing through the last set of doors into the main arena.  The ice is oriented from south to north with the seating on the east side of the arena.  Massive blue, low peak support beams cross over the ice with silver insulation over them.  The seating offers nine rows of blue wooden benches on concrete steps.  A simple scoreclock is on the north wall along with the three Schmalz Cup Championship banners from 1997, 1998 and 1999.  The centre ice logo pic is best seen from the seats on the east side. The arena is definitely cold, so finding a spot under one of the gas heaters that is working is a pretty good plan. The gameday production at a Rangers game is not unlike what one would find at the majority of the PJHL.  Merchandise sales, a 50/50 draw and program raffles are all part of the experience.  The PA system in Glanbrook Arena is pretty good and the PA announcer is good, but a little excitable.  The louder he gets, the more difficult his announcements are to understand. Neighbourhood 3 The address for Glanbrook Arena is in Binbrook, but the arena is fairly isolated in an agricultural area.  For fans wanting pre or post game food and drink, heading east into Binbrook or north into Hamilton will be necessary.  There are a couple of options in Binbrook including Binbrook Grill and Binbrook Pizza.  There are also of chain options including Tim Hortons.  For other sporting options, fans will need to head north to Hamilton where there are number of options.  The Dundas Blues  also play in the PJHL. The Hamilton Kilty B’s  play in the GOJHL.  Other Hamilton options include the Hamilton Tiger-Cats , McMaster Marauders basketball  and football  and the Hamilton Cardinals  and Forge FC  in the summer months.  Other tourist options include the nearby Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum and Killman Zoo.  For fans wishing to stay near the area, there is a Super 8 in the nearby Mount Hope neighbourhood. Fans 2 It is difficult to assess fans in the PJHL as many teams do not publish attendance figures and the league does not compile the statistics for comparison.  The Glanbrook Rangers typically attract around 150 fans per game.  At the time of writing, the Rangers were averaging 145 fans per game for the 2024-25 season and there were 150 fans in attendance for the game that was attended.  The Glanbrook fans are pretty quiet and it was clear that the fans travelling to see the visiting team were the more vocal group.   Access 4 Getting to Glanbrook Arena is very easy.  It is located in Hamilton, south of the traditional city limits, west of the community of Binbrook.  It is 6 km east of Highway 6 and is located right on Binbrook Road, which is County Road 65.  Getting through Hamilton if coming from north of the city may be the biggest challenge as traffic can be an issue at times.  However, for a weekend game in Glanbrook, there should be no issues.  There is sufficient free parking on site.  For fans interested in public transit, there is very limited HSR service from Hamilton to Binbrook.  This may not accommodate Rangers game times.  Fans should consult the Hamilton Street Railway  website for fares, maps and schedules.  The age of the facility should be considered when considering moving around.  It is not too difficult, but the stands may be a consideration for those with mobility issues.  The washrooms in Glanbrook Arena are small, but the attendance at the game should not make this an issue. Return on Investment 4 Taking in a Glanbrook Rangers game is definitely affordable.  Tickets for the Rangers are $10 with Seniors getting in for $8 and Students get in for $5.  Parking is free and the concessions are affordable.  The hockey product on the ice is good and gameday atmosphere is simple.  In the end the return for the small investment a fan makes is very good. Extras 3 An extra mark for the Glanbrook Arena as a community hub for the area. An extra mark for the mysterious borders of Glanbrook within the big city of Hamilton. An extra mark for the history of the Rangers. Final Thoughts Regardless of the mystery as to where exactly Granbrook is, taking in a Glanbrook Rangers game is a great way to spend a winter afternoon or evening.  Glanbrook Arena is a good facility and fans will definitely enjoy their experience at the game. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube , Twitter , Threads  and Instagram @profan9.

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Louisburg High School Stadium 201 Allen Dr Louisburg, NC 27549 Louisburg Hurricanes website Louisburg High School Stadium website Junior College Football NC The Louisburg College Hurricanes participate in college football’s National Junior College Athletics Association, and play their home games at Louisburg High School Stadium on the campus of Louisburg Magnet High School – the high school is a mile or two down the road from LC’s campus. Food & Beverage 3 There is a concession stand next to the main grandstand, which sells a small variety of items but at great prices – beverages, packaged candy, and hot dogs (with or without chili) run just $2, or you can get nachos and pizza slices for a dollar or two more. The quality is great for the price, so any of these options represent a great value, especially the hot dogs, which are the Bright Leaf red variety popular in eastern NC. Atmosphere 2 The Hurricanes have cheerleaders on site but no mascot or band, although they do play big band music through the loudspeakers at the expected times during the game. The PA announcer is also very lively and does a great job calling the game, ramping up the crowd during opposing third downs and after big plays by the Canes. Neighborhood 2 There is not much in the vicinity of the high school, but if you go a few miles down the road you can find a few restaurants, gas stations, grocery stores, and the like. Depending on where you are coming from, however, you could drive for miles down country highways without seeing any place to stop for gas or a bite to eat. Louisburg College’s campus is on Main Street in Louisburg, just a mile or two down the road from the high school, and is closer to the town’s main shopping areas than the high school is. Fans 2 Not too many fans show up to Hurricanes football games, even during homecoming weekend, which is a bit disappointing. That said you won’t see the stands looking very full, although the fans who are there seem to know the players personally – you’ll hear a lot of fans yelling out encouragement to specific players by name; presumably, they are friends or family members of the player. The visiting side is even more sparsely populated than the home side, but that could be because of the particular visiting team that I saw the last time I visited. Access 4 Except for the rural location, getting to Louisburg High School Stadium is simple enough, as the high school is just off Main Street, the main thoroughfare through town. The football stadium is behind the practice field, so once you turn onto Allen Drive be sure to keep going – don’t be alarmed by the lack of attendance at the first football field you pass, which is the aforementioned practice field. There is no re-entry at the facility, but there are bathrooms right next to the main entrance on the home side (there are no bathrooms on the visiting side). The concessions line and line at the team gear stand are also both pretty quick to get through. Return on Investment 3 Concessions are very inexpensive, and parking is free right next to the field – even if you get there late there should still be a few parking spaces available. Admission to the game itself is $10 per person, and there are no actual tickets – you just pay as you walk through the gate (this is likely why they have no re-entry, as there is no way for you to prove you paid since you are given no ticket). $10 is probably reasonable for this level of football, although I have seen higher-level football schools like D2 and D3 charge less, so ten bucks may be on the high side. That said, seeing a Louisburg Hurricanes game might be a good way to spend a Saturday, but be warned there are not many bells and whistles at this venue. Extras 2 Late in the game, you can buy whole pizzas from the concessions stand for $8 (assuming they haven’t run out yet). They also let you bring umbrellas into the stadium, which many facilities do not allow – that is a nice boon, especially during particular sunny or rainy days.

Photos by Patricia Beninato, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Petersen Sports Complex Robinson Street Extension Pittsburgh, PA 15213 Pittsburgh Panthers baseball website Petersen Sports Complex website Year Opened: 2011 Capacity: 900 Hail to Pitt Baseball Baseball isn’t the main sports attraction at the University of Pittsburgh. Still, it was there first, the program being created all the way back in 1869 when the school was known as Western University of Pennsylvania. Currently in the ACC, the team plays under head coach Mike Bell at Charles L. Cost Field, the newest addition to the Petersen Sports Complex on Pitt’s campus. Built in 2011 and named for a former Pitt running back (I don’t know why either), it’s a cozy little park in which to enjoy Panthers baseball with up-to-date amenities. Food & Beverage 4 For such a small venue, Charles L. Cost Field has a decent–and affordable–menu. The usual suspects of hot dogs, popcorn, nachos, fries, and sodas are there, but you can also create your own burger. The Fiery Panther burger is topped with Cajun seasoning, pepper jack cheese, and BBQ sauce. You can also get the HSL grilled chicken sandwich with bacon, grilled peppers and onions, provolone cheese and ranch sauce on a pretzel bun. Sandwiches run between six and nine dollars. Pitt sports venues started serving alcohol this year with domestic and premium beers and wine. Wine will run you $10, while the beers range from $10-$12. If you want to run classic with a hot dog and a Bud Light, expect to pay $15. The concessions stand also offers various combos of food and drink, either $10 or $12. Maybe you wouldn’t head here strictly to eat, but the variety here is pretty good. Concessions at Petersen Sports Complex, Photo by Patricia Beninato, Stadium Journey Atmosphere 3 Charles L. Cost Field underwent a bit of a makeover last year, with a modern state-of-the-art video screen installed in center field and the synthetic playing surface replaced. It can hold roughly 1500 people, including standing room only. Seats are pretty standard, but all have excellent views of the field. If you sit down the right-field line, you’ll have a nice view of the Pittsburgh skyline. Suppose you like minor league baseball but aren’t a fan of the constant promotions. In that case, Pitt’s PA announcer is your guy, reporting on the game fairly straightforwardly, allowing you to enjoy it without having to dodge t-shirt guns and overly friendly mascots. Neighborhood 4 As part of the Petersen Sports Complex, Charles L. Cost Field is almost dead center on Pitt’s campus in the Oakland neighborhood, across the street from Peterson Events Center. Fifth Avenue and Forbes Avenue, the main arteries through campus, are easy walks away. Pitt’s main hospital complex is located here, so you’ll find Residence Inn by Marriott and Hilton Garden Inn, among other major hotels in the area. You’ll also find restaurant chains like Panera Bread and Five Guys, but there’s a host of independent places where you can get just about any type of cuisine. Standouts include Hunan Bar for top-notch Chinese and Las Palmas, regularly hailed as having the best tacos in Pittsburgh. If you just want snacks or beers, bars such as Hemingway’s Pub and Thirsty Scholar are worth visiting. The area’s patrolled by both city and university police, so while you always need to be alert in an urban neighborhood, it’s not dangerous. Fans 3 The weather was borderline dreadful for the game I attended, chilly and rainy, but an alumni reunion and students populated the field a little bit more than I expected. They cheered at the right times, although I would hesitate to call them enthusiastic. This was also a makeup game that had been initially scheduled for the previous weekend. Again, this is a small venue, and I’d venture to say that it doesn’t get anywhere near capacity crowds unless it was a playoff game. Nevertheless, it wasn’t totally dead, so I’ll give the fans a middle-of-the-road grade. Access 4 Interstate 376, aka the Parkway, is the best bet to reach Charles L. Cost Field if you’re driving; from either direction, follow the signs for Forbes Avenue and Petersen Events Center since the field is literally just across the street from that venue. Numerous parking garages surround the area, with an average price of $10, and there are several Port Authority bus lines that run from downtown to campus. Pitt has its own intra-campus bus system, but it’s not available to the public unless you’re a Pitt student or with one. The entrances are all wheelchair-accessible, and unlike Petersen Events Center, they’re relatively level to the street. Restrooms are big and well-maintained, also with easy access for everyone. Return on Investment 3 Since baseball’s not the big sport at Pitt, tickets are very inexpensive–at the game I attended, which was against Duke, they were eight dollars. You can buy tickets through Ticketmaster, but there really isn’t a reason why you should have to pay those extra fees since the games aren’t going to sell out. Students and alumni get in free, and I was told that discounted tickets were available for their guests, although I wasn’t given a number. So if you absolutely love baseball and don’t care who’s playing, grab a ticket and enjoy the game if you’re in the area. Extras 2 There’s a small souvenir stand on the main concourse selling Pitt baseball shirts and similar merchandise, but that’s about it. Not a lot of staff either, but all were very friendly. You can only have so much in such a little venue. Final Thoughts College baseball isn’t really a thing in Pittsburgh, so I wouldn’t call Charles L. Cost Field a must-see destination for visitors unless they’re absolute baseball fanatics. Pitt, though, is a Division I school, so the money’s available to make things nice, and this venue is a pleasant place to while away a lovely spring day and watch some no-frills baseball.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Dillon Gymnasium Elm Drive Princeton, NJ 08540 Princeton Tigers website Dillon Gymnasium website Year Opened: 1947 Capacity: 1,500 Still at the Dill Located on the campus of Princeton University, Dillon Gymnasium is home to the Tigers' volleyball program. The building also houses a student recreational facility and the offices of the athletic department, among others things. Dillon Gymnasium was built in 1947 and originally housed the Tigers' basketball team. In 1969, basketball moved into the much larger Jadwin Gymnasium , but volleyball still calls historic Dillon Gymnasium home. Food & Beverage 0 There is no concession stand at Dillon Gymnasium. Signs by the entrance warn fans not to bring food or drink onto the gym floor, but fans seemed to be bringing beverages in with no problem. As there is no security to speak of other than a couple of students working the front desk, you can probably get away with it as long as you aren't too obvious and don't make a mess. Atmosphere 4 Walking into Dillon Gymnasium will put you in a lobby. A trophy case will be on your left and a set of double doors straight ahead will take you to the gymnasium proper. Although Dillon Gym sits 1,500 according to the official capacity, the actual capacity is closer to 300. All seats are in wooden bleachers similar to what you would see in a high school gym. A low hanging ceiling traps sound in, making the roar of the crowd rise to thunderous levels at times. A small scoreboard on one sideline shows the score of the current set and the sets won by each team. However, as the scoreboard was clearly designed for basketball, the total sets are listed in an area labeled for team fouls. Neighborhood 4 Princeton has that feel of a small college town. but there is certainly plenty going on here. The Dinky Bar & Kitchen, named for the NJ Transit line that connects the Princeton campus with Princeton Junction, is located in a former train station near campus. There are many more options in downtown Princeton, ranging from hoagies to seafood to pizza and more. Parking may be a challenge downtown, but there is much to do there even if you have to walk a bit from your car. Fans 5 Although Dillon Gymnasium is very small, fans pack the bleachers to capacity or near capacity every game. They are loud and boisterous, and the roof serves to further trap their sound and make this gym extremely loud during volleyball matches. It may well be the loudest mid-major volleyball gym in the country. It certainly can't compete with the crowds at the elite programs, but between the low ceilings, small gym, and capacity crowds, it is extremely loud here. Expect a full match worth of cheering, sign-waving, and urging the Tigers on to victory. Access 2 Getting to the Princeton campus is easy. Free parking is available in the Theatre Drive Garage (formerly known as the West Garage, as it still appears in some GPS systems) For those arriving by public transit, the Princeton station on NJ Transit's Princeton Branch is located a short walk from the arena and if driving, you will likely pass it as you get on campus. The Princeton Branch, better known as The Dinky, is the shortest commuter rail line in America and connects Princeton's campus to Princeton Junction on the Northeast Corridor. It consists of just those two stops, and the trip takes about five minutes. However, getting from the garage to the gymnasium is far more difficult. There is no signage to direct you, and the building housing Dillon Gymnasium has several entrances, only one of which is the right one. You have to walk down the street away from the garage, then up an unmarked staircase and around the corner to the entrance. There is no signage telling you to do so. The students working the desk are helpful enough in directing you once you get inside, but that's the easy part. Getting inside to begin with is the hard part. Restrooms are available off the lobby and easily signed, at least once you get in the building. Return on Investment 5 Admission to all Princeton volleyball games, with the possible exception of Ivy League or NCAA postseason action, is free of charge. Parking is free as well. When combined with the raucous crowds and electric atmosphere, a Princeton volleyball game can be a great value. Extras 3 One star for the trophy case in the lobby dedicated to Princeton athletic history. A second star for the loud and energetic crowds, one of the best in mid-major volleyball. A third and final star for the history of Dillon Gymnasium. This is the gym where Bill Bradley dropped 51 points in 1964, and although basketball no longer plays here, it is good to see the gym being used for something. Final Thoughts Although Dillon Gymnasium has a pretty simple layout, the experience here is anything but. Princeton crowds turn up every game to cheer on their team and create an excellent atmosphere to take in a volleyball game. Just make sure to arrive early or you may have trouble finding seats together.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Mayser Gymnasium 650 College Ave Lancaster, PA 17603 Franklin & Marshall Diplomats website Mayser Gymnasium website Year Opened: 1961 Capacity: 3,200 A Diplomatic Court Franklin & Marshall College (“F&M”) is a private college in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. It was established in 1787. The school was originally named for Benjamin Franklin, but in 1836 it was merged with a college named for the fourth Chief Justice of the United States John Marshall. Famous alumni include Roy Scheider, Treat Williams, and the late Commissioner of Baseball, Bowie Kuhn. The college’s sports teams are called the Diplomats and mainly compete in the Centennial Conference at the NCAA Division III level. The Mayser Gymnasium basketball court has been well regarded as one of the most "true" surfaces around. The NBA's Philadelphia 76ers trained on the court for over two decades. The men's and women's basketball teams practice and play on Glenn Robinson Court, named after former men's head coach Glenn Robinson, who has held the national record for the most wins of any coach in Division II or III basketball. Food & Beverage 1 There are no food offerings in the gym except for a couple of vending machines. Atmosphere 3 The arena is very nice, but it is a high school type of setup. As you enter the arena you will find bleacher-filled grandstands sitting along two sides of the court. Outside the gym is a Hall of Fame and trophy cases. Neighborhood 3 The college is located just north of downtown, right near Clipper Magazine Stadium. There are many shops and restaurants right near the stadium. The Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant and The Fridge are some great options within easy walking distance. Besides downtown, the main commercial areas of the Lancaster area are the outlet’s area east on Route 30 and surrounding the Park City Center Shopping Mall north of downtown. Fans 2 This is truly a friends and family-only type of sports venue. Access 4 Lancaster is an easy area to navigate. Routes 30 and 222 are large roads that any tourist visiting the area will be more than familiar with. Even though the college is located in a busy town, you will seldom find traffic to be too bad. Lancaster is located about half an hour from the state capital Harrisburg. It is also about an hour and a half to Baltimore and the same distance to Philadelphia. There are many parking spaces around the college. Return on Investment 5 There is no price to attend games at Franklin & Marshall. Extras 2 The trophy cases have some interesting sports history in them. Check out neighboring Clipper Magazine Stadium before or after the match to see a nice quality independent league baseball stadium. Final Thoughts Mayser Gymnasium is historic and offers a fun atmosphere for sporting events.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57 Multipurpose Activities Center 1 Campus Dr Mont Alto, PA 17237 Penn State-Mont Alto Nittany Lions website Multipurpose Activities Center (MAC) website Year Opened: 1992 Capacity: 1,500 Another Penn State Penn State-Mont Alto is a commonwealth campus of Pennsylvania State University located in Mont Alto, PA approximately 45 minutes south of Harrisburg, PA. There are a little less than 1000 full-time students who attend the university. The Pennsylvania State University is a geographically dispersed university with campuses located throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Most people only know of the flagship University Park campus. Penn State-Mont Alto teams participate as members of the United States Collegiate Athletic Association (USCAA). The Nittany Lions are also a member of the Pennsylvania State University Athletic Conference (PSUAC). All members of PSUAC are Penn State Commonwealth campus with team nicknames such as Lions, Roaring Lions, and Nittany Lions. Mont Alto's teams use the Nittany Lions name. It seems like it could get confusing at times. Penn State Mont Alto has nine four-year and seven two-year degree programs. The school began in 1903 as the Pennsylvania State Forest Academy and the forest technology is still well regarded to this date. In 1929 the Forest Academy merged with Pennsylvania State University, establishing Penn State Mont Alto. We attended the venue during a men's and women's doubleheader and the images are from the women's action. The experience should be the same no matter what game you attend. Food & Beverage 1 There is no permanent concession stand, although vending machines are available. Atmosphere 3 The arena is a gym that is similar to many high school gyms. Because of the size, it can get loud pretty quickly depending on the game's action. Neighborhood 3 Penn State Mont Alto has a small population of 1,580. There is not much to do around town as the university covers most of the small community. Frank's Taste of Italy is the only restaurant in town. You would need to go to Chambersburg, Gettysburg, or Emmitsburg across the line in Maryland for more options. Fans 3 There were a decent number of fans in attendance and they were quite enthusiastic.  You are also likely to find a good number of fans of the opposing teams as many of the opposing schools are located close by. Access 2 Penn State Mont Alto is located in a small town with only small roads leading to it. It is not difficult to find but it is in a very rural setting. Parking should be easy even during weeknight games. Return on Investment 4 There is no cost to attend a game at Penn State-York and the parking is free. . Extras 2 We liked the lion statue in the lobby. There is a nice display of Penn State-Mont Alto's athletic history in the building's lobby. Final Thoughts The simple gymnasium at Penn State-Mont Alto is a fun place to watch a game.

Photos by Martin McNelis, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Carlisle Grounds Quinnsboro’ Road Bray, County Wicklow Ireland Bray Wanderers website Carlisle Grounds website Year Opened: 1862 Capacity: 7,000 The Wicklow Wonder Forty minutes commute from Dublin is the coastal town of Bray and the Carlisle Grounds, home of Bray Wanderers FC. Set beside the sea in County Wicklow, ‘the Seagulls,’ as the club are known, are currently in the League of Ireland Premier Division and have been playing their home matches here since 1942, though as a venue it has been used for a variety of purposes dating as far back as 1862. It is a quaint venue set back a matter of yards from the train station, next to shops and a couple of pubs, basically the average ground hopper’s dream! The ground has had a few modern additions in the last decade with new seating installed in the main stand, and some wall/fence alterations due to a couple of alterations to the wall at the Railway End where the away fans are housed. Its most notable claim to fame is having the ground feature in the film “ Michael Collins ” which starred Liam Neeson, Julia Roberts, and Alan Rickman. Food & Beverage 4 The food options are available from a fast food van on the right hand side as you gain entry to the ground. The menu includes chips (€3), chips & curry sauce (€4), hot dogs (€4), burgers (€5), chocolate bars (€1.50), and crisps (€1). Soft drinks are available in either bottles (€3), or cans (€2), Also available is Lucozade sport drink (€3), water (€2), tea, and coffee (€2 each). Chips and curry sauce hit the spot and are great value, and would be the recommended concession item if you need a snack to get through the match. Atmosphere 4 The home fans have a small band of youngsters in the main stand who have a drum and create a bit of atmosphere. Depending on the opposing team and the amount of supporters they bring, it can be quite a lively venue. Entering the Carlisle Grounds is by turnstiles on the corner of Quinsborough Road at the Railway End. Along from this are odd ticket booths that look like small hatches. The foot outlet is on the left and the club shop is on the right. There is a walkway that leads you to the away corner (to the right when you enter) which can also accommodate home fans. This is an all-seated open air end which has a small television gantry which is elevated right on the centre circle. Behind the goal is vacant land and there is a limited standing area here if the sun shines you won’t see much of the action on the pitch! On the corner are some basic toilet facilities and this leads to the covered ‘Main Stand’ on the Seymour Road end. It is all seated with a thick canvas type roof and runs the length of the pitch. It has a lot of thin metal supports which can obscure your view. The dug outs are situated in the centre of this stand. At the far end and behind the other goal there is limited standing, and interestingly there is an astro training pitch. This area is not specifically used and that’s likely because the players and officials changing area is situated here. The best unobscured view is in the open seating of the Railway End, providing an excellent view of both goals. The only down side would potentially be the weather, as you would be badly exposed in heavy rain. With the League of Ireland played predominantly through summer months, there will likely be more pleasant nights than not, making it more comfortable to watch a game. Neighborhood 5 The location for all the essentials is excellent. From the train station, football ground, pubs, restaurant/take away options, and hotels, all are in close proximity. One recommendation is the P We Ton Chinese Restaurant, located at 11 Quinsborough Rd. Stacks Sports Bar, The Boomerang Bar and Goldsmiths pubs are all welcoming places with televisions showing a variety of sports. The latter also has live music on late into the night. Fans 3 The capacity fluctuates depending on what source information is obtained. The Carlisle Grounds has just over 3,000 seats, but the average home fixture attracts anything between 700-1,500. The home fans are patient and supportive of a young team still finding their feet in the top flight. Access 5 The train is the prime source for travelling from north or south, but there is car parking available with a limited amount behind the Railway End goal and some side street parking slightly further away from the ground. The street parking is limited due to the permit holders for the main roads near the Carlisle Grounds and next to the shops. Moving around the ground no problem and I was able to stand and sit in three areas without any issues or confrontation, including getting past the away support. Return on Investment 5 The pricing is quite reasonable with tickets available for adults (€15), students (€10), and senior citizens and children (€7). The Carlisle Grounds is a good value at 22 euros for an adult with concession. Extras 3 It is a very pleasant, scenic journey travelling down to Bray from Dublin on the train and a good way to arrive for a match. It’s a quiet town, but friendly enough and it is pleasant to have a number of facilities all in close proximity. The club shop is currently selling a book on their history for 10 euros which is excellent and has a lot of good information and photos. They also sell a massive back catalogue of Bray Wanderers’ programmes and official Ireland International programmes. Also outside the ground to the left of the turnstiles there is a Celtic Cross memorial which is for those who died in the Irish Civil War of the 1920s, as well as from the second world war.

Photos by Michael Rusignuolo, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 Charlotte Sports Park 2300 El Jobean Rd Port Charlotte, FL 33948 Charlotte Sports Park website Year Opened: 1987 Capacity: 7,000 Southwest Florida Baseball The Charlotte Stone Crabs are a bit hidden away for a minor league baseball team in Florida. Their stadium is not near the main highway, and it is surrounded by preserve land and neighborhoods. Its location in Southwest Florida means you are likely to see rain clouds on any given day, just as much as you are to experience the stifling heat of Florida in the summer. The home of Tampa Bay Rays spring training isn’t the newest facility but it doesn’t retain the aged look of other minor league stadiums. That said, unique seating opportunities exist here that don’t in other stadiums, even in Florida. For that reason alone, this facility is worth a visit for any diehard baseball fan. Food & Beverage 3 The food options here are fairly standard. Your range includes the typical baseball fare including hot dogs ($2.75-$3.75), burgers ($5), fries ($3.75), peanuts ($4), and a selection of both bottled and beers on tap ($5.75-$6.50). Other drinks include sodas and Gatorade ($3-$4). Ice cream and Dippin’ Dots are also available. Aside from the standard ballpark fare, nothing generally stands out above the crowd. Prices are low, thankfully, meaning you won’t have to break the bank to eat at the game. Atmosphere 3 The stadium itself at Charlotte Sports Park is pretty typical in its layout. It features a main seating bowl that is split into two levels accessible from one main concourse. The outfield features a walk around walkway that is built as a boardwalk one would typically see on the beaches of Florida. Out here you can find seating in the form of high top tables that overlook the outfield. In left field along the foul line, fans can sit and relax on the grass berm seating available. Shade in the outfield areas however is nonexistent. The seating also only features a roof covering the upper seating areas in the stadium, meaning you’re going to get a nice tan during day games. Neighborhood 3 Immediately around the stadium, you will find pretty much nothing besides housing neighborhoods and swamp/woodland. About a mile east of the stadium on Veterans Blvd you can find the closest dining options. Here, near a mall is a Steak N Shake and an Olive Garden. For lodging, you have to drive upwards of 2 to 3 miles from the stadium for the closest hotel (Days Inn Port Charlotte), and even farther for the next closest (Tropical Bay Inn Motel). Visitors to the area enjoy visiting southwest Florida’s beaches, which are a short drive west of the stadium. For nature lovers, Myakka State Forest is just northwest of the facility, featuring numerous hiking trails through Florida woodland. Fans 2 The difficulty of having a baseball team in Florida is dealing with the weather. Any day in Southwest Florida has an equal chance of featuring stifling heat with no clouds or pounding, relentlessly violent thunderstorms. This tends to dissuade fans from attending many regular season games during the week. In addition, Southwest Florida is known for its aging population, many of whom aren’t exactly minor league baseball’s target demographic. These factors put together mean most games feature a sea of blue seats in the stadium that are empty for the majority of the night. The fans who do show up are generally enthusiastic, but the open nature of the stadium tends to let any cheering fade away into the humid Florida air. Access 3 To get to Charlotte Sports Park, one must take a bit of a detour from the main highway. I-75 is the nearest highway, with Exit 179 being your best bet. From here, Toldeo Blade Blvd is your best bet until you reach El Jobean Rd. From there, the stadium is just a mile west. Unfortunately, signage isn’t exactly plentiful around the area directing fans to the stadium. Parking on site is plentiful, and costs $4. Return on Investment 3 Ticket prices are very affordable, costing just $8.50 for upper box and $9.50 for lower box. The team does offer a $0.50 military discount per ticket for members of the military. That said, the average fan can expect to pay $15 for a ticket and parking on game day. With concessions prices being relatively low, investment for a day at the ballpark is pretty affordable. Unfortunately, the lack of fans in the stands tends to lead to feeling like you have missed out on the stereotypical minor league baseball experience. Extras 2 The team features the starting lineups for both teams in the main concourse on a large board. There also is a kids play area in right field the has several inflatable bounce houses, but is not free. Final Thoughts The Stone Crabs are one of several minor league teams in Florida, and their location away from a major city can mean they are likely to get lost in the shuffle easily. Despite this, their success over the past few years has drawn renewed attention to them, and while they enjoy a small local following among local residents, they are towards the bottom of the Florida State League in attendance every year. This is unfortunate as the stadium is among one of the nicer facilities in the league despite lacking any standout features.

Photos Courtesy of Golden Eagles Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Hooper Eblen Center 1100 McGee Blvd Cookeville, TN 38501 Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles website Hooper Eblen Center website Year Opened: 1977 Capacity: 9,282 Golden Eagles Soar at “The Hoop” Tennessee Tech University (TTU) is a 12,000-student state university located in Cookeville, Tennessee. Founded in 1915, it does put a major emphasis on engineering and technology-related fields of learning. Its largest majors by enrollment are Mechanical Engineering, Computer Sciences, and Chemical Engineering. However, it does offer degrees in education, liberal arts, agriculture, and nursing, as well. TTU competes in the NCAA Division I level of competition, as a member of the Ohio Valley Conference. The sports teams are known as the Golden Eagles, and the school colors are a very majestic purple and gold combination. Virtually every sign and store in town will incorporate these colors into their architecture in some way. The Golden Eagles basketball program calls the 9,852-seat Hooper Eblen Center its home nest. A majority of locals and students refer to the facility as simply The Hoop . The Hoop has gone through numerous renovations and expansions since being built in 1977. The basketball arena portion of the center is designed in a two-tiered seating arrangement, featuring cushioned chair back seats. It has the third-largest seating capacity in the OVC. The color scheme for the court, the lobby, and the signage are consistent in carrying out the purple and gold colors of the school. Tennessee Tech has made two NCAA tournament appearances, in 1958 and 1963. They appeared in the NIT in both 1985 and 2002. In addition to basketball, the Eblen Center also houses the volleyball program, two indoor tennis courts, and a student fitness center featuring handball courts, a pool, and a weight room. The Center also serves as the campus concert venue and hosts graduation ceremonies in the event of inclement weather. Food & Beverage 3 The food and beverage stands are numerous and are well-placed throughout the external concourse. Each stand has two TV monitors showing the game's action, and the play-by-play feed by the team’s radio announcer is piped into the area so you will not miss anything. The student section, known as the Eagle’s Nest, has its concession area inside the arena area. The Hoop features Pepsi products, with all soft drinks priced at $3. A small coffee goes for $2 and a large coffee is $3. The food offerings are fairly broad and are priced well. A sampling of the items available includes pan pizza ($5), cheese bread ($4), hot dogs ($3), nachos ($3), popcorn ($3), and chips ($1). Atmosphere 5 When you step into The Hoop’s inner court area, you will be struck by two things: 1) This does not look like an arena constructed nearly 40 years ago, and 2) it is a truly impressive facility for a mid-major conference. The athletic administration has done an admirable job in updating the facility to keep pace with, and in most cases, exceed its fellow OVC schools. The first thing to catch your eye will be the scoreboard, which provides a 360-degree view of the action on its video screens in HD. The graphics and images on the screen are crystal-clear. The school limits the advertising on these screens, preferring to focus on the game action, fan participation activities, and upcoming athletic events. The colors permeating the arena are also visually appealing. The seating areas are black, which makes the gold and purple of everything else pop out. There is a huge Golden Eagle at midcourt and the school name on the borders of the baselines. The basketball program does a great job of keeping the fans entertained throughout the game and also during breaks in the action. Timeouts usually feature a fan participation game, recognition of a special student, or a performance by the cheer squad and dance teams. During the half, the team stats are shown, as well as highlights from the first half. The seating area is extremely well designed, as there is truly not a bad seat in the house. No bleacher seating here… all comfortable, cushioned seats. The inner concourse allows people to navigate around the facility with relative ease. Tennessee Tech has “engineered” a very impressive fan experience… win or lose. Neighborhood 4 The Hoop is located on the Tennessee Tech campus, which is adjacent to both the historic downtown area of Cookeville and the Westside District. The downtown area has a thriving retail district and is well-known as a regional antiquing center. A majority of the entertainment and dining hot spots are located in the Westside Cultural District. Some of the more popular eateries in town are Crawdaddy’s, Blue Coast Burrito, and Mauricio’s. After your meal, make sure you stop by the Cream City Ice Cream Shop for some very unique flavor choices. A majority of the lodging options are found at exit 287 of I-40, which is just five miles from the campus. The hotels fall within the moderate/discount cost range, so it is very affordable for families. Fans 4 Cookeville finds itself halfway between the major market of Nashville and all of its professional and college sports to the west and the Vol Nation to its east in Knoxville. That does not mean that its fans do not share the same passion as its neighbors. We first need to recognize the student body at TTU, who fill one end of the court in their designated Eagle’s Nest seating area. Most of the time they are on their feet, and they are loud. The next set of fans is the alums, who attend the game in large numbers. They are easy to find in their gold and purple attire. The townspeople of Cookeville, whether they attended TTU or not, see the Golden Eagles as “their team” and form a large contingent of the audience. It is an hour or more, through some major traffic, to see a sporting event elsewhere. TTU also is preparing the next generation of Golden Eagles through its Hoop Troop program aimed at youth, who for a very low price get season tickets, a t-shirt, and perks like serving as ball boys or participating in some on-court activities. Tennessee Tech does a masterful job of stirring up its fans through coordination between its cheer squad, dance team, and the IT team running the electronics. A simple cheer of DEFENSE reaches a whole new level when the scoreboard/sideboards, the cheer/dance squads and the fans all come together in a choreographed way. Access 4 Getting to Tennessee Tech is very easy via I-40, the main east-west interstate in Tennessee. It is located off the Cookeville exit (exit # 286). You will then head north into Cookeville, following the numerous Tennessee Tech University directional signs. Once on campus, you cannot miss the Eblen Center, as it will be the first building on your left as you enter through the main gate. Free parking is available immediately in front of “The Hoop” in the athletics parking lot. The nearest airports to Cookeville are Nashville International Airport (located 79 miles west of TTU) and Tyson-McGhee Airport in Knoxville (100 miles east of TTU). Once inside the Eblen Center, you will find its design to be very fan friendly. The closest entry from the parking area is through the lobby located at the front of the building. It is quite spacious and several gate personnel will be available to guide you to your seats. The lobby also features ticket purchase windows, as well as trophy cases filled with awards earned by the various Golden Eagle teams. The concourse encircling the outside of the court area is wide and provides frequent concessions stands, and restrooms. You should not encounter any long lines as a result. Once inside the arena, you will be pleasantly surprised to find very comfortable seating, as Tennessee Tech seats are wider than those found in most arenas and they also provide excellent legroom. Return on Investment 5 Tennessee Tech provides an excellent return on investment for a family. Tickets are $8, with discounts available to students and members of the Hoop Troop. Prices at the concession stands are very reasonable and the parking is free. The athletic department often schedules doubleheaders, with the women’s team playing the early game and the men’s game as the nightcap. So your $8.00 allows you to see two games for the price of one. Historically the women’s teams at TTU have been a powerhouse, going to many more NCAA tournaments and OVC championships than the men’s teams. Extras 3 The scoreboard at Tennessee Tech far exceeds anything you would expect to see at a mid-major school The Tennessee Tech Sports Hall of Fame salutes the Golden Eagles of the past with displays throughout the outer concourse. One of the more unique offerings at a traditional engineering school is the Appalachian Center for Craft. This facility uses technology to create art in such media as glass, ceramics, metal, and wood.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Jeffrey Field University Dr and E Park Ave State College, PA 16801 Penn State Nittany Lions website Jeffrey Field website Year Opened: 1972 Capacity: 5,000 Nittany Lions Women’s Soccer Sitting in the shadow of Beaver Stadium, Jeffrey Field is home to the Penn State Nittany Lions men’s and women’s soccer teams. The stadium opened in 1972 and is named after Bill Jeffrey, who coached the Nittany Lions’ soccer team from 1926 to 1952. Jeffrey Field has undergone several renovations over the years, first expanding to 3,500 fans and then to its current capacity of 5,000. Both the men’s and women’s soccer teams play in Jeffrey Field; this review will focus on the experience at a women’s soccer game. The experience at a men’s soccer game is likely similar in many ways. Food & Beverage 2 There is one concession stand at Jeffrey Field that serves only the most basic food. The only real option is a hot dog for $5. To drink, bottled water is $4 while soda and Gatorade are $5. Hot chocolate is available for $4 on cold days. Snacks include soft pretzels ($4), chips ($1), candy ($4), and nachos ($5, with an extra cheese cup available for $2). Credit cards are accepted. Atmosphere 5 Jeffrey Field is one of the most impressive college soccer stadiums in the country. There are bleacher seats on both sides of the field, and anywhere you sit will have a great view of the action. The team does a tremendous job building energy here, playing music at times to pump up the crowd. However, much of the energy comes from a small but mighty student section, which functions similarly to Supporters’ Sections at professional soccer stadiums throughout the country. They will sing, chant, bang drums, and wave flags throughout the game. They are a big reason for the atmosphere here. Nittany Lions Student Section, Photo by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey There is a small scoreboard in the corner of the field which shows the basic information as well as shots, saves, and corner kicks for each team. The stadium offers sweeping views of nearby Beaver Stadium, home of Penn State football, and the Bryce Jordan Center , home of Penn State basketball. Neighborhood 3 Penn State is located in State College, which as the name would imply is a classic college town. If looking for a place to eat or hang out, your best bet is to head downtown to College Avenue where you will find several restaurants and bars. However, fans with a sweet tooth may want to check out the Berkey Creamery on the Penn State Campus, a short walk from the stadium. Fans 5 Penn State draws quite well for women’s soccer, regularly drawing over a thousand fans a game. The fans in attendance are boisterous and loud, particularly in the student section. They cheer on the Nittany Lions throughout the game. Often, the student section and the rest of the stadium will engage in call-and-response chants, most notably the classic “We Are Penn State” chant where the student section will chant “We Are” and the rest of the stadium will respond “Penn State.” The energy brought by the fans for the full 90 minutes is a tremendous part of the experience. Access 2 If driving to the game, your best bet is to park in the Stadium West lot in between Beaver Stadium and Jeffrey Field. Parking is $5.50 if reserved in advance through the Parkmobile app or $10 the day of the game. Note however that if you plan on attending another Penn State game in the vicinity the same day, such as field hockey at the Penn State Field Hockey Complex or ice hockey at Pegula Ice Arena , if you are buying an event-specific parking pass in advance you will need to pay separately per event. But if you pay the $10 the day of, you will be good for the entire day and will come out ahead in the end. Once you are in the stadium, it is fairly easy to get around. Fans looking to get to and from their seats can either walk behind the bleachers or on a concourse within the bleachers in between the lower and upper sections. Although there are no permanent restrooms at Jeffrey Field, port-a-potties are available. Return on Investment 4 Admission to Penn State soccer is free, which is impressive for the Big Ten level. Although college soccer is typically inexpensive throughout the country, to see one of the top programs in the nation for free at one of the top venues is impressive. Unfortunately, the high cost of parking brings this down a notch. Extras 5 There are banners in the stadium honoring Penn State men’s and women’s soccer’s national championships. A table is on the bleachers in between the upper and lower sections selling Penn State soccer merchandise at affordable prices. The third star for all the tremendous energy brought by the fans, especially the student section. For college soccer, this is impressive. Another soccer field is behind Jeffrey Field called Little Jeffrey which has fun activities for kids before and during the game. A fifth and final star for having so many venues close to each other. On the right day during the fall season, fans can easily take in at least part of a soccer, field hockey, and ice hockey match all in the same day a short walk from each other. Final Thoughts Jeffrey Field is one of the nicest college soccer stadiums in the country. Combine that with the great fan base and the opportunity to see multiple nearby events, and a visit to a Nittany Lions women’s soccer game is well worth it.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Reese Stadium 75 Central Ave. West Haven, CT 06515 Yale Bulldogs lacrosse website Reese Stadium website Year Opened: 1981 Capacity: 1,250 Welcome to the Doghouse Originally named the Soccer-Lacrosse Stadium, the home of Yale’s soccer and lacrosse teams was renamed in 2011 in honor of brothers Jason and Jon Reese, both of whom were Yale alumni, members of the lacrosse team and donors to the stadium. Yale was one of the first schools to play lacrosse in the late 1800s, and was an early power in the sport. They are credited with the 1883 national championship. In college lacrosse’s modern era, the Bulldogs have qualified for ten NCAA tournaments, two Final Fours and have won one championship, in 2018. Seven Yale alumni are enshrined in the Lacrosse Hall of Fame. Food & Beverage 4 There is a surprising variety of concessions available at Reese Stadium for Yale lacrosse fans. While Reese Stadium has no permanent concessions, the place makes due (most impressively) with a variety of temporary sites. On the Kempner Family Plaza outside Reese Stadium temporary stands sell assorted snacks, candy and Coca-Cola products. Local favorite Amity Brick Oven Pizza sells assorted slices, including an interesting mashed potato and bacon pizza. The greatest variety comes from The Mixed Grille food truck that sets up on the far side of the grounds in front of the Coxe Cage. Among the offerings here are chicken wings, pulled pork sandwiches and bacon cheeseburgers. Atmosphere 4 Generally speaking, lacrosse games are not the big events that sports such as football or basketball games are. That said, lacrosse games are fun to attend. The fans here are really enthusiastic about their favorite teams and there is more than enough action to keep even a casual fan entertained. At Reese Stadium there is a giant video scoreboard in the east end zone that provides basic game stats and highlights. Music plays over the PA system during play stoppages, and Yale goals are announced with great enthusiasm. Neighborhood 3 Reese Stadium is not located on the school’s campus in downtown New Haven, but about a mile and a half away in neighboring West Haven. Also located at the sports complex are the Yale Bowl , Yale Field , Coxe Center and the Connecticut Tennis Center. Visiting fans will want to explore the Yale campus, renowned for its unique Gothic architecture. New Haven is developing a reputation as one of the country’s best small cities for foodies, with excellent restaurants and pubs located throughout the downtown. A couple of spots in particular may be of interest to visiting fans. Just blocks from the Yale campus is Louis’ Lunch, which claims to be the birthplace of the hamburger. New Haven is also home to a unique brand of brick oven pizza, called apizza by locals. Local legends Frank Pepe’s and Sally’s Apizza, located just over a block apart on Wooster Street, are world famous for this pizza style. Many locals tout a third location, Modern Apizza, located only a half mile from campus. Fans looking for lodging during their visit to New Haven will not find many choices near Yale Field, but there are no shortage of options around the Yale campus. A detailed list of area hotels can be found here . Fans 4 Yale lacrosse draws good crowds to games at Reese Stadium. Crowds generally number between 700-1,200 per game, increasing over the course of the season as the weather warms up. A 2019 NCAA tournament game drew 1,700 fans to the facility, which has a listed capacity of 1,250. Lacrosse fans are generally very enthusiastic and vocal in support of their favorite team, and the Bulldog fans in attendance at Reese Stadium are no exception. It’s not surprising to see a bunch of youth lacrosse players wandering around the grounds with their sticks, playing catch or bouncing balls off the brick walls of Coxe Cage. Access 4 Reese Stadium, located alongside several of Yale’s other athletic facilities, is fairly easy to get to. Simply take exit 44 off of Interstate 95, follow Ella T. Grasso Boulevard for about a mile and a half, take a left onto Derby Avenue, and a right onto Central Avenue. Reese Stadium will be on your right. Driving directions to Reese Stadium can be found here . Parking is available in the many fields and lots that surround Reese Stadium and the Yale Bowl. There is ample parking here for even the largest lacrosse crowds. Seating in the Reese Stadium grandstand is in the form of metal bleachers without backs. There is a walkway along the front of the grandstand, meaning that if you are sitting in the first few rows, your view may be obstructed by fans passing in front of you throughout the game. Sitting a few rows up is recommended. With the grandstand raised about ten feet above the playing surface, all seats offer excellent views of the action. There is additional seating at ground level on the far side of the field, as well as in the western end zone. There is standing room all around the field. Surprisingly, there are no rest room facilities at Reese Stadium. The bathrooms at the Yale Bowl are open for lacrosse games, and are located a short walk from the facility. Return on Investment 3 Tickets to Yale lacrosse games cost ten dollars for adults, with children and seniors admitted for half price. Buying tickets on game day will increase the price by two dollars. Yale does not place a surcharge on online orders, making it worthwhile to order in advance. Parking in the lots near Reese Stadium costs an additional ten dollars. With affordable concessions, an afternoon at a Yale lacrosse game will certainly not break the bank. Extras 2 An extra point is awarded for the plaques on the exterior of Reese Stadium honoring lettermen in both soccer and lacrosse. An additional extra point is awarded for the festival-like atmosphere outside big games at Reese Stadium. Between the tailgating, the concessions along Kempner Family Plaza, and the open courtyard at the Yale Bowl, there’s a great atmosphere before and during Yale lacrosse games. Final Thoughts Reese Stadium provides Yale lacrosse fans with an excellent venue at which to catch a game. The Bulldogs, the 2018 national champions, enjoy great support and an excellent game day atmosphere. Pair a lax game with a baseball game at historic Yale Field next door, then head downtown for some apizza, and you’ll have a great day! Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.