The Ontario Junior Lacrosse League, or OJLL, is the top junior lacrosse league in Ontario, and some would argue, Canada.  The “Junior A” league acts as a feeder system for NCAA lacrosse programs and the professional National Lacrosse League.  Filling the void left by the absence of hockey in Ontario in the summer months, the OJLL offers some of the most affordable experiences anywhere and provides fans with an up close and personal look at indoor lacrosse.  The 2025 OJLL season saw the Orangeville Northmen complete the regular season with the best record in the league with 16 wins in 20 games.  Lucas Littlejohn of the Whitby Warriors lead the league with 118 points, while Justin Tavares of the Mimico Mountaineers tallied 52 goals for tops in the league.  Sakaronhiotane Thompson of the Six Nations Arrows had the best goals against average in the league at 6.76 goals per game.  In a hard fought series, the Orangeville Northmen defeated the Whitby Warriors in six games to claim their 11th Iroquois Cup and earn a berth in the Minto Cup, being held in St. Catharines, Ontario.   In 2025, Stadium Journey published the review for the Peterborough Jr. Lakers, which completed the OJLL reviews.  The OJLL rankings at Stadium Journey are based on the FANFARE metric used on the website, where writers assess the lacrosse experience based on the categories of Food, Atmosphere, Neighbourhood, Fans, Access, Return on Investment and any extras that the writers experienced.  The stakes are high, with an average grading of 3.11 being earned out of a possible perfect 5.0. This list is an opinion, and may not be in agreement for all.  Please let Stadium Journey know your opinions on our various Social Media outlets.  How is your list different from ours?  What do we have right?  What do we have wrong? Without further ado, Stadium Journey is proud to present the 2025 Rankings of the Ontario Junior Lacrosse League Experiences. 1. Mimico Arena - Mimico Mountaineers - 4.14 Dave Cottenie - The Mimico Lacrosse Club was established in 1890.  The name “Mimico” translates from Ojibwa to “Home of the Wild Pigeon.” Lacrosse was so significant in Mimico that they built the Drummond Street Bowl in 1931, an outdoor, box lacrosse facility, which would eventually become the Mimico Arena.  Mimico competed in lacrosse at various levels over more than a century and continues today. The lacrosse achievements would culminate in Mann Cup Championships in 1932 and 1942 as Senior Lacrosse National Champions and Minto Cup Championships in 1938 and 1951 as Junior National Champions.  The Lakeshore Maple Leafs, which would be folded into the Mimico Mountaineers program, claim a 1970 Minto Cup also.  Mimico even boasts the legendary Conn Smythe as part of their history as a resident and lacrosse player.  In 1978, Junior lacrosse would cease to exist in Mimico, only to be resurrected as a Junior B program in 1993.  The Mountaineers would move up to the current Ontario Junior Lacrosse League, a Junior A league, in 2013, and is still going strong today. 2. Iroquois Lacrosse Arena - Six Nations Arrows - 3.86 Dave Cottenie - South of Brantford, through the farmland of Southern Ontario, lives one of many hearts of lacrosse.  Six Nations Indian Reserve No. 40, more commonly known as Six Nations contains the town of Ohsweken and is just north of Hagersville.  At the southern corner stands an inconspicuous, warehouse-looking building that houses the hopes and dreams of countless Indigenous children.  The Iroquois Lacrosse Arena was built in 2004 by lacrosse legends Curt Styres and Delby Powless and is a lacrosse-only facility, one of the only ones built in Canada specifically for lacrosse.  Several lacrosse teams call Iroquois Lacrosse Arena home and possibly the most popular is the Six Nations Arrows of the Junior A, Ontario Junior Lacrosse League.  The Arrows have been around since 1974 and began as a Junior C team.  Originally known as the Six Nations Braves, the Arrows moniker was adopted in 1979.  The Arrows would bring home the Iroquois Cup as Ontario Champions nine times and ultimate prize, the Minto Cup as National Champions in 1992, 2007, 2014, 2015, and 2017.  The list players who have gone from the Arrows to the National Lacrosse League is a who’s who of lacrosse royalty including Cody Jamieson, Doug Jamieson, Craig Point, Shawn Evans, Cam Bomberry, Johnny Powless, Delby Powless, Randy Staats, Leo Stouros, Brett Bucktooth and Warren Hill. 3. Algoma Central Arena @ Canada Games Park - St. Catharines Athletics - 3.71 Dave Cottenie - The deep history of lacrosse in Ontario stretches into the Niagara Region with the St. Catharines Athletics.  Playing at the “Junior A” level in the Ontario Junior Lacrosse League, the Athletics were founded as a lacrosse organization in 1877.  and played under different monikers over time.  They have been known as the Athletics intermittently throughout and in the latest iteration which began in 1982.  The Athletics have enjoyed tremendous success earning six Minto Cups as Junior A lacrosse National Champions.  The Athletics have also earned the Iroquois Trophy as Ontario Champions 10 times.  With the Niagara Region hosting the Canada Games in 2022, the Athletics took advantage of a significant investment in the community and found a new home at Canada Games Park. 4. Ted Reeve Community Arena - Toronto Beaches - 3.57 Dave Cottenie - East of Downtown Toronto, the historic neighbourhood of The Beaches can be found.  In the Beaches community, lacrosse has a deep and storied history.  It is possible that the Toronto Beaches Lacrosse Club dates back to one of the first field lacrosse games in Toronto in 1867.  The formal history of the club dates back to 1915.  The Beaches played a Junior B box lacrosse circuit from 1979 to 1983.  The modern Toronto Beaches joined the Junior A loop in 1991, folded in 1997 and restarted in 1998.  The home for the Toronto Beaches is definitely a community experience in The Beaches.  The Ted Reeve Community Arena is a hub for the community.  Built in 1954, Ted Reeve Arena has a long, illustrious hockey history.  It is named in honour of Ted Reeve, who lived his entire life in The Beaches.  Ted Reeve served in World War I and won two Grey Cups as a football player, and a Mann Cup as a lacrosse player.  He also won three Yates Cups at Queen’s University as a coach.  He is a member of the Canadian Sports Hall of Fame and was well established as a writer. 5. Tony Rose Memorial Sports Centre - Orangeville Northmen - 3.57 Dave Cottenie - Orangeville is essentially a lacrosse town. Orangeville offers among the most in-depth lacrosse programs in Ontario and fields three teams at the junior level with the Orangeville Northmen of the OJLL at the top of the chain.  Those who play Junior A lacrosse for the Northmen hope to translate their success on the floor to opportunities in the NCAA or the professional National Lacrosse League.  Orangeville Northmen alumni include Pat Coyle, Josh and Phil Sanderson, Brodie Merrill, Mike Poulin, and current General Manager Nick Rose.  All have or are currently playing in the NLL.  Home for the Northmen is the Tony Rose Memorial Sports Centre.  Named after the father of GM and Toronto Rock goaltender Nick Rose, the Tony Rose offers seating for 1,050 in the main arena and a classic lacrosse environment.  Tony Rose was a member of the Northmen in the eighties and was a member of Senior B championship teams.  He was a promoter of local lacrosse and died in a car accident in 1990. 6. Peterborough Memorial Centre - Peterborough Jr. Lakers - 3.43 Dave Cottenie - It is a little known fact that Peterborough is a hotbed of lacrosse.  The Senior ‘A’ Peterborough Lakers are both wildly popular and have been wildly successful.  Peterborough also puts a Junior C team on the floor.  However, the focus of this review is the Peterborough Jr Lakers that play in the Junior A level, Ontario Junior Lacrosse League. Founded in 1950, the Lakers have found themselves under a vast number of monikers, most of them sponsor driven, including the Filter Queens, Pat’s, Pete’s, UEWs, Hastings Legionnaires, Petes, Tee-Pees, Gray-Munros, Century 21, James Gang, Maulers, Traders, Javelins and finally in 1999, the Lakers.  Earning a staggering 12 Minto Cups as junior lacrosse National Champions, the Lakers have also been wildly successful.  The home for the Jr Lakers is the Peterborough Memorial Centre.  It is most known as a hockey rink and the home of the Peterborough Petes in the winter, but in the summer months it is home for lacrosse, both at the Senior A and Junior A levels.  The PMC opened its doors in 1956 and is one of the most unique venues.  It gives the Jr Lakers a bit of a boost as they are the only team in the OJLL that plays in such a large, professional-type venue.   7. Toronto Rock Athletic Centre - Oakville Buzz - 3.29 Dave Cottenie - Under the ownership of Jamie Dawick, in 2012, the Toronto Rock opened a training centre for the team to house its offices and provide space for the Rock to practice. Going beyond the practicality of providing for the team, the Toronto Rock Athletic Centre, in the nearby city of Oakville has become a hub for lacrosse activity in the area. With two indoor box lacrosse fields and an outdoor turf field, the TRAC has become a centre for lacrosse at all levels.  The Toronto Rock Athletic Centre is the home for the Oakville Buzz of the Ontario Junior Lacrosse League. The top junior lacrosse league is viewed as one of the top providers of lacrosse talent to the pro National Lacrosse League. The Buzz moved up to the OJLL, which is Junior A level, from Junior B in 2019, after winning a Junior B, Founders Cup National Championship in 2006. Taking advantage of one of the top lacrosse facilities in the province, the Buzz provides a good lacrosse experience for Ontario fans. 8. Scotiabank Rink @ Iroquois Park Sports Centre - Whitby Warriors - 3.14 Dave Cottenie - One of the lacrosse hotbeds in Canada can be found in Whitby, Ontario.  Colloquially known as the ‘Town’ of Whitby, with a population of over 135,000 and located along Highway 401, Whitby lives in the shadow of the giant metropolis of Toronto to the west and the automotive hub of Oshawa to the east.  Organized lacrosse dates back to the sixties and Whitby currently fields teams at the Junior A (OJLL), Junior C and Senior A (MSL) levels.  The Junior A Whitby Warriors were established in 1968 as the Whitby B&R Transporters at the Junior B level.  In 1975, they advanced to the Junior A level as the Whitby Consolidated Builders and were renamed the Whitby Warriors in 1984.  The Warriors boast the third most Minto Cup Championships as Junior A lacrosse National Champions with eight and ten Iroquois Trophy Championships as Ontario Champions.  Some of the Warrior alumni include NLL players Mark Matthews, Chris Corbeil, Zach Greer, Dan Ladoceur and Gavin Prout.  Former NHL players Gary Roberts and Joe Nieuwendyk also suited up for the Warriors. 9. Brampton Memorial Arena - Brampton Excelsiors - 3.00 Dave Cottenie - The Excelsiors have enjoyed some success earning the Iroquois Trophy as league champions eight times, and the Minto Cup as the National Champions four times.  The Excelsiors played as the Brampton ABCs from 1962 to 1967, the Bramalea Excelsiors from 1968 to 1976, and returned to the Brampton Excelsiors from 1977 to the present.  Home for the Excelsiors is the Brampton Memorial Arena.  Built in 1950, the Memorial Arena has been retired as a hockey arena and serves the various levels of the Excelsiors as their home base.  It has been converted to a true lacrosse venue and is definitely from a time gone by.  It was named in honour of the soldiers of World War II who paid the ultimate sacrifice.  Due to the age and importance of the arena, it is in the process of attaining a Heritage Designation. 10. Kinsmen Arena @ Kitchener Memorial Auditorium - Kitchener-Waterloo Lacrosse Club - 3.00 Dave Cottenie - The Kitchener-Waterloo Braves were founded in 1967 in the junior hockey hotbed of Kitchener.  The KW rebrand would take place in 2020 as teams across the sport would trend away from Indigenous names.  Box Lacrosse legends such as Colin Doyle, Dhane Smith, Aaron Wilson, Ryan Benesch and Steve “Chugger” Dietrich all played under the Braves moniker and cut their teeth in Kitchener-Waterloo.  Home for the KW Lacrosse Club is the Kinsmen Arena.  Part of the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium, the Kinsmen Arena offers a more intimate atmosphere with a modest capacity of just over 1,600 with some standing room availability.  Although The Aud itself opened in 1950, the Kinsmen Arena is much newer and opened some time in the late eighties. 11. Central Recreation Centre - Burlington Blaze - 2.71 Dave Cottenie - Lacrosse fans should not sleep on Burlington as they have a strong connection to the sport.  The city with a population of 187,000 has been home to the Burlington Chiefs since 1976. In 2023, amid the move away from Indigenous-based names, Burlington Minor Lacrosse changed their team names, Junior A included, to the Burlington Blaze.  Home for the Blaze is the Central Recreation Centre, commonly referred to as Central Arena.  Built in 1968, Central Arena is nicknamed The Oven, which seems to be an apt home for a team referred to as the Blaze.  Alumni for the Blaze and Chiefs include Andrew Kew, Brent Noseworthy, Ryan Smith, and Ed Comeau.

Images Courtesy of ABC-Television A recent discovery on YouTube from the old ABC television show Discovery resurfaced recently. The show was a little before my time, but it aired on Sunday afternoons from 1962-1971 and was geared toward children and teenagers. Each week there would be a different topic and location from around the world. The particular episode focuses on the final days of the 1970 Duluth Dukes baseball team. The show described the episode at the time as a look at minor league players in their small hotel rooms, rundown fields, and rocky bus rides discussing their dreams and goals. The Dukes were members of the Single-A Northern League and an affiliate of the Chicago White Sox. We catch the players mulling around downtown Sioux Falls window shopping as the local Orpheum Theater plays the movie MASH. We also get a few interviews, but the highlight of the episode are the team’s road jerseys that never looked so good in color. They are no other than the sweet baby blues that the White Sox introduced for the 1964 season. The club wore them for 4 seasons, and by this time on the Southside of Chicago, were wearing gray on the road. It looks like these uniforms might have been passed down by a higher affiliate by the 1970 season. Images Courtesy of ABC-Television The Duluth uniforms featured the Old English “Sox” emblem on the right chest and television-style numbers on the left sleeve. By contrast, the parent club’s uniforms displayed “Chicago” in either block lettering or script and never used the Sox emblem in that position. The differences have fueled speculation that Duluth’s jerseys may have been passed down from a higher-level affiliate within the organization. One possible source is the Evansville White Sox, who served as Chicago’s Double-A affiliate until 1968, before relocating to Columbus and becoming the Columbus White Sox. Another possibility is the Lynchburg White Sox, who wore the name for one season in 1969 before the franchise switched affiliations to the Twins in 1970. However, no photographs have surfaced to confirm either team as the supplier. “Right now, these young athletes are playing small city baseball and uniforms second handed to them by the parent club in Chicago," Discovery host Bill Owens explains. "The uniforms say ‘Sox’ instead of ‘Dukes’, and they’re a little out at the knees. But this is today, and it’s like minor league ball players to better just fair today on a great tomorrow.” Images Courtesy of ABC-Television Despite being a little ragged and torn at the knees, the uniforms were "powdery blue" and perhaps one of the rare times they were showcased on color film, which has aged well for being close to 54 years old. A few shots showcased the threading, the white outline of the numbers, and the texture of the wool fabric. When this road color was introduced by the Sox in 1964, reporters in attendance thought it was a joke. General Manager Ed Short said the new hues would look better on black-and-white television sets. A few thought it was in response to Charlie Finely’s green and gold uniforms introduced the season before for his Kansas City Athletics.  The Sox would switch back to gray flannels for the 1968 season, but the following year, the expansion Seattle Pilots and Montreal Expos introduced powder blue road sets, and by 1980, there were 11 clubs sporting powder blue uniforms on the road. Images Courtesy of ABC-Television The footage is a strikingly rare glimpse the “sweet baby blues” in vivd color that are only seen on black and white film, photographs, and countless Topps baseball cards from this era, but they never look so good then on this Discovery ‘71 episode. Viewers see the jerseys inside the locker room, during the day at Sioux Falls Stadium, and then at night when the sun goes down. The ballpark opened in 1941 and was renovated in 2000, but what is now known as The Birdcage and home to the Sioux Falls Canary of the American Association still looks somewhat similar. What isn't the same is the multiple advertisements on the outfield walls of long-ago businesses. A few of the ads include E & W clothing which lasted 101 years from 1889 to 1990, Pete's Texaco Truck Stop, Chris's Country Grill, Jay-Shon Chevrolet, and the Kopper Kart Restaurant.  Images Courtesy of ABC-Television Also, in this jersey manager, Joe Sparks is wearing an actual White Sox road jersey from 1964 with the Chicago word mark arched in capital letters. It is a wonderful find from an era when a film from minor league baseball was hard to find. The episodes wind up with the Dukes in their home jerseys, providing a clinic to local Little League players. The home pinstripe sets feature Dukes in the diagonal form down the right chest and look like the home uniforms the parent club wore from 1964-1968.  It is during this time we see Wade Stadium, which looks exactly like the same well over 50 years later. The distinctive brick interior and exterior are clearly shown throughout the segment, and even the front entrance has not changed much in the ensuing season. Perhaps a few cosmetic changes and renovations have been made, but the old ballpark is still recognizable. Images Courtesy of ABC-Television Unfortunately, at both stadiums, the crowds were scarce, maybe a sign of the times of the early 1970s. There were children selling programs in the grandstand while several more jumped up and down the seating or yelled from their seats. It is not an upcoming scene by today’s standards where small crowds are evident at certain times of the year or nights of the week. Sadly, the Dukes folded after the season and almost returned in 1972 as a co-op team in the Northern League. However, six weeks after forming, they pulled out of the loop, and soon after that, the entire league ceased operations. Wade Stadium would be empty of professional baseball for over 20 years until the Dukes and league would be resurrected as an independent league in 1993. The re-discovery of this episode gives us a glimpse of the world of minor league baseball. It was a much different time. The glimpse of the sweet baby blues was a nice surprise to someone like me or fellow old-school baseball uniform lovers. ----- Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter   and his YouTube channel .  Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Superior Choice Credit Union Stadium 1714 Catlin Avenue Superior, WI 54880 Duluth FC website Superior Choice Credit Union Stadium website Year Opened: 2024 Capacity: 1,020 The Beautiful Game in the Beautiful City The winters of northern Minnesota can be harsh and unforgiving, so when spring and summer finally arrive, the chance to get outside and watch or play sports feels like a much-needed escape from the cold. One of the summer sports options in Duluth is the semi-professional Duluth FC Bluegreens. Duluth FC competes in the  National Premier Soccer League (NPSL), the fourth tier of soccer in the United States. The club began play in 2015 in the Duluth Amateur Soccer League before moving to the American Premier League (APL) the following year. When the APL merged with the NPSL in 2017, Duluth joined the Midwest Region’s North Conference. In 2025 the Bluegreens played outside the city of Duluth for the first time. The club’s early seasons were spent at Public Schools Stadium at West Duluth High School, before moving temporarily to Ordean Stadium at Duluth East High School while Public Schools Stadium underwent renovations. This season, Duluth has split its home matches between Walt Hunting Stadium and Superior Choice Credit Union Stadium (SCCU Stadium), located on the campus of the University of Wisconsin-Superior.   Food & Beverage   3 Concessions at SCCU Stadium aren’t elaborate, but they cover the basics. The main stand offers hot dogs, chili dogs, and bacon cheddar smoked sausages, along with a small selection of packaged snacks sold at the apparel tent. Beverage options here include Coke, Dr Pepper, A&W Root Beer, Sprite, and Sunkist; slushie machines also use carbonated sodas to make frozen treats. Alcoholic beverages are not sold at Duluth FC matches. One of the main challenges in expanding the concessions menu is simply having the space and equipment to do so. Many games feature a rotation of three local food trucks, providing additional variety throughout the season. The last game I attended was part of the Minnesota Super Cup, however, which did not have a designated food truck, but the on-site grill offered a few special game-day items.   Atmosphere   3 There is not much to SCCU Stadium, as it consists solely of a single section of aluminum bleachers that stretch from just beyond one penalty arc to the other. There’s no roof to shield fans from the elements, though the small press box does create a fair amount of shade for those seated in the mid-field section. Located on the northern edge of the University of Wisconsin-Superior campus, the stadium is bordered by dorms and the campus wellness center to the south, with marshy wetlands just beyond the outer fence. The pitch is artificial turf, encircled by a nine-lane track that puts some distance between the fans and the on-field action. A single scoreboard, a combination video board and clock, sits at one end of the venue, though only the lower scoreboard portion is in use, showing the time and score. The video board remains dark during matches. Soccer’s continuous play leaves little room for in-game fan engagement, and outside the occasional sponsor reads during corner kicks, the match experience is left largely to the ebbs and flow of the game itself. Since Duluth FC is a tenant rather than the full-time operator, their stadium branding is minimal. A handful of Duluth FC flags fly from above the bleacher railings to add a touch of home-field identity, but otherwise it’s very much a neutral facility.   Neighborhood   3 Superior, Wisconsin sits just across the St. Louis River from Duluth, Minnesota, just off the westernmost shore of Lake Superior. Off the mainland in Superior Bay, Barker’s Island offers several attractions, including the Lake Superior Estuarine, which educates visitors about the lake’s coastal ecosystems, the SS Meteor Maritime Museum, home to the world’s last whaleback ship, and Capt’n J’s Miniature Golf Course. While Superior has a handful of attractions, Duluth is the area's highlight. Not far across the John A. Blatnik Bridge, Canal Park at the westernmost point of Lake Superior features a concentration of restaurants, shops, and accommodations. One of the area’s more interesting hotels is the Fitger’s complex, a former brewery converted into a hotel with several restaurants and retail spaces. Nearby are the iconic Aerial Lift Bridge, Duluth North Pier Lighthouse, and the South Breakwater Outer Lighthouse. During the summer months, the lakefront is busy with activity late into the night. Duluth’s sports teams play a prominent role in summer entertainment. Amsoil Arena , located on the waterfront, hosts the Duluth Harbor Monsters of the Arena Football League, while a summer collegiate baseball team, the Duluth Huskies  of the Northwoods League, play just outside downtown at Wade Stadium.   Fans   3 Despite them being a bit late arriving, Duluth does a decent job filling the stands with a couple of hundred fans.  The crowd is not overly rambunctious, having no organized supporters section to energize the stands, but fans do respond enthusiastically to big saves and shots on frame. The most devoted supporters are easy to spot in their distinctive Disciple kits.   Access   3 SCCU Stadium is located approximately four miles from Interstate 35, which runs locally from Minneapolis to Duluth via US Highway 2. From downtown Duluth I-535 provides a direct route to Superior’s North End neighborhood, which is just north of the University of Wisconsin-Superior campus. The stadium’s parking lot sits just outside the main entry and is a short walk to the bleachers via stairs or an accessible ramp. The far side of the bleachers is roped off, preventing fans from using that section.   Return on Investment   3 For this level of soccer, $15 for an adult ticket seems a bit high – military and senior tickets are $10, college students pay $5, and youth under 18 are free. Considering that parking is free, the $15 price becomes a bit more palatable, though it still feels like the type of event where a parking fee would have been an added cost. On the plus side, concession prices do not appear to take advantage of the typical inflation seen at many stadiums.   Extras   2 The stadium’s small size helps concentrate fan excitement, creating a livelier atmosphere than if the crowd were spread out over a larger section of bleachers. For kids who want to be part of the action, a pre-match announcement invites volunteers to serve as ball kids. These young fans get to stand pitch-side during the match, retrieving wayward shots and balls that go out of bounds.   Final Thoughts Superior Choice Credit Union Stadium, one of the two sites Duluth FC calls home, offers a simple, no-frills environment with close-up access to the action. Its compact layout helps amplify the energy of the crowd, creating an intimate and engaging atmosphere, especially for families and young fans who can participate as ball kids. Located on the University of Wisconsin-Superior campus, SCCU Stadium provides a lower-tier soccer experience focused on connecting fans with the team and the community it represents.

Photos by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 Jackson Field 505 E Michigan Ave Lansing, MI 48912 Lansing Lugnuts website Jackson Field website Year Opened: 1996 Capacity: 11,000 Let's Go Nuts Located just a few blocks from the Michigan State Capitol Building in Lansing sits charming Jackson Field, home of the Midwest League baseball team, the Lansing Lugnuts.  The ballpark debuted in 1996 as Oldsmobile Park and brought baseball back to town after 55 years.  The venue received major renovations prior to the 2017 season, which included, most notably, the colorful apartment complex behind center field and a 360 degree wrap-around co ncourse.  Since playing in Lansing, the team has been affiliated with the Royals, Cubs, and Blue Jays.  Since 2021, they have been the High-A affiliate of the Oakland Athletics.  They won the Midwest League championship in 1997 and 2003. The ballpark offers exception al comfort, and the game day operations do a wonderful job of allowing fans to have an enjoyable, content, and entertaining few hours. Food & Beverage 5 Jackson Field has an excellent variety of concessions with permanen t food s tands and kiosks lining the infield concourse.    Permanent stands have choices like chicken tender baskets, chicken sandwiches, burgers (including olive burgers, iconic Michigan sandwiches), etc. ($5 - $12.75).  Tacos Locos sells Mexican fare of tacos and nachos ($12.75 - $17.75).  The souvenir nacho helmet is said to be delicious.  On Tuesdays, the special is two beef tacos costing $5.   Another stand sells pizza, Mr. Softee ice cream, and Dippin’ Dots. Other kio sks include Hickory’s BBQ, Philly Cheesesteak, and Smokies Sausage Shack, all of which look quite tempting as you stroll by. All stands sell an assortment of snacks and sweets. Pepsi is the soda provider at Jackson Field.  A decent choice of domestic and premium beers is sold.  Ope! Ale House and Good Hops Craft Beer Bistro are your be st bets f or craft beers.  Beers run $8 - $10.50.  Cocktails and wine cost $8 - $16.  The stadium promotes $5 Tallboy Tuesdays and Thirsty Thursdays, where domestic drafts and cans are $3, sodas are $3, and seltzers cost $5.  Atmosphere 5 Beyond the action on the field, the Lansing Lugnuts deliver a welcoming game day experience a nd an impressive ballpark.  Be sure to explore all the features it offers when visiting. The seats at Jackson Field are comfortably wide (22”) and have excellent leg room.   One level of traditional stadium seating extends down the baselines with bleachers on the first base side nearer the foul pole. A second level of suites sits above the infield concourse.  The third base side gets the shade first.  The outfield features small grassy berms tucked beside the foul poles.  Fans can walk the entire circumference, and we recommend doing this to see all that the stadium has to offer.  Bullpens are on the field beyond the baselines, making it easy to identify when a relief pitcher may be entering the game. Jackson Field Seating, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey The music volume is loud right under the infield concourse, b ut at a perfect level everywhere else.   It’s mostly played only between batters, but almost annoyingly between every pitch later in the game.  The scoreboard in left field and the letters and numbers are large enough to read easily.  For those not facing the scoreboard, the banner board between infield seating shows pitch count, batter stats, inning, and other data.  The pitcher’s name is projected on the right field wall.  The grounds crew provides a lush green turf. Fans can access the game day program by scanning a QR code on their phone. Having printed copies available would be a nice touch. The Big Lugs Playground with bounce houses and a jungle gym is on the left field concourse.  It costs $1 a game or $5 for unlimited usage and is a popular place.  The game day crew keeps things lively with plenty of between-inning games and activities. One crowd favorite is the balloon sculptor, entertaining both kids and adults alike. Neighborhood 5 Jackson Field is in the heart of vibrant downtown Lansing, MI, surrounded by plenty of places to visit, stay, and eat before or after a game.  The ballpark’s entrance is in a peaceful, scenic plaza enriched with grass, trees, bushes, colorful flowers, statues, and benches to sit on before the game.  Plenty of other attractions abound in Lansing besides the Lugnuts . Tour th e state Capitol Building, the Mission 5 Museum, o r the Potter Park Zoo.  Visit Old Town, an eclectic collection of shops, galleries, and restaurants, a mile north of the ballpark or Adado Riverfront Park for outdoor picnics and fun! Recommended places to eat and drink within walking distanc e of  the ballpark are Batter Up Bistro (right next door, closed o n Monday and Tuesday) ,  Lansing Brewing Company behind the center field apartments (good beer), and Nuthouse Sports Grill (across the street).  Sahara Delight (Mediterranean ) i s nearer the Capitol Building. Places to stay downtown are the Courtyard Marriott (one block away) and the DoubleTree (two blocks from the field). If you attend an early-season game, you may be able to catch a Michigan State Spartans baseball game in East Lansing. Fans 3 Common among minor league baseball, many fans attend a Lugnuts game for an afternoon out with family and friends, with t he game on the field bei ng secondary.   The team has a booster club whose energetic members support and encourage the team and players. Those in attendance root the team on and applaud good plays by either team.  The team averages between 4,000 and 4,500 fans a game. Access 4 Getting to the ballpark is pretty easy via car and bus.  The stadium is conveniently located less than a mile north of I-496 and a mile west of US 127.  Parking lots and garages are available near the stadium and generally cost $5.  Street parking is free on Saturdays and Sundays, but those spots fill up fast.  Jackson Field offers free golf cart service to and from neighboring parking areas beginning one hour before gate opening until one hour after the end of the game. The Capital Area Transit Authority  has bus stops outside the stadium. If you’re flying in, Capital Regional International Airport (LAN), a small regional hub, is just five miles from the ballpark. Inside the stadium, the concourses are noticeably wide, though they can ge t crowded in the outfield near the kids’ playground.  Wheelchair seating spots line the inner concourse.  Return on Investment 4 Jackson Field offers an affordable, fun-filled ballgame experience that’s perfect for fans of all ages.  Ticket prices typically range from $14 - $23.50.  Concession prices are what you’d expect at a ballpark, and parking won’t break the bank.  Visit on a Tuesday or Thursday and take advantage of food and drink specials. Group areas include: Pepsi Porch – A tiered party area with an all-you-can-eat-and-drink (Pepsi) option $46 Tailgate Terrace - Can hold up to 1,000 of your closest friends (grilled burgers, dogs, and other concessions are included in ticket price) The View – A year-round suite in center field used for group outings and special events The Lugnuts offer an array of promotional games throughout the season, including, but certainly not limited to:  MSU Night, Dog Day at the Park, Olive Burger Night, Fireworks, Cinco d e Mayo, Pride Night, and sponsor giveaways. Extras 3 Several other items are worth noting when visiting a Lugnuts game.  The souvenir shop, cleverly named Nuts and Bolts, sells a huge variety of merchandise and mement os, with baseball caps the best seller. As you walk the outfield concourse, you’ll pass the Michigan Baseball Hall of Fame with plaques honoring prominent players, coaches, teams, and others with ties to Michigan.  Jackson Field - Michigan Baseball Hall of Fame, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Be sure to listen to Lansing Lugnuts games on The Game 730 AM . Final Thoughts Catching a Lansing Lugnuts game is a highlight of any visit to this capital city in the spring and summer.  The Lugnuts deliver a fun, family-friendly baseball experience at Jackson Field at an affordable price.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Whitehouse Field 75 Oak St. Harwich, MA 02645 Harwich Mariners website Whitehouse Field website Year Opened: 1968 Capacity: 4,000 Baseball’s Original Mariners   Organized baseball games have been documented in the town of Harwich since the late 1800s. The “Harwich Town Club” took on rivals from other Cape Cod towns throughout the 1880s. The Cape League was formed in 1923, with a team representing Harwich first participating in 1927. Throughout much of the 1900s, teams representing Harwich played at Brooks Park.   Whitehouse Field is located on the campus of Monomoy Regional High School. The field is named for team benefactor Ben Whitefield, who donated the field’s original lights. A new scoreboard was donated in 1998 by former MLB commissioner Faye Vincent Jr. in honor of his father, who had been the captain of the Yale University baseball team in 1931.   In 1963, the “Modern Era” of the Cape League began. No longer were teams made up of Cape residents competing as “town teams,” but were to be made up of collegiate players from around the country. Over 100 players from Harwich have moved on to play in the Major Leagues. Some notable players to play in Harwich include Joe Magrane, Carlos Pena, Cory Snyder, Scott Kamieniecki, Ian Happ and Lou Lamoreillo. The Mariners have won five championships in the Cape League’s modern era, most recently in 2024.   Food & Beverage 3   There is a concession stand in the back side of the press box building. Fans can order many ballpark staples here, including hot dogs, burgers and sausage and pepper sandwiches. Since we’re on Cape Cod, you can pick up a cup of clam chowder here. Assorted snacks, candy and ice cream treats can be purchased here as well.   Cans of Polar Park beverages are sold at Whitehouse Field, along with root beer floats and slushes served in Harwich Mariners souvenir plastic cups. Alcohol is not served here at Whitehouse Field.   As is the case at all Cape League parks, fans are welcome to bring their own refreshments to enjoy at the game.   Atmosphere 3   As is the case at games all around Cape League, there’s a real small town, old school vibe here at Whitehouse Field. The game is the focus here in Harwich, and there’s not a lot to distract one’s attention from the action going on down on the field. This is baseball as it used to be, and that’s a big part of the appeal of visiting the Cape on a sunny summer day. You can watch the game, talk to your neighbors and watch the kids chase fall balls through the woods as future major leaguers compete on the field. The community feel of a game here is something you just don’t find in many other places.   Some may criticize Whitehouse Field and the other Cape League fields as glorified high school fields, but that’s part of their charm. They lend themselves to a simple game presentation. As mentioned before, there’s not a lot of distractions. Music plays between innings, and at a reasonable volume. The PA announcer limits his work to lineup and sponsor announcements. A scoreboard in right field displays basic game information. There’s a building near the entrance selling a good variety of Mariners merchandise, much of it featuring the old-school Mariners’ trident logo. Players roam the crowd throughout the game selling 50/50 raffle tickets. How often can you say you bought a raffle ticket from a Major League baseball player?   Neighborhood 3   Whitehouse Field is located in the village of Harwich Center, home of some of the most classically elegant architecture to be found anywhere on Cape Cod. The entire Center of the village is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Buildings such as the Brooks Academy Museum and First Congregational Church provide examples of the Greek revival style seen here.   Beyond Harwich Center, the town of Harwich, located on the south coast of Cape Cod near the “elbow” of the Cape, has a population of just over 13,000 residents. During the summer, this figure swells to over 37,000. Harwich is a popular vacation spot due to its beaches and harbors. It is considered to be the birthplace of the Cape’s significant cranberry industry.   While there is no shortage of dining options throughout Harwich, the area around Whitehouse Field is a residential area, with nothing to draw visitors in the immediate area of the ball field. Fans will need to hop into their cars to access the many popular options throughout the area. The attractions of Harwich Port and the bustle of Route 28 are less than a ten-minute drive away.   Fans 4   The Mariners generally land in the middle of the Cape Cod League attendance rankings, drawing an average of around 1,500 fans per game. During Stadium Journey’s most recent visit, which occurred during the league semifinal playoffs, an incredible crowd of 4,434 packed every corner of Whitehouse Field.   As you’ll find at all the parks around the circuit, the crowd in Harwich is made up mainly of locals who have been coming to these games for decades. A big part of the fun here is watching the many children here chasing foul balls through the woods. If you’re looking to avoid the bigger crowds of the tourist season here on the Cape, we advise you try to visit early in the season, before school lets out. Trust me, there’s a big difference.    When you go to a Cape League game, it will seem like everyone knows everyone here. And in a lot of ways, it’s true. In fact, by the time you leave Whitehouse Field, chances are you’ll have met a few new people yourself. That small town vibe is contagious.   Access 4   Whitehouse Field is located on the campus of Monomoy High School in the village of Harwich Center. It’s located just over a mile from Route 6, the major access road that runs along the northern edge of Cape Cod. For fans coming from the more scenic and more traveled southern coast of the Cape along Route 28 and Harwich Port, Whitehouse Field is just two- and one-half miles from the south coast of the Cape. Visiting fans utilizing public transportation can take the Cape Cod Regional Transit Authority’s Flex Route , which stops right at the High School/Community Center. Complete Driving directions to Whitehouse Field can be found here .   There is ample parking in the high school’s parking lot, with overflow parking available across the street at the Community Center. The ball field is set back a short distance in the woods, and fans will follow a path through a grove of trees to the park.   Seating is available in two sets of large bleachers on either side of the infield. Many fans will bring their own chairs and set them up in their favorite spots, either in a small area behind home plate a hill down either foul line. When there is a particularly large crowd on hand, you’ll find fans putting their chairs anywhere they can find space, including in the woods beyond the outfield fence. In a time-honored Cape tradition, fans will come to Whitehouse Field hours before game time, put their chairs or blankets in their favorite spot, and return later to find their seats untouched.   The grounds feature paved paths in the more heavily trafficked areas of the infield, but even the grassy areas are easily traversed. There is plenty of room all around the park for younger fans to release some excess energy, play catch, and chase foul balls. There’s even a little whiffleball field in the woods. A building containing rest rooms is located on the third base side of the facility. One negative to Whitehouse Field is tall fences and thick nets obstruct views from every spot of the facility. There are no unobstructed views to be had.   Return on Investment 5   There is no charge to attend a Cape League game. The team will happily accept a donation (the recommended donation is just five dollars). In exchange for your donation, you will receive a program and stat sheet. Parking is also free in the adjoining lot. Concessions and merchandise are very affordable, making a game in Harwich a most affordable entertainment option while visiting Cape Cod. In fact, if you choose to bring your own cooler, you won’t even have to reach for your wallet even once when visiting Whitehouse Field.   Extras 2   In 2024 a total of 415 Cape Cod League alumni played in the Major Leagues. This means that one out of every four players to play in the Majors spent a summer on the Cape. If you are going to a game here, you’re not seeing a few guys who might make it someday, you’re seeing an All-Star game every night of the summer.   A second extra point is awarded for the use of the old-school Seattle Mariners trident logo on the Harwich merchandise. Unlike some of the other Cape League teams that share a team name with their Major League Baseball brethren, the Mariners were exempt from paying royalties to MLB for the use of the name “Mariners,” as Harwich predated Seattle. I’m sure there is a licensing agreement to use these old logos, but that does not diminish the cool factor here at all.   Final Thoughts   The Cape Cod League is considered to be the premier summer collegiate baseball league in the nation. With one out of every four major leaguers today able to trace their roots to the Cape, the numbers bear out this claim. While the talent is certainly Major League, the feel at the ballparks is small town. A visit to Harwich bears this out, as you may arrive as a stranger, but you will leave as a member of the community.   Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter  and Instagram  @PuckmanRI.

Jeff Smith got his PhD, taught at Dartmouth and became a state Senator. Before that, Smith had run for congress and narrowly lost to the heavy favorite. Even then, he won, as his campaign was featured in the award-winning documentary, Can Mr. Smith Get to Washington Anymore? Indeed, it seemed inevitable that Jeff Smith would indeed get to Washington, sooner rather than later. And then Jeff Smith got his education – a real, rough and tumble education. Jeff Smith went to prison. A campaign finance scandal from his lost, seemingly forgotten congressional race cost him his political career – and his freedom. Smith wound up pleading guilty to obstruction of justice and got sentenced to a year and a day in federal lock-up in rural Kentucky. Smith wrote about his experiences in his book, Mr. Smith Goes to Prison .  Locked up, Smith – the undersized, white collar, white guy – opened some eyes with his skills  – his basketball skills. Smith’s book is a lot of things. There are some great, unique basketball stories. Not a page goes by without a hilarious or poignant moment. Ultimately, it’s a triumph of the human spirit and a powerful statement against the current prison system in the US. Jeff Smith took a few minutes to discuss. STADIUM JOURNEY: When did you start to play hoops? And what experiences did hoops open you up to that you might not have had otherwise? JEFF SMITH : Started when I was 4. First league at 5. When I was around 8, I got on an AAU team that took me into neighborhoods I’d never seen before and which most middle-class people of all colors in St. Louis avoid because of high crime rates. In the realm of basketball that made me a tougher, quicker, better player. More broadly, spending time at the homes of teammates who lived in these neighborhoods and playing pickup on their playgrounds opened my eyes to the region’s stubborn segregation and inextricably intertwined inequality that persisted long after its legal vestiges had been dismantled. By freshman year, I was the sole white starter on my team in a suburban district that accepted inner-city black kids via the nation’s largest inter-district transfer program. They were mostly in the low track of classes; I was in the advanced track. One day a teammate asked me if I thought he was dumb since he was essentially 2 years behind me academically. “Of course not,” I replied. “Most of the people here do,” he said, which was probably correct. But what they didn’t understand, said my friend, was that the classes he was taking at his pre-transfer city school were using material 3-4 grade levels behind ours. Again that reminded me that several decades post-Brown v. Board of Education, we really hadn’t come very far. And it inspired me to major in Black Studies in college so that I could learn how we got here, as a country. STADIUM JOURNEY: Did you consider playing any level of college ball? Were you recruited? JEFF SMITH: Yeah. I had some area D-III teams talking to me. But I got into UNC and  Duke  and honestly, didn’t wanna give that up to play at a small local school. STADIUM JOURNEY: If at all, how did basketball – where big men have a distinct advantage – prepare you for politics? JEFF SMITH: My senior year of high school, we were one of the best teams in Missouri – lost in triple OT to the state’s #1 team, went on a 16-1 streak, etc.. At the pre-season weigh-in, I weighed 92 lbs. I didn’t weigh myself again that season because given our style of play – modeled after Nolan Richardson’s 40 Minutes of Hell – I was pretty sure that the first digit would be “8.” They listed me at 105 since they figured that listing me at 100 would make it obvious that they’d rounded up. So yeah, I was little. Sometimes I had to guard guys who were a foot taller and a hundred pounds heavier. And in those cases the point guard would usually give up the ball at half court, call for a clear out, and try to isolate me on the block. So I developed lots of post defense tricks, like shoving with all my might into somebody’s thighs, and then quickly sliding aside the instant an entry pass was thrown, which often left my man falling backwards and the ball mine for the taking. When I got into politics, I was again the smallest player on the floor – just like I’d been on nearly every court of my life. I was in a 10-way primary with the front-runner being a guy whose dad was a 2-term Governor, mom was a US Senator, sister was Missouri Secretary of State, grandpa was a U.S Congressman and ambassador. Our poll showed that his name ID was 99%. My dad wrote ad copy and then started a business with zero in the basement of an apartment building. My mom worked with kids who had special needs. I had no money, no contacts, and name ID of 3% in our initial poll. So, to say I was a longshot is an understatement. But we ran a pretty scrappy, volunteer-fueled grassroots campaign, and I ended up coming within about 1% of winning and going to Congress at 29. I didn’t walk door-to-door; I ran. So instead of hitting 100 doors a night, I could hit 175. And our staff and interns and volunteers took their cues and ran circles around their counterparts on other campaigns. It turned out that the same tenacity I’d acquired as an undersized point guard was also pretty effective in politics. STADIUM JOURNEY: Did you consider not playing basketball in prison? JEFF SMITH: Hell no. STADIUM JOURNEY: When your fellow convicts first saw you play, what was their reaction? I imagine that they were not expecting you to be much of a player. JEFF SMITH: No, they definitely weren’t expecting much – and that really wasn’t anything new for me. And frankly, at first, I wasn’t much of a prison player; I weighed 117 pounds and wasn’t well-suited to prison ball, which resembles football as much as it resembles high school basketball. I took an elbow to the mouth my first week which left me bloodied, and I realized that I needed to get in prison playing shape. After working at the food warehouse moving 40,000 lbs a day and hitting the weight pile every day for a few months, I put on 30 pounds of muscle which enabled me to get into the paint and take a bump. Pretty soon my nickname changed from “Senator” to “White Chocolate,” which I loved of course, until I took my hot-dogging a little too far and got knocked unconscious. STADIUM JOURNEY: You mention in the book that there were a few athletes with professional sports backgrounds. How high was the level of play at prison? Could the all-stars from your prison play a D 1 team? JEFF SMITH: Yes, the prison all-stars could have played D-I ball. There were 2 guys who played professionally in Europe, one ex-NFL player, and 2 ex-Arena football players. STADIUM JOURNEY: When you were a state senator, you were already a prisoner advocate. What’s your current role in the prison crisis? What can other people do to help? JEFF SMITH: There are so many ways people can help  – pick any that suits you: Be a policy advocate pushing for more sensible sentencing statutes and more humane prison conditions, including correctional educational opportunities. Volunteer inside a prison or with people returning home; people inside need an ear and a friend. Be a penpal. Mentor the child of an incarcerated parent. Donate money to an organization fighting for criminal justice reform, like Families Against Mandatory Minimums or JustLeadershipUSA, or an organization helping people in the system avoid re-offending, such as the Prison Entrepreneurship Program or Concordance Academy. STADIUM JOURNEY: You formed an incredible bond under very tough circumstances with your fellow Warehouse Crew workers. Are you still in touch with them? JEFF SMITH: I stayed in touch with a few of them when I came out, writing letters and sending money for Christmas, etc. Lost touch with some when they transferred, etc, but stayed in touch with one. Wish I were in touch with all of them except for one whose prison nickname was “Charmin” since he was so soft. It’s one of my biggest regrets. Jon Hart is @manversusball

Photos by Matt Colville Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 Admiral Fetterman Field at Blue Wahoos Stadium 351 W Cedar St Pensacola, FL 32502 Pensacola Blue Wahoos website Admiral Fetterman Field at Blue Wahoos Stadium website Year Opened: 2012 Capacity: 5,038 Welcome to Hoosville In 2012, affiliated professional baseball returned to Pensacola for the first time in 50 years, when Blue Wahoos Stadium opened on the downtown waterfront. The last affiliated team, the Class D Pensacola Senators, had folded in 1962, but the city’s passion for the sport was reignited by the independent league Pensacola Pelicans. Purchased in 2002 by local healthcare consultant Quint Studer, the Pelicans played one season at a local junior college, followed by eight successful seasons at the University of West Florida’s Jim Spooner Field, proving that Pensacola was ready for something bigger. Construction of a 5,038-seat stadium began in 2010 at the site of a former toxic waste dump beside the Port of Pensacola. Initially meant as the home of Pelicans, the project soon drew the attention of the Double-A Southern League, leading to one of the most complex franchise relocations in minor league history. Studer sold the Pelicans, purchased the Carolina Mudcats  franchise, relocated another club to preserve the Mudcats name in North Carolina, and even bought the Mobile BayBears’  territorial rights – spending $2 million before the team ever took the field; a fan vote christened the new team the Pensacola Blue Wahoos. Though the stadium fell short of the league’s seating minimum at 5,038 seats, officials waived the rule after seeing its stunning location. From any seat, fans can take in sweeping views of Pensacola Bay, the marina, and the Port – often called the best view in all of baseball. Nestled within 27.5-acre Community Maritime Park, the stadium features open green spaces, a public marina, and walking paths; since opening it also has become a cornerstone of downtown redevelopment. Now the Double-A affiliate of the Miami Marlins , the Blue Wahoos are committed to providing a family-friendly baseball experience. With its intimate setting, modern amenities, and breathtaking backdrop, Blue Wahoos Stadium has secured its place as one of minor league baseball’s premier destinations.   Food and Beverage   4 Over the past few seasons, the Blue Wahoos have completely reimagined their concessions, introducing four themed storefront-style stands; each with its own menu, branding, and personality. In addition to the usual ballpark staples, these stands offer restaurant-quality dishes that reflect the creativity and flavor of the Gulf Coast. Down the first baseline, Casa De Kazoo delivers a Mexican-inspired menu with tacos, nachos, quesadillas, and margaritas. A local touch also comes from the gourmet cheesecakes supplied by Sweet Blessing Pastries, proudly displayed at the stand. Nearby, the Wheelhouse Diner channels a retro 1950s vibe with specialty hot dogs, burgers, and milkshakes. Its most famous creation is the Deep Fried Elvis: a banana dipped in peanut butter and honey, deep-fried, topped with powdered sugar, and served in a hot dog bun. New for 2025, the Wheelhouse also features the Patty Wagon Smash Burger, a hearty addition to its lineup. On the third base side Hook, Line, and Sinker celebrates Pensacola’s coastal roots with seafood favorites like po’boys, shrimp and grits, grouper sandwiches, fried mullet, and hush puppies. For dessert, the Brioche Double Play is a must-try – a pressed ice cream sandwich with your choice of strawberry, cookies & cream, moose tracks, or birthday cake filling. Also on this side is Fish and Hits, an English and Irish-themed pub-style stand offering fish and chips, chicken tenders, and seasoned specialty fries. The Blue Wahoos also lean into over-the-top, shareable ballpark creations. A few years ago, they unveiled the Crabzilla – a $25 behemoth featuring crab remoulade, pork belly, soft shell crab, crab mac and cheese, and fried shrimp, topped with lettuce, tomato, and two hush puppies perched on the bun. This gut-busting sandwich even earned Ballpark Digest’s Best Concession award in 2019. Now, new for 2025 is The Trust Fund, a decadent mix of sautéed vegetables, crème fraiche, sturgeon caviar, grilled steak medallions, and snow crab legs, all served in a baseball helmet. Fans looking for a place to relax will enjoy Bubba’s Sand Trap, a bar behind home plate named after co-owner Bubba Watson. Here you can watch TV, sip frozen cocktails, enjoy craft beer, or even order sushi. The concourse also features smaller stands, including a gyro booth and a Circle K self-serve grab-and-go. For drinks, the McGuire’s Irish Wake Zone – named for Pensacola’s famed Irish pub – serves specialty cocktails like the Irish Wake and the colorful Blue Wahoo Ultimate (cherry vodka, triple sec, blue curacao, sour mix, and strawberries). Whether you’re craving fresh seafood, outrageous ballpark creations, or a well-made drink, Blue Wahoos Stadium’s food scene is as memorable as its view of Pensacola Bay.   Atmosphere   4 From the moment you walk through the gates at Blue Wahoos Stadium, you know you’re somewhere special. Friendly ushers and an engaging front office staff set the tone, creating an atmosphere packed with energy and on-field excitement. Nearly every game night has its own theme, paired with unique promotions or giveaways, ensuring no two visits feel the same. Between innings, emcees Downtown Dave and Big Time Tim keep fans laughing and engaged with contests, games, and prize giveaways. The team’s beloved mascot, Kazoo – a mischievous blue sea creature – roams the concourse and field, interacting with fans of all ages. In-game entertainment ranges from the hilarious Roach Run, where kids chase a costumed roach across the outfield, to the seventh-inning Grounds Crew Drag and Dance, where the infield crew performs choreographed routines while grooming the diamond. The stadium’s military connection runs deep, reflected in promotions like the Military Mascot Race, featuring a Navy goat, Army mule, Marine bulldog, and Coast Guard bear.  Also at the main entrance behind home plate you’ll find a nice, detailed “Navy Baseball History in Pensacola” display, showcasing the once prominent Navy baseball scene in Pensacola. Once a month, the club also hosts “Home Run for Life,” honoring a child who has overcome medical hardships – both teams line the basepaths as the honoree circles the bases, high-fiving players along the way, a moment that never fails to inspire. Theme nights and fan favorites like Doggone Tuesday (fans bring their dogs), 850 Wednesdays (local businesses spotlighted), Thirsty Thursdays ($2 drafts), Giveaway Fridays, Saturday fireworks, and Military Family Sundays keep the calendar full. The Wahoos also embrace their fun alter ego, the Pensacola Mullets, wearing mullet-themed jerseys for select games. Creative theme nights even often transform the ballpark itself – corn stalks at the gates for “Field of Dreams Night,” Ron Burgundy look-alikes for “Anchorman Night,” or colonial settler costumes for Five Flags Fiesta Night, honoring Pensacola’s history and the old Pensacola Dons franchise. Located inside 27.5-acre Community Maritime Park, the stadium shares space with an amphitheater, playground, outdoor fitness center, and scenic waterfront boardwalk. Palm trees sway along the exterior, adding to the Florida-coastal vibe, and the stadium’s sandy-colored brick facade matches nearby beachside condos. Beyond left field lies the Port of Pensacola and a marina filled with luxury yachts, while the seating bowl offers constant views of sailboats gliding across Pensacola Bay. Seating behind home plate in Sections 100 and 101 has repeatedly been voted the “Best View in Baseball,” and it’s easy to see why. The park’s elevated concourse – built high due to its hurricane-zone location – offers a 360-degree walkable design so fans never miss a pitch. Behind home plate the Bait & Tackle Team Store stays open year-round, while the Cox Clubhouse features kids games, a bounce house, TVs, and a VR sports room. There are no luxury suites, but the Hancock Whitney Club on the third floor above the third baseline offers premium seating, a full food spread, and stunning summer sunset views over the bay. From top-tier fan engagement to unbeatable scenery, Blue Wahoos Stadium blends baseball charm with Gulf Coast personality, delivering one of the most memorable minor league experiences in the country.   Neighborhood   5 With its prime downtown and bayfront location, Blue Wahoos Stadium sits just two blocks from Palafox Street, the main artery of downtown Pensacola. Along this stretch of South Palafox you’ll find more than 50 restaurants and bars, ranging from casual bites to upscale dining. A short walk from Palafox is the legendary Seville Quarter, a French Quarter-inspired complex of seven themed saloons. The crown jewel is Rosie O’Grady’s, a two-story institution famous for Hurricane cocktails, dueling pianos, and colorful tales of ghostly patrons. Just east of downtown, McGuire’s Irish Pub is another must-visit. Known for the more than 100,000 signed $1 bills tacked to its ceiling, McGuire’s offers hearty pub fare at reasonable prices – unless you splurge on its playful $100 burger. Downtown’s walkable streets and waterfront scenery also mean dinner with a view is always within reach. For a change of pace, the National Naval Aviation Museum – the only museum dedicated exclusively to naval aviation – offers free admission and hands-on exhibits. Visitors can step inside a motion simulator, test their skills in a jet trainer, or explore hundreds of full-sized aircraft. And if you’re lucky enough to be in town when the Blue Angels are practicing, catch the squadron’s jaw-dropping maneuvers, sometimes visible right from the stadium’s right field party deck. Other area highlights include Pensacola Colonial Village, the historic Pensacola Lighthouse, and Civil War-era Fort Barrancas and Fort Pickens. For sun and sand, Pensacola Beach on Santa Rosa Island is just across the bay, packed with attractions and beachfront dining. A bit farther afield, Destin lies about 45 miles east, while Orange Beach and Gulf Shores are roughly 30 miles west. Lodging options are plentiful, though prices climb as you get closer to the water. Whether you’re here for a game, a weekend getaway, or a beach retreat, Pensacola blends historic charm, coastal beauty, and plenty to do, all within a short walk or drive from Blue Wahoos Stadium.   Fans   5 In 2025 the Blue Wahoos averaged roughly 3,900 fans per game – second-best in the Southern League – despite playing in the league’s smallest ballpark, with its capacity of just 5,038. What the park lacks in size, however, it makes up for in loyalty: Pensacola boasts the largest season-ticket base in the league, and sellouts are common, creating a lively, packed-house feel nearly every night. The fan base is also as diverse as the Gulf Coast itself; Pensacola’s strong military presence means service members are a regular sight in the stands, while Florida’s Panhandle also draws a significant population of snowbirds and retirees escaping northern winters. On any given night, you might spot jerseys from across the country, representing both major and minor league teams. Adding to the mix are vacationing families visiting the area’s white sand beaches, many of whom make a Blue Wahoos game part of their trip. When I worked in the front office here, I met fans from across the United States and as far away as New Zealand and Japan. The result is a melting pot of cultures and ages, all coming together for one of the most unique atmospheres in minor league baseball.   Access   3 Blue Wahoos Stadium sits in the heart of downtown Pensacola, right on the edge of Pensacola Bay, just a couple of blocks west of the city’s main thoroughfare, Palafox Street. For visitors coming from out of town, the easiest route is to take I-10 to the I-110 interchange, which drops you into downtown after about four miles. If you’re unfamiliar with the area, it’s a good idea to use GPS; the ballpark can be a little tricky to spot at first, and downtown’s mix of one-way streets can be confusing. Parking can also be a challenge on busy game nights. A small lot directly outside the stadium charges $10, but fills up fast. Fortunately, there are plenty of alternatives – about 10 public lots within a 10-minute walk, many of which charge just $5. The team provides a parking map  to make it easier to find the best option before you arrive. Once inside the concourses can become crowded, especially on weekends when attendance is at its peak, and concession lines tend to back up during the busiest innings. Still, the layout is straightforward, making it easy to navigate the stadium and locate your seat. And no matter where you sit, you’ll be treated to stunning views of Pensacola Bay beyond the outfield, a backdrop that makes every game feel a little more special.   Return on Investment   3 Catching a game with the “Best View in Minor League Baseball” doesn’t come cheap; tickets for Blue Wahoos games typically run between $23 and $35, a steeper range than many Double-A parks. The good news? Parking is a bargain, and with a little luck, you can even snag a free spot in downtown Pensacola. At one of the most beautiful ballparks in the country, you’re not just buying admission to a baseball game – you’re investing in the full experience. From the breathtaking bayfront backdrop to the lively, fan-friendly atmosphere, it’s a setting that ranks among the very best in all of Double-A baseball.   Extras   5 Since 2015 the Blue Wahoos have enjoyed a unique connection to golf greatness through co-owner Bubba Watson, a two-time Masters champion and proud Pensacola native. When he’s not on tour Watson is a familiar face at the ballpark, often spotted behind home plate with his wife and kids. Unlike some celebrity owners who stay behind the scenes, Watson embraces the fan experience. He doesn’t just show up; he mingles, chats, and shares the stands with the crowd, making him as approachable as he is accomplished. Another familiar name in the ownership group is Derrick Brooks – Pensacola native, NFL Hall of Famer, and former Florida State linebacker who starred for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Brooks shares his half of the team with Bubba Watson, while local businessman Quint Studer owns the other half. Adding to his local ties, Watson also runs Bubba’s Sweet Spot, an ice cream shop just a couple of blocks from the stadium. Another plus for the top row of Section 101 earning the title of Best View in Baseball, offering sweeping, unobstructed vistas of Pensacola Bay that no other ballpark can match. Beyond left field, the shoreline comes within just 15 to 20 feet of the fence, creating a scene reminiscent of McCovey Cove at San Francisco’s Oracle Park  – it’s not unusual for big hitters to launch home runs that splash down into the bay’s sparkling waters. The Blue Wahoos have been recognized multiple years in a row for delivering the Top Fan Experience in Baseball, because they put their fans first in everything they do. One of the team’s biggest advantages over other organizations is their commitment to listening; after every game fan engagement surveys are emailed to every ticket buyer, asking what they loved, what could improve, and for an overall rating of their visit. The Wahoos also track their Net Promoter Score – a measure of how likely fans are to recommend the team to others. During my time working with the Wahoos, they posted an NPS of 85 out of 100, a figure that actually ranked higher than the Walt Disney Company. It’s a testament to a philosophy that values feedback, acts on it, and keeps the fan experience at the center of the ballpark. The Wahoos are committed to their mission statement to improving the quality of life for people in Pensacola. Blue Wahoos Stadium is also truly a multi-purpose facility that hosts up to 200 events every year.  In addition, the Wahoos have a fully functioning in-house catering staff led by Executive Chef Travis Wilson, and the views from the Hancock Whitney Club provide the perfect backdrop for numerous dinners, banquets, and parties throughout the year. Community Maritime Park, where the stadium is located, also hosts a plethora of different events such as concerts, runs, and festivals throughout the year. It’s safe to say that Community Maritime Park and Blue Wahoos Stadium have been a huge success for the City of Pensacola, and will continue to serve the community well for years to come.

Photos by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Southwest University Park 1 Ballpark Plaza El Paso, TX 79901 Map It El Paso Chihuahuas website Southwest University Park website Year Opened: 2014 Capacity: 9,500 Chihuahua Fun The El Paso Chihuahuas (the San Diego Padres AAA affiliate) moved to El Paso, TX, in 2014. Prior to that, they played their baseball games as the Tucson Padres at Kino Veterans Memorial Stadium in Tucson, AZ. Southwest University Park sits on the site of the former El Paso City Hall, which the city demolished in 2013 in preparation for the ballpark construction.  Its architecture has a brick facade similar to the style of El Paso’s Union Depot.  Fans can see indications of FC Locomotive (soccer) on the diamond as the USL C team shares the facility. The Chihuahuas won the Pacific Coast League championship in 2016 and have won two conference titles and five division titles.  Current MLB players Josh Naylor (Cleveland Guardians) and Andres Munoz (Seattle Mariners) were El Paso Chihuahuas.  Food & Beverage 5 Southwest University Park has an outstanding choice of nourishment and drinks, much focused on Mexican fare.  Concession stands line the inner concourse from foul pole to foul pole.  Examples (but certainly not all) include:  Peter Piper Pizza - pizza slices, chicken tenders, baskets, and sandwiches ($11.50 - $16), hot dogs, corn dogs, cheeseburgers ($5.50 - $14), and a Flauta bucket costs $14. Chico’s Eats and Treats - hot dogs, nachos, and Frito pies run $5.50 - $11.99, and ice cream cones, sundaes, and floats cost $4.50 - $15. Chihuarrrines (pineapples dunked in hot sauce), a colossal 3-pound burrito drenched in queso, and a bacon-wrapped “Juarez” hot dog are specialties. Island Noodles (just inside the Santa Fe St entrance) is always a good selection. Dog Bowl Nachos, loaded nachos served in a souvenir dog bowl, is a popular and unique ballpark food item.  Most concession stands serve traditional snacks like popcorn, chips, peanuts, French fries, etc. Fans will find a Dippin’ Dots and a Gozo’s ice cream stand on the concourse.  Pepsi is the soda brand of choice ($5/$8), and bottled water is $5. Beer choices include traditional domestic beers ($8.75/can) and premium beers ($9.75 and $11.25/can). Clamato beverages run $12.25 - $18.25, while cocktail and mason jar cocktails cost $15.50 - $18.50.   A premium draft beer is $12.25, and a souvenir baseball bat beer costs $25. The Tequila Gazadores Cantina, a bar in a brick building just behind the right field fence, is open to the public.  It’s a good place for fans to visit during the hot summer as it is pleasantly air-conditioned. Rehydration stations called the Quench Zones, where you can fill and refill your bottles, are near some restrooms. Atmosphere 4 Southwest University Park is a delightful place to catch an El Paso Chihuahuas ballgame, especially if your focus is not solely on the game. The game day staff entice fans with activities like dance cam, quizzes, commercials, and the dizzy bat race.  Chico, the mascot, throws t-shirts into the stands during play, which is great for fans who don’t care about the game but is not beneficial to those trying to watch it. The stadium has Chico’s playground beyond center field and includes a splash pad for those hot Texas days.  Kids enjoy this area of the park. Southwest University Park - Chico's Playground, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey During night games, the outfield lights strobe and flash when a Chihuahua player hits a home run or pulls off an outstanding play. Southwest University Park has two levels of seats (many in the shade), with suites behind home plate on the second level.  Green stadium fold-down seats have average width and decent legroom.  Drink rails run along the top of a good portion of the concourse, but many of those are ticketed seats, so fans walking the concourse can’t stop and watch the game.  The seating has several corporate-named sections, most of which are premium suites or hospitality sections:  Dugout Club, Peter Piper Porch, Budweiser Bullpen Patio, West Star Club (Suites), Pepsi Party Deck, Wooftop Deck, Sun Kings Saloon, Santa Fe Pavilion, GECU Green Seats (lawn), etc.  The music is excessively loud, making it difficult to enjoy. Fans struggle to hear the announcer, even during key moments like announcing the starting lineups. The music person needs to let the announcer speak and not overpower him with music.  Annoyingly, that person plays noise and music between pitches, not just between batters. The PA announcer does not always announce pitching changes; however, whoever updates the scoreboard does an absolutely fantastic, timely job.  Kudos to that person.  The scoreboard in right-center field is easy to read. Neighborhood 4 Southwest University Park is adjacent to downtown El Paso, and with that comes lots of other activities and places to eat and stay. The ballpark is next to the Convention Center (which also houses the El Paso Visitors Center), the El Paso Museum of History, the El Paso Museum of Art, La Nube STEAM Discovery Center, Cleveland Square Park, and three blocks from San Jacinto Plaza.  When in El Paso, take the scenic drive , which goes up the mountain and provides delightful views of El Paso and Juarez. Other sports in the area include the El Paso Rhinos (junior ice hockey) and UTEP Miners sports events.   If you have a passport, head over to Mexico and visit Parque Público Federal El Chamizal .  Then catch an FC Juárez (Liga MX) match at Estadio Olímpico Benito Juárez. Plenty of restaurants are within three or four blocks.  Some recommended ones include Barrio Eats and Drinks, Park Tavern , and Rock Star Burger Bar .  Check Visit El Paso for many more selections. Several hotels are near the ballpark. The Courtyard El Paso, Hilton Doubletree, and Boxstel Hotel - Modern Stay are the closest.  A Holiday Inn Express is a little further away, and it has free parking.  We stayed at the Doubletree, and it was fine. Southwest University Park - Hotels Beyond Outfield, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Fans 4 Fans are passionately vocal.  They cheer at the appropriate times.  There’s even an inoffensive heckler or two in the crowd.  Many fans wear Chuco Town (an El Paso sobriquet) shirts and plenty of other baseball-labeled attire, though not a lot of San Diego Padres gear. The Chihuahuas were one of the top 10 in attendance in minor league baseball in 2024 with an average of 6,551 fans per game.  Many fans don’t know to wait until a stoppage in play but instead head to and from their seats while a batter is still in the box.  If you want to watch the game, we recommend sitting in the first row, in the center of a section, or along the drink rail to reduce the pedestrian traffic game blockage. Most fans pick up their own trash, a welcome sight. Access 3 El Paso is in the western part of Texas on the Ciudad Juarez, Mexico border and a stone’s throw from New Mexico.  The El Paso International Airport (ELP) is nine miles east of the ballpark.   Southwest University Park is a half mile off I-10 in the downtown area of the city, next to the Convention Center. Several parking garages are within a few blocks of the stadium, the closest probably the Convention Center garage, at 1 Civic Center Plaza, El Paso, TX 79901.  Check here for more parking information. Fans can take SunMetro bus 50 to the Missouri/Oregon stop and walk three blocks to the stadium.  Fans may even want to ride a vintage streetcar to the ballpark, something unique to El Paso. The stadium has two entrances.  Clear stadium-sized 12” x 6” x 12” sports bags are allowed.  Depending on the security rep you pass you may or may not have to take your baseball cap off. Because of the crowds, the concourse gets seriously crowded.  I did not find the stadium easily conducive for those with mobility issues. Recommendation to the El Paso Chihuahuas:  Open one gate between Franklin and Missouri on Santa Fe Ave for fans to exit after the game.  Bathrooms are plenty and are kept remarkably clean throughout the game. . Return on Investment 4 Ticket prices vary greatly and can range from $8 - $100 depending on game, opponent, and day.  We recommend checking the promotion schedule, as the team has plenty. Sunday Kids Day:  Kids get to run the bases, and there is usually a toy giveaway. Taco Tues and Brews:   $3 Estrella 12 oz canned beer, $3 two rolled tacos, $5 Cazadores RTDs (ready to drink) Mature Munchies Wednesdays:    Receive a voucher for a regular hot dog, fries, and a regular fountain soda (24oz) for sixty and older fans. Thrifty Thursdays:  $2 Busch Light 12oz canned beer, $2 small popcorn, $3 small soda, $3 small hot dog, $5 NUTRL On most days, active-duty military, veterans, and government employees can enjoy a 25% discount on ticket prices. Then there’s Fireworks Night, Scout Night, Nurses Day, Bark in the Park, and plenty more, with most games offering some giveaway or deal.  Extras 3 Several other items are worth noting when visiting an El Paso Chihuahuas game at Southwest University Park: The customer service is tremendously helpful and warm.  Be sure to pick up a roster and scorecard at the customer service desk.  They also have 1st game pins. The stadium's outfield has a unique cutout in center field, making it somewhat quirky. Southwest University Park - Centerfield Cutout, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Final Thoughts If you savor the social aspect of visiting minor league ball games, the El Paso Chihuahuas have you covered.  With plenty of activities and entertainment outside of the ballgame, a host of food and beverage choices, and a slew of promotion days, fans will enjoy themselves at the ballpark.

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Billed as the largest crowd ever for a regular season Major League Baseball game (91,032 attendees), the Speedway Classic at Bristol Motor Speedway got hit with the red flag after just seven batters came to the plate, due to rain. Low clouds filled the valleys of Bristol, Tennessee throughout the morning, taunting fans who had fired up grills in the parking lots or wandered into the MLB Speedway Classic Fan Zone for early festivities. The Fan Zone featured interactive games, photo ops with the World Series trophy, a large “It’s Bristol Baby!” sign, and team specific graphics, and food trucks, while a live concert stage entertained fans throughout the day, headlined by Jake Owen. A towering 110-foot Ferris wheel spun next to the stage, while the Legacy Walk paid tribute to Reds  and Braves  legends. The fan zone also served as the backdrop for several national television pregame broadcasts, drawing heavy traffic in the hours leading to first pitch. While the Fan Zone had plenty to keep fans entertained before the gates opened, it did feel as if the space was too small for the size of the crowd. Congestion bottlenecked at entry points near the lower level and cell reception was limited, making it difficult to access ticketing apps. The stadium’s public Wi-Fi also became overwhelmed as more fans started to use it due to poor phone reception. As the intermittent rain intensified, Tim McGraw took the stage for the pregame concert, joined by cameos from Jake Owen and Pitbull. The performance closed with an emotional tribute, as McGraw sang “Live Like You Were Dying” while footage of his father, Tug McGraw, sealing the Phillies’  1980 World Series championship played on stadium screens, sparking a loud cheer from the growing crowd. However, while McGraw’s set likely thrilled die-hard McGraw fans, only a handful of songs would have been familiar to more casual country music listeners. Meanwhile, Pitbull’s brief and limited appearance during the encore, despite his being promoted as a featured performer, was disappointing. As McGraw’s set wrapped up, players climbed into team-colored pickup trucks, the Braves  in blue and white and the Reds  in red and white, and paraded around the track to kick off player introductions. As the starting lineups were introduced, players emerged from center field between customized Braves and Reds stock cars, as smoke machines disguised as stacks of tires shot smoke into the air. Pit crews held out pit signs with each player’s number, as if signaling a race car in for a pit stop. Meanwhile, rain continued to fall steadily throughout the National Anthem, which was capped by a flyover from four Navy F/A-18 Super Hornets. As the roar of the jets faded, National Baseball Hall of Famers Chipper Jones and Johnny Bench took the field for the ceremonial first pitch, but the moment took a NASCAR turn. Chase Elliott, representing the Braves , and Kyle Busch, a longtime Reds  fan, joined the two Hall of Famers; Jones threw to Elliott, while Bench assumed his familiar position behind home plate when Busch threw to him. Shortly following the opening pitches, the rain began to intensify. The grounds crew rushed out like a NASCAR pit crew jumping over the wall for a four-tire change and splash of gasoline, quickly pulling the tarp across the infield as fans scrambled to the concourse for cover. As the rain picked up the aluminum bleachers leaked rainwater onto the concourses below, with the lower levels taking the brunt of the cascading flows. The delay stretched to 2 hours and 17 minutes, during which time concession lines grew and several stands ran out of essentials like hot dog buns, nacho cheese, and beer. Shortly after 9:40 pm, the game finally saw its first pitch. Reds’  starter Chase Burns retired the Braves  in order during the top of the inning, through an increasingly steadying rain. Braves starter Austin Cox was pressed into service after Spencer Strider was scratched due to the extended delay . The Reds struck early, grabbing a 1–0 lead on an Austin Hays RBI single past a diving Austin Riley, scoring Matt McLain as the rain again picked up, sending the grounds crew back onto the field in an attempt to sop up the growing quagmire of an infield. Unfortunately their efforts were in vain, and after another extended delay the game was hit with the black flag, suspended to be resumed the next day. Those relying on rideshare apps waited for hours, hoping to reach nearby hotels or neighboring towns. The night ended far from how anyone had envisioned it. The suspended game resumed Sunday afternoon, and in response to dwindling concessions from the night before, fans were allowed to bring in their own food and water, a welcome change that helped ease some of the frustration from the night before. The Reds  led 1–0, but that advantage vanished faster than Ryan Blaney’s 132 mph track-record lap. The Braves  turned to their third pitcher before the end of the 1st inning, Hurston Waldrep, who had spent the previous night with Triple-A Gwinnett  before making the 5 1/2-hour drive to Bristol early Sunday morning. Waldrep entered with runners on first and third with one out and escaped the jam unscathed,  with Atlanta allowing just the one run from the night before. In the Braves’  half of the 2nd inning, Reds  reliever Brent Suter retired the first two batters before giving up back-to-back hits to Michael Harris II and Ozzie Albies. Then, Eli White blasted a 2-1 changeup over the left field wall for a three-run homer, triggering the crowd-pleasing “Home Run Car”, a custom Corvette circling the track with a Home Run flag rippling out of its passenger side window, to the delight of fans gathered along the SAFER barrier. Waldrep’s lone blemish was a sacrifice fly off the bat of Matt McClain, who would account for both of the Reds’  runs in the game. But this game belonged to Eli White, who launched his second homer of the game in the 7 th  inning, a solo shot to left center, giving Atlanta a 4–2 lead. The Reds threatened in the 8th but could not push a run across.   Much in NASCAR fashion, the star for the victorious Braves , White, hoisted the Speedway Classic trophy above his head in celebration, as the Braves mascot triumphantly waved a massive Speedway Classic flag from the mound. Major League Baseball deserves credit for thinking outside the box and bringing a regular season game to such an unexpected venue. This marked the first MLB game ever played in Tennessee, and staging it inside a NASCAR track gave it a sense of uniqueness. Unfortunately, much of that magic was dampened, literally, by rain delays and logistical hiccups. While fans will remember the novelty, many will also recall the frustration and fatigue. MLB should be applauded for innovation, but future events of this scale deserve smoother execution to ensure fans leave with nothing but great memories.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Labatt Memorial Park 25 Wilson Ave London, ON N6H 1X2 London Majors website Labatt Memorial Park website Year Opened: 1877 Capacity: 5,200 Major Historic Baseball Labatt Memorial Park in London, Ontario has the distinction of being the World’s Oldest Baseball Grounds.  After a bit of an administrative battle with Guiness, the ballpark on the Thames River has had its status confirmed and is now in the Guiness Book of World Records.  Tecumseh Park was built in 1877 for the London Tecumsehs, both named after Sawnee Chief Tecumseh.  In 1877, the Tecumsehs played the Boston Red Stockings in London, who would go on to become the Boston Braves, and eventually the Atlanta Braves.  After a major flood in 1936, Labatt Brewing donated $10,000 to renovate the park and acts as a memorial to the founder, originally John Labatt Memorial Athletic Park, which is why the Labatt name remains and has not been changed to the current parent company, Anheuser-Busch InBev.  The park is currently home to the Western Mustangs, Fanshawe Falcons and most prominently, the London Majors of Intercounty Baseball League.  Labatt Memorial Park was also the home of affiliated baseball for a time when the Double-A London Tigers played in London.  Independent teams have also called Labatt Park over the years including the London Werewolves and the short lived London Monarchs and London Rippers.  Labatt Memorial Park has been designated a National Heritage Site. The Majors were founded in 1925 as the London Braves and found time over the years as the London Winery, London Silverwoods, London Army Team, London Diamonds, London Pontiacs, London Avcos, London E-Morocco Majors before settling permanently on the London Majors in 1975.  The Majors are currently owned by Scott Dart and Roop Chanderdat and boast 14 IBL Championships, the most recent in 2022.  Former Major League legends Denny McLain and Ferguson Jenkins pulled on a Majors uniform and took the field for a time. Food & Beverage 3 Labatt Park features a fairly common snack bar type concession.  Hot dogs, burgers, sausage, nachos, popcorn, peanuts and chips are available.  A bit of a unique option is the actual hand scooped ice cream that is available in a variety of flavours.  Freezies (an Intercounty League staple) and other ice cream bars can also be found.  Lines at the concession are usually quite long. Coca-Cola products are the soft drink of choice at Labatt Park but Powerade, water, coffee and tea can also be found.  A variety of canned beer and hard seltzer is available for purchase at the dedicated concession stand for alcoholic beverages.  The Majors have partnered with nearby Railway City Brewing in St. Thomas to provide craft brewing options to go along with the major brands.  Railway City is canning London Majors branded beer which is available at Labatt Park. Atmosphere 4 Labatt Memorial Park boasts of being the “World’s Oldest Baseball Grounds” which has been validated by the Gunness Book of World Records. It is not the place it was back in 1877, but it is in the upper echelon of IBL parks. The park is nestled neatly in the West London neighbourhood and is fairly nondescript from the outside. The main structure is brown brick, which acts as the main grandstand, washrooms, team store and concessions. The grounds are kept behind large wrought iron gates which gives the park an extra sense of pageantry. Historical poster boards surround the exterior of the park, which tell the story of Labatt Memorial Park and aid in the ballpark tour. Inside the ballpark, the playing surface is a symmetrical 330 feet down the lines and 402 feet to dead centrefield, east of the plate. The main grandstand is covered and features aluminum bleacher seating. Fans will want to be selective in their seating as to not have an obstructed view from one of the eight support beams. The three rows immediately behind the backstop feature metal stadium seats with backing. On either side of the main grandstand are permanent bleacher seats, the first eight rows of which have backs. Continuing past the first section of bleachers on either side are another pair of sets, which are a bit more temporary. The playing surface is natural grass and modern LED lighting is ready for dusk during evening games. Mature trees line the wall from left field to centre field, beyond which is the Thames River. A simple, baseball scoreboard is beyond the right centre field wall. The Majors have thirteen retired numbers for Joe Owen, Norm Aldridge, Russ Evon, Gabby Anderson, Richard Thompson, Wayne Fenlon, Bob Deakin, Roy McKay, Tommy White, Mike Kilkenny, Dave Byers, Arden Eddie and Fergie Jenkins.  The Majors have also earned IBL titles in 1925, 1936, 1937, 1943, 1944, 1945, 1947, 1948, 1951, 1956, 1969, 1975, 2021 and 2022.  Neither the titles nor the retired numbers have a prominent position at Labatt Park, which is a failing. The gameday production at a Majors game is decent and has become more modern over the last few years. The Majors employ an in-game host to keep the fans interested and have recently brought Forest, the mascot, into the fold.  Kids run the bases after the third inning.  There is no “baseballs are the property of the team and must be returned” announcement, which is not uncommon in the IBL.  The Majors stumbled on a bit of a phenomenon with their “Forest City Cobra Chickens” rebrand.  Cobra Chicken games provide some extra promos and excitement and attract a larger than normal crowd.  On-field promotional games are populated by fans volunteering online after scanning a QR code.  The 50/50 draw is also a staple. Neighbourhood 3 Labatt Park is located in West London, on the western border of Downtown and south of Western University. The neighbourhood, located on the western bank of the North Thames River at the confluence of the main artery, is mainly residential.  There are a couple of small spots for a pre or post game meal, including Under the Volcano, however a short drive across the river will drastically increase the options.  Covent Market, across the road from Canada Life Place, has a number of options.  Waldo’s On King might be a good choice. London has a number of sporting options.  The London Knights  of the OHL, who are famous for being owned by the Hunter brothers and their massive success, play at Canada Life Place, downtown.  Western University also fields a full complement of athletic teams north of Labatt Park.  The Western Mustangs are known for football at Western Alumni Stadium  as well as basketball at Alumni Hall  and hockey at Thompson Arena .  Right across the road from the stadium are a couple of historic points with Museum London right there.  Fanshawe Pioneer Village and Covent Garden Market are also options for other things to do.  The Labatt Memorial Park tour should not be forgotten, especially with a low cost of $10.  There are a few downtown hotels for fans who wish to stay in London.   Delta Hotels London Armouries and Residence Inn are downtown options a short drive from Labatt Park. Fans 3 It is difficult to assess fans for the Intercounty Baseball League as attendance figures are not regularly compiled and posted for public consumption.  That being said, the London Majors anecdotally attract an audience in the upper echelon of the league.  The league itself has reported decent growth in fan support over the past few seasons.  The fans are knowledgeable and passionate.  The game that was reviewed was a Cobra Chickens game and saw a crowd of at least 1,000 fans.  Some have taken to some of the more intricate baseball traditions as at the game reviewed, a group of fans behind the plate were counting the number of consecutive balls the opposing pitcher threw.   Access 4 Labatt Memorial Park is located in West London, on the banks of the Thames River.  Getting to Labatt Memorial Park requires fans to travel through Downtown London.  The park is a significant distance from the main artery through Southern Ontario, Highway 401.  Traffic is not usually a major challenge for baseball games.  There is some limited parking on site for Majors games, but it is not overly convenient.  Parking on one of the side streets in the West London neighbourhood is probably a better option.  Leaving plenty of time before the game is a good idea.  For fans wishing to take public transit, London Transit buses travel along Riverside Drive and Wharncliffe Road North.  Fans should consult the London Transit  website for fares, maps and schedules. Labatt Park is small enough that it is easy to get around.  Concessions and washrooms are on the outer side of the ballpark.  The washrooms are a little dated, but adequate for the facility. Return on Investment 5 There are not too many sporting experiences out there that offer the low price and value that the London Majors and IBL do.  Majors tickets are a very affordable $12 each.  Parking at Labatt Park will go for $3, however, street parking can be found at no cost.  Concession prices are in line with other teams in the league.  The opportunity to see baseball in a historic venue for such a low price offers a very significant return on investment.  Add the possibility of seeing a Cobra Chickens game, given the extra excitement, and it seems impossible to go wrong. Extras 4 An extra mark for the Labatt Memorial Park Tour, which can be taken on a gameday.  For $10, a trip through the stadium and Roy McKay Clubhouse with a discussion of the stadium’s unique history can’t be beat. An extra mark for the London Majors and the 2020 Legacy Classic.  With the 2020 IBL season cancelled due to the pandemic, the Majors hosted the Guelph Royals in a single game to continue the legacy of Labatt Memorial Park. An extra mark for the history shared on the London Majors website.  What the park lacks in displaying retired numbers and championships, is made up for with the massive repository of history on the Majors’ website.  Definitely worth checking out! An extra mark for the Forest City Cobra Chickens temporary rebranding.  What began as an April Fool’s joke has morphed into a bit of a phenomenon, even garnering national attention.  Cobra Chickens merchandise flies off the shelves and a Cobra Chickens game attracts a larger crowd. Final Thoughts It is hard to argue with the staying power that the London Majors have demonstrated along with the Intercounty Baseball League.  Getting to see a game at Labatt Memorial Park is a treat and those hardcore baseball travelers who want to see a piece of history should definitely take advantage of an opportunity to catch the Majors. ---- Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube , Twitter , Threads  and Instagram  @profan9.

In the latest episode of Stadium Journey's Obstructed Views, the guys go streaking. (Well, thankfully not really!) It is off to Day Air Ballpark, home of the Dayton Dragons, owners of the longest sellout streak in professional sports history! The streak is well over 1,500 games and 25 seasons. What is it that makes Dayton such a success? Grab a beer and check out the latest episode of Stadium Journey's Obstructed Views! ⚾🏟️ You can find Stadium Journey's review of Day Air Ballpark and the Dayton Dragons' game day experience here.

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.43 Lenda and Glenda Hill Stadium 33 E College St Hillsdale, MI 49242 Michigan Monarchs website Lenda and Glenda Hill Stadium website Year Opened: 2024 Capacity: 750 Lenda & Glenda Hill Stadium – Michigan Monarchs The Michigan Monarchs began play in the Great Lakes Summer Collegiate Baseball League (GLSCBL) in 1999 as the Lake Erie Monarchs, originally based in Carleton, Michigan. In 2004, the team relocated to Toledo, Ohio, where they played at Ned Skeldon Stadium, the former home of the Toledo Mud Hens. As that facility aged, the Monarchs began splitting time between Skeldon Stadium and Nicolay Field in Adrian, Michigan, ultimately making the latter their full-time home. Scheduling conflicts prompted another move in 2014 to Flat Rock, Michigan, where the team played for five seasons. The team returned to Adrian in 2019, playing at Siena Heights Baseball Field, and following that season, rebranded as the Michigan Monarchs. In 2025, the club moved once again, this time settling at Lenda & Glenda Hill Stadium on the campus of Hillsdale College. The GLSCBL is a league comprised largely of players from mid-major universities, NAIA schools, and community college programs.   Food & Beverage   1 There is no traditional concession stand in use at Monarch games, but soft drinks, Gatorade, and bottled water are sold out of a cooler at a table behind the press box. Although the food and beverage options are limited, fans are welcome to bring their own snacks and drinks into the stadium.   Atmosphere   2 Lenda & Glenda Hill Stadium is a beautiful, newly built baseball facility. A large, steeply pitched roof covers nearly the entire grandstand, which features uniformly navy-blue seats. A drink rail runs behind the seating along the third base side. The stadium is also framed nicely by the tree line, which adds a pleasant backdrop. The game presentation is refreshingly simple, which suits the setting well. There are no mid-inning contests, blaring sound effects, or gimmicks to distract from the action. Aside from music during mid-inning breaks, the focus remains squarely on the game itself. A video scoreboard in right center field tracks balls, strikes, outs, and the inning-by-inning line score. However, it does not update run totals until the end of each inning, a minor quirk that a few fans have been overheard griping about. Still, compared to other summer collegiate ballparks, some of which lack operational scoreboards altogether, this delay does not significantly detract from the experience.   Neighborhood   3 Hillsdale, Michigan, is a small town in the state’s southern region, located near the intersection of the Michigan, Ohio, and Indiana state borders. Lenda & Glenda Hill Stadium is part of the athletic complex at Hillsdale College, which also includes Margot V. Biermann Athletic Center (indoor track), Dawn Tibbits Potter Arena (volleyball and basketball), Muddy Waters Stadium (football and track), and Johnny Williams Field (softball). Between summer workouts and team camps, there is often a steady buzz of athletic activity across the cluster. Downtown Hillsdale is less than a mile from Hill Stadium and offers a collection of shops and restaurants. While several businesses tend to close early in the evening, some popular eateries include St. Joe’s Cafe, Hillside Filling Station Deli, and Handmade Sandwich Shop. For morning or early afternoon games, Ethan’s Donut Factory and Rough Draft both serve breakfast or lighter fare. The downtown area also features two craft breweries, Hillsdale Brewing Company and Big Pines Brewing. For recreational options beyond the ballpark, Hillside Lanes offers retro-style bowling just over a mile from campus. The City of Hillsdale also provides an extensive self-guided walking tour of the town’s historic sites. In addition, Mrs. Stock’s Park hosts live music events throughout the summer, and the 414-acre Baw Beese Lake property features a beach, playground, picnic areas, and biking and hiking trails.   Fans   2 The Monarchs typically draw around 50 fans per game, most of whom appear to be friends or family of the players. The crowd does not necessarily create a definitive home field advantage, but is vocal in their support of the team following positive plays, or will let the umps know about questionable calls. Given the purpose of collegiate summer baseball leagues, fan turnout is often a secondary concern.   Access   2 Hillsdale is most directly accessed via Michigan Route 99. The city feels like a small island surrounded by a sea of cornfields. Once on campus, parking is shared with the surrounding athletic facilities, and it’s a short walk to the stairs that lead down into the stadium seating. Accessibility could be a challenge for some. While there is a ramp on the first base side of the grandstand, getting to it from the parking lot is not especially intuitive. For fans with mobility concerns, the lack of a direct ramp from the lot to the main seating area may pose some difficulties, as the sloped grassy area along the third base side is quite steep and can be tricky to navigate.   Return on Investment   5 Admission is $7, with kids 12 and under getting in free. There’s no formal gate or box office; instead, a team employee circulates through the crowd every few innings to collect entry fees. Seven dollars feels like a fair price for this level of summer ball, especially with no parking fees and very affordable drink prices to match.   Extras   2 The stadium’s cozy layout allows fans sitting near the press box to catch the radio call in real time, adding a unique layer to the in-game experience. Located just behind the first base side of the grandstand, the Delp Family Bullpen is an artificial turf play area that gives kids plenty of room to burn off energy if sitting in the bleachers becomes too much.   Final Thoughts For those who appreciate baseball in its purest form, Michigan Monarchs baseball provides the perfect backdrop – the hiss of a fastball, the pop of the catcher’s mitt, and the crack of the bat stand out in the quiet evening air. Fireflies also dance through the warm summer nights, adding to the small-town magic; it is the kind of setting summer baseball memories are made of.

How is a baseball team name, not a name? Especially one that existed well over a century ago. It’s a series of inaccuracies made by sports historians over the past twelve decades. After examining a lesser-known minor-league ball club, we need to reconsider its history. However, ask anyone and they will tell you that the Webb City Gold Bugs was the name of a baseball team in the early 20th century in the Western Association. The franchise operated in 1903, returned in 1905, and played until 1909. It started in the Class D Missouri Valley League and later joined the Class C Western Association.  Modern databases show several names for this club and identify it as the Gold Bugs for all six seasons. However, digging into newspaper accounts from this time tells a different story. First, a gold bug is not a species of insect. The term is for someone who favors gold as an investment or a standard for measuring wealth. William McKinley's 1896 presidential campaign included many items with a golden bug. It led to his supporters being referred to as gold bugs. Supporters of his opponent, William Jennings Bryan, were “silver bugs” due to their free silver movement. The term "gold bug" has a connection with the U.S. presidential election of 1896. The story begins with the Nevada Lunatics of the Missouri State League. The team was in its third year of existence but was suffering from low attendance and had missed its last payroll. Magnates from Webb City raised $1,200 to purchase the club's assets and moved it on July 11, 1903 (modern data basis lists the day of relocation as July 16). The club never reached Webb City because its ballpark wasn’t ready. Instead, they played a three-game series against Pittsburg at Cycle Park in Joplin, Missouri, with around 200 supporters making the trip. The team was swept in their first series and then dropped their final game at Springfield. In its four games, the club was outscored 50-14. The league consolidated Webb City and Leavenworth from the loop and continued the season as a six-team circuit. However, no newspaper reports from the team’s 4-day existence referred to it as the Goldbugs. Only once did a paper refer to them by a nickname; the Galena (Kansas) Evening Times called them the Webb City Outcasts and the Nevada Refugees in jest. The franchise was caught between its old city and its new one, but never referred to as Goldbugs or Gold Bugs. After a one-year hiatus, the following year, baseball returned to the league in 1905. Management raffled off a $1,000 new automobile to help raise funds to build a ballpark. However, the team that took the field that warm May day in front of 1,921 fans did not have an official name. That did not stop local newspapers from giving them a nickname; a Kansas newspaper referred to them as the Mud Hens. That name, along with Gold Bugs, was never used in the local Joplin newspapers. The ball club played one season, relocated to Iola, Kansas, and entered the Kansas State League. The 1907 Webb City Ball Club was known mostly as the Ducklings, or by the Webbfeet, by away newspapers. Webb City would get a new team in the Western Association when the Sedalia Gold Bugs relocated to town in 1906. They were the original Gold Bugs franchise, first used in 1902, and this would be the closest the franchise came to being called by this moniker. The new club donned the same loud uniforms that gleamed with “lurid brilliancy” that season; shockingly, the ball club had more than one nickname. Some papers called them the Gold Bugs. Yet, local dailies referred to them as the Jiggers. This name comes from a parasitic insect that burrows into the skin; its scientific name is tunga penetrans. This name was the most popular choice in the Webb City Sentinel  and Joplin Globe  before the start of the season. Today, the name is more familiar for an hourglass-shaped measuring device with uneven cones at each end for portioning out spirits. The Gold Bugs name would appear in local newspapers in May and was used a few times in Joplin print, but more often in the Springfield newspapers. Around this time, a popular article appeared in newspapers across the nation. It listed the nicknames of all professional baseball teams for that season and referred to the team name as the Gold Bugs. This article likely helped disseminate information to future historians. Depending on the newspaper, you might see a different name for the Webb City Ball Club Two other names were used for newspapers in league cities in Kansas and Oklahoma. The Hutchinson News called the club the Ducklings. Meanwhile, papers from Topeka and Wichita referred to the team as the Webbfeet, without the city indicator. Depending on what state, city, or newspaper you had in your hand, the name of the Webb City team was significantly diverse.  In 1907, the Gold Bugs name was not mentioned in any team-related print. However, home newspapers began using the names Webbfeet or Ducklings to identify the club. These names showed up in both the Joplin and Webb City papers. The old team name from the year before appeared much less frequently in local print. All these names would gradually fade from memory by the next season. Webb City used the nickname Triplets in 1908 and 1909 in a majority of press clips. It might have been a nod to the city located within the "Tri-State Mining District," a region known for its extensive lead and zinc mining activity during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, also giving Webb City its nickname “The Zinc City." The ball club was known as the Triplets by most media accounts in 1908 and 1909. The Triplets played their final game on July 18, 1909, which included team president D.M. Shively announcing to the crowd that the team was moving to Sapulpa, Oklahoma, after the third inning. Reverend C.F. O’Meara officiated the game behind the plate and gave the club their last rites and funeral services. Webb City dropped their final contest 4-3 to Pittsburg. Minor league baseball returned one last time in 1914 and never returned to the city. Why do baseball publications refer to the team as the Gold Bugs when they went by numerous names during their stay in the city? It could be due to the team never having an "official" name and leaving it up to local and away newspapers to provide a name. This was quite normal in the early 20th century in baseball, but the club could have easily been referred to as the Jiggers, Triplets, or Webbfeet by future baseball historians. It might be due to a news article printed in many papers during Minor League Baseball’s 50th anniversary in 1951. Columnist Lawton Carver shared information about minor league history in his “Fair or Foul” column. He named some old teams: the Providence Clam Diggers, Lincoln Treeplanters, Memphis Egyptians, and Webb City Gold Bugs. Lawton found his data from an old source. It was printed in various newspapers across the country during the golden anniversary year. In 1968, Bill Westwick of the Ottawa Citizen brought up the Gold Bugs again. He was reminiscing about baseball's oddest names, referring to Montreal's expansion franchise. However, the ball club only briefly used the name during the 1906 season after its move from Sedalia. We know that the Webb City franchise had a series of names during its brief existence, spanning from 1903 to 1908. Newspapers in big cities and small towns printed names in black ink, often naming the clubs themselves. Sometimes, those names stuck. If the team had continued, it could have gone by many other great names from its time. However, Webb City was never home to the Gold Bugs. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter   and his YouTube channel .   Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Among the many attractions visitors to downtown Indianapolis will find in the White River State Park is the NCAA Hall of Champions. This interactive museum is part of a three-building complex that was built as part of the NCAA’s headquarters when they moved from Kansas City to Indiana’s capital. Also located in this complex is a conference center and the NCAA and NFHS (National Federation of High Schools) corporate headquarters. As fans enter the Hall of Champions, they are greeted with a statue of several football players in the “flying wedge” formation, a football play so effective and dangerous that it threatened the very existence of the sport itself. This threat from President Roosevelt to outlaw football forced several college leaders to get together and draft rules changes to continue the sport. This is considered the birth of the NCAA. The first floor contains individual exhibits for each NCAA-sponsored sport, complete with artifacts, current team rankings, a listing of past champions and video highlights. Championship banners honoring every current champion in every NCAA sport in every division hang from the ceiling. In a small theater, the latest version of the “One Shining Moment” video from the NCAA basketball tournament plays on a continuous loop. The second floor contains several interactive exhibits, including a 1930s-era basketball gymnasium, a ski simulator, trivia games and more hands-on activities for kids of all ages. These games are not the most interactive nor the most technologically advanced you’ll see, but shooting some hoops in the old gym is absolutely the highlight of the floor. The museum takes approximately 90 minutes to tour completely. Admission to the Hall of Champions costs $7.50 for adults, with seniors receiving a dollar discount and youth admitted for $5.00. Children under 5 and active members of the military are admitted at no charge. The museum is open Tuesday-Saturday from 10 am – 5 pm. It is closed on Mondays and some holidays. Parking for the museum is available in the White River State Park underground garage. Check out the NCAA Hall of Champions website for more information

For two weeks every August, the small borough of South Williamsport, Pennsylvania and its 6,000-plus residents become the center of the baseball world. During this time ten teams from around the United States and ten more from around the world meet to compete in a true world championship. The 2025 Little League World Series will be the 78 th edition of the tournament, having been held since 1947. Visitors to the Little League International Complex will find more here than just the action on the complex’s many fields. Also located here is the Peter J. McGovern Little League Museum, also known as The World of Little League Museum. The museum, which opened in 1982, is located just to the south of Howard J. Lamade Stadium and Little League Volunteer Stadium directly on Route 15. The museum chronicles the growth of Little League Baseball from its beginnings in 1939 as a three-team league to the multi-national organization that it is today. Part of the museum is the Hall of Excellence, which honors former Little League players who “have demonstrated a commitment to excellence in their chosen profession and exemplify the values learned as children in Little League.” Among the many famous  baseball players you would expect to see here are celebrities who became noteworthy in fields other than baseball, including Bruce Springsteen, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Kevin Costner, George W. Bush, Tom Selleck, George Will and Joe Biden. The museum tells the story of the history and growth of Little League in the framework of a six-inning baseball game. Using a mix of artifacts, images, immersive media and interactive exhibits, the museum brings home its mission, which is the belief that the power of youth baseball and softball can teach life lessons that are carried throughout one’s lifetime, building stronger individuals and communities. Among the interactive exhibits is the Global Connections Touch Table, where visitors can look up information on any Little League organization in the world. Fans can also time themselves running from home to first base, and can try to rob a home run from clearing an outfield fence. Admission is quite affordable, priced at only $8 for adults, $5 for seniors and $4 for youths. Hours will differ during the Little League World Series. Members of the military and Little League players wearing their uniforms are admitted free of charge. Audio tours are available in eight languages to accommodate the complex’s many international visitors. The tour takes 60-90 minutes to complete. Visit The World of Little League Museum website for more information.

Photos by Steve Ohnsman, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Little League Central Region Complex 7185 South Indianapolis Road Whitestown, IN 46075 Map It Little League Central Region website Little League Central Region Complex website Year Opened: 2021 Capacity: N/A Central Region Little League The Little League Softball and Baseball International Tournament is played around the world. In the USA, they start with local district competition followed by state championships; the next step is Regional play located at five facilities around the country.  There, 53 teams (50 states plus Washington DC, and a second team each from California and Texas) vie for the chance to move on to the World Series held at Williamsport, PA.  The ten regional champs compete to become the USA champion; simultaneously, ten international champs play to determine the International champion.  Those two teams play one game to see which wins the overall championship . The softball series starts first, followed by the baseball series. REGION LOCATION YEAR OPENED STATES NO TEAMS Great Lakes Whitestown, IN 2021 KY, MI, IN, OH, IL 5 Midwest Whitestown, IN 2021 IA, MN, ND, SD, KS, NB, WI, KS 8 Metro Bristol, CT 1993 CT, NY, RI, NJ 4 Mid-Atlantic Bristol, CT 1993 DE, PA, DC, MD 4 New England Bristol, CT 1993 MA, ME, NH, VT 4 Mountain San Bernardino, CA 1971 CO, MT, NV, UT, WY 5 Northwest San Bernardino, CA 1971 AK, OR, WA, ID 4 West San Bernardino, CA 1971 AZ, HW, NOCAL, SOCAL 4 Southeast Warner Robbins, GA 2010 AL, FL, GA, NC, SC, TN, VA, WV 8 Southwest Waco, TX AR, LA, NM, MS, OK, TXE, TXW 7 International Lamade Stadium Williamsport, PA 1959 US & International Volunteer Stadium Williamsport, PA 2001 International Typically, ESPN broadcasts the last few games of each region; the ESPN and ABC networks show all of the Williamsport games. We attended three days of games in Whitestown this 2024 season.  Prior to its opening, an older facility near Indianapolis, now Burnett Park , hosted the Great Lakes and Midwest regional competition.  Opening ceremonies are held the day before the first scheduled games.  Early in the tournament, four games are played at 11 am, 1 pm, 4 pm, and 7 pm; the two regions play two games each day. Food & Beverage 2 Food options are quite limited, but get the job done.  All beef hot dogs are $3.50; nachos vary from $3.50 to $8; Pepsi products, Gatorade, and bottled water go for $3.  Four unique flavors of cotton candy are fun. Customers order at one window and pick up at another.  Service is friendly and efficient.  Credit cards are accepted. A wide range of restaurants about one mile northeast of the stadium, on Whitestone Parkway, offers solid options for take-out. Atmosphere 4 The stadium offers three seating areas.  We recommend the section right behind home plate with green plastic seats and a roof overhead that provides shade, though no cup holders.  Seats along the baselines, traditional aluminum bleachers, are in the sun for much of the day.  The stadium’s backdrop, facing east, is the I-65 highway, which has constant traffic noise.  As the announcer introduces each state team, that state's university fight song is played – a clever touch.  The music and PA announcements are quite loud.  The scoreboard is excellent, with information about each player and the pitch count, which is very important due to Little League rules intended to protect the pitchers’ arms.  Before some of the games, the players dance to the Cha Cha Slide Dance:  The Cha Cha Slide Dance - YouTube Interesting facts:  the Softball Regional plays first, followed by Baseball.  Softball plays on an all-dirt infield, so the grounds crew has to install new sod for the baseball games in a very short interval.  This crew also does an incredible job of redoing the field for each game.  Umpires, grounds crew, and ushers are all volunteers, per Little League tradition. Neighborhood 4 This stadium resides in a suburban location with an apartment complex to the north.   There are no restaurants or bars within walking distance.  About one mile northeast, a wide range of restaurants offer American and International fare that will satisfy most fans: Thai, Asian fusion, Mexican, Teppanyaki steakhouse, Sushi, Pancake House, pizza, and barbecue will meet all your needs. Moontown Brewing Company is an old converted high school, 5 miles north of the ballpark on the other side of I-69. As expected, Indianapolis (about a 30-minute drive southeast) has many excellent tourist opportunities:  museums, parks, and a zoo.  The Eiteljorg Museum, Eagle Creek Park , and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway/Museum are suggested places . For other sports activities, check if the Indiana Indians (MiLB) are in town. Nearby hotels (about two miles from the ballpark) are a Holiday Inn Express, Fairfield Inn, and Hampton Inn. Fans 4 The majority of fans attending regional games are family and friends from each state.  Quite a few local baseball fans join in the fun.  Overall, the fans are involved and supportive of the players and their performance.  Thankfully, no noise-makers are permitted!!  Attendance varies; the closer the state, the more fans.  As the tournament draws to a close, more fans show up for the championship games.  There is a lot on the line for each team – a chance to play on the fabled Williamsport Field! Access 4 Located just south of exit 130 off I-65, the stadium offers excellent access.  A large grassy parking lot is adjacent.  Unfortunately, no public transportation is available.  A shaded concrete patio has picnic tables.  The air-conditioned gift shop offers official Little League regional shirts, jerseys, sweatshirts, hats, and souvenirs. Photos of earlier champions adorn the walls.  Clean, modern restrooms are behind the concession stand. Return on Investment 5 When there is no charge to go to the games and free parking is provided, the return on investment is optimal!  Concessions are reasonably priced.  Unfortunately, they do not offer a program or rosters for the teams.  A bracket is posted near the gift store which shows the game results. Extras 4 One point each for free entry and parking. Another for the friendly staff.  A fourth for the amazing ground crew.  Final Thoughts Little League Regional competition allows all baseball fans the chance to see some remarkable performances by young athletes; 12 years later, some of these kids are playing in the show!  Free entrance and parking make it a bargain!  Pick a location near you and enjoy a game or two.

Photos by Ben Alkaly and Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.43 Bank of Colorado Arena 1600 14th Ave Greeley, CO 80631 Northern Colorado Bears website Bank of Colorado Arena website Year Opened: 1975 Capacity: 2,734 UNC Bears Basketball On the windswept plains of Northeast Colorado sits the youngest of the Centennial State’s five NCAA Division I members, who play in its smallest basketball venue. The University of Northern Colorado Bears ply their trade at Bank of Colorado Arena in Greeley, about 65 miles northeast of Denver. In these parts, UNC doesn’t refer to the college basketball blue-blood on Tobacco Road. Greeley has grown from an agricultural town into a medium-sized city, but with relatively few entertainment options for the community, a night out supporting the Bears helps fill that void. The 2,734-seat Bank of Colorado Arena is an intimate venue with an “erector set” feel, with retractable bleachers on all four sides. Behind the north baseline is the entrance and tiny concession and merchandise areas, while there are large gaps in the four courtside corners, allowing for easy ingress and egress. If only the parking were so seamless… Food & Beverage 2 The concession options at Bank of Colorado Arena are unlikely to win a James Bears Award anytime soon. To the right as you enter is a cinder-blocked shack selling hot dogs, nachos, pretzels, popcorn, chips, candy, and sodas. The highest-priced menu item is $5.50, so you won’t break the bank. In the opposite direction from the entrance is the Bears Inn, with beer ($7), hard seltzer ($8), and a slushie called Siberian Chill ($5), which you can get spiked for an extra $4. That’s pretty much it on the food and beverage front. Atmosphere 3 Seating is comfortable throughout, with gently sloping bleachers and ample legroom. The "Bear Den" student section is located behind one basket, but student support falls well short of the rowdy atmosphere you might find at a college hoops powerhouse. Sideline seating runs from rows A to Q, with most featuring cushioned, blue fold-down seats; the top three rows offer bench seating without backs.  Accessibility is thoughtfully considered: low-rise steps and handrails throughout the seating areas make navigation easier for all attendees. For a dead-center view of the UNC logo, Section M is your best bet. Bank of Colorado Arena - Northern Colorado Bears, Photo by Ben Alkaly, Stadium Journey Bank of Colorado Arena could benefit from upgraded tech, with two modest video boards tucked into diagonal corners, a dot matrix scoreboard against the wall, and nothing above the court. Neighborhood 3 Greeley is a growing college town with an increasing array of reasons to hang around beyond a Bears’ game. Two miles from the arena, the historic downtown along 8th Avenue features dining spots like JBs Drive-In, Daruma Japanese, Roma Restaurant (pizza and beer), and Rio Grande Mexican Restaurant.  Colorado loves its craft beer, and Greeley has hop-heads covered. WeldWerks Brewing Co., is known for its popular IPAs, while Brix Brewery & Taphouse offers 60 rotating taps. For local attractions, consider visiting the Meeker Home Museum, the Centennial Village Museum, or the Colorado Model Railroad Museum. An early or late-season Bears’ hoops game might coincide with UNC football or baseball/softball season, respectively. Nearby lodging includes the DoubleTree by Hilton Greeley at Lincoln Park, Clarion Hotel & Conference Center, and the Currier Inn B&B, all located near downtown. Fans 3 Attendance has increased steadily as the Bears gain footing in D1 and the Big Sky Conference, averaging over 1,300 per game during the 2024–25 season, up from earlier years. A mix of students, alumni, families, and fellow athletes fills the stands, making for a community-oriented atmosphere. Access 2 The home of the Bears is west of U.S. 85 and north of U.S. 34, the two main points of access to Greeley, in the southeast part of town. Along either route, you’ll drive through some *ahem* odiferous  farmland. The parking setup needs an overhaul. I sat in a long line of cars along 17 th  Ave., waiting to enter UNC’s M lot. Upon reaching the attendant, I was informed it was $10 – cash only – which I did not have. I U-turned and tried the farther Y lot, only to again be told cash only. The attendant took pity on me and granted free parking, but I missed tipoff. Pre-pay or credit card options will cultivate a fan-friendly start to the gameday experience.  Return on Investment 3 While not flashy, Bank of Colorado Arena delivers a quality two-hour sports experience at a modest cost. As of 2024-25, fan-friendly ticket prices range from $7 for youth general admission to $17 for adult premium reserved. The aforementioned affordable concession prices enhance the value. Extras 1 It requires a bit of driving, but you could combine a day of skiing in the Rockies with an evening game at UNC. The closest slopes to campus are on Eldora Mountain, located about 80 miles west. A trip to Eldora will take you through Boulder, home of the University of Colorado and a worth a stop in its own right. Final Thoughts Bank of Colorado Arena holds its own among  the smaller college hoops venues nationwide: Easy to navigate, comfortable, and community-driven. It may not boast high-end amenities, but it delivers an inviting and thoroughly enjoyable gameday experience. For basketball fans looking to explore beyond the power conferences, this is a worthwhile trip.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.43 Mercedes-Benz Stadium 1 AMB Drive Atlanta, GA 30313 Atlanta United FC website Mercedes-Benz Stadium website Year Opened: 2017 Capacity: 42,500 Unite and Conquer When entering the gates at Mercedes-Benz Stadium for an Atlanta United FC soccer match, one of the items that will catch a fan’s attention is the large banner above the gates that confidently states “Unite & Conquer” in gold lettering on a black background.  This slogan aptly describes the life of the Atlanta United Football Club.  Taking to the pitch for their first season in 2017, Atlanta United has been a runaway success.  They have led Major League Soccer in attendance every season they have played, with the exception of the 2020 Covid 19 season.  They have been dubbed the “Loudest Pitch in MLS” according to Newsweek magazine.  They even won the MLS Cup in just their second season, 2018.  Owned by Home Depot magnate and Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank, Atlanta United FC enjoys a synergy with the NFL that no other MLS club can boast. The home pitch for Atlanta United is Mercedes-Benz Stadium.  Built in 2017, Mercedes-Benz Stadium is a modern wonder with a downtown location next to the site of the Georgia Dome, the stadium which it replaced.  It is publicly owned by the Georgia World Congress Authority and boasts a capacity of over 42,000 for soccer, which can easily be expanded for larger events.  The retractable roof, ring video board and unique design make Mercedes-Benz Stadium one of the most recognizable stadiums in the world. Food & Beverage 5 Mercedes-Benz Stadium is well known for a variety of concession options including many cheaper options.  Fans will have no difficulty finding food options.  Some highlights of the menu, to go along with the expected stadium fare, include Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks, Tex-Mex options from Moe’s, Capital District Pizza, Chick-Fil-A, and West Nest Chicken.  The beer and alcohol selection is large and varied throughout the stadium.  Being Atlanta, Coca-Cola products are, of course, the soft drink supplier for Mercedes-Benz Stadium, however, self-serve fountain stations are found throughout.  This not only offers value to the consumer, but also reduces lines. Atmosphere 5 Mercedes-Benz Stadium is one of the most unique and recognizable sports facilities in the world.  It all begins on the exterior which features a multi-sided design, which gives it a star-like look to it.  The triangular panels are translucent offering plenty of natural light into the stadium.  However, a recent development at the stadium has large Mercedes-Benz ads on some of the panels, which take away from the exterior look and make it look cheaper.  The pre-game tailgating area is to the north of the stadium, known as the Home Depot Backyard.  Upon entering the gates at the east end, fans will find a massive metallic falcon, more a nod to the NFL team than soccer, with a massive Atlanta United scarf draped over its neck. Inside the gates there are a number of pre-match items to keep the interest of fans before heading into the stadium proper.  Picture opportunities are plenty at the numerous player jersey standups.  There are also a few games fans can play as well as a music stage.  Inside the stadium, fans will be overwhelmed with the massive concourses.  The ceilings are high and plenty of natural light comes in through the translucent panels.  One would expect the decor inside Mercedes-Benz Stadium to scream Atlanta Falcons.  No doubt there are plenty of items that will remind fans of the NFL team, but a refreshing change is the number of items that are Atlanta United and soccer specific.  Massive nets holding a plethora of soccer balls hang from the concourse ceiling, framed soccer jerseys high in a permanent location and player murals and collages are some of the notes that state plainly that Mercedes-Benz Stadium is not just where Atlanta United plays, but it is the HOME of Atlanta United.  The main team store is packed with all items Atlanta United. The seating bowl surrounds the Field Turf pitch, which is west to east oriented.  The first and second levels of seating are available for soccer matches with the majority of seats curtained off in the third deck.  The exception is the west end, which remains open.  The eyeline is immediately drawn to the retractable roof and the massive ring LED board just below it.  The supporters section is found in the east end and is named The Gulch.  The Gulch is the focus of much of the pre-match festivities.  The players enter the pitch from the north side, in the traditional manner with both squads side by side.  Pyro is part of the east side and the ritual of hammering in The Golden Spike is done at the bottom of The Gulch, signifying the beginning of the match.  Overall, there is plenty to keep the attention of fans and it is difficult to imagine an atmosphere that could be better for Major League Soccer. Neighborhood 5 Mercedes-Benz Stadium is located in Downtown Atlanta, an underrated tourist destination. Being Downtown in a major metropolitan city offers a number of options for pre or post-game food and drink. Some options close by include Max’s Coal Oven Pizza, The Food Shoppe, Sway, Polaris and Sweet Georgia’s Juke Joint.  There are a bunch of other sporting options in Atlanta. The Atlanta Falcons  share Mercedes-Benz Stadium and Atlanta Hawks  play right next door at State Farm Arena. Mercedes-Benz Stadium is also the annual home of the Peach Bowl , now part of the College Football Playoff. The Atlanta Braves  play outside of the Atlanta city limits in Cumberland. Other options include the Atlanta Dream , Georgia Swarm  and Gwinnet Stripers . College sports are also prevalent with Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets football , basketball  and baseball  and Georgia State Panthers football , basketball  and baseball  among other sports. There are also a ton of other tourist options in Atlanta. Fans should consider checking out the World of Coca-Cola, Georgia Aquarium, Olympic Park and College Football Hall of Fame. There are plenty of hotel options that are close. The Omni is an iconic Atlanta staple. Other options close by include Holiday Inn, Hyatt and Marriott. Fans 5 Atlanta United is renowned for having the strongest support in Major League Soccer.  Outside of the 2020 season, Atlanta United has led the league in attendance every season.  For the 2025 season, Atlanta United remains at the top of the league in attendance averaging over 44,000 at the time of writing.  For the match that was reviewed, a disappointing 38,000 was the official attendance, however, the match was on a Wednesday night and the 2025 Atlanta United squad was in 13th place at the time of writing.  Although there was definitely not 38,000 fans in the building at the match which was reviewed, it was still very loud and Atlanta United fans have earned their reputation.   Access 4 Mercedes-Benz Stadium is located in Downtown Atlanta, at the northeast corner of MLK Jr Drive and Northside Drive.  It is west of Highway I-85 and north of I-20.  Getting to the stadium is not too difficult if sufficient time is given, but Atlanta traffic can definitely be an issue.  There are a number of surface lots and parking garages downtown.  Pre-purchasing parking using an appropriate app is probably the best idea for new fans.  The parking deck on Centennial Olympic Park Drive is a very convenient option.  For fans wishing to take public transit, the MARTA station is right there.  Fans should check the MARTA website for fares, schedules and maps. Inside Mercedes-Benz Stadium, getting around is surprisingly easy given the population at events there.  The concourses are large and spacious.  The washroom facilities are adequate for the facility. Stadium Journey recognizes that the security protocols for major sporting events are in constant flux.  Stadium Journey strongly recommends consulting Atlanta United FC  and Mercedes-Benz Stadium  websites for the most up to date security information including prohibited items and bag policy. Return on Investment 4 Tickets for Atlanta United FC start at $31 and go up to $219.   According to the Fan Cost Index, Atlanta United is the 20th most expensive experience in MLS.  Ticket prices may be as expensive or higher than other teams in the league, but as compared, concession prices are much lower.  Parking can be found for a decent price or public transit is convenient.  Fans will definitely have a great time at an Atlanta United match and the return on investment is strong. Extras 3 An extra mark for the success that Atlanta United FC has enjoyed, vaulting them to the top as one of the premier MLS experiences. An extra mark for the unique design of Mercedes-Benz Stadium. An extra mark for Mercedes-Benz Stadium giving fans the feel that it is a true home for Atlanta United FC. Final Thoughts When traversing the experiences of Major League Soccer, Atlanta United FC stands out as being in the top echelon.  The team has taken an NFL venue and made it their own in a way that no other team has.  In the end soccer fans in the USA must put a visit to Mercedes-Benz Stadium at the top end of their bucket list.  Unite and Conquer. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube , Twitter , Threads  and Instagram @profan9.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Polar Park 122 Madison St Worcester, MA 01610 Worcester Red Sox website Polar Park website Year Opened: 2021 Capacity: 9,508 Worcester’s Blue Bandbox   In February 2015 a group of investors, including former Boston Red Sox President Larry Lucchino, purchased the Pawtucket Red Sox from the family of the late Ben Mondor. The ownership group immediately began a search for a new ballpark, as the Pawsox’ longtime home, McCoy Stadium, was deemed unfit without major reconstruction. After several proposed plans in Pawtucket and Providence fell through, it was soon announced that the team would relocate to Worcester (pronounced “Woo-stah”), MA for the 2021 season.   The new facility would be a part of a proposed live-work-play development. Cost for the ballpark alone would reach $159.5 million, making this the most expensive minor league stadium ever built. Polar Beverages purchased naming rights for the ballpark. The Red Sox, colloquially called the “WooSox,” played their first game on May 11, 2021.   Worcester was once home to a Major League Baseball team. The Worcester Worcesters (alternately known as the Brown Stockings or Ruby Legs) played in the National League from 1880 to 1882. The first perfect game in Major League history was thrown in Worcester, by Lee Richmond against the Cleveland Blues on June 12, 1880. The Worcester team was dropped by the league to make way for a franchise in Philadelphia that became the Phillies.   Food & Beverage 5   Concessions have become a point of emphasis in all new sports facilities as a way to maximize the fan experience. Polar Park is no exception, as there is great quality and variety in the concessions offered (a complete map of concessions can be found here ). There is a particular emphasis here to use local companies and products (which will be a recurring theme throughout this review).   Among the local favorites fans can sample at a WooSox game are slices from Wonder Bar Pizza, hot wieners from George’s Coney Island and sausages from The Sausage Guy. Since we’re in New England, it’s only natural that you can grab a lobster roll or clam chowder at the cart in right field.  If you are looking for a snack, personal-sized Table Talk Pies (their factory is located next door to Polar Park) are sold at all stands for just $2. Be warned that concessions lines are long, although they do move well.   The cola wars have skipped Polar Park entirely, as the ballpark sponsor, Polar Beverages, provides the drinks here. If visiting from out of town, Stadium Journey recommends the orange dry. The best way to describe one is it tastes like an orange soda and a ginger ale had a delicious soda baby.   The craft beer game is strong at Polar Park. Drafts from Wachusett, Harpoon, Sam Adams and Greater Good are featured throughout the ballpark. The star of the show at Polar Park is Worcester-based Wormtown Brewery, which offers up several brews, including “Don’t Worry, Be Hoppy,” “Mass Whole,” and a mash-up with Table Talk Pies, “Blueberry Lemon Pie Ale.”   If all these choices don’t do it for you, take a walk on Summit Street, open behind the center field stands during games. The Taste of Worcester, featuring a rotation of local restaurants, can be found here alongside other favorites.   Atmosphere 5   Fans of the Red Sox AAA franchise who have followed the team back to its days in Rhode Island may remember the strong community connection the team had in Pawtucket. In Worcester, that connection has been turned up to eleven. While planning the construction of Polar Park, fan feedback and ideas were actively solicited and used, and this process has continued over the team’s early years. As you look around the park, it’s evident that fan input is taken to heart.   Park is a bandbox, with precious little foul territory and fans right on top of the action. There are numerous social gathering areas throughout the ballpark that all fans can access, giving the park a community feel and a lively buzz during games.   The giant, if poorly placed, video scoreboard in left field is put to good use with game stats, replays, and features throughout the game. The sound system is clear and there is noise and activity going on throughout the park all game long. The team’s unique mascot, Smiley Ball, has been the subject of much derision, but even it has a Worcester-related back story. Harvey Ball, a Worcester native, designed the famous yellow Smiley Face (think “have a nice day”) in 1963. Smiley Ball now heads a team of four mascots that roam Polar Park and help with promotions all game long.   Of course, with Worcester located firmly in Red Sox territory, there’s no doubt that this is a Red Sox affiliate. Replicas of Red Sox championship rings stand in the entrance plaza and one of the duck boats from the 2007 World Series parade sits atop the left field berm.   Neighborhood 3   Polar Park is in the Canal District of Worcester, traditionally one of the city’s least desirable neighborhoods. However, recent years have seen a revival, with development happening, including the nearby Fidelity Bank Worcester Ice Center . The ballpark was planned to be the centerpiece of a mixed-use tax district designed to pay off the cost of the ballpark, but those developments have been slow to come to fruition and have been severely downsized . One project, the so-called “Left Field Building,” has been terminated , leaving only a foundation completed behind the left field berm.   Green Street, just a few blocks from Polar Park, is home to several bars and restaurants worth a visit before or after a WooSox game. The Worcester Public Market contains several locally owned specialty shops and eateries, including Wachusett Brew Works. Other spots to check out near Polar Park include the Miss Worcester Diner, the Hanover Theater and the Worcester Historical Museum.   Worcester’s famous “Restaurant Row,” located on Shrewsbury Street, is located just over a mile from Polar Park. With more than 40 restaurants ranging from casual to fine dining, diners to brew halls, there is something for all tastes here. With a plethora of shops and eateries, it’s a perfect spot for a leisurely stroll on a beautiful summer day. The DCU Center, home of the ECHL’s Worcester Railers , is located just over a mile away in the Central Business District.   Fans 5   Worcester couldn’t be more excited to be the new home of the Red Sox’ top farm team. With Fenway Park located a mere 44 miles to the east of Polar Park, Worcester lies firmly in Red Sox Nation. The fans here are as knowledgeable and dedicated as any in the nation.   The WooSox have finished among the leaders in all of the minor leagues in attendance in each of their four seasons in Worcester. The team has sold over 500,000 tickets in each of the past three seasons. They are the only team in the minor leagues to have accomplished this feat.   Access 3   Located in Worcester’s up and coming Canal District, Polar Park is just a few blocks from Interstate 290 and less than a mile from Worcester’s Union Station. But somehow, it’s not as easy to get to as you might think. Traffic in the area can be busy, and the notorious Kelly Square does not help matters. For those not familiar, Kelly Square is an intersection near  the ballpark where several of Worcester’s busiest streets come together in the most random way possible. As part of the construction of Polar Park the intersection was redesigned, improving flow, but it is still a bottleneck point when a big crowd meets rush hour traffic.   Polar Park is wedged into a small footprint, making for some unique design choices, and space is at a premium. There is a small entry plaza leading to front entrance that screams “warehouse” more than “ballpark.” While this design choice makes Polar Park stand out from the red brick and green seat new “cookie cutter” design, it has met with some derision by fans.   A major negative with the design of Polar Park is the small footprint. Due to the lack of space, the concourse is very narrow and is tough to navigate when a big crowd is present. When navigating the park, fans will encounter many areas where you actually have to leave the park, climb stairs or enter areas that are not paved. There are some, let’s call them unique, design choices here.   Beyond the seating bowl, fans will find several group areas where fans can congregate and spread out a bit. Polar Park boasts a great deal of standing room and alternate spots from which to catch the action.   Return on Investment 2   Much has been made of the expense of WooSox tickets, and yes, we’re not in Pawtucket anymore. Premium seats are priced at $61,  but on the plus side, the vast majority of seats are available for less than $30. Box seats behind home plate are priced at $40, with the cheapest seats in the seating bowl sold for $25. The cheapest seats in the ballpark, general admission spots on the berm, now go for $16 apiece.   Check the WooSox website for complete seating options .   Parking is another area where Polar Park has received criticism. While the club boasts of 7,300 parking spots within a half mile of Polar Park, most of them hardly seem convenient. These lots charge between $15-$30 to park and require a walk through often poorly-lit roads through less than stellar neighborhoods. A small parking garage is located right across the street from the ballpark on Madison Street, which charges $23 for a spot. Complete parking information can be found here.  There is little on-street parking in the area.   Concession prices are higher than other venues in the area. While not as expensive as a trip to Fenway Park, be ready to spend a few dollars when you head to Polar Park.   Extras 5                                                                                                 There are so many special features in the design of Polar Park it would be tempting to give more than the maximum score in this category. From the inclusion of Worcester native Harvey Ball’s Smiley Face to the artwork produced by local artists and the inclusion of local vendors into the concession menu, this ballpark screams Worcester in every nook and cranny. Even the light towers are shaped like hearts, a nod to Worcester’s nickname as “the heart of the Commonwealth.”   The entry tower contains a memorial to the Worcester Six, a group of firefighters that perished fighting a warehouse fire not far from the ballpark site. Uniform number 6 has been retired by the team in honor of these firefighters. Also notable as you enter the ballpark is a display of Ted Williams-themed artwork and the Pawtucket Red Sox Hall of Fame. It’s the only recognition of the franchise’s 50 years in Rhode Island.   The many unique vantagepoints from which to watch the game earn another extra point. The numerous social gathering spots, such as the Worcester Wall and The Bridge maximize capacity in this bandbox of a ballpark.   Not content to sit on their laurels, the WooSox continue to add new features to Polar Park every year. Recent additions include the WooSox reward app,  which allows fans to earn points at games and participating businesses to redeem for WooSox merchandise and experiences, and virtual reality games inside Polar Park. Final Thoughts   Polar Park has proven to be a very divisive ballpark over its brief history. From the relocation of the iconic PawSox to the price tag for the new facility to the unique look and design of the ballpark, Polar Park seems to have created as many critics as fans. But a closer look at the ballpark shows an incredible attention to detail and connection to community. Like the park’s signature beverages, it may not be to everyone’s taste, but there’s no denying the positive impact this blue bandbox has had on the Worcester community.   Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter  and Instagram  @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57 Bullens Field 135 King St. Ext. Westfield, MA 01085 Westfield Starfires website Billy Bullens Field website Year Opened: 1938 Capacity: 1,000 Billy Bullens Field   Originally named Municipal Field, Billy Bullens Field opened in 1938 as part of a larger project of ball fields, playgrounds and tennis courts constructed by the Works Progress Administration. Billy Bullens was the assistant supervisor of the facilities and oversaw maintenance of the park for many years. The field was dedicated in his honor in the early 1980s.   The Westfield Starfires play in The Futures Collegiate Baseball League, a summer wood-bat league featuring teams from throughout New England. In addition to serving as home of the Starfires, Bullens Field is the home field for Westfield High School and Westfield Technical Academy. The ballpark hosted the Babe Ruth 14-year-old World Series in 2016 and the 13-year-old World Series in 2019.   The name “Starfires” pays homage to the city of Westfield’s deep connection with the Air National Guard stationed at Barnes Airport in Westfield. The Lockheed F-94 Starfire was the first United States Air Force jet equipped with an afterburner and was the first jet-powered all-weather fighter to enter combat during the Korean War in January 1953.   The Starfires began play in 2019. During their seven seasons in the Futures League, the Starfires have qualified for the playoffs twice, reaching the league finals in 2024. In 2025 Brandyn Garcia became the first Starfire alumnus to reach the Major Leagues when he pitched for the Seattle Mariners on July 21.   Food & Beverage 2    There is a concession stand on the third base side of Bullens Field. A limited menu is available, featuring pizza slices, snack items and beverages. Some of the more unique items sold here are Mini Melts, Slim Jim and pickles in a bag. Of course, traditional baseball snacks, such as cotton candy, chips and sunflower seeds can be found here too. Most nights there is a food truck that sets up shop down the left field line, but sadly, there was no food truck present during Stadium Journey’s visit.   Thirsty Starfire fans can select from a variety of Coca-Cola products. In addition, a selection of beers can also be purchased at the concession stand. Stadium Journey recommends the Starfire IPA from local favorite Amherst Brewing. Fans looking for an alternative adult beverage can purchase a beverage from Suncruiser or a 32-ounce bucket of Tito’s and lemonade.    Atmosphere 3   Bullens Field is different than the other ballparks in the Futures League, in that it is not a former professional park. To make up for its smaller size, the staff have to put on a better show to make up for the inferior facilities. While we’ll leave the ultimate decision about whether they accomplish this goal up to you, there is no doubt that catching a game in Westfield can be a fun time.   There’s definitely a small-town vibe going on here. It starts with the PA announcer, who does his best to add some energy to the proceedings, but is limited by his equipment, as he has only a portable speaker setup behind home plate. Likewise, a basic scoreboard in left field displays a line score and count, but little more. The Starfires mascot, Stanley the Squirrel, walks around the ballpark interacting with fans. There are some games and other distractions going on here between innings, but nothing like you’d see at a bigger ballpark. The team regularly presents theme nights complete with specialty jerseys. Notable sports figures including Jonathan Papelbon and Brian Scalabrine have appeared at Bullens Field in recent seasons.   What the Starfires have going for it is its small-town vibe. The kitschy nature of the promos just seem to work here. The crowd is smaller, and many of them have been coming since day one. Everyone seems to know everyone. It’s got that friendly vibe you don’t often find in the northeast. Even if you’re coming to Bullens Field sporting the colors of the opposition, you’ll find yourself engaged in conversation with your neighbors in no time.   Neighborhood 2   Billy Bullens Field is located in a residential area about two miles away from downtown Westfield, adjacent to Westfield Technical Academy and Allen Park. There is nothing within walking distance from the ballpark to attract visiting fans. The town’s main drags of Main Street and Broad Street contain most of Westfield’s restaurants. There is a Quality Inn and a Hampton Inn out by the Mass Pike.    Springfield is located 20 miles to the east. Some major attractions, including the National Basketball Hall of Fame and MGM Casino, are located there. Boston is located an hour and a half to the east, and Albany is an hour and a half to the west.   Fans 3   Westfield generally lags behind the other teams in the Futures League in terms of attendance, especially since Brockton and Pittsfield are not in the league anymore. The Starfires drew a franchise-record 25,792 fans over the 2025 season, and average of 1,075 per game. Considering that the capacity of Bullens Field is listed as 1,000, Starfire fans are showing up night after night.   What the Starfires may lack in quantity of fans, they make up for in quality. The team has a dedicated fanbase, many of whom have a personal connection with the team, either as host families, season ticket holders, or friends to the players who are local to the area. It makes for a very knowledgeable, vocal and invested crowd.   Access 2   Bullens Field is located in southwest Westfield, a city of almost 41,000 residents in western Massachusetts. Interstate 90, better known as the Massachusetts Turnpike, runs through the northern edge of the city, providing easy access to visiting fans. Fans driving to Bullens Field will drive a few miles from the Mass Pike through downtown Westfield to get to the ballpark.   Bullens Field is located on the campus of Westfield Technical Academy. It is used by both local high schools for baseball and football, as well as serving the Starfires and the local Babe Ruth League. Parking is available in Westfield Tech’s parking lot, which provides an overlook of the ballpark on the first base side.   Fans enter Bullens Field on the third base side. The concession stand and restrooms are located near the entrance. The seating bowl contains plastic bucket seats bolted into the concrete grandstand. There is plenty of room for fans to spread out and move around. Additional seating is located further down the third base line. Nets, fences, dugouts and light poles obstruct views from all seating locations.   There is a scoreboard in left field which can be difficult to see during day games. Lines for concessions or rest rooms are not an issue during typical Starfire games. Interestingly, the grandstand is not aligned properly with the baseball diamond. This is because the field has been moved since the opening of the facility and a backstop added. Additional seating is available along the third base side of the field. Veteran fans will bring their own chairs and sit further down the line beyond the end of the fence.   Return on Investment 4   Tickets to Starfire games are priced at ten dollars for general admission. Parking is free in the lot adjacent to the ballpark. Concessions are reasonably priced, topping out at seven dollars for a bottle of beer and three dollars for a slice of pizza. A night at a Starfires game is a very affordable entertainment option for western Massachusetts sports fans.   Extras 2                                                                                                 Billy Bullens displays Westfield’s Babe Ruth baseball success proudly, with several plaques dedicated to successful teams and important persons in the program’s history located throughout the facility.   The Starfires retired Josh Frometa’s number 24 in a pregame ceremony before the final game of the 2025 season. Frometa, a Holyoke native and student at American International College, played for the Starfires for three seasons has his name all over the franchise’s record books, as he is the team’s all-time leader in games played, hits, runs, RBIs, walks, hit by pitches, and total bases. Everyone associated with the team remarks on the legacy Frometa has left in Westfield, both on and off the field. Final Thoughts   Bullens Field is an anomaly in the Futures League, where the rest of the ballparks are former minor league ballparks. Still, this cozy little ballpark in western Massachusetts has become a good fit in this league, which has enjoyed a quick rise to become one of the better summer college circuits in the nation.   Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter  and Instagram  @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Terry McCutchen, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Tarleton Baseball Complex 101 S Harbin Dr Stephenville, TX 76401 Tarleton State Texans website Tarleton Baseball Complex website Year Opened: 1988 Capacity: 1,000 Texans Baseball Stephenville is a community of approximately 20,000 people located in north central Texas. Known affectionately as the Cowboy Capital of the World, Stephenville is home to numerous world-renowned horse trainers and top-level professional rodeo athletes, most notably Ty Murray, the nine-time PRCA world-champion cowboy and co-founder of the Professional Bull Riders Association (PBR).   In addition to professional cowboys, Tarleton State University sponsors many other equine-related team events, as well as hosting 17 NCAA Division I sports. Baseball, one of 7 men’s sports at the school, has officially been played on campus since 1904, when they entered a team in the West Texas College League. The Texans baseball program was disbanded from 1960 through 1988, when the school decided to reinstate the team thanks to generous donors and a desire to move the athletic department forward.   Competing at the Division 2 level until 2019, the Texans won two conference tournaments in 2014 and 2018. Along with the rest of the athletic department, baseball began a transition to Division 1 in 2019, which limited post-season participation for a few years, until full membership was granted in the 2024-25 school year. The baseball team made history in 2024 when it became the first baseball program to win their conference tournament during a reclassification period.   The Texans play their home games at the newly completed Tarleton Baseball Complex. Opened in 2025 in conjunction with the softball stadium, the cantilevered covered aluminum stands seat approximately 1000.   Food & Beverage   2 Concessions here are limited, with only a folding table set up under the stands. Drinks offered are Pepsi products plus Dr Pepper, but note there is no Mountain Dew – Starry is the only citrus-based option. Beer, Gatorade, and bottled water are also available, with alcohol options including popular domestics such as Michelob Ultra, Coors Light, Miller Lite, and Bud Light. White Claw, Twisted Tea, and regional craft favorite Revolver’s Texan Rider, which is branded specifically for Tarleton athletics, are also available.   Food options include hot dogs, Chick-fil-A sandwiches, popcorn, and various candy and snacks, such as candy bars and many flavors of chips. I would suggest a Texan Rider with a Chick-fil-A sandwich, with 1 side packet of honey mustard. If you are more traditional, go for the hot dog, but the Texan Rider is a must.   Atmosphere   3 The game day atmosphere at Tarleton Baseball Complex should be considered above average for a mid-major baseball program. There are a few between-inning games involving selected students, including a Whataburger-sponsored dizzy bat race, where the winner receives a goody bag of Whataburger-branded items and coupons. The announcer is excellent, and there is also organ music and other quality sound effects, such as breaking glass for a foul ball and the Pac-Man theme song for stolen bases.   Tarleton fans are fairly loyal to their athletic teams, with baseball attendance averaging around 500 fans per game each season. While this number is not eye-popping, in the world of mid-major NCAA Division I baseball, there are not many schools who consistently bring in fans beyond what is referred to as the “girlfriend and family” crowd. Saturday crowds are usually the largest during a 3-game series, with Friday night and Sunday afternoon bringing smaller numbers due to out-of-town fans needing to travel.   At the most recent game I attended there were several student groups present. While they may not have been there for the first pitch at noon, by the 2nd and 3rd inning the stands were nearly full of purple clad co-eds cheering for the Texans and ragging on the opponent and umpires, as one would expect at any ballpark.   Check the weather forecast before attending a game here – with much of the college baseball schedule beginning in February and taking place in late winter thru early spring in Texas, weather can be a factor on any given day. The field faces north, which means a cold front will bring chilling winds blowing in from right field, directly into the face of those in the home side stands. Simply know the forecast and be prepared with jackets or more in case a weather change is forecast by mid-game; take it from someone who experienced a third inning “blue norther”, as we refer to them in West Texas. The temperature fell by 20 degrees and wind blew into our faces at about 30 mph for the final few innings of an early season game, so our coats and blankets came in handy as we enjoyed the play on the field, even if home runs to right field became virtually impossible, coming to a screeching halt.   Neighborhood   4 Tarleton is set in the center of Stephenville, which is a small town of approximately 20,000 people. The area around campus is mostly residential, with many restaurants and fast food choices within a few minutes’ drive. Your best options include Hard 8 Bar-B-Q , Grump’s Burgers , Don Nico’s Mexican Food , Newton’s Saddlerack , or  Caam’s Pizza Restaurant . Should you prefer an old school diner experience, Jake and Dorothy’s is a locally owned joint that dates back to 1948, the place where waffle cut fries were invented and chicken fried steak is the calling card. Just carry cash, as they do not accept credit or debit cards.   There are plenty of hotels to choose from in town; some of the more highly rated choices include Hampton Inn and Suites,  La Quinta Inn and Suites , and  Best Western Plus , among others. If you prefer short-term rental options, there are several small houses and cabins available in and around Stephenville. On busy weekends, however, availability can be an issue.   Fans   4 Tarleton fans are usually loud and loyal, and baseball fans are no different, but an early Saturday afternoon start is not ideal for college students. The later in the day a game takes place, the larger and more active the crowd is, especially on days when there are fewer other sporting events taking place on campus.   There is a chance that The Purple Poo  may make an appearance to show support and lead the crowd in a cheer. The Purple Poo is a secret society of students who are charged with keeping the spirit of John Tarleton and Oscar P alive. The “Poo” is the oldest spirit organization in Texas, formed in 1921 when the school was still a junior college. This special group posts signs of support each week on campus and shows up at most events involving Tarleton teams. When they arrive, they lead the crowd in a special cheer for Oscar P and the Texans. Charged to wear disguises in public throughout their entire time on campus, the identity of each member is only revealed at the end of their senior year. At the most recent game I attended there was a fairly large number of students present for an early season non-conference game, with many of them actively interacting with the opposing team and umpires during play. There were also several vehicles parked on top of the parking garage across the street for a unique, free view – the measurable number of fans watching from such a unique vantage point shows that the fans are not only loyal, but knowledgeable as well.   Access   4 Stephenville is approximately three and a half hours north of San Antonio via US 281, or three hours from Austin via Interstate 35. From the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex the school is only a little over an hour’s drive. Once in town, the university is easily accessible and ample parking near the gym is available.   There is no commercial air travel into town and public transportation is rideshare only, which is limited at best. The best option if flying into the region is to fly to DFW, Love Field-Dallas, Austin-Bergstrom, or San Antonio and rent a vehicle to drive.   Parking near the field is free, with ample space available. At the last game I attended, there was also a softball game taking place next door, and there was no issue with finding a parking space.   Return On Investment   5 General admission tickets cost $7 with reserved seats being $10. As a bonus, many early season weekend series include doubleheaders, which double the amount of baseball for the same price. For a Division I baseball program that has consistently been in contention for post-season play, ticket prices here are on the lower end of the price range, and free parking makes Tarleton baseball an even better deal.   The cost of your ticket, added to the relatively low cost of concessions here, creates an experience that is definitely a bargain. There are not many baseball programs that produce higher quality play for this price.      Extras   4 The new parking garage and other buildings being built on campus have created a nice backdrop, and the view from home plate out to straightaway centerfield is one of the more picturesque in Texas. Foul balls here are not supposed to be kept, and the staff highly encourages them to be returned – fans are given gift cards and food coupons when they bring a ball back to the designated location. At the most recent game I attended, fans were able to get Whataburger coupons for returned balls, which theoretically could allow fans to get food for free that is worth more than the amount of money they spent at the ballpark that day. Free parking is not unheard of for smaller Division I (and lower level) baseball programs, but the proximity and convenience of the parking for baseball here deserves special recognition – there are two large parking lots within 100 yards of the stadium which can hold more vehicles than most baseball crowds would require. These parking lots also have at least five entrance and exit points, allowing for smooth traffic flow in the event of an above average-size crowd. The restrooms and ticket offices at Tarleton Baseball Complex are in a new brick building that sits between the baseball and softball fields. The facilities are large, clean, and ADA-compliant, with sidewalks connecting all parking areas to the restrooms and both fields.   Final Thoughts Tarleton Texans baseball, as a fairly new Division I program, is already making a splash, having won its conference tournament in 2024. They consistently play Power 5 schools during midweek games and have plenty of talent on their roster. With a new ballpark and other facilities, this is a great place to watch some quality baseball at a bargain price. In addition, for fans looking to tour multiple ballparks in Texas, Stephenville is not far from many other large colleges and minor/major league stadiums. A day trip into town would also make for a pretty drive and entertaining gameday experience.

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Alex Duffy Fairgrounds Stadium 970 Coffeen Street Watertown, New York 13601 Watertown Rapids website Alex Duffy Fairgrounds Stadium website Year Opened: 1935 Capacity: 3,500 Catch the Wave Baseball in New York’s northern country town of Watertown dates back to the 1940s, when the Class C Watertown Athletics competed in the Border League until 1951. At the time, the baseball field was located in the infield of the horse track that circled the grandstand at Duffy Fairgrounds. Professional baseball returned in 1983 when the Pittsburgh Pirates placed their short-season New York-Penn League affiliate in Watertown, where it remained for six seasons. Future big leaguers like Moisés Alou, Jay Buhner, and Tim Wakefield began their careers here. In 1989, the Cleveland Guardians (then known as the Indians) took over the affiliation, continuing the stream of future MLB talent with players like Sean Casey and Brian Giles. Affiliated baseball left town after the 1998 season, and Watertown went without a team until summer collegiate baseball arrived in 2000. The Watertown Wizards joined the  New York Collegiate Baseball League (NYCBL), later moving to the Perfect Game Collegiate Baseball League (PGCBL) and re-branding themselves as the Rams; th e Rams then played through 2014 before folding. After a two-year hiatus, summer collegiate baseball returned with the Watertown Rapids, who began play in 2017, continuing the city’s presence in the PGCBL. In 2025 the team returned to the NYCBL, reconnecting with the league where summer baseball in Watertown first found its footing.   Food & Beverage   3 The primary concession stand here is in the walkway under the grandstand, with separate stands for food and alcohol. The menu leans heavily into traditional ballpark fare; hot dogs, burgers, fries, and nachos form the core, with soft pretzels, popcorn, peanuts, and assorted candy also available. Beverages include Pepsi products, various flavors of Gatorade, including Gatorade Water, as well as Celsius energy drinks. The alcohol selection is rather expansive, featuring the champagne of beers, Miller High Life, as well as Miller Lite, Leinenkugel Summer Shandy, Happy Thursday spiked drinks, Happy Dad and Vizzy seltzers, Jack Daniel’s canned cocktails, Simply Spiked Lemonade, and The Beast malt beverage. Wine drinkers can choose from red, white, or rosé, with wine slushes also available. The first base side is a popular stop for kids, with The Boathouse shack selling ice cream novelties along with Rapids souvenirs, next to a neighboring table selling snow cones.   Atmosphere   3 Built in the 1940s, Duffy Fairgrounds Stadium carries all the quirks of a facility designed for multiple uses. The seating layout is a bit quirky, with no curved grandstand wrapping around home plate, but instead just a large, covered section of aluminum benches with backrests behind it. Netting is draped from the roof of the grandstand to the backstop, and two small sections of individual chairback seats offer more comfortable seating, one directly behind the plate and another beside the home dugout on the third base side. The outfield wall is a combination of advertisements and black plywood. On the first base side is a picnic area with patio chairs and picnic tables lined up along a three-foot high drink rail. Small bleacher sections also sit atop each dugout, and the press box is perched behind the third base seating. The overall layout is open and easy to navigate. While the stadium is not directly on the water, Lake Ontario’s influence can still be felt; breezes from the lake can definitely make for cool summer evenings. The game presentation is kept rather straightforward – t here are occasional on-field contests and fan engagement segments, but most breaks between innings are filled with music. Sound effects and audio gimmicks are minimal, allowing the natural rhythm of the game to remain the focus.   Neighborhood   3 Duffy Fairgrounds Stadium is part of the larger 67-acre Duffy Fairgrounds and recreational fields of Watertown. The complex includes a football field, home to the Watertown Red & Black, the longest-running semi-professional football team in the country, as well as Watertown Municipal Arena, where the Watertown Wolves of the Federal Prospects Hockey League play. The fairgrounds are also home to the Jefferson County Fair, the nation’s longest continuously operating county fair. Several of Watertown’s better-known restaurants are located just beyond the fairgrounds; within walking distance are Fairground Inn (Italian), Craft836 Canteen (pub fare), and Coleman’s Corner (Irish-American). A little closer to downtown, The Noshery and Vito’s Gourmet serve up popular sandwiches and quick bites. Route 3 brings visitors to a cluster of hotels and familiar national chain restaurants, making the area convenient for out-of-town fans staying overnight. Nearby Black River Trail offers a scenic riverside path that winds into downtown Watertown. Just southeast of the stadium, Thompson Park is home to the city’s green space, including attractions like Zoo New York, Thompson Park Golf Course, and Honor the Mountain Monument, a tribute to the U.S. Army’s 10th Mountain Division. Based at nearby Fort Drum, the 10th Mountain Division is the most frequently deployed unit in the Army.   Fans   3 Though modest in size, Rapids crowds typically number between 100 and 200 on weekday nights, with weekend games drawing closer to 300. The fans who do show up bring energy, noisemakers and bells ring out for every run, and a few loyal supporters even arrive with homemade signs for favorite players. While the fan support could be a bit better in  a small city with a population of only about 25,000, the number of fans in the stands only tells part of the story of the support the Rapids receive.   Access   4 Duffy Fairgrounds are located less than a mile from Interstate 81, which runs regionally from the Canadian boarder to Syracuse. The baseball field is centrally located on the property, which has a long parking area that runs behind the stadium, leaving a short walk to the ticket office on the first base side of the stadium. The entry plaza is spacious and provides easy access to both the seating area and concession stands. The walkway that runs directly in front of the grandstand can obstruct the views of those in the first few rows, when other fans are using it. There is ample space for children to run around, however, without disrupting the game experience.   Return on Investment   5 Adult tickets are just $7, with seniors, military members, and students receiving a discounted rate of $5. Children 12 and under get in free, and there’s no charge for parking, making a night at a Watertown Rapids game one of the best values in the region. Concessions are also reasonably priced, helping encourage fans to enjoy food at the ballpark, rather than pricing them out with inflated stadium markups.   Extras   2 Following the game, fans are treated to an on-field interview with the player of the game. It is a nice way to connect players with their fans, while also celebrating their success. Though the stadium has been rebuilt and renovated over the years, the grandstand’s design still reflects an earlier era of ballpark architecture, one that is increasingly rare – t he lack of any sort of curvature to the grandstand, large roof, and supports keeps the historical feel to the stadium. Alex Duffy Fairgrounds Stadium definitely does not come with any present-day amenities, but the reminder of the history that once was part of the prior field is a big plus.   Final Thoughts Alex Duffy Fairgrounds Stadium is a throwback in all the right ways; with its low frills setup and architecture of eras gone by, this ballpark offers a relaxed and affordable evening of summer collegiate baseball.

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.71 Road America N7390 WI-67 Elkhart Lake, WI 53073 IMSA website Road America website Year Opened: 1955 Capacity: 150,000 The Best Sportscar Racing Has to Offer Road America is often regarded as one of the greatest race tracks in the world, let alone the US. While the track’s annual schedule features IndyCar, Trans Am, and others, IMSA provides a weekend of GT-only sportscar racing. The product on track offers stellar racing over four days. Racing in a beautiful setting that proves to be both fan-friendly and easy to navigate, this summer event is a must-see on the IMSA schedule. Couple that with a revival for IMSA’s fanbase in recent years, and you’ll quickly see why this is such a popular weekend.   Food & Beverage   5 There are a lot of places to eat at Road America, and the ones that exist are an absolute treat for the pallet. Road America is led by The Gearbox, a hillside stand and bar that features some of the best views on the property, as well as the best food around. Being in Wisconsin you can get the best cheese and sausage foods here, as well as a brilliantly tasty breakfast food called eggers ($10). Johnsonville is heavily featured, as it is literally the next town over, and their brats ($9 to $13) are a fan favorite. Sargento cheese curds ($7) are also a popular item, as are the burgers ($9 to $12.50), gearbox melt ($11), and TKA sandwich ($15). Beer is of course plentiful, and a Spotted Cow is a must-have in Wisconsin. You can find tons of other options, including broasted chicken outside Turn 3, tacos at Turn 7, and a tiki bar out at the beach by the kink and carousel corners. Atmosphere   5 The atmosphere around Road America during race weekend is very family-friendly and relaxed. The best in the sport are taking part in some of the most exciting racing around, and despite the tension of the competition, everyone – including the teams and drivers – is in a relaxed and fun-loving mood. There is just something about the beauty of the countryside and the forests around the premises that put everyone in a go-race-and-enjoy-every-minute-of-it state of mind. In addition, the quality of the on-track action here is enough to make any fan excited to see what happens around the next corner. The excitement fills the air every time a car takes to the track, be it for practice, qualifying, or for a race. Road America also features some of the cleanest racetrack bathrooms anywhere. Add to that the incredible track store and the free fan shuttle that can take you around the various viewing areas, and you have a solid basis for calling this one of the best tracks around. In 2025 the track also debuted a new viewing area at the top of the hillside outside Canada Corner called the Road America North Pole, and the old walkover bridge along the front stretch was rebuilt as well – it is now large enough to drive a golf cart over. Additionally, IMSA weekend here now features a fan fest on Thursday night in Elkhart Lake, featuring racecars on display, driver autograph sessions, giveaways, and driver bartending competitions.   Neighborhood   4 The area around Road America is exactly what you would expect to find in rural Wisconsin – rolling hills, farmland, forests, and small towns. The town of Elkhart Lake is quaint and small, but is seething with racing history and lore. Famed racing announcer David Hobbs calls this small town home, and the fans here are all die-hards who watch everything that happens on the track. If you’re looking for somewhere to stay near Road America, there are a wide variety of small bed-and-breakfasts to pick from in and around Elkhart Lake, as well as some cabins that can make you feel like you’re roughing it…sort of. In addition, the town of Sheboygan is only 20 to 30 minutes away by car, providing fans a chance to stay in a hotel chain of their choice – Holiday Inn, La Quinta, etc. are all located in Sheboygan. If you’re looking for something to eat, Sheboygan has a wide variety of restaurants, from Applebee’s to McDonald’s. But by far the most must-see eatery near Road American is Stop-Inn Tavern at Siebkens Resort in Elkhart Lake, a local bar that all of racing royalty has passed through at some time or another. And, for those looking for something to see and do, Kettle-Moraine State Forest is not far from the track, providing some great hiking options. In addition, the Kohler factory is in nearby Sheboygan, and Road America’s location is just a 30-minute drive from the Great Lakes.   Fans   5 Fans at Road America are much like those in the rest of the Midwest – die-hard and series-knowledgeable. They’re also absurdly kind and sweet, willing to help in any way possible when you need assistance with anything. They also pack the camping areas around the speedway, making for one brilliant fan block party. Additionally, the fan attendance in 2025 was the highest in decades, showcasing IMSA’s increase in attendance across the board at all their tracks. Access   4 Getting to Road America isn’t as difficult as getting to some sports facilities. That said, it is off the beaten path – at least a 10-minute drive from the nearest highway, Road America requires you to drive down some single-lane roads through the hilly countryside. Once you’re at Road America, you may discover there are several other entrances to the track that you didn’t even know about, which can be frustrating if you had to wait in line for hours; check the fan map of the venue before you go to identify these alternate gates and entrances. The biggest plus at Road America is that the main entrance had a complete makeover in 2016, adding more entrance booths for faster processing of fans and campers. Parking is plentiful, and preferred parking is available for $30.   Return on Investment   5 Road America is one of the best tracks at which you can watch a race. The facility is huge, but you are given plenty of options to watch the race from, without having to move from place to place. Watching from the right location can give you up to six corners of the track to see all at once, and you also get access to the grandstands all around the track, as well as access to the paddock, with your admission ticket to most races. Single day tickets for Thursday ($30), Friday ($40), Saturday ($70), and Sunday ($70) are all available, while a full weekend pass ($150) is a steal. Add-ons include golf cart rentals ($445 to $705), go-kart passes ($60 to $250), camping ($80 to $950), and on-track parade laps ($45) are also available. VIP and hospitality ticket options and add-ons range from $225 to $575.   Extras   5 You can take a trip to Elkhart Lake just a few miles away, following the original track layouts through historic markers along the roadside. Before it had its current layout, Road America was once a true street course, running through Elkhart Lake itself and over the hills on the various roadways in the nearby area. Back at the track, where once a zip line ended now stands a high vantage point for fans to watch the action at the track from, inside the final turn. The former zip line landing platform is now a giant viewing zone, and while you may have to climb a lot of stairs to get there, the view is well worth it. Additionally, if you have ever wanted to try your hand at racing, you can sign up for racing school at the track. If you can’t peel your eyes away from your mobile device, you can also engage with the race on social media, and see your photos and tweets on the various big screens around Road America by using specific hashtags and handles on Twitter and Instagram. The tracks also features several selfie stands around the property, for fans to get photos of themselves at various iconic trackside locations. However, if treetop views and social media aren’t your thing, you can also take a wandering hike through the forest on several pathways that meander through the mountains above Kettle Bottoms and Canada Corner – these trails lead from the top of the peak to the bottom of a newly-cleared pathway along the infamous straightaway. Finally, several autograph sessions happen during the weekend in the fan zone, offering fans a chance to see some of their favorite drivers.   Final Thoughts If you want to see racing history and meet modern-day sports stars, take a trip to Road America – you will not be disappointed in what you find. In addition, if you want to go a step above that, go camping on the property during race weekend; the fans are nice, the action is top quality, and the weather is almost always beautiful. It’s hard to find a better place to see racing in North America than Road America, and with the atmosphere during IMSA weekend, it’s hard to pass up this perfect event.

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Virginia International Raceway 1245 Pine Tree Rd Alton, VA 24520 SRO Motorsports website Virginia International Raceway website Year Opened: 1957 Capacity: 10,000 VIR’s Sportscar Celebration The famed Virginia International Raceway has been a favorite visit among sportscar racers for decades, hosting multiple events during the season including IMSA, Trans Am, and GridLife. The winding roads through the hills of rural southern Virginia are challenging for many, while also providing a beautiful, verdant backdrop for some of racing’s best to test each other’s mettle. Visiting the track has become a must-do for some of racing’s biggest fans over the years, and a visit to the facility helps you understand why rather quickly.   Food & Beverage   3 There are several food options in the main paddock area, including the popular Paddock Cafe. This spot nestled next to the track features burgers, hot dogs, chicken fingers, and more. To make it easier for fans to order, the cafe also has several bundle options that generally run in the $10 range for a main item (burger, chicken, etc.) plus fries and a drink. In addition, the track has snacks, ice cream, and various other items for sale at the main concession stand, and some food trucks pop up during bigger race weekends down in the paddock area as well. Recently, automated tablets have been added here to speed up the ordering process, but lines to pick up orders are no less short. The track also has an on-site restaurant called Oak Tree Tavern & Connie’s Pub, which is a more upscale option than something on the quick service side down by the paddock. The biggest downside at Virginia International Raceway, however, is that there are no other food options around the facility for fans who set up camp in other parts of the venue, or who wish to wander the property to watch the racing action. Thankfully, during SRO weekend the aforementioned food trucks are here to offer alternative food and beverage options for fans.   Atmosphere   4 Virginia International Raceway’s track is big, fast, and beautiful. Most of the track’s viewing areas offer views that extend beyond just one corner and include the complex heading up to and away from where you are set up, something that many other road courses are unable to boast. The fans also tend to come from all around and pack in the viewing mounds and grandstands around the facility, meaning you will be surrounded by your racing friends all weekend. The paint scheme and architecture of the various buildings harkens back to southern plantation-style homes, as well as to the farmhouses and barns that the rural south has become known for. Situated next to a watershed for a river, the surrounding area is also full of beautiful green trees to give Virginia International Raceway that special wooded look. VIR also continues to improve the fan access experience year over year – new tent camping areas were opened a few years ago inside the turn 1 thru 4 area on driver’s left, while the RV camping and fan viewing areas were also extended far down the backstretch. The biggest downside here is the weather in July; it is absolutely scorching hot in Virginia this time of year, and afternoon thunderstorms are almost guaranteed to pop up, blowing in from the Appalachian Mountains in the hot afternoon.   Neighborhood   1 The biggest downside to VIR is its lack of neighbors – while there is peace in the solitude of VIR’s rural setting, there is quite literally nothing around Virginia International Raceway in any direction for at least half an hour. Located just over an hour north of the greater Raleigh-Durham area in North Carolina, and half an hour southeast of South Boston in Virginia, you have to drive a while to find anything as far as hotels or restaurants. A lot of fans and teams stay in Danville, VA to the west, which is where you can find the closest places to eat – here you can find restaurants such as Buffalo Wild Wings and 2 Witches Winery & Brewing Company, or lodging options such as Sleep Inn & Suites and Courtyard by Marriott. For something to do while in the area, South Boston Speedway features local short track racing on weekend nights, or down in Durham, NC you can visit Duke Forest for a quiet hike in the suburbs.   Fans   3 The fans at Virginia International Raceway are pretty great as far as sportscar racing fans go. They love anything motorsports, show up en masse for race weekends, and know everything about the sport they love and the drivers who compete in it. You can find everyone from young fans who are just learning about the sport, to diehard loyalists who have been going for a long time. While SRO weekend may not sport the same number of fans as one can see during IMSA  weekends here, the crowd is no less impressive, growing year after year thanks to SRO’s fan outreach. Access   2 To get to Virginia International Raceway you have to drive off the main roads. State Highway 58 is the closest main roadway, connecting Danville to South Boston – there are no other major highways in or around the area, with I-85 almost 30-45 minutes away to the southeast. That said, once you get to the track parking is plentiful on site and is well marked. Fans can also enjoy getting around the facility easily, thanks to the signage pointing them towards the paddock area from the main parking lots in the infield.   Return on Investment   4 Tickets for SRO at VIR are affordable, offering fans the ability to not have to break the bank to get access to exciting racing. Single day tickets for Friday, Saturday, or Sunday are just $30, and a weekend pass is $60. Car corrals are also available for $70 on Saturday or Sunday, and include laps on the track. A 3-day corral pass is $200, while 4-day VIP parking is $70.   Extras   4 Virginia International Raceway’s victory lane is located right in the main paddock, meaning fans can get up close to post-race celebrations. SRO brings in a large platform for the ceremonies, meaning you can see them from the back of the crowd as well as from up front. The venue also erects TV screens at various points around the property for fans to see the action around the track while it is happening, meaning you won’t miss anything regardless of where you decide to watch the race from. Tickets to race weekend also get you into the paddock area for free, something other tracks and races require an additional ticket for. In addition, races at Virginia International Raceway also generally include driver meet and greets and autograph sessions for fans to see the stars up close. In addition, SRO itself hosts various autograph sessions during the race weekend, allowing fans the ability to meet their favorite drivers. Final Thoughts Taking a trip to Virginia International Raceway is a must-do for any race fan who wants to see some quality sportscar racing; the track is big, technical, and exciting. Fans from all around flock to the speedway for a day at the races, and it’s easy to see why. While driving to the track and finding a place to stay nearby may be a challenge, Virginia International Raceway offers plenty for both casual and diehard sports fans to make their visit worth the trek.

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Portland International Raceway 1940 N Victory Blvd Portland, OR 97217 Portland International Raceway website SpeedTour website Year Opened: 1960 Capacity: 86,000 Vintage Oregon Racing Take premier sportscar racing and put it on a historic track in the Pacific Northwest, and you have yourself a race weekend at Portland International Raceway. The track hosts rounds for the likes of Trans-Am, NASCAR, and IndyCar, as well as various SCCA and club racing events. However, the average fan who may remember those halcyon days of Champ Car past will be disappointed to see that very little has changed in the last 20-plus years. That said, several improvements were made two years ago, including newly paved roads and the expansion of food offerings throughout the facility. Unfortunately, a downturn in the fields for SVRA means less racing on vintage weekend at the facility. Food & Beverage    2 At the sole concessions stand, fans can find a small variety of food options – your main stop should be Fast Track Grill in the outer paddock, where you can find items like burgers, BBQ sandwiches, nachos, and much more. Sodas and other drinks are also available at a cocktail food truck next to the main food area, though the hours for the main concession stand are seemingly random throughout the day. The inner paddock has no concessions beyond a few random soda vending machines, but there are several food trucks and food stands set up in the fan zone just on the outside of the track, near the crossover bridge. In addition, every year strawberry shortcake is made for all fans and crew in attendance on Saturday of the event by one of the teams, something of a tradition at the track. Atmosphere   3 The track is located in a beautiful part of America – the Pacific Northwest is known for being green and lush and having great weather. However, recent years have brought economic strife, including a dramatic surge in the homeless population around the facility; nearly every road in and out of the track is lined with tent cities. Something this track has, however, that no others on the sportscar schedule have are volcanoes in the background; a quick look to the east from any point on the track will reveal the towering peak of Mount Hood, and to the north, Mount St. Helens rises above the landscape. The track offers various vantage points for fans all around the track in the form of grandstands or viewing mounds. The grandstands are primarily wooden bleachers on the outside of the front straight, however, making for a less than comfortable sitting situation. Furthermore, the inner grandstands at Turns 1 and 2, now named the Shelton Chicane, are metal, which means they are scorching hot under the summer sky; these stands also have no seatbacks either. Restrooms are not plentiful, and while portable restrooms are located throughout the property, the comfort of more permanent restrooms would be welcome. Neighborhood   4 Portland International Raceway is located in a city park at the extreme northern reach of Portland, just across the Columbia River from Vancouver, WA. Vancouver has plenty to see and do, including the Fort Vancouver National Historic Site, or for nature lovers, Mt. St. Helens and Mt. Hood are each an hour from the track, offering great nature trails and mountain scenery, as do the various waterfalls of the Columbia River Gorge. A few minutes to the south of the track is the city of Portland, where you can find everything you want and need, from shopping and dining to sports and recreation. The International Rose Test Garden and Pittock Mansion are popular stops, while Salt and Straw and Voodoo Donuts are both must-visits when it comes to food in the city. For somewhere to stay, Portlander Inn and Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Portland North are both across the street from Portland International Raceway itself. Fans   2 The fans have been going to PIR for decades. The track is set up to offer great viewing areas for fans all around the circuit, and campers and pop-ups can be seen all down the backstretch. However, while the fans may spread out, the grandstands themselves never fill up fully, which can make for a rather empty-seeming track at times. This is especially distressing as part of the allure of motorsports is the fans packing the grandstands, and thus making it feel like a rocking place. Additionally, this weekend features Trans Am West instead of the national series where more popular drivers compete, and the dwindling numbers of SVRA’s grids means there are less cars to see on track than in the past, and therefore less reason for fans to come to this event. Access   5 Portland International Raceway is so easy to get to that you can literally throw a stone over the I-5 wall and have it land in the track’s parking lot. Located off exit 306/307 on I-5, the parking lot offers plenty of parking, both at the main entrance area of the track and inside the main gate past the outer paddock. Signs are also plentiful in the area to help you get to the track when you are looking for the circuit. Return on Investment   5 Tickets for Portland SpeedTour start at $20 to $25 for Friday and $30 to $35 for Saturday or Sunday single day tickets; weekend passes ($60 to $70) are also available. Family 2-Packs ($125) and 4-Packs ($175) are available online only. Single day VIP parking is $10, while a weekend VIP parking pass is $25. Motorhome parking is $110. Extras   3 Race weekends here feature plenty of access to the paddock areas on both sides of the track for all the sportscar series. In addition, several vendors also set up their shops, as well as sponsor displays, along the front stretch grandstand area. Finally, a car show is also a frequent sight on race weekends to help draw in the Portland car culture, offering special parking for participants, and even on-track paced laps in your own vehicle. Final Thoughts Taking in a race at Portland International Raceway is one that can really be affordable. However, the track still lacks several amenities that could make this facility truly one of the best on the schedule for fans. That said, the venue remains one that is unique in sportscar racing due to its location in the beautiful Pacific Northwest. Tremendous potential exists here, and with great weather and great racing on site, it is easy to see why fans have been flocking to this track for nearly 60 years.

Photos Courtesy of Marc Viquez Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 CPKC Stadium 1460 East Front Street Kansas City MO 64120 KC Current website CPKC Stadium website Year Opened: 2024 Capacity: 11,500 Kansas City’s One-of-a-Kind Soccer Stadium CPKC Stadium stands proudly at the Berkley Riverfront in Kansas City. It is part of the transformation of the city’s landscape in its early stages of development. The $117 million privately funded soccer-specific venue is the first of its kind built for women’s soccer, and it held its opening match on March 16, 2024, with a 5-4 victory over Portland in front of a sell-out crowd. There is not a bad seat in the house with the highest rows of seats no more than 100 feet from the field of play. Also, premium suites are purposely positioned low to the pitch, and seating in many of the club-level sections is comprised of breathable mesh material. There are also offerings from local Kansas City restaurants in all four corners of the stadium, offering local flavors, inspired new twists, and vegan options. The area is quickly changing and will offer 5 million square feet of mixed-used space that will include a 5-story boutique hotel, a 7-story apartment complex, a streetcar extension, and various restaurants and retail outlets. Currently, the CORE apartment complex is 75% completed and includes Bar K and the Union Berkley Riverfront apartments. The goal is to house 10,000 people and attract visitors from Kansas, Missouri, and all over the country. The stadium has also hosted the 2024 and 2025 Big 12 Conference women’s soccer tournament and the 2025 NCAA Women’s College Cup. Photo by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Food & Beverage 4 The stadium features local favorites, offering BBQ, poke bowls, Mexican dishes, farm-to-fresh plates, pizza, sandwiches, and vegan and vegetarian options. The local restaurants include Joe’s KC BBQ, Lulu Thai Noodle Shop, Yoli Tortilleria, Billie’s Grocery, Room 39, Ruby Jeans, and Baba’s Pantry. All locations aim to provide a unique culinary experience for each guest. The Z-Man is a pulled brisket sandwich with onion rings, melted provolone, and barbecue sauce. Yoli’s offers barbacoa, vegan mushroom tinga tacos, along with chicken tinga burritos and quesadillas. Room 39 sells Monte Crisco sandwiches, and Ruby Jeans sells brussels sprout nachos. Billie’s Grocery features a spicy tuna poke bowl. Martin City Brewing Company features a selection of draughts and slices of pizza. J. Rieger & Company is an institution in Kansas City that offers craft cocktails: Heartland Highball, signature Horsefeather, and Seasonal G&T cocktails. Atmosphere 4 The atmosphere is electric throughout the game. Fans dress in teal and red colors, and the focus is on the game from the moment of kickoff until play stops at the half. There are three supporter groups: KC Blue Crew, KC Undertow, and Surface Tension Drumming Club, which are visible with their drums, banners, and flags. They provide an incredible backdrop to the sights and sounds of the contest. The stadium has three sides of teal seating with a canopy covering a majority of the seating bowl. One end is open to the river and houses the stadium’s video board and outdoor bar/social meeting spot. The main Concourse wraps around the entire venue and offers a wealth of concessions and areas to watch the game from numerous vantage points.  Fireworks light the sky after every goal, including three scored by Kansas City in the first half during our visit. The concourse is brimming with revelry throughout the match. Many fans mingle with one another, and others enjoy the night's festivities. The soccer matches are much more than rooting for the hometown Current but a vehicle for many to be out in the community and bonding with one another. Neighborhood 3 CPKC Stadium sits along the Missouri River and will be part of a mixed-used district that is under development. However, it is close enough to many downtown neighborhoods that are accessible by walking a short distance to the free streetcar and by car. If attending a Saturday evening match, the Historic River Market is a few blocks away. The market has been in operation since 1857 and houses multiple restaurants, specialty groceries, attractions, and a Saturday farmers market. Recommendations include Ting’s Filipino Bistro, Carollo’s Deli, Chicken Please, and Taste of Brazil. The market is accessible by the streetcar that takes visitors on a 15-minute one-way ride to the Power & Light District, where restaurants and bars are abundant, and Union Station, which houses an active train terminal and a planetarium, Science City, and a 5-story movie theater. A few blocks away from Union Station are the Hallmark Visitors Center and the National WWI Museum and Memorial. The Sprint Center is in the Power & Light District. The multi-purpose sports venue is home to concerts, comedy shows, and WWE events. J. Rieger & Co. is a distillery 2 miles away in the Electric Park District. The historic building dates back to 1887 and houses exhibits, samplings, mixed cocktails, and a slide that takes visitors down one story. Fans 4 The fan support has been impressive the past two seasons and sellouts are the norm. Two supporter clubs cheer for 90-plus minutes while the rest of the stadium cheers loudly after each goal, and fireworks are shot into the midnight sky. It's hard not to be impressed with the level of excitement that is generated at a Current match.  Photo Courtesy of Chris Mullins Access 2 It might be the one drawback to attending a game so far. The area around the stadium is a construction zone, and traffic becomes dense before kickoff. However, the club has made a great effort to provide shuttle services to and from multiple parking lots several blocks away from the stadium to ease the congestion. Still, multiple construction zone fences are the norm at this time of writing. It is recommended to park at the 7th and Main Street lot for $20 and take the free streetcar or shuttle service to the game.  Return on Investment 3 The city loves its brand-new franchise, and tickets can be purchased for $45 on resale markets and get higher closer to match day. It's recommended to purchase tickets online before arriving at the stadium.  The parking lots are probably the most expensive part of attending a game. The green and teal lots are $54, and the red lots will cost $75. I said earlier that the best option is to take the streetcar from 7th and Main Street parking lot, exit at the Rivermarket stop, and walk the Riverfront Heritage Trail to the game. The club also has a free Match Day shuttle from the same parking lot.  Extras 4 CPKC Stadium is the first of its kind for a women’s professional soccer team and will be the model for future structures that hope to be built in Denver, Cleveland, and many other cities. Plus, having a fanbase that dons the teal and red colors of the club throughout the day is also remarkable.  The eye-popping color combination stands out in places like the nearby City Market and makes people notice it. The team offers various forms of shuttle services to bring fans in from other parts of the city and to lessen traffic congestion in the heavily construction zone near the stadium.  The stadium is committed to sustainability, including no sales of plastic bottles or cups at matches, including water offered in aluminum cans. Fountain drinks come in reusable cups that are asked to be returned by fans, currency at an 86% rate. It also houses solar panels that produces 100,000 kilowatts of energy annually. Final Thoughts CPKC Stadium might be the template for women’s soccer stadiums in the United States. The design, culinary features, location, and environmental thinking will make others notice when it comes to constructing stadiums of their own in other cities. The fanbase has embraced the club and has made attending a home match the place to be on a Saturday night.  ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter   and his YouTube channel .   E mail at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Soldier Field 1410 Museum Campus Dr. Chicago, IL 60605 Chicago Fire website Soldier Field website Year Opened: 1924 Capacity: 61,500 Soldier Field is on Fire Chicago Fire FC of Major League Soccer has called Soldier Field home since 2020. The team had previously played here from 1998-2005 before relocating to the soccer-specific stadium in the suburb of Bridgeview, 12 miles southwest of Chicago.  The move back to Chicago was a surprise at first, but being 1.5 miles from downtown, accessible to superior mass transit, and close to a fan base that has embraced the game has made it a logical choice for the Fire. Soldier Field is the long-time home of the Chicago Bears of the National Football League and opened on October 9, 1924, as Grant Park Stadium. It was renamed the following year to honor the US soldiers who died in combat during World War I. The stadium features a Neoclassical style with Doric columns rising above the east and west entrances. The stadium went through $632 million renovations between 2002 and 2003 that reduced capacity and modernized the stadium. The exterior would be retained, but the interior would be significantly altered, providing a venue with a unique design. The move would be fruitful as average attendance has risen from 15,848 in 2022 to 24,474 in four seasons. The club's time at Soldier Field will come to an end soon, as they announced in 2025 that they plan on privately financing a soccer-specific stadium in “The 78” neighborhood in the South Loop along the Chicago River. It will seat 22,000 and anchor a mixed-use development including residential buildings, restaurants, retail, and green space. Food & Beverage 4 Soldier Field offers a bit of food variety from stadium favorites to creative styles designed for fans at the game. There are multiple stands and kiosks, and many grab-and-go stations that make it easy to get something to eat and return to your seat. It is a cashless venue. Fans can enjoy hot dogs, pretzels, brats, Polish sausage, veggie dogs, walking tacos, nachos, and pizza slices. The signature items include nachos and street tacos with in-house smoked brisket, street corn, and a jalapeno cheddar sausage with charred tomato pepper relish and hot tortilla strips called a “Fire Dog”.  There are also rib sandwiches and ice cream nachos. The alcoholic choices include domestic and premium brands from Miller/Coors, Vizzy, Leigenkugel, and Cruz Blanca. You will not find Coke or Pepsi products, but ones from RC Cola, Dr Pepper, and 7Up. Atmosphere 4 The stadium's size did not deter the crowd. The lower bowl was packed with fans, providing enough noise that would make one forget they were at a 61,500-seat venue. However, it is the design of the stadium that makes attending a game a little different from the modern soccer-specific venues of the league. Fans enter through the east entrance into an area dubbed “The Patio” that features the impressive Doric columns. There are multiple tents from local businesses offering prizes for free products, a Kid’s Zone that tests soccer skills, inflatable rides, and a bar area with beer and cocktails. The Fire’s official team store is located in an area that offers a selection of items. If arriving early to the match, this is a fun area to soak up some pre-game festivities that also includes a DJ playing Chicago-house music. Once inside the main concourse of the stadium, fans will have easy access to their seating and the multiple concession areas. Look for the Fire supporter club that makes its way through the west side of the stadium, chanting, waving flags, and beating their drums. One in their seat, the beat goes on for the full 90 minutes of play. The pre-game festivities on the pitch feature pyrotechnic special effects of fire spewing up into the area in the middle of the field and from behind the goal. A group of fans hold up flags and banners on the field to hype up the crowd from their seats. Public address announcements are done in both English and Spanish. Neighborhood 4 Soldier Field sits just south of downtown Chicago, nestled along Lake Michigan in the city’s scenic Museum Campus. Surrounded by sprawling green space and iconic cultural landmarks, the area offers plenty for visitors to enjoy before or after a game. Just steps from the stadium are world-class attractions that include the Field Museum, home to the famous T. rex “Sue,” the Shedd Aquarium with its diverse marine life, and the Adler Planetarium, offering hands-on exhibits and sweeping views of the Chicago skyline. Fans looking for a bite to eat will find plenty of options nearby, from the upscale Chicago Firehouse Restaurant to laid-back favorites like Reggie’s Rock Club, Kroll’s South Loop, and the legendary Harold’s Chicken Shack. The area also features local breweries: Vice District Brewing and Motor Row Brewing, perfect for a pre-game drink. For those wanting to take in the lakefront, the nearby Lakefront Trail provides a picturesque spot to walk along the shoreline. Lake Michigan offers much cooler temperatures during hot summer days, or somewhat reverse during the colder months. Arrive early to the game, you'll be glad you did. Fans 4 The Fire have seen increased attendance in the past four seasons since relocating back to town. Attendance peaked at over 21,000 during the 2024 season. They have several supporter clubs that march to the match and make quite the entrance with flags, banners, and musical instruments. Access 3 Soldier Field is set up well for Fire matches with the entire lower bowl concourse wrapping around the seating bowl for easy access to concessions, bathrooms, exits, and other areas of the venue. Field-level seats behind the goalkeeper require a special entrance to the field from Gate 10, and "The Patio" area is massive and worth checking out before the match or during half-time. It is recommended to use public transportation to and from the stadium to avoid high parking fees and congestion after the game. The SouthShore Line and Metra stop at the 18th Street Station for Soldier Field. It is less than a 10-minute walk from the platform. The 18th Street Station is also accessible from the CTA Red/Orange/Green Lines . Return on Investment 4 The average price for a ticket to a game can be as low as $18 to as high as $40, depending on the opponent and how far in advance you make the purchase. Parking at the stadium will cost close to $40, and it is advisable to take the Metra to the Soldier Field station; an all-day pass costs $7 and is worth the headache of sitting in traffic after the match. Concession prices are what you find nowadays at major sporting events. There are no value items, and beer will cost between $12 $14. Team merchandise is also on par with other MLS clubs, with caps and t-shirts selling around the $30 mark. Depending on your standards, attending a Fire match is a good return on investment. Extras 4 Attending a Fire game has several extra incentives that include fantastic pre-game activities in The Patio, which include games, music, and merchandise sales. The grab-and-go lines are long and quickly move fans throughout the game. There are several lodge areas that fans have access to in order to cool off during hot summer nights. Final Thoughts The Chicago Fire have a bright future ahead of them with the announcement of a soccer-specific venue set to open for the 2028 MLS season. The team has seen increased attendance with its move back to Chicago, and it will cement itself as one of the city’s major brands for the foreseeable future. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter   and his YouTube channel .  Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

The Frederick Keys are set to rejoin Minor League Baseball in 2026, becoming the Baltimore Orioles' High-A affiliate in the South Atlantic League. This move signifies a re-establishment of a long-standing partnership between Frederick and the Orioles, which previously lasted over 30 years until 2020. The return also entails significant renovations to Nymeo Field at Harry Grove Stadium, a collaborative effort between the city of Frederick and the Maryland Stadium Authority, aimed at meeting MLB's Professional Development League standards and improving the overall fan and player experience. This shift directly impacts the Aberdeen IronBirds, who currently serve as the Orioles' High-A team. With the Keys' return to affiliated baseball, the IronBirds will transition to the six-team MLB Draft League. Despite this change in league affiliation, the IronBirds will maintain their existing city and identity, continuing to play under their current name. Greg Baroni, CEO of Attain Sports, which owns both the Keys and IronBirds, expressed his commitment to supporting Frederick's initiative to bring an Orioles Minor League affiliate back to the city. This strategic realignment aims to enhance the baseball landscape for both communities, solidifying their respective roles within the broader baseball ecosystem in Maryland.

Photos by Lloyd Rothwell, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 4 Pines Park Pittwater Rd Brookvale NSW 2100 Australia Manly Warringah Sea Eagles website 4 PInes Park website Year Opened: 1947 Capacity: 23,000 Eagle Rock at the Fortress Lottoland, formerly, Brookvale Oval, is located on the world-famous Northern Beaches of Sydney, and has served as the home of the Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles NRL club since they were formed in 1947 – although the area land was designated Brookvale Park as early as 1911. Brookvale Oval has a capacity 23,000 and is managed by the local council – meaning it’s supposedly a public recreation space. The Sea Eagles have fought running battles against the council, as well as at other levels of government, to try and improve the maintenance standard of the current facility and to secure a commitment for a substantial upgrade. A junior league was first formed on the peninsula in 1932, a traditional rugby union stronghold. As such, the league was forced north from Manly itself to the nearby suburb of Brookvale. Having first requested to join the NSWRL as early as 1937, the Sea Eagles were eventually admitted to the 1947 competition along with Parramatta . They’ve since become one of the strongest and most consistent clubs in the NRL, with the distinction of never having ever finished last at the conclusion of a season. Manly are traditionally very strong at their home ground, which is often described as “The Fortress” or colloquially as “Brookie.” Note: Stadium name is now 4 Pines Park. Food & Beverage 3 The haphazard design of the stadium has resulted in a mismatch of concession stands placed around the ground, rather than permanent outlets. Given this is the case, the outlets are often placed where they can be fitted in rather than strategically incorporated into the general flow of the stadium. The food itself is of comparable quality to that of similar stadiums around Sydney and Australia, which of course means mass produced and therefore fairly average in taste yet quite expensive. A standard meal deal (main hot item plus chips and a drink) is costed at $15.50. The individual main items (pie/sausage roll / hot dog / nuggets / hot chips) at $5.50 have no price variation whatsoever, unusually so. There are several additional stands around the ground offering gourmet hot dogs ($7), pulled pork bun ($12) and donuts ($2). Several different beers are available at the bar for between $6 for a Hahn Premium Light and $8.10 for a James Squire 150 Lashes. Pre mixed spirits cost $10, cider is $7.80 and house wine $6.90. As always, if you need a carry tray you will need to fork out an additional $1. Atmosphere 3 Brookvale Oval offers a mix of seating options. The largest of the three grandstands runs the length of the western side of the playing field and is known as the Jane Try Stand in recognition of a land donation in the early 20th century. The stand offers one level of elevated seating and as it faces the east, is shaded. There’s also seating at ground level in front of the concourse. The player’s race runs through this concourse and on to the playing surface. In the south western corner lies the Ken Arthurson Stand, named after the long-time Manly Sea Eagles administrator. The Fulton-Menzies Stand sits at the southern end of the ground, and honours the Fulton family (former player and later coach Bob, and two of his sons who also played for Manly) and Steve Menzies, the highest try scorer in Sea Eagles history. The northern end and eastern side are dominated by several rows of bleacher style seating and a grass hill. Plenty of spectators take the opportunity to enjoy the sun and soak up the atmosphere in this area. There is a scoreboard that displays text only at the back of the northern hill. Neighbourhood 4 Brookvale is located towards the southern end of the northern beaches. The suburb has a large industrial presence but also boasts the largest shopping centre on the peninsula, Warringah Mall. The mall offers plenty in the way of retail as well as a large food court and several café / restaurants. Manly Leagues Club (563 Pittwater Rd) is just down the road from the stadium, providing standard bistro food and several bars. The other option close by is the Brookvale Hotel (511 Pittwater Rd). However, to get the most out of your visit to the area, you really need to travel away from Brookvale. The beaches themselves in this part of Sydney are amongst the very best Australia has to offer. The closest beach is North Curl Curl, but take your pick of any of the 21 patrolled beaches along this stretch of coastline. A few highlights to consider include Avalon (where an episode of the TV show Baywatch was filmed) and Palm Beach (where the Australian soap opera Home and Away is filmed) to the north; and Freshwater (look for the statue of Duke Kahanamoku who is said to have introduced surfing to Australia on the headland) and the world-famous Manly Beach to the south. Freshwater also offers the Harbord Diggers licensed club (80 Evans St) and Harbord Beach Hotel (29 Moore Rd). If you’re looking for an extended night out, head down to Manly. Here you will find an abundance of pubs, cafes, restaurants and hotels spread along The Corso and North Steyne. Some of the more popular pubs include The Steyne (75 The Corso), nicknamed “The Drain” amongst locals, the Ivanhoe (27 The Corso) and Manly Wharf Bar (21 East Esplanade). I’d also recommend the Manly Skiff Club (Stuart St) as a great place to enjoy a cold beer with a sensational view overlooking Manly Cove. A little closer to Brookvale lies Dee Why where numerous cafes and restaurants line the beachfront, including my personal favourite, Sandbar (25 The Strand). In short, you’re in one of the best areas of Sydney but you will need transport to make the most of it. Fans 4 Manly fans are infamous for their reluctance to travel to away games, but their passion at Brookvale cannot be questioned. The Sea Eagles army show up in good numbers, mostly in Manly’s maroon colours. An average crowd is between 13,000 and 15,000 which will mean a fairly full and therefore loud stadium. Access 2 The northern beaches suffer from poor public transport, traffic and a lack of parking. The only public transport offering a direct service to Brookvale Oval is bus. If you are making a day of it and come via the city then the ferry is certainly a good option, providing great views of the harbour and showcasing Sydney as a whole. However, you will then need to get the bus up to Brookvale. Car parking in the surrounding streets is free however you’ll definitely need to be prepared for a walk – and keep in mind how steep Beacon Hill Rd is to the northwest if you park in that direction. Otherwise, $10 parking can be found in nearby Brookvale Public School. In terms of the facilities once inside, they are showing their age and the bathrooms appear not to be well cleaned with cobwebs abound. Return on Investment 2 General admission starts at around $29 for unreserved areas and up to $66 for reserved undercover grandstand seating. If the weather is nice then take your chance on the hill (although you’ll be looking into the sun for afternoon games) but be aware the entire stadium offers little in the way of covered areas. It is priced similar to other NRL venues, but to be fair the majority of them offer a more comfortable and modern fan experience. Extras 2 Additional points awarded in recognition of mascots (Egor and Ellie), cheerleaders and team store. Final Thoughts It appears as though plans are finally afoot to redevelop Brookvale, which will be a welcome relief. In the meantime, you’ll be treated to a traditionally strong team with plenty of fan support for the home team.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Kentucky Proud Park 510 Wildcat Court Lexington, KY 40506 Kentucky Wildcats website Kentucky Proud Park website Year Opened: 2019 Capacity: 5,000 The Pride and Joy of Kentucky Baseball When the Kentucky Wildcats baseball team took the field on February 26, 2019, they did it at Kentucky Proud Park. The program’s $49 million state-of-the-art ballpark replaced the venerable Cliff Hagan Stadium that was the team’s home for 50 years and ushered in a new area of the school’s baseball program. KPB offers seating for 2,500 spectators and can accommodate up to 5,000 fans with additional space on the terrace and grass berms. Temporary bleachers can be installed beyond the outfield walls to increase the stadium’s capacity to 7,000 for tournament games. The ballpark is also home to the eighth largest video boards in college baseball, measuring 48 feet wide by 30 feet tall. The modern and sleek design of the ballpark adds to the impressive resume of the SEC and makes it a viable option to enjoy the game in a grand atmosphere against nearby rivals in Louisville and division foes from Vanderbilt, Georgia, Georgia, and Tennessee. Food & Beverage 3 There are two main concession stands down each baseline that offers a variety of common ballpark fare. The classics are here from hot dogs, burgers, pretzels, popcorn, and nachos, and range in price from $3 to $5. There are also sweet delights that include funnel cakes, cotton candy, frozen lemonade, Sno Kones, and Dippin Dots also in that price range. Atmosphere 3 Kentucky Proud Park could easily be a Single-A stadium and one of the most impressive venues of its kind in the region. A wide-open concourse wraps around the diamond and offers a club, large areas, a kid’s play area, and grass berm seating. A large video board offers everything from player stats to replays and social networking. The seats behind home plate are wide and comfortable and general admission terrace seating is somewhat wide enough to seat a small family in certain sections. Kids play catch and run around the grassy areas down the left field line. The stadium provides an interactive screen that provides a wealth of data that fans can touch the screen to find out more details on, including info on players, former players who made the majors, stadium information, and much more. The Cats have in-between inning contests that include horse racing that is determined by fan tweets, lucky winners, and contests for kids. Home games feature at-time promotions that include free t-shirts, trading cards, beach towels, and TV raffles. This also includes Bark at the Park and May the Fourth Be With You Nights. Neighborhood 4 There isn’t much within walking distance from the stadium, but Lexington has a metro population of 517,000 residents. The city has a small-town feel and offers an array of nightlife, attractions, and plenty of distilleries and horse racing. There is a lot to see in town and within a small distance. The city is home to two horse racing tracks: Keeneland (thoroughbred) and Red Mile (harness) which offer racing throughout the calendar year. Kentucky Horse Park is a working horse farm and an educational theme park that offers attractions and is a great place for kids and racing aficionados. The area is in the heart of the Bourbon Trail. Nearby distilleries include Buffalo Trace, Four Roses, Wild Turkey, Woodford Reserve, and Lexington Brewing & Distilling (located in town and also features a brewery). Castle & Key is the newest distillery that took residence in the old limestone castle built in 1887. Tours and prices will vary and all include a sample of bourbon on picturesque grounds. Downtown Lexington offers a collection of great restaurants and breweries that include Dudley’s on Short, Bourbon on Rye, Blue Door Smokehouse, Minglewood, and Creaux. Local breweries include Mirror Twin, Country Boy, Ethereal, and West Sixth. A personal favorite place to visit is the Historic Pepper Distillery District, a 25-acre entertainment complex that is less than 4 miles away from the stadium. Originally built in 1869 to produce bourbon, it is home to the James E. Pepper Distillery, Ethereal Brewing, Barrel House Distilling, The Elkhorn Tavern, Crank & Boom Ice Cream, and Wise Bird Cider Co. It is quite a popular place to visit in town. There is also the chance that your visit may coincide with a Kentucky Wildcats basketball game at Rupp Arena or a Lexington Counter Clocks baseball game at Wild Health Ballpark . When you include your visit with horse racing, bourbon tours, great restaurants, and other sports, you have enough to do on a very long weekend. Fans 3 The ballpark feels like a High or Low-A ballpark and there are times it feels like that. However, the fan's reaction is on par with a major league club. The spectators are decked in blue, focus on. the game, and cheer at appropriate times. With the Wildcats winning and the weather warm, expect the fandom to be inviting and thriving. Access 4 The ballpark features a large main entrance, plus a left field entrance for the parking lot in the rear of the stadium. The large concourse wraps around the entire field and is spacious with concessions, bathrooms, and other signage marked. The ballpark shares the same parking area with the football stadium Kroger Field and the softball stadium. Return on Investment 4 The prices of a ticket are $10 for home plate reserved seats and $5 to $8 for dugout chair backs and terrace/berm seating. The parking is free for home games, but certain rivals should encourage fans to arrive a tad earlier. The price of food is fairly inexpensive, but a can of beer will cost you close to $9. Extras 3 There are many nice touches throughout the ballpark that includes a map of Kentucky outside the main entrance, a team mural down the left field line, and wood-engraved designs for its large areas on the main concourse. There are also flashing blue and white light poles outside the exits of the ballpark. The Wildcats feature a horse race where fans can send a tweet with a hashtag of the horses' names. The results are uploaded to the video board, and fans get to see the contest after the 5th inning. Final Thoughts A very impressive ballpark for one of the SEC's most northern stadiums. Kentucky Proud Park should fit in nicely with the conference's marquee venues for college baseball and perhaps make a few more fans come out to check out the Cats during the baseball season. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel . Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com