Photos by Stefano Romagnoli, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Stadio Libero Liberati Viale dello Stadio Terni, Italy 05100 Italy Ternana Calcio website Stadio Libero Liberati website Year Opened: 1969 Capacity: 20,095 As the World Terni In 1926, Libero Liberati, world champion motorcyclist in 1957, was born in Terni, in Umbria. The stadium where the Ternana Football plays their home games was named for the city’s native son. Designed by engineer Leopoldo Barruchello in 1961, Stadio Libero Liberati was inaugurated on August 24, 1969 with the friendly match between Ternana and Brazilian team Palmeiras. Ternana Calcio has only briefly climbed as high as Serie A, so the facility has hosted the top tier of Italian football only in the seasons 1972/1973 and 1974/1975. In 1974 the venue was expanded with the construction of the Curva San Martino, the section that today is reserved for supporters of the opposing team. The stadium currently has a capacity of just over 20,000 seats, all strictly to sit. The fans most fondly remember the following the coaches and players of Ternana who have made the history at the Stadio Libero Liberati: Edmondo Fabbri, Cesare Maldini, Corrado Viciani, and Franco Selvaggi (Selvaggi being a part of the Italian world championship team from 1982). The Italian National Team has played two matches at the Stadio Libero Liberati over the years: Italy vs Belgium 0-0 on February 13, 1991 and Italy vs Wales 3-0 on January 24, 1996. Food & Beverage 2 Inside the ground, on the side of the Tribuna A, there is a bar and a hospitality area. In the bar you can buy coffee, tea, fruit juices, Coke, chips, popcorn (€ 2 each), sandwiches (€ 3), and other sweet and salted snacks. The hospitality area is managed directly by Ternana Football. Around the stadium, in addition, there are peddlers of sandwiches. Atmosphere 3 The Stadio Libero Liberati looks like certain grounds of South America. The facility is formed by three rings placed one over the other, and it’s entirely uncovered. Before the construction of the Curva San Martino, the steps were interrupted at the two curves. The seats in each ring are painted with the colors of Ternana Football, red and green. On the outside walls there are some murals remembering the Chilean coup of 1973. Neighborhood 3 The stadium is located in the district of Dalmazia-San Martino, about 2 km from the center of Terni. The facility and pitch can be glimpsed through the trees that line the Viale dello Stadio. Not far from the stadium, there is a communal swimming pool. Located along Viale dello Stadio is also the Ternana Store, where you can buy official merchandise in red and green. Fans 3 Long-time fans of Ternana Football still occupy Curva Est, however in the last several years, some fans have also moved to the Curva Nord. Fans cheer on their team with the cry “Fere! Fere!” (meaning “beast”), holding banners and waving red and green flags. The most heartfelt challenge is against Perugia, the defined derby of Umbria. There are also strong rivalries with Roma , Lazio , Napoli, Salerno, Fiorentina , Empoli , and Latina . Access 4 The Stadio Libero Liberati is about 2 km from the railway station. By car, coming from the A1 motorway, take the exit Orte and then take the SS675 that connects Terni to Viterbo. Arriving near Terni, fans can just follow the signs “Stadio” or the signs depicting a soccer ball. There is an ample availability of parking around the ground. Return on Investment 4 For the Serie B season 2013/2014 tickets range from a minimum €7 for the reduced ticket in Curva, to a maximum of €30 for seats in the Tribuna. Extras 2 The Roman Amphitheatre, built in 32 A.D. and numerous buildings erected in medieval times, still are present in the city and certainly are worth the time to visit if you are able. The delicious local gastronomic products are worth an extra point as well. From bread of Terni (characterized by the absence of salt in the dough) to ciriole (handmade spaghetti) there is plenty to like to eat while in Terni.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57 Androscoggin Bank Colisee 190 Birch St Lewiston, ME 04240 Androscoggin Bank Colisee website Year Opened: 1958 Capacity: 4,000 Temporary Home for the Pirates The Androscoggin Bank Colisee, formerly known as the Central Maine Youth Center, is perhaps best known as the site of one of sport’s most iconic photographs, that of Muhammad Ali (at the time known as Cassius Clay) standing over Sonny Liston, taunting Liston after knocking him down during their heavyweight championship boxing match on May 25, 1965. Although the Colisee is located in the small city of Lewiston, it has hosted its share of notable teams and events. The Maine Nordiques of the long-defunct North American Hockey League called the Colisee home from 1973 to 1977, and the Lewiston Maineiacs of the Quebec Major Junior League played here from 2003-2011. In addition, the Colisee has hosted the NCAA Division III Frozen Four and annually hosts the Maine High School State Championships. The Boston Celtics would regularly play exhibition games here during the 1960’s. As mentioned before, the Heavyweight Championship of the world was decided here in 1965. The Portland Pirates came to the Colisee as an interim tenant while their home rink, the Cumberland County Civic Center, was renovated following the 2013 American Hockey League playoffs. Renovations were to be so extensive as to make the rink unavailable until well into the 2013-2014 season. Originally, the Pirates were to begin the season with a road-heavy schedule, playing their first 13 home games in Lewiston. However, a contact dispute between the Pirates’ ownership and the CCCC board of trustees over concession revenues forced the team to look for a temporary home for the remainder of the 2013-2014 season. In stepped the Colisee, providing the Pirates with a consistent home in the Portland area for the entire season. As of this writing of this review in December, no resolution to the contract dispute has been reached, leaving the future of the Pirates very much in doubt. Food & Beverage 3 For an arena of its size, the Colisee has more variety in its concessions than one might expect. Still, the menu does not vary too far from standard arena fare. Recent renovations included the addition of the new Tim Horton Food Court, where the hungry hockey fan can purchase hot dogs ($3), chicken nuggets ($5), hamburgers ($3.50), pizza slices ($3.50), as well as various sides and snacks. Pepsi products are featured here, with 16 ounce bottles selling for $2. For fans seeking adult beverages can find pony-sized cans of Miller Lite ($4), Sam Adams ($5), and Labatt Blue ($7) at the pizza stand. Other stands sell Dippin’ Dots and pretzels for fans looking for snacks. There is a small souvenir stand near the entrance to the arena, selling a nice variety of Pirates gear. Atmosphere 3 The Colisee does not offer anything out of the ordinary as far as game presentation goes. The typical arena rock music blares from the speakers during play stoppages, and there is an emcee roaming the arena giving away items to fans and chatting with players during intermissions. The Pirates hold 50/50 and jersey raffles during each game. The mascot, Salty Pete, is available throughout the game for photo ops with young fans. For the most part, fans here are quiet and respectful. It is possible to hear the players barking out instructions to each other throughout the game, as it is very quiet in the Colisee during game play. Unfortunately, the game atmosphere at the Colisee lacks much of the passion and edge that was present at the CCCC. An interesting aspect of the Colisee’s physical layout is the fact that the locker rooms are quite small, especially by today’s standards. This requires the visiting team to spill out past the constraints of the locker room into the hallway under the stands for their exercise bikes, glove racks, skate sharpeners, and other equipment. Fans walking in this area are likely to run into several members of the visiting squad going through their pre-game routines. While this is a charming, old-school type of quirk, it can only be viewed as a nuisance for the players. The Pirates are a team in limbo for the 2013-2014 season. As a result, the front office is in the unenviable position of trying to market the team to what is potentially a lame-duck market while trying not to alienate their traditional fan base. While attending a Pirates game at the Colisee, it is clearly evident that all references to the city of Portland have been removed from uniforms, team gear, literature, and in-game announcements. Neighborhood 2 Lewiston is the second largest city in Maine, located 45 minutes northwest of Portland. Its twin city, Auburn is located across the Androscoggin River, and the two cities are usually linked together as a single entity. The combined population of Lewiston/Auburn is roughly 60,000, making it one of the smaller cities in the American Hockey League. The Colisee is located on the outskirts of the downtown area of Lewiston, a former industrial city on the Androscoggin River. Like many similar cities in the northeast, the downtown area suffered from neglect once the economy faded and businesses closed. The area around the arena is mostly residential, with businesses concentrated along the riverfront. Fans looking for dining options or lodging in the immediate vicinity of the Colisee will be disappointed, as there is nothing to be found right next to the arena. With Bates College located less than a mile away, the lack of any eateries was fairly surprising. Fans willing to take a short drive to the riverfront in Lewiston or across the river into Auburn will be rewarded by several dining options. In particular, the area around the Auburn mall features several national chain restaurants and hotel chains for the out of town hockey fan. Most fans will opt to stay in Portland, where the options are much more plentiful. Fans 2 It is a difficult task to assess and grade Pirates fans at this point. Even though the Pirates have committed to play the entire 2013-2014 season in Lewiston, their immediate future is still very much in limbo. Lewiston is located only a 45 minute drive from the Pirates’ fan base in Portland, yet very few of the fans make the drive north on I-95 on a regular basis. Likewise, fans in Lewiston have been slow to embrace the Pirates, as they are most likely only a temporary stop for the team. The Pirates have averaged only 2500 fans per game through the first three months of the season, ranking the team only 29th out of the 30 AHL teams. The Pirates had a relatively small season ticket holder base while playing in Portland, and less than half of these season ticket holders have renewed their plans for the year in Lewiston. Access 2 Interstate 95 runs through Lewiston, connecting travelers to Bangor, located two hours to the north, Portland, 45 minutes to the south, and points beyond. The city of Boston is only a two hour drive from Lewiston. The Oak Street Bus Station offers routes to Bangor and Boston, at which point travelers can connect to other destinations. Although there is a small airport in Auburn, most travelers will choose to fly out of the nearby Portland International Jetport. The Colisee is located at the edge of the downtown district, and the traveling hockey fan will need to wind through the city streets for approximately a mile before coming to the arena. There are three small lots adjacent to the Colisee for events, and they are more than adequate for a typical Pirate crowd. In addition, there is on-street parking available in the immediate vicinity of the arena, and many locals choose this parking option. The Box Office is located in an enclosed area at the entrance to the arena. Once inside, fans climb a narrow stairway to enter the newly renovated concourse/food court area. This area contains the majority of the food stands, a small pro shop, and a skate shop. Fans can access the seating area by passing through two vomitories, one on either side of the rink. There is a walkway in the front of the seating bowl that runs around the entire rink. Seats in the first couple of rows can offer obstructed views due to fans passing directly in front of these seats. Luckily, Maine fans know their hockey etiquette and rarely move about during play. Seats consist of individual wooden seats, except for the four corner sections, which consist of metal bleachers without seat backs. The last two rows of the seating bowl are plastic benches which have been crammed into a small space in an attempt to increase capacity. Fans should avoid these seats whenever possible. Bathrooms are located underneath the seating bowl, accessible by narrow hallways which run parallel on both sides of the rink. There are a men’s and women’s room on each side of the arena. The bathrooms are cramped, but adequate for the size of the crowds at the Colisee. Fans requiring handicapped seating will be pleasantly surprised by their seating location at the Colisee. Due the the age and layout of the arena, handicapped seating is located directly on the glass! Return on Investment 4 Tickets for Pirates games cost $12 for adults, and $10 for children and seniors. Purchasing your ticket on game day will add an extra $2 to your price. Parking in the lots adjacent to the arena costs $3, although on-street parking is plentiful and free right next to the Colisee. Many locals choose this option rather than spend the extra cash. With inexpensive concessions, affordable ticket prices, and cheap parking, going to a Pirates game will not break the bank. Extras 2 For fans interested in the history of the Colisee, there is a reproduction of newspaper articles from the Heavyweight Championship fight held here in 1965. Included in this exhibit is the photograph of Muhammad Ali towering over a fallen Sonny Liston after knocking him out in the first round of their bout. It is one of the most iconic sports photographs of all time, and it is amazing to think the fight took place in an arena so far off the beaten path. This exhibit is worth a look for any sports fan. A second extra point is awarded for the old-timey feel of a game at the Colisee. It’s not often that fans can get as close to the players during their pregame routines as is possible here. With hockey players being the friendly and accommodating people they are, it is entirely possible for fans to get up close and personal and have conversations with their favorite players before they take the ice. Final Thoughts What’s next for the Pirates? In its current configuration, the Colisee does not measure up as a venue for this level of hockey, and cannot be considered to be a long-term home for the Pirates. As of this writing, there are several rumored potential future homes for Portland’s hockey team: The Pirates and the Cumberland County Civic Center work out a lease agreeable to both parties, and the Pirates move back into downtown Portland next season. Enter into a partnership with the Maine Red Claws of the NBA’s Developmental League on the long-awaited Thompson Point Project, allowing the Pirates to move back within Portland City Limits. The Pirates break ground on a new arena in suburban Saco, adjacent to their current practice facilities. The Androscoggin Bank Colisee undergoes extensive renovations which allow the Pirates to remain in Lewiston. The Pirates team with interests in neighboring Biddeford to build a casino/arena complex. All of these potential sites are located within Portland’s established territory, so Pirate fans need not fear that the Pirates will be moving out of Maine anytime soon. Still, you never know… Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Stephen Schmidt , Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Houck Field 1117 Broadway St Cape Girardeau, MO 63701 Southeast Missouri Redhawks website Houck Field website Year Opened: 1930 Capacity: 11,126 A Neighborly Nest Chris Crockett speaks from experience. As an avid Tennessee-Martin Skyhawks fan, he and his wife have traveled to every fellow Ohio Valley Conference stadium — and anywhere else their beloved Skyhawks have played over the past seasons. “The best atmosphere in the conference,” Crockett says while standing near the sidelines of Southeast Missouri State University’s Houck Stadium, “and we go everywhere.” The venue opened back in 1930 at a cost of a whopping $150,000. It was built on top of rock quarry and named after Louis Houck, a philanthropic railroad pioneer known as the “Father of Southeast Missouri”. Its only downside, according to Crockett, was the difficulty of actually getting into it. That’s largely due to the fact that most SEMO fans are not extremely interested in entering the stadium, which has the official name of Missouri National Guard Field at Houck Stadium. Not with free beer to be consumed (see below) and an overall communal tailgating experience taking part right outside its gates. The pre-game scene reflects the region’s congruence of Midwestern politeness and Southern hospitality. Food & Beverage 3 There’s nothing highly exotic to write about here. The stadium offers the standard fare (hamburgers for $4, cheeseburgers for $4.50, nachos for $3.50, hot dogs for $3, pretzels for $2.15) with Pepsi products to help wash them down. Other popular items are cheese-stuffed Bosco Sticks for $5. The stands do offer Culver’s frozen custard for $4 for those warm games in the early part of the season. No food or drink is allowed into the stadium. Atmosphere 5 The atmosphere can best be described as intimate — both before and during the game. Picture a large high school stadium carved into a hillside neighborhood with a large tailgating party right outside. From the file under “Something you don’t see everyday,” fans with a ticket to the game can wait in line and receive two small pink raffle-type tickets that are good for two cups of beer as a promotion with local distributors. This has been going on for years as a way to help foster discretion among those of age. On this night in fall 2013, cups of Coors Light were on the house as fans walked around a portion of Bellevue Street that was closed off to vehicles. A carnival-like scene unfurled with various vendors setting up shop next to a large tent featuring live music and lots of friendly fans scattering in between with free beer in hand. “This is Family Weekend, so we’re a little more chill,” said one female student, who added that the atmosphere can be much more rowdy for homecoming. Her advice to an out-of-towner? “Just come and be outgoing.” Wearing black and red wouldn’t hurt either. Although the Bellevue Block Party is just a few feet from the stadium, the party does not stop for a few lucky boosters who don’t mind spending $1,000 and more for the right to tailgate in the stadium’s eastern end zone. “It used to be first-come, first-served and it got a little out of control, so we had to put some parameters on it,” said one SEMO representative. Fans have the option to sit a few feet from the back of the end zone, separated by a concrete curb. Before FieldTurf was installed in 2010, though, fans were able to sit even closer as the grass went right up to the edge of the field — but the arrangement was a little dangerous when it came to players accidentally colliding into fans. Those gathered by the grills and tents are still really close to the action. “Now you’ll have to let us know if you run into any next-to-field tailgating anywhere else in the country. I’ve got to imagine this is really unique,” said another school representative. Pat Ruopp, a SEMO alumnus and a long-time fan, stood just a few feet from the goal post next to a table loaded with picnic food. “We’re all just here to just to have a good time and to have fun…people like football here. They enjoy football and this makes a great opportunity for people to come together.” Neighborhood 4 The stadium is a short walk from Broadway Street, which offers a good array of restaurants and bars. Two popular eateries are Burrito-Ville for those looking for a quick Mexican bite or Pagliai’s Pizza & Pasta (try the Meat Extravaganza) for Italian enthusiasts. Right next door to Pagliai’s is a sports bar called D’Ladium’s — or “D’Lads” by the locals — that features relics of SEMO’s athletic history. Further down the street is Broadway Biergarten, a popular place to down a stein or two, and The Last Call, which has an expansive outdoor patio area. Those who are little more adventurous can walk 10 minutes down the road and take a right onto Main Street, where a number of other options can be found including two live music venues, Broussard’s Cajun Cuisine and Rude Dog Pub. Cape Girardeau is a charming town that has stretches of streets that mirror its riverboat roots. In fact, it’s so charming that at the time of my visit in October 2013, a major studio film, Gone Girl based off a best-selling suspense novel and starring the likes of Ben Affleck, Neil Patrick Harris and Tyler Perry, had recently started using the town as its primary filming location. The film should be released in 2015. Fans 4 On the night of my most recent visit, there was a late arriving crowd, but it’s hard to blame them given that there was free beer, live music, and beautiful weather. A large walk-up crowd snaked around the front gates well into the meat of the first quarter, but the main southern side eventually filled up and grew very loud when the Redhawks did anything remotely positive with the football. There are plenty of seating options on the smaller northern side where the SEMO students are situated. It should be noted that the northwest corner of the northern side is the one part of the stadium where one cannot see the only scoreboard in the facility, so if you want to keep up with game, avoid these seats. The fans are very friendly and approachable. Access 3 Parking is a tad difficult given that are no large parking lots nearby. There is ample free street parking nearby on surrounding streets, which feel completely safe. I parked a couple of blocks from the stadium just 30 minutes before kickoff. There are only two men’s and two women’s restrooms in the venue — one on each side. The main men’s room is large enough with a good-old trough arrangement, making it easy to get in and get out. The bathroom on the north side is underneath the stands near the east end zone, which makes it a bit of pain to access if you’re coming from the other side of the stands. Return on Investment 4 Two words: Free beer. That aspect alone creates a high ROI. Furthermore, ticket prices are very reasonable with $10 for reserved seats and $8 for general admission. Throw in the fact that food costs are very reasonable and street parking is free, and a Redhawks football game becomes a great entertainment value. Extras 3 One point is awarded for a having very friendly and accommodating staff and the overall communal affability of the entire experience. Two points are awarded for the two free beer tickets (one for each ticket).

Photos by Google Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Liberty Stadium Landore Swansea, Wales SA1 2FA United Kingdom Swansea City AFC website Liberty Stadium website Year Opened: 2005 Capacity: 22,500 The Power in the Gower Swansea City’s rise through the English football leagues from near extinction in 2003 to establishing themselves in the Premiership, winning the League Cup in 2013, and playing in Europe is one of the most gratifying stories in recent years. At the same time, they have left their cozy, but rundown former home of the Vetch Field to move to the purpose-built, council-owned 22,500 Liberty Stadium that they share with the local rugby team The Ospreys. Despite being the smallest capacity in the Premier League, it is a compact, comfortable, and clean stadium that more than suits the needs of the highest-place supporter-owned club in the English League pyramid. Food & Beverage 4 The Liberty Stadium supplies the usual standard grub of beer, soda, hot dogs, meat pies, chocolate, and chips; combinations of the above come in special £5 ($8) combo deals. For something more exotic a few curry outlets are providing a tasty and not-too-spicy chicken curry and rice for £6 ($9). Atmosphere 5 Swansea’s rise through the leagues has been built on a possession-based passing game. Despite changing managers during their rise, their owners have insisted on maintaining the quick passing style that has won them friends and plaudits galore and brought comparisons to Spain and Barcelona’s tikka-tikka style. As such, the fans demand good football and respond vocally when it occurs. The Liberty fills up quickly and thanks to clever ticketing policies it is rare that the attendance isn’t close to capacity. As such, there is usually a rollicking good atmosphere, with the very best coming when their South Wales rivals Cardiff City make the short trip along the coast. Neighborhood 3 Across the road from the stadium is where the real action takes place; Rossi’s Fish and Chip Bar. The family-run business was already well-known in the area but bought new premises in 2005. A few weeks later the new stadium opened across the road and business has boomed ever since. A good-sized piece of fish and all the chips you can eat to take away will set you back £7 ($11), though it is slightly more to eat in at the 48-seat restaurant. For more sophisticated dining try La Parrilla down at the restored Swansea Bay Docks selling all manner of Mediterranean-inspired dishes; a main with starter or dessert plus wine will work out at about £25 ($41) per head. For post-match festivities head to Wind Street in the Mediterranean-inspired center of town which is jam-packed with pubs and nightclubs that stay open late into the night and do a roaring trade on Friday and Saturday nights. As with most new-built stadiums, there isn’t a great deal to do around the stadium apart from the odd shop and fast food restaurant. While it is neither salubrious nor dangerous, it is just lacking any real options for something to do. Much better to jump in a taxi (£7, $11) or catch a bus and head back into town to find something going on; on a good day the seafront provides a great option to stretch the legs or go for the dip, or there is the well-known picturesque village of Mumbles a few miles round the coast to enjoy. Fans 4 Swansea City fans are appreciative of the good football that they play and are well aware of how close to going over the edge they came. As such, they are very friendly and always up for some good-natured banter with opposing fans, though Cardiff City is the one set of supporters that can stir their ire. Furthermore, as a supporter-run club, they are looked after by their own and as such their needs and wants are listened to by those in power and acted upon. In all, it makes up for a very good fan experience. Access 3 Swansea train station is on the main west line out of London and a 10-minute ride in a taxi from there to the Liberty Stadium will set you back about £7 ($11). Trains from London take about three hours and return costs around £60 ($98), but make sure you book up early as prices rise steeply. Numerous buses also run from the city center, with the 4, 120, 125, and X20 the best options. If driving, Swansea is off junction 45 of the M4 motorway that runs west from London and takes about three and a half hours on a good day. Once off the motorway, follow the A4067 towards the city center and then follow the signs. Parking is available but limited both in the stadium car parks at £6 ($9) and on the nearby streets. Return on Investment 3 Ticket prices are about average for the Premier League and come in two bands. Category A matches are priced at £45 ($73) for adults and £22.50 ($38) for concessions (over-60s, U16son, and students). They include fixtures against Manchester City, Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal, Liverpool, adults, and Tottenham Hotspur. Category B games come priced at £35 ($57) for adults and £17.50 ($28). Extras 3 The local rugby team, The Ospreys, competes in the Heineken European Cup and the Pro 12, a league featuring clubs from Ireland, Italycompetes, and Scotland. They feature, several Welsh internationals and have a reputation for entertaining rugby; tickets cost £28 ($46) for adults and £20 ($32) for concessions. As ever there is a club shop that features all the usual paraphernalia of both Swansea City and the Ospreys. Keep an eye out for the discount rail where last season’s gear has been knocked down to more affordable prices. There are also tours available of the Liberty Stadium, check the website for details. Final Thoughts Swansea City fans have known what it has been like to suffer through lean years and also know what it’s like to revel in glory seasons. You can’t break the heart and souls of its fans and supporters. Liberty Stadium is providing a fitting symbol for their continuing rise.

Photo courtesy David Wilson, UNCG Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 UNCG Baseball Stadium Kenilworth St & Theta St Greensboro, NC 27412 UNC Greensboro Spartans website UNCG Baseball Stadium website Year Opened: 1999 Capacity: 3,500 No Spartan Accommodations When most people hear of the University of North Carolina, their minds immediately turn to Chapel Hill. The University of North Carolina at Greensboro, though, was founded in 1891, and is quite the successful academic and athletic institution in its own right. Though the school served for over 70 years as an all-female institution, the student body has been co-educational for five decades. UNCG has also seen its share of success on the athletic fields. The Spartan baseball team defeated in-state foe (and then-number one) North Carolina several years ago in front of the home fans in Greensboro. UNCG has also seen considerable success in soccer and basketball, both within the Southern Conference and on a national level. The baseball victory over North Carolina took place — as do all the Spartan home games — at UNCG Baseball Stadium. This on-campus facility saw its first pitch in 1999, and has earned acclaim from numerous sources. The stadium’s facade seems a bit nondescript upon approach, and there are only approximately 900 fixed seats, but the ballpark is beautiful and spacious. Food & Beverage 3 The lone concession stand is on the concourse behind the plate, and the offerings sold from the stand are what one would expect from a “mid-major” program. The lone entree choice is a hot dog, priced at $2. Snacks compose the remainder of the menu, with peanuts and popcorn (both $2), sunflower seeds, Cracker Jacks, chips and candy (all $1) helping to get fans through the game. The chips and candy do at least offer some variety, with four different candy brands and four different types of chips. Pepsi serves as the campus’ bottler, with 20-ounce bottled sodas and water available for $2. A cup of ice (should you require one) is $1, with hot chocolate also served for $1. Atmosphere 4 UNCG Baseball Stadium is near the entrance to the campus, so most of the view beyond the wall is that of trees and campus buildings. There is also a large parking deck beyond the wall in right field. This may not sound picturesque to most, but it looks a lot better than it sounds. The lone price fans pay for the nice view and the spacious concourse comes from an overall lack of shade in the park. There are small pockets of shade near the press box, restrooms and concessions building, along with a few areas shaded by the field house building down the right field line. A number of fans brought umbrellas to provide shade on the afternoon I visited, and despite the stadium’s policies outlawing umbrellas, no one gave those fans any problems. If you choose to bring an umbrella for an afternoon game, though, be aware that you may be asked to put it down. UNCG Baseball Stadium seats 3,500 fans, though just 889 of those fans have fixed seats. This did not appear to trouble many in attendance when I visited, however, as fans brought blankets to enjoy the berm areas or folding chairs to grab a seat on the concourse. The berm area is incredibly maintained, as is the playing surface. If sitting on grass is not a problem for you, this is one of the better parks I’ve seen in which to grab a spot on the berm. The UNCG dugout is on the first base side, if this helps your decision process. The scoreboard is located in right-center field, with a video and informational screen at the top. The screen displays a photo of the current batter or pitcher, along with updated season and in-game stats. The game’s line score, ball/strike/out indicators, number of the current batter and the current time are all on display in the portion below the video screen. The board can be a bit tough to see from some of the seats, depending on the angle of the sun. There is also a net in front of the scoreboard, which can obscure the board a bit if you are looking from the right field side. Neighborhood 4 UNC Greensboro is located near most of the action in the Gate City, just blocks from one of the main thoroughfares in the city (Lee Street) and the Greensboro Coliseum Complex. The school and stadium’s proximity to NewBridge Bank Park allows visitors to utilize many of the same downtown attractions and eateries. Most of these places are a mile or so from the park, so a car may be in order if you would rather not make the trek on foot. Jack’s Corner Mediterranean Deli is just across the street from the campus, and is a favorite of many locals. An interesting combination of Greek and American deli fare is offered, including gyros, kabobs, wraps and hoagies. Prices are quite reasonable, and the restaurant goes out of its way to fit into the university district. If a night on the town is not your speed, this is a great place to keep your evening relaxed and casual. The Atlantic Coast Conference and Greensboro go hand-in-hand, and though UNC Greensboro participates in the Southern Conference, a trip to the ACC Hall of Champions is certainly a nice way to spend a few hours. The Hall of Champions is located in the Greensboro Coliseum Complex, and features uniforms, photos and other items from the conference’s past. Fans of the region are sure to enjoy some of the conference’s great moments as vividly as they did when they first saw them take place. Admission is quite inexpensive, at $5 for adults and $3 for children (through age 12) or groups of four or more. Fans 3 Attendance was a bit sparse at the beginning of the game I attended, as the game’s start time was moved up two hours in anticipation of rain in the Triad region (which actually never arrived). As the game continued, though, fans started to arrive in greater numbers, eventually making for a fairly solid crowd. It is unlikely that UNCG would ever “sell out” (more on the reason for the quotation marks later) unless an opponent such as North Carolina visited, but those who do show up love their Spartans. The noise is not deafening, by any means, but there is enough blue and gold in the seats producing cheers at the appropriate times to let you know which is the home side. The level of support is about what one would expect and hope for at this level, though more fans in the stands would always be a nice thing. The quality of the facility is certainly worthy of a full house every night. Access 5 Lee Street is quite close to the university. Lee, US Highways 29, 70, 220 and 421 and North Carolina Interstates 40 and 85 all travel within a couple of miles of the campus, making for relatively easy ingress and egress. Most GPS systems find the stadium with little difficulty, though it is often labeled as simply “Baseball Stadium”. The intersections of Walker and Aycock (front entrance) or Kenilworth and Theta (rear entrance) will help you find the park with no problem. Parking is plentiful at the front entrance of the stadium, and there is no charge. Just as with any game on a college campus, though, be careful to pay attention to signs indicating the requirement of a permit, as well as dodging foul balls. If you have a stroller or other requirement for a ramp, use the rear (right field) entrance to the ballpark, as the front entrance features a large stairway. UNCG is also accessible via bus. The Greensboro Transit Authority operates bus service through the area and the city. Bus route 1 serves the campus, with the stop just outside the stadium’s gates at Walker and Aycock. The concourse is very wide — in fact, as wide as almost any you will find — and allows for plenty of room to walk, stand or sit. The entire area is open to the field, as well, which means the only time you miss any of the action is if you need to use the restroom. Regarding the restrooms, they are near the concession areas, with clean and updated facilities. Lines should be no problem, as there is enough room for most between-innings rushes. Return on Investment 5 I almost hesitate to mention this next detail, for fear it may change. There is no admission fee for UNCG games. It seems impossible with a facility this nice and well-maintained that there is no charge for a ticket, but this is certainly a nice surprise. With free parking, our usual test of a game ticket, parking, a hot dog and a soda comes in at just $4. This allows families of four to take a $20 bill to a game and come away with change. Any Division I baseball — especially baseball in the highly competitive Southern Conference — at this price point is well worth a visit. . Extras 3 UNCG has a marketing table set up along the concourse behind the plate. A small “program” is available at the table, including photos of the UNCG players and rosters of both teams. There is not much to the program, but it is free. Fans can also sign up to participate in the in-game promotions at the table. The back of the press box features a sculpture that is visible throughout the concourse. This artwork features several different scenes of players in action. The sculpture is called “Play at the Plate”, and was designed by Brad Spencer. There is also a field house down the first base line, which houses locker room and hitting areas for players, as well as offices for coaches. The advantage this provides to the fans is that there is a window through which fans can look and see the program’s trophy cases. It would be ideal if the university could provide a way to go inside and see these items, but the view through the window is at least somewhat unique. Final Thoughts UNCG Baseball Stadium is a relaxed facility, in more ways than one. There is plenty of room to stretch out, relax and enjoy the game without feeling cramped. There are also minimal intrusions from wacky sound effects and excess crowd noise. If you’re looking for a nicely-maintained facility that allows you to appreciate the outdoors and the national pastime, make a note to add a UNCG game to your travel itinerary.

Photos by Stefano Romagnoli , Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Stadio Armando Picchi Piazzale Montello, 14 Livorno, Tuscany 5726 Italy AS Livorno Calcio website Stadio Armando Picchi website Year Opened: 1933 Capacity: 19,238 Livorno Legacy The Stadio Comunale Picchi is the main facility for football in Livorno city. The building houses the home matches of AS Livorno Calcio, a club that has existed for over 100 years, founded in 1915. Since 1990, the stadium is dedicated to Armando Picchi, born in Livorno and defender of the “Grande Inter” with which he won three national championships, two European titles, and two world titles for the club. Armando Picchi died prematurely at the age of 36, and he took his first steps as a professional football player wearing the shirt of Livorno. In the city, there is also a football team called Armando Picchi. The structure was designed and built for the return of AS Livorno in the Italian Serie A league, 1933/1934, and was originally named Stadio Comunale Edda Ciano Mussolini. The official inauguration took place on the occasion of Italian B vs Austria B match on March 24,1935. However, the first game played by the home team was Livorno vs Fiorentina, October 8, 1933, and finished with a score of 3-0. Turchi, on a free kick, was the first player to score a goal in the new stadium. During the end of World War II, American military troops in Italy (still not far from the city there is the American military “Camp Darby”) used the facility for football and baseball and called this venue Yankee Stadium. Since 2013, a part of the stadium, the staircase, is dedicated to Piermario Morosini, a player for AS Livorno Calcio who died in April 14, 2012, during the match against Pescara in Serie B. The stadium was designed by Raffaello Brizzi, head of the Faculty of Architecture at the University of Florence, and it is the first public work built in reinforced concrete in Livorno. At the beginning of the 1980s, Torre di Maratona was demolished. Measures have been taken over the last decade to improve the safety and capacity of the system. Today, the total capacity of the Armando Picchi stadium is 19,238 spectators. Food & Beverage 3 Each sector of the Armando Picchi stadium has its own food court (including the reserved area for the visiting fans). Look for many of the offerings under the Tribuna Centrale. The menu offers everything from coffee to beer, from liqueurs (try the Ponce alla livornese, beverage derived from the punch) to Coke products. Then there are sandwiches, a variety of cakes, ice cream, and snacks. Atmosphere 3 Stadio Armando Picchi has a ring shape. The seating sections are divided into: Tribuna Vip, Tribuna Coperta, Tribuna Laterale, Curva Nord, Curva Sud, Gradinata, Tribunette di Gradinata, and Settore Ospiti. A glass fence runs all around the field, dividing the public from the players, but it does not restrict the view. Between the field and the stands is the old track for athletics built in 1987. The teams’ entrance takes place by a tunnel that opens between the playing field and the athletics track. The distance between the two stands and the field is about 10 meters. The distance between the two curves and the field is about 25 meters. The presence of old photos on the walls of AS Livorno Calcio and pennants of other teams that have played here help to create a nostalgic atmosphere under the Tribuna Centrale. Some of the preliminary soccer matches for the 1960 Rome Olympics were held in this venue, adding to the historic significance (Yugoslavia won the gold medal for football for these games). Neighborhood 3 The stadium is not far from the city center, about 20 minutes when walking. I recommend that you eat a typical dish while in Livorno, the cacciucco for example, after the match. Cacciucco is a soup with different types of fish, and is a staple of Livorno. Stadio Comunale Armando Picchi is in the Ardenza neighborhood, the southern suburbs of the city and the area where the major sports facilities of Livorno (including the Ippodromo Caprilli and the Palasport Macchia) are located. The area is characterized by numerous elegant villas with two or three floors above which stand out the unmistakable towers for stadium lighting. At about 500 meters from the stadium there is the Naval Academy, a school founded in 1881 where the officers of the Italian Navy are educated. In the neighborhood, there are many restaurants and pizzerias. Wander around and find a spot that suits you after the match. Fans 4 The most passionate fans of AS Livorno Calcio follow the matches from the Curva Nord. In this sector, you’ll find amaranth banners, flags, and scarves dominating the colorscape. Throughout the match, fans incite their favorites with chants and songs. The roar that the teams receive when they emerge from the tunnel before the match is tremendous. The stadium announcer gives the name of the home team goal-scorer, and that name is repeated in unison by the fans. The most strongly felt match is the Derby of Tirreno between Livorno and Pisa. Other rivalries exist with Roma , Lazio , and Milan . Access 4 Getting to Stadio Armando Picchi is quite simple. By car, coming to Livorno from the Firenze-Pisa-Livorno (FiPiLi) motorway or from the A12 (Genova-Roma), just follow the signs for Variante Aurelia and go toward Livorno Sud. There is no shortage of space to park the car from Viale Italia to Via Salvator Allende. Parking for Settore Ospiti is in Via dei Pensieri, located in the La Rosa neighborhood La Rosa. By public transport, buses leave to Ardenza from the Livorno Central Station. Return on Investment 4 In the city, there are seven official retailers from AS Livorno Calcio, but you can also buy tickets for Stadio Armando Picchi online. Ticket prices range from a minimum of €9 for Curva Nord, up to a maximum of €85 Euros for Tribuna Vip. Before each match, it is useful to check the club’s website to see if there are any reductions in pricing or special promotions. Extras 3 Livorno is one of the youngest cities in Tuscany, but there are places and buildings of interest. All of these sites help to make a trip to Livorno special. They are: – The Fortezza Vecchia, site of numerous cultural and musical events, and the Fortezza Nuova, with its public park. – The La Venezia neighborhood, built during the 17th Century, is crossed by canals to mimic the appearance of Venice. – The Terrazza Mascagni, with its checkered floor consisting of about 35,000 black and white tiles overlooking the sea, is well worth a visit for tourists, as well.

Photos by Sean MacDonald, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Sapporo Dome Hitsujigaoka 1, Toyohira-ku Sapporo, Hokkaido 062-0045 Japan Nippon Ham Fighters website Sapporo Dome website Year Opened: 2001 Capacity: 40,476 Fighting for Respect The Nippon Ham Fighters were formed in 1948 and spent 55 years in Tokyo, where they were always a distant second in popularity to the Yomiuri Giants. Fighters games often saw the Tokyo Dome nearly empty and the team could never win anything, save a Nippon Series in 1962. The club was widely ridiculed and the corporate owners realized that their brand might be suffering as a result. Fortunately, there was a savior. In 2001, the Sapporo Dome was built as one of the many stadiums that would be used in the 2002 World Cup. Based in the biggest city on the northern island of Hokkaido, it wanted a pro baseball team for the 2003 season, when it needed to fill up all those summer nights. Having had enough of being second fiddle in the capital, Nippon Ham were more than receptive to the proposal and decided to move the Fighters up north, re-branding the club in the process. The Hokkaido Nippon Ham Fighters were born to overjoyed northerners who could finally call a ball team as their own. The players responded in turn, winning the Nippon Series in 2006 and making it back again as Pacific League champions in 2007 and 2009. The move to Hokkaido was unquestionably the best thing to happen to this club; the question now is how does the Sapporo Dome measure up against the Fighters’ former digs in Tokyo? Food & Beverage 5 Once you enter through your assigned gate, you will find yourself on the main concourse (1F), which is spacious and very clean. Most of the concessions are located here, although there are a few on the second floor as well. My recommendation is the Prince Hotel stand which had a good variety of smaller snacks that looked better than the KFC or Subway next to it. The fried chicken with black vinegar sauce was very nice, although it won’t come close to filling you up. As usual in Japan, it pays to walk around and check all the different options as there are about 20 different vendors each with multiple locations and each offering something unique. For example, one had a cucumber on a stick for those trying to stay healthy, while another boasted a very appetizing Hokkaido Steak Donburi. The Luna Creperie on the second floor seemed like a popular choice if you had a sweet tooth. There is a hot dog stand on the third floor behind center field but I had a look and the product was not tempting in the least. Stay on the first floor and you will be fine. One difference here is that you are not allowed to bring outside food in, so there are no vendors along the streets as you see in most other stadiums in Japan. I initially thought this to be a bad choice, but after sampling the reasonably priced fare inside, I can say it won’t make a difference. Beer is served continuously by vendors running up and down the aisles, and at 600 yen is somewhat cheaper here than elsewhere. If you want to sit down at a restaurant, Sports Stadium Sapporo is a full-service restaurant offering passable Hokkaido fare at reasonable prices. It also has a lot of memorabilia from international players that have visited and dozens of TV screens. Atmosphere 2 This is a cavernous place, the second largest dome in the country (behind only the Fukuoka Dome) and it was perhaps 35% filled at the most recent game I attended. As such, the atmosphere really suffered, there were your usual cheering sections, but they struggled to make much of a difference. There is a dance squad that performed a couple of times, including the Fighters’ traditional YMCA dance during the 5th inning break, but they couldn’t really get things going. The Fighters have an interesting balloon operation running here. Fans are given both blue and gold balloons. The blue ones are released in the 7th inning as is tradition, while the gold ones are saved for when the team wins. With a 3-1 lead, I saw many fans inflating their balloons, which I thought was a bit of a jinx move, but the Fighters prevailed. After the win there were a few fireworks as well, which sent fans home with some semblance of having had fun, but overall this place needs to be full to be exciting. Neighborhood 2 The dome is located about 10 minutes on foot south of Fukuzumi Station on the Toho subway line, which is itself about 15 minutes from downtown Sapporo. There are a couple of izakayas and a family restaurant on the way, but in reality this is one area you will be leaving immediately after the game. You’ll likely head to Susukino, Sapporo’s nightlife district with plenty of bars and clubs here to keep you busy. Hosui-Susukino is the nearest station and it is only five stops away from Fukuzumi. There is a small cafe near here called Hippies that offers a “dinch” menu after 5 pm. It is a quiet place that might make a good place to start before heading out on the town. Two bars of note are Rad Brothers, which caters to the foreign crowd although its reputation is that a spot for said crowd to meet the locals; and Locotonte, which has an all-you-can-drink night on Friday for just 2,000 yen. Fans 2 I expected more than just 15,000 to make it out to an early-season game, particularly with the lower priced tickets for this one, but looking at past seasons, it seems like the visiting Buffaloes are not a big draw, particular on a cold weekday evening. Still, those that did make it were particularly annoying, at least in my immediate vicinity. There were three women sitting two rows in front who kept chatting and moving around, blocking my view, the parents with their terribly agitated child who couldn’t sit still and kept kicking me, the dork with the tripod at the end of the row who forced people to climb over seats, and the old guy who came in the 5th inning and sat next to me before proceeding to suck on a toothpick for the rest of the evening. Finally, there was the know-it-all a few rows back whose taunts to the home players got increasingly loud and obnoxious as the game and his beer consumption went on. It’s unfair to punish the entirety of Fighters’ fandom (of which I am one from their days in Tokyo) due to a few bad apples, but I’m doing it anyway. They need more fans to go and actually watch the game! Access 4 Walking from the station is easy enough; you have to go over a bridge to cross the final street at which point you walk up some stairs and find yourself at the entrance to the North Gate. There are three gates in total, with the West and South Gates also open. Ticket windows, the fan club area, and the aforementioned Sports Stadium Sapporo restaurant are all inside the North Gate, which is open to the elements when you are waiting in line. The South Gate is also outdoors, but has nothing else of note. On the other hand, the West Gate is completely covered, so it makes sense to wait here if the doors to the stadium have yet to open, which they do 90 minutes before game time. Given that Sapporo can still be cold in April, they should really open gates 2 hours prior. This stadium is rare in Japan in that you can walk the entire way around without losing view of the field, but still you need to show your ticket before entering your particular aisle. Rows are numbered from field level to the top, with 76 being the highest. It is a long hike to the top so you better be in reasonable shape if that’s where you like to sit. The second floor (2F) is where you enter the seating area, which is marked by 118 aisles starting from center field and going clockwise. Some of these aisles are only accessible by bridges which provide a view of the main concourse below. After the game, there is a rush back to the subway station, but I found that it moved well and the train wasn’t that crowded. There are also shuttle buses to various other locations in the area, so if you are not staying downtown, you might want to check these out. Return on Investment 4 When you first lay eyes on the Sapporo Dome, you are likely to think that the city has been invaded by aliens. It is a large, silver, beetle-shaped structure with what appears to be a protruding nose (that’s the observation deck, which is not open during the game). Based atop a small hill, it is quite the arresting sight. After entering, I was heartened to see that there was no protective netting running down the lines. I hate obstructed views at sporting events and every other ballpark I’ve been to in Japan has some sort of screen that usually extends past the bases. I was sitting midway between home and first just three rows from the field and had an unobstructed view of the game. The only problem here is that this section is very moderately sloped, so my view was often blocked. The rest of the seating is very steep and you don’t have to worry about that sort of thing. The Fighters have three game categories and I was fortunate to see a Value Game with my SS seat only costing 3,500 yen. The same seat would have been 5,000 yen for a Regular game and 6,500 for Platinum, which is a bit much in my mind. My recommendation would be to stick with the SS category for the cheapest games, but try the A seats (or even C) for the other types. I never saw anyone checking tickets once you were inside the seating area, so it is possible you can sit where you want once the game has started, at least when it is so empty. The field seats are the most expensive but well down the line and protected by a screen and therefore should be avoided. Another seating area that is not for most is the “Cinderella seats,” which are the small pink section in some of the photos in the gallery. These are for women only, the catch being that they buy two seats for just slightly more than the price of one, the second seat to be used for their oversized bag. The scoreboard is average at best, and doesn’t have the typical layout that you see at other parks. It’s all electronic and rather cramped. With food and drink being reasonably priced and the Fighters being a competitive and likable team, as well as the great access here, the ROI gets 4 points. Extras 4 The West Gate has a number of interesting displays on the history of the Dome, including memorabilia from the 2002 World Cup, the Fighters and Consadole teams over the years, other sporting events that have been held there and even concert performers. Definitely stop by to take a look before you go in, because it is not accessible once you have entered the venue proper. If you bring gym clothes, you can work out at the Training Room, a full gym that costs only 500 yen per entry and is at one end of the West Gate. There is also a third floor above center field where the Kids Plaza is located. Anyone can walk up and take a look out, it is an impressive venue from this angle. The observatory is 53 meters above field level and is mildly interesting, but it is not open during the game. You can visit it during off-days or before noon if there is a night game, but at 500 yen, it is a bit much, especially as it costs about 500 yen in train fare to get there and back. If you are a stadium collector though, I recommend that you take the combination tour/observatory package for 1,200 yen (the tour alone is 1,000 yen), at least if you can understand Japanese. You get taken around the venue and can see the locker rooms and bullpen which is not visible from the seating area. Final Thoughts The Sapporo Dome is a unique venue in Japan as it can host both baseball and soccer on two different surfaces. Baseball games are played on artificial turf, while soccer uses a grass pitch that slides into and out of the stadium. This in itself is not unknown elsewhere; the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale also features a sliding surface. The conversion process takes about 8 hours from baseball to soccer and 13 hours in reverse, when the entire baseball turn must be re-laid. It is a technological marvel to watch this process in fast forward. After the baseball field is removed piece-by-piece and stored, the seats at one end fold into themselves as part of a moving wall. This wall is eventually opened and the soccer stage, which is the pitch resting on air, is slowly moved inside. Then the entire lower bowl is rotated 90 degrees to complete the switch. Due to the elimination of field level seats, the dome has a capacity of only 40,476 for baseball games compared to 41,484 for soccer. Unfortunately, it is unlikely you will see this process live, but the tour shows the 8-hour process in a 3- minute video. There are so many good things about the Sapporo Dome that I’d have to say it is the best domed stadium I have seen. That’s not damning with faint praise as you might think, this place really should be visited by any fan. The lack of fans and my poor luck in choosing a seating section will hurt the score here, but this place is really brilliantly designed and makes Sapporo a great sports destination. **Follow all of Sean MacDonald’s journeys at Sports Road Trips .

Photos by Sean MacDonald, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 Fukuoka PayPay Dome 2-2-2 Jigyohama Chuo-ku, Fukuoka 810-8660 Japan Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks website Fukuoka PayPay Dome website Year Opened: 1993 Capacity: 38,561 Ad Hawks Corporate ownership is the norm in Japanese baseball, with franchises merely considered an asset among many in the large conglomerates that control them. As such, when a company falls on hard times, it often looks to sell the team as they are often money-losing operations that provide little more than publicity. Such was the case in the 1980s when Nankai Electric Railway, based in Osaka, found their overall business hampered by their terrible ball team known as the Hawks. The board wanted to sell, but the chairman prevented it as he was an ardent supporter of the team. When he died in 1988, the last obstacle disappeared and Nankai sold the Hawks to Daiei, a retail business with supermarkets throughout Japan. Daiei moved the team to Fukuoka, the largest city on the southern island of Kyushu, where they became the Fukuoka Daiei Hawks. The team played four seasons in Heiwadai Stadium, a relic from 1928, and the new owners realized they needed a modern venue to show off their shiny new possession. In 1993, they opened the Fukuoka Dome, Japan’s first stadium with a retractable roof and the Hawks have stayed there ever since. Of course, Daiei themselves fell into bankruptcy and in 2005, they were forced to sell the team to mobile phone operator SoftBank who renamed the team Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks. That same year, they sold the naming rights to the dome to Yahoo! Japan, and the venue is now known as the Fukuoka Yahoo! Japan Dome, or Yahoo Dome for short. The dome is now known as the Fukuoka Yahuoku! Japan Dome It is the biggest dome in Japan, which has six of these monstrosities in the NPB, a necessity due to the rainy season that slams the country in late spring. The roof is made of titanium and is so valuable that in 2004, Tom Barrack, a billionaire real-estate mogul, bought the dome simply because the roof alone was worth the purchase price. All that is well and good, but the key question is how does the Fukuoka Dome measure up in the important aspects of the fan experience? Food & Beverage 3 Food options are not as good as at some other parks in Japan and I struggled to find something unique. This is not to say that the offerings are limited, but that they are generally things you can find at other stadiums or cheap restaurants on the outside. I settled on a chicken burger in a focaccia bun, which came with a soft drink for 780 yen. Not exactly cheap eats. Interestingly, you fill up your own drink here, something I’ve not seen at other ballparks – the clerk puts a lot of ice in an empty cup and you fill the cup much like at fast food restaurants. Speaking of fast-food, KFC and Subway are two of the American brands here, each with several stands around the main concourse. Mos Burger, a smaller, tastier hamburger is also present, but I would recommend the DomDom Burger stand instead, simply because it is not widely available. Another popular spot was Umakamon Street with yakitori, various types of yakisoba (fried noodles) and crepes for dessert. If you want something unusual, the fried squid should fit the bill. As usual, explore all the options and you should find something to enjoy. Alcoholic beverages are plentiful with all the Japanese staples widely available, beer being the most popular choice. The beer servers moved up and down the aisles pretty much up to the end of the game. Atmosphere 1 Japanese baseball games are loud due to the two cheering sections in the outfield, but the Hawks take things to the extreme and it can be painful if you prefer a quieter atmosphere. To begin, there is an MC named Max, an overly hyper DJ from Chicago who started working here in 2007. He first appears before the game to get things going with lots of rah-rah (in both English and Japanese) and then becomes more and more irritating with between-inning appearances (called Max Time!) where he interviews fans. You probably have to live in Japan for a while to appreciate just how bloody awful this is; foreigners acting goofy is a staple of Japanese TV and seeing it brought to the ballpark was depressing and really brought down the experience, at least for me. Tourists may think differently though and so I’m not docking more than 2 points for the constant bombardment of noise. There was a dance team and at least six mascots to keep fans entertained and the size of the dome keeps the cheering sections relatively quiet when you are sitting near home plate. In fact, I would say it was quieter while the game was being played and only became noisy during the inning breaks, a change from the usual pattern here. Neighborhood 2 The dome is a 10-minute walk from Tojinmachi subway station, which is itself just 15 minutes from downtown Fukuoka, so it is easy to get to. The venue is part of a larger complex called “Hawks Town” which consists of a mall, several restaurants including a Hard Rock Cafe, and a Hilton hotel (called the Sea Hawk in keeping with the theme). The surrounding area is next to the waterfront and there is a beach just on the other side of the highway, although I didn’t immediately see how to access it. If you have time and the weather is nice, it is worth exploring this area before the game but afterwards, you’ll probably want to take the subway back to Tenjin, the main nightspot in Fukuoka. If you are staying around Tojinmachi, a new izakaya recently opened right next to exit 2. Nipachi is a chain restaurant where all items are just 280 yen. There are other branches throughout the city that provide a simple and affordable post-game dining experience. Fans 4 Hawks fans are excellent, usually showing up in large numbers and staying active throughout the game. Nearly everyone participated in the balloon release during the lucky 7th inning and after the team won, most stayed for the celebrations. For about 30 minutes there were hero interviews, singing of the team song, fireworks, and more balloons being released and few left to beat the traffic. I must say that the fans seemed to really enjoy themselves here and although the atmosphere is not something I particularly like, having such good supporters around me made a big difference. I find that fans here have been friendly whenever I’ve attended a game and this time was no different as I chatted with a couple of ladies who were kind enough to show me around town after the game. Access 3 Despite being much larger than the Tokyo Dome in terms of its actual footprint, Fukuoka Dome only has a single seating bowl with 32 aisles that provide access from the main concourse. You can walk around the entire concourse, but it gets busy when a crowd of 35,000 fans is on hand. Don’t try to enter the good seats without a ticket; each aisle is manned by an eager usher who will not let you pass unless you are ticketed for that specific aisle. Once in the seating area, you are again limited to how far you can go as plastic fencing blocks you from moving to a different section of seats. Not good if you are trying to get pictures, but you can enter the outfield sections at any time as they are the least expensive, so no ticket check is required. Washrooms are not sufficient; I noticed large lines both during and after the game. Return on Investment 2 The Hawks have been one of the NPB’s most successful teams in recent year, and are the defending Japan Series champions. As such, they are charging much more for tickets than the other clubs, with seats behind the plate going for as much as 10,000 yen. The seats are the big and comfy type, but $120 is way too much for a baseball game in my mind. If you like to be close to the action, the S reserved seats are 5,500 yen, still a bit overpriced. The best bet might be the outfield reserved seats listed at 1,800 yen but marked down to 1,000 yen at the game I attended. If you are not interested in getting inside the stadium proper, you can try the museum experience. Above the outfield seats is a museum dedicated to Sadaharu Oh, the world record holder with 868 home runs. For just 1,400 yen, you can visit this and see the game. This used to be a restaurant (similar to Windows in Rogers Centre ) and I sat here a few years ago and found it strange, as you can’t hear the sounds of the game. Perhaps the Hawks thought the same as they created a museum to honor Oh, who managed the team for several years and is now the chairman. The museum is open before the game as well, so try to get there early and pay it a visit. There are three video boards above the outfield seats but two of them are used exclusively for advertising. These were given the names “Left Wing Vision” and “Right Wing Vision” in an obvious attempt to show that regardless of political bent, commercialization is the key to happiness. In fact, that was the main theme I took away from my visit here – spend, spend, spend. Things are expensive here, and I found myself inundated with commercials, right from when I walked through Hawks Mall on the way to the stadium. There are logos everywhere around and even Max got into the act, interviewing a couple of young ladies in English, sponsored by a local language school. The combination of an overpriced product and the non-stop solicitation to spend even more money really makes this the least cost-effective stadium in the NPB. Extras 4 There are a few displays worth noting as you wander around. First, at every gate there are “V” shaped pillars that commemorate each of the Hawks’ 15 Pacific League titles as well as the two championships they won in the Japanese Baseball League. There is a Material Wall that simulates a pitchers mound and home plate, exactly 18m44 apart (that’s 60’6″ for those who don’t know metric). There are pictures of every member of the entire Hawks’ roster, including those on their minor league team, shown under their place of origin. Most importantly is the Oh museum, located near gate 9 and open during non-game days as well. You can also take a tour here but I did not have time to do so on this occasion. Final Thoughts The Fukuoka Dome is an impressive structure and well worth visiting just for that. The game experience is a different matter though. For me, I found much of it to be excessive, from pricing to noise to advertising and that put a damper on what should otherwise have been a fun evening. The Hawks have a great team and should spend less time distracting their fans from the product on the field. Follow all of Sean’s journeys at Sports Road Trips .

Photo Courtesy of SFA Athletics Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.14 Jaycees Field 3715 Old Tyler Rd Nacogdoches, TX 75964 Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks website Jaycees Field website Year Opened: 2009 Capacity: 1,000 Axe ‘Em, Jacks! Way out in East Texas sits Nacogdoches, the state’s oldest city and home of Stephen F. Austin State University. The area is part of a greater region known as the Piney Woods, a name that will become obvious on your trek to Jaycees Field. The home of SFA Lumberjack baseball is situated in the middle of a heavily wooded area and is part of the Nacogdoches City Baseball Complex. The partnership between the city and SFA provides not only a home to SFA baseball and softball but also several fields for youth and adult baseball/softball. The complex was originally dedicated in 1980, however, a recent face lift in 2009 allowed for the upgrade of Jaycees Field and for SFA baseball to begin play. The atmosphere isn’t one of the elite, but traveling fans will enjoy the condensed seating area that bring fans together and unifies the crowd noise. Food & Beverage 1 Jaycees Field offers just enough concessions items to get you through the game. A small trailer is located right outside the main entrance on the third baseline. To access, you’ll need to leave the ticketed area and step just outside the stadium. As you enter, you’ll get a stamp on your hand that the usher can use later to allow you easy access in and out. It’s unlikely that you’ll encounter a line as you approach the stand. Your major options include the ballpark staples: hot dogs ($2) and nachos ($2). Snack items include sunflower seeds ($1), popcorn ($2), peanuts ($2), chips ($1), and candy ($2). Drink options are bottled Coca-Cola products and will cost $3. Bottle Dasani water is $2. Though the variety and quality of options is nothing to write home about, at least the pricing isn’t outrageous. The hot dog is about as plain as it gets, but it’s probably your best option at just $2. The popcorn isn’t that great since it’s prepared before the game and delivered to the stand. I’ve actually overheard fans complaining about how it’s bland, cold, and unsalted. Try a bag of peanuts or sunflower seeds instead. Make sure you bring cash to the park because the stand is cash only. Atmosphere 2 Jaycees Field is a part of the Nacogdoches City Baseball Complex located a couple of miles away from the university campus. The complex includes several fields for youth baseball and adult softball, as well as the home field for SFA softball. The seating capacity is listed at 1,000 and all seating areas are together surrounding the home plate backstop. This allows the crowd noise to be concentrated and a bit louder than if the seats were spread out. The seating structure is made from aluminum and includes a shade covering above the chair back seats directly in front of the press box. The chair backs are made from a simple plastic and aren’t quite as comfortable as you’d hope. On both sides of the chair backs area are aluminum bleacher seats with no backing. Looking out towards the field, a thick foul ball netting covers all direction of field view. Though netting is a norm behind home plate, this particular style of netting is a bit to thick and detracts from the overall viewing experience. Beyond the left field line lies an unofficial seating area where about 10 or so fans sit just above the fence in fold-out chairs perched on a stand. A few folks even back their trucks up to the fence and take in the view. On a hot Texas day, the best seating option is the chair backs under the shaded covering. The backstop is made from a green padding and wraps from both dugouts. Down the right and left field lines is chain link fencing covered by a green wrapping which displays the team name on the right field side and the logos of Southland Conference teams on left. A green aluminum fence lines the outfield wall and a simple electronic scoreboard sits just above the fence in right center field. A heavily wooded area is visible beyond the outfield wall. The playing surface is a natural grass field which stays in a pretty decent condition. Lining the back of the home plate area is a small strip of artificial turf with “Lumberjacks” on it. The turf doesn’t match the grass color and is fading from excessive wear. The field dimensions are: left field – 330 feet, center field – 400 feet, and right field – 330 feet. The atmosphere for SFA baseball is traditional. There’s very few (if any) promotions or activities. Music is very limited and the announcer just provides the basic facts of game play. Traditionalists will love it, others would hope for a bit more. The version of Take Me Out To The Ballgame is the traditional organ song with no words. Neighborhood 2 The immediate area around Jaycees Field is void of any restaurants, attractions, or lodging. The field is located in country setting that is sparsely populated and heavily wooded. However, the greater Nacogdoches area offers some good restaurants and is just about 3 miles east of the stadium. One of the most popular stops in the area is The Jalapeno Tree which serves up Tex-Mex favorites and some American dishes. While in town, make sure to stop in for their complimentary chips and salsa (the green salsa is amazing) and their absolutely delicious Quail Kabobs. To compliment your meal, grab one of their select Mexican brews or a Coronita (Margarita with a Corona turned upside down inside). A couple of other good options are La Carreta and Clear Springs Restaurant. While in Nacogdoches, relive a piece of Texas history by visiting the Sterne Hoya House Museum. The house was originally built by Adolphus Sterne and is one of the oldest homes still standing in Texas, bringing visitors back to the time of the Texas Revolution. If you’re looking for a thrill ride, just outside of Nacogdoches is Nac Zip, which offers five different zip lines and hours of fun. On the SFA campus, check out the oldest university arboretum in the state. There are plenty of hotels in the area, but I recommend staying at the Jones House Bed & Breakfast. Fans 2 Fan support for SFA baseball at Jaycees field could certainly use a bump in attendance. Average crowds usually range between 200 – 300. Though the crowds are small, they are vocal and passionate. It’s hard to tell if its just simply a high level of crowd noise or if the noise is louder due to the condensed seating areas. Either way, you’ll definitely hear the fans during big plays. The fan makeup is largely family oriented with a few older life-long fans. Few students make the trek from the SFA campus to the ballpark. Access 2 The Stephen F. Austin State University campus and Jaycees Field are both located just off of Hwy 59 (future I-69 corridor). Be sure to map out the location of Jaycees Field before beginning your trip. Don’t wrongly assume that the ballpark is on the SFA campus. Jaycees Field is located about 3.5 miles west of the SFA campus in the Nacogdoches City Baseball Complex. I usually trust my iPhone map to get me safely to my sports destinations, but Siri was a bit confused on this one. Searches for Jaycees Field came up empty and the address provided on the SFA website got me close, but not on target (I was hopeful the trailer park I arrived at wasn’t part of the stadium). Your best bet is to find it on Yahoo! or Google maps under the Nacogdoches City Baseball Complex search. As you arrive, the signage isn’t obvious and it’s easy to overlook. As you make it to the park, the parking can be a bit tight depending on the other activities going on in the complex. However, parking is free and you should be able to find a spot. It’s also not easy to tell where the entrance is to the complex. Once you finally find the small walkway leading in, you’ll eventually run into a restroom facility and the stadium becomes in view just beyond that. The ticket line will likely be short and you’ll quickly move through the gate. The concourse is a small walkway at the bottom of the seating areas and next to home plate. The seating areas have an adequate amount of aisles and they are spacious enough to move around comfortably. The restroom and concessions facilities are located outside the seating areas. The restrooms are pretty dingy, but at least you won’t have to hold it since there’s enough room to accommodate the average crowd. Return on Investment 4 You really can’t beat the overall cost of attending an SFA baseball game at Jaycees Field. Adult ticket prices range from $5 (bleacher) $8 (chair backs). SFA offers a very liberal interpretation of “kids” with the cost of admission at just $3 for those aged 9-18. Children 8 and under are free. Given the strong family crowds, this is great news to SFA supporters and traveling families. Parking is free and a game handout which lists team rosters is also free (no program for sale). Though the concession options are a bit sparse, the pricing isn’t outrageous. Overall, you’ll get to experience a great Southland Conference baseball game for very little cash out of your pocket. Extras 2 Every great live sports experience is highlighted by certain ‘extra’ features which are unique compared to other venues or make the overall experience memorable. For Stephen F. Austin State baseball at Jaycees Field, be sure to consider the following during your stadium experience: Though many fans would prefer to see athletic facilities on the university campus, it’s nice to see SFA working together with the City of Nacogdoches to provide a baseball complex for the community, as well as Lumberjack athletics. If you’re a baseball traditionalist, the atmosphere at Jaycees Field is very old-fashioned. You won’t notice blaring music, on the field promotions, or a video display. If you’re coming simply for the love of on the field baseball action, you won’t get easily distracted.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.43 Eddie Pellagrini Diamond at John Shea Field 2601 Beacon St Chestnut Hill, MA 02467 Boston College Eagles website Eddie Pellagrini Diamond at John Shea Field website Year Opened: 1997 Capacity: 1,000 Command Performance Pellagrini Diamond at Shea Field is located in the shadows of Alumni Stadium on the eastern edge of the Boston College campus in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts. The field is named after Commander John Shea, of the United States Navy, a BC football player and class of 1917 alumnus who was killed in action during World War II. The baseball diamond is named after Eddie Pellagrini, who served as the Eagles baseball coach for 31 years, amassing 359 wins and three College World Series appearances during that time. Shea Field is located on the edge of the Chestnut Hill reservoir, and offers views of the Boston skyline from certain vantage points around the ballpark. During football season, the baseball field serves as home to many tailgaters prior to Eagle football games. During baseball season fans utilize the top level of the Alumni Stadium parking garage as a location for their own tailgate parties. Food & Beverage 0 There are no places to get food or beverages at Shea Field. Seasoned Eagles fans will bring their own items to enjoy during the game. Also, many fans tailgate throughout the game up on the top level of the Alumni Stadium parking garage, which overlooks the field. Atmosphere 3 Overall, the game day experience at Commander Shea Field is a laid-back one. The park itself is situated in a small space behind Alumni Stadium, without a lot of the bells and whistles one might expect from a team that plays in the ACC. Crowds are generally small, and there is not a whole lot of seating available at Shea Field. Four rows of bleachers run down the third base side of the field beyond the dugout, and there are three rows of bleachers squeezed in behind home plate. There is no press box here, and the Eagles’ game day staff occupy the top row of bleachers behind the plate. Fans needing to use the restrooms can choose from several port-a-johns located around the ballpark, or they can walk into Alumni Stadium and use the facilities there. Unfortunately, no concession stands are open inside the football stadium. If you want to enjoy the most complete Shea Field experience, do what the majority of BC fans do. They line up along the ramps of the Alumni Stadium parking garage that run the length of the first base side of the field. This vantage point offers excellent views of the action, and is much preferred to the metal bleachers located on the other side of the field. Fans wanting more than just a good vantage point will park their cars on the top level of the parking garage and tailgate throughout the game. From this point fans can watch the game and enjoy the party at the same time. It’s definitely the place to be during an Eagles baseball game. Neighborhood 3 Boston College is located in the middle of a busy residential area. There are a few areas in Chestnut Hill where you can shop or eat, and they are all within walking distance of the campus. Your best bet is to head to Cleveland Circle, about a 15 minute walk from the BC campus, where you will find, among other places, Eagle’s Deli, which has been featured on several Travel Channel shows for its massive hamburger challenges. It’s no wonder that it remains a favorite of Boston College students. Streets in this area are frequently congested and busy, so be careful navigating this neighborhood and allow yourself extra time. Fans seeking a more scenic and leisurely pace should spend some time down at the Chestnut Hill Reservoir. It’s a favorite place for walkers or joggers, and there isn’t a better spot to be in the springtime. From the shores of the reservoir you get a fantastic view of downtown Boston in the distance. For those fans interested in a faster paced environment, head downtown towards those tall buildings, there is more than enough going on there to keep anyone busy. Fans 2 Boston College is perhaps the biggest college sports name in all of New England, but the Eagles baseball team lags far behind the football, hockey, and basketball teams in the hierarchy of BC sports. Just a quick look at the facilities surrounding Shea Field will reinforce this fact. Alumni Stadium, home of the football team, towers over the ballpark, and Conte Forum, a short walk from Shea Field, gets a great deal of love from the student body. It may be somewhat surprising that larger crowds don’t turn out for a baseball game at Boston College. A typical crowd at Shea Field runs between 100-250 fans, despite the party atmosphere possible here. There is not a large turnout from the student body either. The fans that do show up are die-hards, to be sure. Access 3 The Boston College campus is located in the Chestnut Hill section of the suburb of Newton, Massachusetts, about six miles west of downtown Boston. Newton is a very well-to-do town which frequently ranks near the top of any “best place to live in America” list. Despite its location in the suburbs, the neighborhood around Boston College shares many of the same access issues as does its big-city neighbors. Anyone who has tried to navigate the crowded, crooked streets of greater Boston by car can tell you how difficult driving in and around the area can be. If you are visiting from out of town, your best bet is to find a copilot who knows their way around town, or a trusty GPS. Most native Bostonians will tell you that your best bet is to take public transportation, known in these parts as the “T.” Like most locations in Greater Boston, the BC campus is most easily reached by subway. The Green Line’s B Branch terminus is located on Commonwealth Ave, right across the street from the Chestnut Hill campus. From here, it is a short walk to all points on campus. The Green Line’s C Branch stops at Cleveland Circle, a 15 minute walk from campus. For those who insist on driving, Boston College can be reached without actually entering the congestion of the city. If driving from the north or south, take Interstate 95 (also known as Rte. 128) to exit 24 (Rte. 30-Commonwealth Avenue). Follow this road about 5 miles, and you will find the Boston College campus on your right. If driving from the west, take Interstate 90 (the Massachusetts Turnpike) to exit 17. Follow Center Street to Commonwealth Avenue, and follow that for a mile and a half to the BC campus. The area around Boston College is quite scenic, with a suburban feel, but traffic can be very heavy at times. Return on Investment 4 Attending a game at Shea Field will not break the bank. There is no charge for admission, and parking in the garage adjacent to the field is free. Since there are no concessions here, you will not spend any money while at Shea Field. It can’t get any less expensive than that. Extras 2 There are not a whole lot of extra bells and whistles mixed in with the game day experience at Shea Field. The team does give out a complimentary roster sheet, but there is not much else going on to merit extra points. However, extra points are awarded for the Eagles’ public address announcer, who announces upcoming batters and game highlights with a proper English accent. It’s quite unusual to hear such a voice at a baseball game, and I found myself enjoying listening to his announcements. Imagine John Houseman acting as the PA announcer at your local ballpark; that’s the best comparison I can make. Another extra point goes out to the tailgaters taking in the game from the top level of the Alumni Stadium parking garage. While the activity up there is not on the level of the Wrigley Field rooftops, it’s a great spot to catch a game from, and easily one of the best ways I can think of to spend a gorgeous spring afternoon in Boston. Final Thoughts At first sight, there is nothing overly special about Shea Field to separate it from the number of other Division I ballparks in New England. Typically, baseball in the northeast is not a big deal, as the schedule is at the mercy of the fickle weather of March and April. However, with proper planning, a day at Shea Field can be a great one. My suggestion is to pack your car with great food, your favorite beverages, and a bunch of friends, and head on up to the top level of the parking garage. From there, the action unfolds below as you enjoy the company of many other Eagles fans with the skyline of Boston in the distance. It doesn’t get much better than that.

Photos by Stephen Schmidt, Stadium Journey, Leslie Rouse, & Cheryl James Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Bear Stadium 2400 Bruce St Conway, AR 72034 Central Arkansas Bears website Bear Stadium website Year Opened: 2009 Capacity: 1,000 The UCA Way at Bear Stadium When it comes to its athletic facilities, the University of Central Arkansas certainly is not afraid to dance to its own beat. The school’s purple-and-gray-striped gridiron at Estes Stadium is Exhibit 1A. But that’s not necessarily a bad thing, especially when it comes to Bear Stadium. The venue was built around a previously established baseball field to match the program’s rise in stature to Division I competition as a member of the Southland Conference. These welcomed oddities include a solid black outfield wall with not one single advertisement on it (the only ads are located on the scoreboard) for a nice clean look and an expansive picnic area along the first base side, in which kids can play catch and dogs can roam (on leashes). The picnic area also features a line of trees that provide shade on a sunny day while offering a fairly decent view of the action from a lawn chair. “I can’t really see the batter, but I can see everything else,” said Glenda Owens, while two of her grandkids sat beside her. “It’s really fan friendly. This is just the best. Nice shady place. The kids can play but I can still see what goes on.” Owens also had her radio nearby to hear the action on UCA radio (Her son, Steve, is the voice of Bears baseball on 93.1 KUCA). Food & Beverage 3 The stadium has one concession stand near the front gate that sells standard items ($2.50 for popcorn, $2 for nachos) with Pepsi products — although that is scheduled to change to Coke next semester. There is a sign that says no outside food or drink is allowed in the park, but that rule does not pertain to a family picnic area along the first base side. Many fans opt to take advantage of the picnic tables that are located behind the visitor’s dugout. On the day I was there, a group consisting mostly of parents of UCA players had a whole spread covering a picnic table with bratwursts and various versions of the Cajun delicacy boudain on a large grill. “It’s hard to imagine what the park looked like before this,” said Clay Rougeau, who was in charge of the operation and has a son, Nick, on the team. “Everything has been improved since Coach [Allen] Gum got here.” Atmosphere 3 With a lack of signage on the outfield walls, one’s eye drifts to the giant American flag sitting slightly to the left of dead center. Porches are located in the left and right field corners that provide a unique view of the action. Fans can rent out the porches, but they also are accessible without paying admission at the main gate. There are a few trees in the outfield, but most of the view from the grandstands consists of parking lots and residential areas. The purple scoreboard in left field features an old-fashioned clock for a nice touch. When looking at the field, it might take you a minute to figure out that the infield and home plate dirt is actually painted on the GeoGreen artificial surface. The only real infield dirt can be found on the pitcher’s mound. Real grass begins about a foot north of the painted-on dirt. Although it’s a bit odd, it’s not that distracting during a game. Close to 90 percent of the stands are covered by an overhang, so most fans can keep the sunscreen in their cars. Those who have to face the sun are primarily picnic area participants who are not underneath the row of trees. There are no issues with sight lines in the grandstand itself, except for a row of bleachers at the top of the concourse where poles to support the roof are located. The one downside to the grandstand, though, is that fans have no choice but to view the game through the netting. Neighborhood 2 The neighborhood is pleasant and safe, but there’s not much going on when the students are away (the Shell station was closed when I was there) — and Conway is in a dry county. There’s one known pizza place, Bear’s Den Pizza at 235 Farris Road, which sits across the street from the campus and has some UCA paraphernalia on the walls. Be warned: The place does not open until 3 p.m. daily. One popular restaurant for townies and visitors alike is Stoby’s, located a 5-minute drive at 805 Donaghey Ave. The place serves an addictive award-winning cheese dip with tortilla chips and a variety of sandwiches. During lunchtime, it’s best to go through the drive-thru, but you must call your order in ahead of time. Definitely worth the stop. Downtown Conway is also a quick drive from the stadium down Caldwell Street, which features more shopping and eateries. Fans 4 The fans, a majority of whom dress in either Bears’ gear or colors of purple and black, are very knowledgeable and friendly — and engaged in the action. In fact, at one point, a middle-aged female fan came up to the press box to get a better understanding of a controversial interference call on a play. Patrons are vocal when they want to be. When the Bears are doing well, don’t be surprised to hear a couple of cowbells ringing in the stands. Given that most students had left campus a week ago from when the game took place that I attended (in spring 2013), it was impressive to see how full the stands were. Access 5 The stadium is located at the northern end of the UCA campus, which features the same dark brick theme. Bear Stadium shares a parking lot with the Farris Center basketball venue, but also has a number of parking lots all around the park. All nearby parking is free. There are only one set of bathrooms, but they are fairly large with circular trough-like sinks. There was never a line to use the restrooms. An elevator behind the home plate area provides easy handicapped access to the wide concourses at the top of the grandstand. Return on Investment 4 At $6 for general admission and $8 for reserved chairback seats, a game at Bear Stadium remains a fairly good value — especially on a hot and sunny day, given the large overhang roof and the line of trees in the picnic area to keep fans cool. Season ticket holders take up a majority of the 100-plus chair backs, but there are usually a few remaining on a walk-up basis. They are very wide and comfortable and worth the $2 splurge. . Extras 4 One point is awarded for having a souvenir table ($10 for T-shirts, $18 for tank tops, $20 for hats), a rarity in these parts at comparable schools. One point is given for having no ads in the outfield. The black metal wall is a refreshing change and a hitter’s dream. One point is awarded for very friendly staff and fans. Everyone is very welcoming to out-of-towners. One point is given for the shady grove and picnic area along the first base side — and for allowing (leashed) pets inside.

Photo courtesy of Elon Phoenix Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Walter C. Latham Park Bank of America Dr Elon, NC 27244 Elon Phoenix website Walter C. Lathan Park website Year Opened: 1978 Capacity: 2,000 There Can Only Be One As you are more than likely aware if you have read our reviews of Elon University's basketball and football facilities, growth is a constant among the Phoenix athletic programs. This Colonial Athletic Conference member school boasts an impressive collection of facilities, from the old to the new. It would be easy to look at the listing of NCAA regional appearances on the wall at Latham Park and think that Elon has only recently started to experience success on the diamond. This is far from the case, however. Elon's storied baseball history actually got its start at the beginning of the 20th century, facing off against Greensboro, North Carolina's Guilford College in the school's first-ever contest in any sport in 1900. Elon won a number of conference titles in the 1930s, and made numerous appearances in the NAIA World Series before finally moving on to NCAA Division I baseball. Elon's current baseball home opened as Newsome Field in 1978, and while the actual field retains this name, the facility has seen a number of improvements in 35-plus years, along with a new name, Walter C. Latham Park. Though Elon does not have an extensive history in NCAA Division I baseball or in the Colonial Athletic Conference, their facility certainly ranks near the top of their league. Food & Beverage 2 The one place where Latham Park lags a bit behind is in the concessions. Served from a trailer behind the third base stands, the concessions menu is fairly pedestrian. Hot dogs, peanuts and nachos ($3 each) are the "major" items on the board. The peanuts are actually a great deal, as the $3 price gets you a full-size bag similar to the ones you might see in a grocery store. Candy bars ($1), Cracker Jacks ($1.50), Blow Pops ($.50) and sunflower seeds ($.50) round out the available choices. Coca-Cola is the campus' bottler, with 20-ounce bottled sodas, bottled water and Powerade available for $3 each. Hot chocolate can also be purchased for $3, which is a nice touch at some of the cooler early-season contests in the North Carolina piedmont. Be careful when going to purchase concessions, though, as the trailer closed at random intervals on the day I attended. The stand closed and reopened at least twice, that I saw. The best suggestion is to plan ahead and buy any concessions you may need early in the contest. Atmosphere 3 Latham Park has experienced a number of upgrades in its time, and one of the largest upgrades is in the seating. All of the fixed seating between the dugouts is chair back seating, which is a nice perk for a school this size. The seats can get a bit uncomfortable after a while, as they are composed of hard plastic. The seat backs can also cause back pain, depending on your height. This may inspire you to head to the berm down the third base line. This was a rather popular area on the day I visited, with some fans standing and some sitting in lawn chairs. The playing surface (the infield is turf, with a grass outfield) is visible from any seat in the facility. Sight lines are not a large concern, except for the netting behind the plate, as with most parks. The bullpens are visible down each line, allowing you to keep up with any pitchers warming up to enter the game. There is a pond behind the left field wall that is visible from many of the seats in the park, and is a nice relaxing place to visit after a game. There is a scoreboard in left-center field that resembles those found in many ballparks. The scoreboard shows the number of the player at bat, the ball/strike/out count and the game's linescore. Player statistics appear on a single-line display above the game's linescore. There is also a rotating advertisement board below the score section. Neighborhood 3 Elon is a town built around the school, for the most part. The true attraction to the surrounding community is the beauty of the campus. Spring days often see students walking, throwing a frisbee or just enjoying the nice weather. The campus and town are a great place to explore. There are a few restaurants in Elon itself (the Town Table being the closest), but most of the activity is in neighboring Burlington. There are a number of chain restaurants in Burlington, along with shopping and entertainment. Many of the choices in Burlington are located just off exits 140 (University Drive) and 141 (Huffman Mill Road) on North Carolina Interstate 85. Fans 4 Latham Park may not see every seat filled for every game, but those who attend Elon games are certainly supportive of their Phoenix. Athletes from some of the other teams at Elon also come out to support the team, which is good to see. The day I attended in early 2013 was extremely cold, but a good number of fans from both Elon and visiting Furman made their way out to see the game. The crowd started to thin out a bit as the afternoon wore on, as the game went into extra innings and the cold got the better of some people. Elon also has its own playful "heckling" section. Granted, this section consists of three or four fans at the top of the seating on the first base side, but they are quite vocal and amusing. Furman's manager tripped over the turf coming back from a mound visit, which drew a smile from him and some playful annoyance from the fans, with their mentioning it wasn't any fun if he enjoyed it. Access 4 Elon is accessible via North Carolina Interstates 85 and 40. US 70 and North Carolina Highway 100 also serve the greater Elon/Burlington area. The campus is several miles away from the interstate, however, it make take a good 15-20 minute drive from the interstate on heavy traffic days. Piedmont Triad International Airport (PTI) is 25-30 minutes away from the campus in Greensboro, with Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) 45-50 minutes to the east in Morrisville, between Durham and Raleigh. Parking at Latham Park is an extremely easy affair. There are a number of spots between Latham Park and Rhodes Stadium (Elon's football facility), and they are all free and within steps of the park. If you are afraid of a foul ball "decorating" your car, there is ample parking at the new Hunt Softball Park across the street from Latham Park. The walk is not that long, particularly on a warm spring day, and this parking is also free. There are two bathrooms (one for each sex) underneath the seating bowl. The bathrooms are a bit small, though certainly of an appropriate size for most Elon crowds. The facilities are clean and well-kept. Return on Investment 5 Attending an Elon game is no great strain on the wallet. Tickets for most games (all seats are general admission) are $5, with some "premium" (East Carolina and NC State, for example) games priced at $7. Youth tickets are priced at $3. With free parking, this allows you to buy a non-premium game ticket, hot dog and soda for $11. Should you choose a premium game, this total only increases to $13. Elon has experienced a great deal of success in a short time at the Division I level, and seeing a consistent quality product for this price is absolutely worth your small investment. Extras 3 Programs are available at the ticket window as you enter the park. The programs are a nice touch, and they keep you from having to bury yourself in your smartphone to find out more about the Elon team. The university may want to publicize these programs a bit more, but just making them available is a solid start. There are three commemorative plaques in Latham Park. There is a plaque honoring the Bill Graham Baseball Scholarship, one for W. Bryan Latham, M.D.'s contributions to the upgrades in the facility and one outside telling the story of Walter C. Latham, the man for whom the park is named. Latham is enshrined in the Elon Sports Hall of Fame and played at the school. The stories behind the names of many facilities are left to the fans to research, so the explanation of Latham's story is an extremely nice touch. A banner on the bullpen wall in left field commemorates Elon's Southern Conference championships (2006, 2008, 2009 and 2011). There is a similar banner on the bullpen wall in right field to honor the university's NCAA regional appearances (2002, 2006, 2008, 2009 and 2010). As mentioned earlier, Elon has spent just over a decade at the Division I level, and this is a nice nod to the school's tremendous level of success in a short amount of time. Final Thoughts Elon baseball is rapidly becoming known as one of the top programs in the Carolinas and the southeastern United States, and they have a beautiful facility to match this success. The park is located next to Elon's football facility, Rhodes Stadium, as well as their continually-growing athletic complex. This makes for quite lively surroundings in and around Latham Park. If your travels lead you to north central North Carolina, you certainly owe it to yourself to see one of the elite programs in the Colonial Athletic Conference.

Photo Courtesy of Cornell Big Red Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 Newman Arena 512 Campus Road Ithica, NY 14853 Cornell Big Red men’s basketball website Newman Arena website Year Opened: 1990 Capacity: 4,473 The Home of Newman Nation With an Ivy League school, you would expect a deep athletic history and that is no exception with the Cornell Big Red. More than 100 years of generally mediocre basketball all changed with a remarkable class in the late 2000s as Ryan Wittman, Louis Dale and Jeff Foote helped to lead Cornell to three straight NCAA Tournaments. Their run culminated in 2010 with a trip to the Sweet 16. Since then, the Big Red have settled back to the pack in the Ivy as hockey remains the sport of preference at Cornell. Basketball is played at Newman Arena, a high school-like gym that at least features nice character and displays in the concourse. The rest of the experience however, leaves a lot to be desired. Food & Beverage 2 Food items are what you would expect at a small arena with snack varieties and small meals. From the grill, fans can grab a cheeseburger ($4.75), hot dog ($3.00) or sausage ($5.00). A cup of chili is a nice option on the typically cold Ithaca nights. One of the more unusual things being sold: Gum. I never thought at a game that I needed a piece of gum, but hey, it’s here if you want it. Beverage choices are from Pepsi. Atmosphere 2 Newman Arena is located within Bartels Hall, which houses a multitude of athletic facilities. A small ticket window is inside a small vestibule and then fans are greeted with a colorful entranceway that features plenty of Big Red displays. The basketball court is in Newman Arena and the set-up is reminiscent of a high school gym as two telescopic bleachers on the sidelines house most of the seating. These wooden bleachers are OK for watching the game, but a slightly better option are the chairback seats in the lower part of a couple middle sections. These cost a little more, though since they are hardly ever filled, it is not an issue to sneak into one a few minutes into the game. There are also a couple rows of bleacher behind each basket. An older scoreboard above center court displays only the most vital information as even “Timeouts Left” are missing. Neighborhood 4 The small city of Ithaca sits right at the southern tip of Cayuga Lake, within the Finger Lakes region of New York State. This part of the country is quite beautiful as wineries, waterfalls and gorges make for a great outdoor excursion. However, given that Cornell basketball is a winter sport, the outdoors may be less desirable to explore. A visit to downtown Ithaca is a better way to spend the day and there are plenty of hot spots to check out. Beer lovers will find plenty of great establishments and the Ithaca Ale House is an excellent choice as craft beers abound. Near that same area around Ithaca Commons, several other places beckon for those looking to eat, drink or hang out. Before heading to the arena, be sure to walk around Cornell’s hilly campus as the diverse building architecture provides a classic Ivy feel. Fans 3 For most games, fans fill about a third of the gym and at only select games will more than a few thousand attend. Cornell and Ithaca have at least showed great support when the team is contending for the Ivy Title as numerous sellouts filled Newman Arena during the glory years of the late 2000s. The crowd does a nice job responding to the game and they have increases in energy as the game flows. Cornell’s pep band size depends on whether hockey is going on at the same time and regardless of numbers, they do a decent job. Access 3 Both Ithaca and Cornell can be challenging to reach from any direction and it certainly can be a nerve-wracking ride given the proficiency of snow in this part of the country. The closest interstate (I-81) is over 20 miles away, so country roads are needed. The most direct route is Exit 12 from I-81 as this leads to Route 79. Meanwhile, from the NY State Thruway (I-90) it takes almost 45 minutes of two-lane rural roads to reach Ithaca. Once on Cornell’s campus, the small streets and busy pedestrian traffic can make things a little confusing for visitors, but thankfully the athletic section is not far from the campus entrance. The Hoy Road parking deck a few buildings down from the arena is sufficient for fans attending the game. Bartels Hall provides enough space to move around before the game and at halftime, however there is a fairly small number of bathrooms available. Given the typically low attendance, this does not hinder access. Return on Investment 3 Cornell basketball is a very affordable event with free parking, tickets available for $8 and cheap concession items. The event is great for both families and passionate followers of the sport as the Ivy is a solid mid-major league with teams near the top of the conference that are usually pretty good. Extras 2 The displays throughout Bartels Hall do an excellent job highlighting the student-athletes at Cornell. Each sport receives a banner and murals throughout the area give the whole section character. I always love when a school displays their greatest athletic moments and Cornell does that quite well on the walls. Kudos to the Big Red Pep Band. Even though most members were at the hockey game simultaneously going on across the hall, those that were playing busted out a number of catchy tunes that made fans hum and sing along. Final Thoughts Cornell’s Newman Arena may have the feel of a high school gym, however the basketball and competition inside is well above that level. Big Red school spirit is splashed on the walls of the concourse before entering the gym and the intimate setting offers a decent look at the school’s basketball team. Follow all of Sean’s journeys at Stadium and Arena Visits.

Photos by Google Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 bet365 Stadium Stanley Matthews Way Stoke-on-Trent, England ST4 4EG United Kingdom Stoke City FC website bet365 Stadium website Year Opened: 1997 Capacity: 28,383 Make Your Best Bet Bet365 Stadium is home to English Premier League Stoke City and was opened in 1997 following the club’s relocation from its historic Victoria Ground less than a mile away. The stadium’s name is taken from its sponsors and has an all-seated capacity of 27,598. The venue is a multi-purpose arena with banqueting suites and Delilah’s bar. It has hosted the likes of Bryan Adams, Bon Jovi, and Elton John concerts. The stadium consists of four cantilever stands with the L-shaped Boothen and East stands being of a separate structure from the rest of the stadium. The main West stand, consisting of two tiers, houses the club's corporate and media facilities. The legendary Sir Stanley Mathews who officially opened the stadium had his ashes buried under the stadium’s centre circle following his death in 2000. Statues outside the stadium show his career at different stages. Food & Beverage 4 If you are feeling peckish on your approach to the stadium, the extra ten-minute wait until you are inside will be worth it. Sports stadium food in Britain often leaves a lot to be desired. This is not the case at the Britannia. The club now offers alternatives to the traditional food on offer within its new food courts. Separate kiosks are selling different ranges of burgers, hot dogs, pie, mash, peas and gravy, and curry and rice pots in addition to the normal range of food. These are all reasonably priced with meal deals on offer at £6.50 with a soft drink or £8.50 with a pint of beer or cider. The food is piping hot and of good quality. Atmosphere 4 The atmosphere generated at the Britannia is renowned for being one of the best in England’s top flight and has often been the 13th man when Stoke has beaten some of the country’s biggest clubs at the stadium. Neighborhood 3 Made up of six separate towns, Stoke on Trent is the home of the Pottery Industry and the area is commonly known as the Potteries. There are many museums to mark the city’s pottery and coal mining industry. Festival Park houses the water park and Trentham Gardens with its Monkey World and is a mere five minutes drive from the stadium. The Potteries Shopping Centre in Hanley has all the major stores with a good selection of Theatres and Cinemas also near. The Alton Towers Theme Park Resort is the area’s best-known attraction and this is a thirty-minute drive away near the town of Uttoxeter. Port Vale is the city’s other football team located in Burslem and plays in League Two of the English Football League. Although there is a Holiday Inn and Harvester by the ground there is little to do in the vicinity of the stadium. Fans 4 The club is once again established in the top flight of English football. Stoke has hard-core support and gates held at 15,000 even when the club sunk to the third tier of English football. Stoke supporters have been officially recognized by the football authorities as the noisiest supporters in the Premier League. Access 3 The stadium is located at the Junction of the A500 and A50 which is within a five-minute drive of the M6 Junction 15. Stoke-on-Trent railway station is also well-served by trains between London and Manchester. There is plenty of parking on adjacent roads and the stadium also has plenty of parking, although delays after the game are commonplace. Manchester, Liverpool, and Birmingham airports are all within a one-hour drive of the city. Return on Investment 3 Like all Premiership clubs, ticket prices are high and range between £35 and £45 for league games with discounts for children and O.A.P. F.A. Cup, League Cup, and Europa League games are often cheaper depending on the opposition. Big games tend to sell out early but, if planned, getting into the stadium should not be a problem. Extras 4 There is a club superstore next to the ticket office selling a wide range of merchandise. Betting Shops are also located on the stadium concourse in the vicinity of the fast food outlets. Stadium tours are available on request and programmes and fanzines are printed for each game.

Photos by Google Photos Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Cardiff City Stadium Leckwith Rd. Cardiff, Wales CF11 8AZ Cardiff City FC website Cardiff City Stadium website Year Opened: 2009 Capacity: 26,828 You Won’t be Blue in Cardiff City The Cardiff City Stadium was built in 2009 on the site of what was previously the Leckwith Athletics Stadium. This venue had also hosted UEFA Cup soccer having once been the home of Inter Cardiff. To compensate for the loss of the Leckwith Stadium, a similar venue was built across the road from the new development that in addition to athletics also serves as the home of Cardiff City's Academy team and Welsh Junior side Cardiff Grange Harlequins. Cardiff City's former stadium, Ninian Park, was adjacent to the new stadium and has now been demolished to make way for new housing development. The stadium is shared with Cardiff's Rugby Union club Cardiff Blues and the city's most famous venue the Millennium Stadium is also within a ten-minute walk report on this and the Sophia Gardens Cricket Stadium will follow in the future. Food & Beverage 3 Outside the stadium and before kickoff fans can enjoy burgers and hot dogs from #BurgerBar and a pint from the Tap and Hammer. Inside fans can enjoy a few interesting varieties of hot dogs that include the New York Dog (grated cheese, onions, and a choice of sauce), the Dallas Dog (chili, fried onions, and grated cheese), the Boston Dog (bacon and fried onions), and the American Dog (fried onions and a choice of sauce). Each hot dog sells for between £4.5 to £6. Other options inside the stadium include tea & coffee (£1.60), Coke products(£2), beer (£3.50), and pies (£3.10). The Grazing Shed is home to their "super tidy burgers" and is located at USW Stand and the Ninian Stand in Kiosk 111. The burgers are made from locally sourced Welsh ingredients on homemade buns baked fresh daily. The Bunga Bunga features blue cheese fondue, smoked bacon, cajun mayo, red onion confit, ketchup, and lettuce. The El Toro is topped with honey-glazed goat’s cheese, chorizo, mayo, hot chili, and lettuce. Atmosphere 3 In terms of facilities, the new stadium cannot be faulted, and when full one would imagine the atmosphere to be intimidating. This particularly would be the case when Cardiff hosts their arch enemies Swansea city. However, as with most new British Stadiums, the atmosphere never lives up to that of a club's previous home, which is mainly due to the lack of old-fashioned British terraces. The Bluebirds stadium is comprised of the following four sections: The Canton Stand (North), The Ninian Stand (East), The Grange Stand (South), and The Grandstand (West). Away supporters are tucked in the corner of the stadium between the Grange and Ninian stand. Inside The overall experience is common to what one would expect at a modern stadium. The seating is comfortable the views are great on the pitch, and the facilities are spacious and easy to get around. The stadium is spacious and offers pre-game entertainment and live music, and fans' supporters will cheer before the match and throughout the 90-plus minutes of football. There are two video screens on opposite ends of the pitch and various signs to visit Asian countries of the Philippines, Vietnam, and Singapore are evident on the upper level of the building. Neighborhood 4 The Capital City of Wales offers everything that a Soccer, Rugby, or Cricket supporter could wish for. Excellent sporting facilities, excellent Bars and Restaurants, excellent shopping, River Walks, and a Castle are all within twenty minutes walk of each other. The city also offers plenty of choices of both budget and executive hotels. Outside of the city, the valleys and coastline of Wales are well worth exploring, making a sporting visit to the city ideal for combining into a vacation. The neighborhood surrounding the stadium is a mixture of old and new development with the Retail Park being ideal for whiling away an hour before kick-off. However, most visitors tend to head for the City Centre or Cardiff Bay. Cardiff Bay is the regenerated area of the Docks previously named Tiger Bay, the area of Cardiff where a young Shirley Bassey was raised and one which gains a mention in the Ian Dury song "Hit Me With Your Rhythm Stick" This area of the city has museums, small shops, and bars and is popular amongst locals and visitors. The new shopping retail park development next to the stadium offers plenty of variety for food and drink. Greggs Bakery, Subway, Mcdonald's, KFC, and Costa Coffee offer plenty in the fast food range. If you are looking for pub food then Toby Carvery provides the traditional British Sunday roast for £3.99. Cardiff City Centre a mere fifteen minutes' walk away is well populated with Bars and Restaurants offering food to serve all nationalities. Fans 3 During the 70s and 80s, Cardiff City had a reputation for having some of the most notorious hooligans in the British game. Although a small element of this remains, the club has been successful in re-branding its trouble-free image over the past ten years. A game day now normally goes off trouble-free with only the local derby game against Swansea City having the potential for crowd trouble. These fixtures are normally moved to a Sunday Noon kick-off with heavy travel restrictions in place. Access 3 The stadium is easily reached by a kick-off car exiting Junction 33 of the M4 motorway which runs between Swansea and London. Take the A4232 towards Cardiff and exit for the B4267 and the stadium is immediately on the side. Parking is available at the stadium for £5 or in any of the City Centre car parks and nearby side streets. Please be aware that parking in the Retail Park is limited to ninety minutes and heavy clamping fees apply if you exceed this. Cardiff Central Railway Station is approximately twenty minutes walk although local branch lines from this station will take you to Ninian Park Halt which is a mere five-minute walk. Return on Investment 3 Unless Cardiff is playing Swansea then tickets can be easily purchased over the internet using the club's website or on the day of the game from the stadium ticket office located by the main entrance to the stadium. Tickets will be more difficult to purchase if the club is promoted to the Premier League. Tickets are priced as low as £9 up to £30 and are £2 cheaper if purchased in advance. In today's climate, this is good value for your money but again I suspect there would be a big price hike if the club gains promotion. Extras 4 There is a large superstore situated by the main entrance to the stadium selling a wide range of both Cardiff City and Cardiff Blues souvenirs. As normal with most British Football Clubs, a match day program is available which provides plenty of pre-match reading and is a good value for £3. Cardiff is one of the few Championship and Premier League clubs that let smokers depart the stadium at halftime into a controlled area for their fix. Final Thoughts Cardiff City Stadium comes alive on match day with local pubs and restaurants near the grounds packed with fans. Once inside the stadium, the crowd becomes electric against bigger opponents but halftime takes for a fine day of footy on a Saturday or Sunday afternoon.

Photos by Paul Swaney, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 John J. MacInnes Student Ice Arena MacInnes Drive Houghton, MI 49931 Michigan Tech Huskies men’s hockey website MacInnes Student Ice Arena website Year Opened: 1972 Capacity: 4,128 Huskie Hockey in Houghton When you enter John MacInnes Student Ice Arena you are bound to be excited about the hockey contest you are about to see. If you’re not, then just wait until about 25 minutes before the puck drops when the pep band enters the arena, led by the drum corps, and marches (or maybe saunters) to their perch in the far corner of the arena. Pilgrimage may be too strong a word when making the trip to Houghton, Michigan to see Michigan Tech Huskies hockey given the religious connotations that come with the word, but at the very least you will have made quite a journey to reach the copper country of the Keweenaw Peninsula of Michigan. The Huskies are three-time NCAA Champions (1962, 1965, and 1975). They play in the John MacInnes Student Ice Center, named for the former head coach of the Michigan Tech hockey program who served in that role from 1956-1982, leading the team to each of its three NCAA championships. A trip to Houghton for Michigan Tech hockey is well worth the long and snowy drive. Food & Beverage 3 At first glance, the food and drink selection is well below average. However, the hot dogs ($3.25) are some of the best that I have had. They are much more like a kielbasa, with that smoky goodness than like any hot dog. Also in the main concourse, you can find fantastic ice cream, with flavors ranging from Mackinac Island Fudge to Blue Moon to the irresistible Yooper Mud Slide. Other selections include nachos ($3.50), nacho cheese dog ($3.75), and popcorn ($2). Pepsi products are the fountain soda of choice with small ($1.50) and large sizes ($2.50). Hot beverages include coffee ($1.50), hot chocolate ($1.75), and cappuccino ($1.75). It may be a basic menu, but what they have is very good. Atmosphere 4 For more than 40 years, MacInnes Arena has been the home of Michigan Tech hockey. The band certainly sets the tone for early energy, but the student section is immense and active as well. What’s more, the seats (black and gold plastic chairbacks) are comfortable and roomy with better than average legroom, but no cupholders. There’s also good pitch between the rows, so you shouldn’t have to worry about a large-headed soul in front of you blocking your view. Almost all of the seating is on either the north or south side, with a few bleachers and handicap seating on the east side behind the goal where the Huskies shoot twice. The game presentation itself is pretty basic. The scoreboard is standard with no video replay capabilities, and you can expect the typical intermission contests like chuck-a-puck or some other race of some kind. The mascot, a huskie named Blizzard, does a good job of being a part of the presentation both on the ice and in the stands. I really can’t speak enough though about the band. They make this arena experience special. Dressed in black and gold striped overalls, they are the non-stop entertainment, keeping fans engaged during breaks and intermissions. Neighborhood 4 Houghton, Michigan is a small town in the western part of the Upper Peninsula. Michigan Tech is the primary employer in Houghton, so this is very much a college town through and through. The main downtown strip along Shelden Avenue is where you want to be either before or after the game. The Library Restaurant and Brew Pub is a great choice to spend some time with, located on Isle Royale Street. They have terrific burgers, sandwiches, and eight locally-made beers. There are also a couple of TVs to stay on top of the recent sporting events. Just down the road, if you enjoy microbrews, stop into the Keweenaw Brewing Company for one of their home-crafted ales. At only $2.50 per pint, it is an inexpensive way to experience the great beers in this town. If you’re in town for breakfast, then a stop at Suomi Home Bakery & Restaurant would be a wise destination. The Finnish French Toast will be easily finished. Sorry, I couldn’t resist. Let’s just say it’s delicious. Finally, if you are looking for some good seafood, then Joey’s Seafood & Grill is the place for you. If you’re just looking for a good place to get your drink on, then try the Downtowner. Whatever you’re looking for, you should be able to find it in the pleasant downtown area of Houghton. Fans 5 The student section at Michigan Tech is one of the best that you will find in the NCAA. They take up almost an entire side of the arena, and they stand and cheer and chant and dance for the entire game. They wave flags, and just generally wreak havoc. You could sit and watch this crew the entire game and get your money’s worth. The rest of the fans are not slouches either. They know their hockey and love their team, and that is evident from beginning to end. Access 4 Parking will cost you $5, and you still have to walk just a little bit as you will be outside of the Gates Tennis Center. It isn’t an exorbitant price, but it is a little more when compared to the other Division I teams in the Upper Peninsula. You should be able to get in and out of the arena without a lengthy delay, and the arena is easy enough to find, just south of M-41 on MacInnes Drive. The concourses are easy to navigate inside the arena, even during intermissions, and the restrooms are of adequate size and cleanliness. Return on Investment 5 Tickets start at just $5 for standing-room tickets, and there is plenty of railing to grab a standing spot along the east side of the arena. The top ticket price is $20 for reserved seats. When you add in the cost of parking, a hot dog, and a drink, then it will cost you somewhere between $15-$30 to see a Michigan Tech hockey game. This is well worth the cost for what may be one of the better atmospheres in all of collegiate hockey. Extras 4 I love being in an arena with national championship banners. Even though it has been since 1975 since Michigan Tech last won an NCAA title, and 1976 since they won a conference title, this is still a proud and historic hockey program. The Upper Peninsula of Michigan loves its hockey, and of the three Division-I- I programs in this part of the state, the experience to be had at MacInnes Arena is the best. The pep band and student sections are each top-notch, and well worth another extra point. Final Thoughts A journey (and it is a journey) to Houghton, Michigan to see the Michigan Tech Huskies is well worth the trip. Whether you live in the area, are a major hockey fan, or you are just following your team on the road, you will enjoy what you find at MacInnes Arena.

Photos by Paul Swaney, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Theunissen Stadium 100 W Campus Dr Mt Pleasant, MI 48858 Central Michigan Chippewas website Theunissen Stadium website Year Opened: 2002 Capacity: 2,046 Chippewa Baseball Theunissen (pronounced ten-uh-son) Stadium has been the home of Central Michigan Chippewas baseball since 2002. The Chippewas have been relatively successful over the years with 13 appearances in the NCAA Tournament, most recently in 1995. However, the team has yet to appear in the College World Series. It’s a very comfortable and straightforward game day presentation when you’re at a CMU baseball game. As long as the weather cooperates, you can expect to have a beautiful day at the ballpark. Food & Beverage 2 There isn’t a lot on hand in the one small concession area on the third base side behind home plate. The most interesting items (pretzel bites) were sold out before the game began. I tried the classic hot dog, which was decent, and enough to get me through the game. Snacks are the only other option including nachos, popcorn, caramel corn, candy, and beef jerky. Bottled beverages are available including Pepsi products, water, and Gatorade. If you just need something to sip or chew on, you’ll be satisfied, but if you come hungry, be prepared to be disappointed. Atmosphere 3 It’s a very laid-back atmosphere at Theunissen Stadium. One could easily sit back and take a nap. I like this when I visit college baseball venues. You’re here for the game, more than the entertainment value (as opposed to minor league baseball where the entertainment is a big part of the draw). You’ll hear some walk-up music for the home team from a pretty good sound system, as well as the announced batter, but otherwise, it is a very clean presentation. There are two display boards. In the right-center field, there’s a basic line score scoreboard. In the left center, there is a small video display board that displays the batters' name, number, position, and home town along with a picture. About 20% of the seating is maroon chair back seats stretching between each dugout. The legroom is slightly below average, but there are cup holders for your drink. There’s a good pitch between rows, allowing an unobstructed view of the person in front of you. The seating is general admission, so if you don’t mind the screen in front of you, it is worth it to arrive early enough to find a seat in this area. The remaining seats are silver metal bleachers which are less than ideal, but fairly roomy. There is seating above each dugout and extending down the line for those fans who prefer not to have the safety screen in their view. All of these are bleacher seats. There are not a lot of foul territories, especially in the outfield, making the park feel more intimate, despite its fairly deep and symmetrical outfield fence (330-375-400-375-330). There is no covered seating so be sure to bring a hat and/or sunscreen if the weather is warm. Neighborhood 3 Baseball and beer go well together, and I am always glad to find a local brewery when I visit a new ballpark. In Mount Pleasant, this means a stop at the Mt Pleasant Brewing Company. It’s a couple of miles from the park, but the drive is worth it. They have eight beers on tap ($3.50 each), and pretty good sandwiches. I can particularly recommend the Brewben (Reuben) for $8. Another favorite of mine is La Senorita. It’s a chain Mexican restaurant found in many towns in Northern Michigan, and this is the original location. I don’t know if I would call it authentic Mexican food, but I’ve always liked it, especially the seafood burrito, and their margaritas. Fans 2 There were a couple of hundred fans in attendance during my recent visit, which made the place feel rather empty. For the most part, it was a quiet collection of patrons, enjoying the game and the fine weather. Similar to many college baseball venues, you will find mostly friends and families of the players participating, meaning that the few fans that are on hand are interested in the outcome. Access 4 Theunissen Stadium is located just a couple of miles from M127, just north of the geographic center of the lower peninsula of Michigan. It sits alone off of West Campus Drive, with the football stadium ( Kelly/Shorts Stadium ), basketball arena (McGuirk Arena), and softball stadium within proximity. Parking is free, the concourse is wide, and restrooms are larger than they need to be, so you shouldn’t expect to stand in any lines. Return on Investment 4 Free parking, a comfortable stadium, and low concession prices combine for a very enjoyable day at the ballpark. Programs are available at the ticket window for $1. If you want a program be sure to get one before you enter the stadium, as it is a little bit of a hassle to go down the stairs and over to the ticket window. The school would be well served to offer these at the concession stand as well. Extras 2 I appreciated the ability to choose a seat that wasn’t behind the screen. Many universities don’t give you the choice. There are times when safety is appreciated, but in most instances, I would prefer to be able to see the game without mesh interfering with my view. While the second scoreboard didn’t offer much, it was nice to have a little bit more information in front of you. The display of some stats would be a nice addition, but I was happy just to have a little more than the basic line score. Final Thoughts Overall, this is a very affordable sports experience, and worth a stop if you’re in the area.

Photo Courtesy of USA Today Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Albertsons Stadium 1400 Bronco Lane Boise, ID 83725 Famous Idaho Potato Bowl website Albertsons Stadium website Year Opened: 1970 Capacity: 36,387 Famous Idaho Potato Bowl The Famous Idaho Potato Bowl matches a team from the Mountain West Conference (MWC) with a team from the Mid-American Conference (MAC). The bowl is televised nationally on one of the ESPN networks. The bowl (while previously under a different name) is the longest-running cold weather bowl game that is currently active. From 1997 to 2010, the bowl was known as the Humanitarian Bowl. The 2011 game was the inaugural Famous Idaho Potato Bowl. To date, 21 different teams have played in the bowl. At 4 appearances, Boise State has played in the bowl the most times. Cincinnati defeated Utah State, 35–19, in the inaugural Humanitarian Bowl in 1997. Coincidentally, in 2011, Ohio defeated the Utah State, 24–23, in a thriller. Food & Beverage 4 At the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl concession window, visitors will find traditional fare like pretzels, hot dogs, candy, and popcorn. The beverage selection includes Coke products, sports drinks, and water. Alcohol is not served or permitted inside the stadium. Vendors in the stadium also offer mini donuts with a variety of dipping sauces, roasted nuts, kettlekorn, and pizza. All items are reasonably priced for a sporting event. Atmosphere 3 Because of the title sponsor for the bowl has changed often over the years, there is some lack of identity for the bowl. As 2011 was the inaugural Famous Idaho Potato Bowl, even local fans who attend the bowl game regularly were not sure what to expect. Several activities were provided prior to the start of the game to keep fans entertained. There was a Battle of the Bands, a snowmobile jump exhibition sponsored by Monster, a flyover, and a balloon release. Neighborhood 3 There are a few establishments near the stadium for fans and visitors to stop in before, after, or even during the game. Some of them, like Suds and the End Zone, try to create a fun atmosphere for fans that can’t get tickets to the game, but still want to be near the action. Others, like Chili’s, Baja Fresh, The Ram, Pie Hole Pizzeria, Subway, Starbucks, and Burger King, provide traditional food and beverage options. Beyond the establishments in the area, fans are encouraged to tailgate. Fans 3 The stadium was fairly full for the first half of the game, but for reasons unknown, many did not return after half time. The game was close, the teams were evenly matched, the weather was beautiful, and the game started in mid-afternoon so the large number of deserting fans was curious. However, the fans that did stay for the complete game were very active and engaged. A large number of Utah State fans traveled to the game, due to the easy distance and the significance the game had for their program. Many Boise State fans attend the game annually to support the bowl, and often supporting the WAC opponent featured. Access 5 Bronco Stadium provides plenty of access to parking. Fans can park in parking lots and structures all over campus for reasonable prices, or even free in some areas. The school also arranges for shuttles to take fans between the more-distant lots and the stadium. There is also ample access to bathrooms both inside and outside the stadium. Port-a-potties are provided all around the parking lot surrounding the stadium for those fans tailgating on game days. Inside, there are several restrooms available on the upper and lower levels of the stadium. Return on Investment 2 Considering that this bowl features a WAC team against a MAC team, and is held in the cold weather in December, the pricing seems rather high. The majority of seats in the stadium, upper and lower level, were priced at $50. The corner seats were $30. End zone seats were $18 a piece. Extras 2 The Famous Idaho Potato Bowl trophy features a crystal bowl filled with real potatoes. As far as trophies go, that is pretty hard to top. The Idaho Grower Shippers Association donated three potatoes to The Idaho Foodbank for each fan that attended the game. More than 28,000 fans attended the game, which equates to more than 84,000 potatoes. Final Thoughts The game is worth going to for the blue turf alone, although the game action is often quite good.

Photos by Nate Voge Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.43 Dee Glen Smith Spectrum 800 East 1000 North Logan, UT 84332 Utah State Aggies website Dee Glen Smith Spectrum website Year Opened: 1970 Capacity: 10,270 Welcome to Aggie Land I have been to nearly 100 games over the past years to the Dee Glen Smith Spectrum. The 10,270-seat arena, which gives the aesthetic sensation of viewing a fall-time vista, fills with Aggie Blue several winter nights of the year. It may not be the largest arena in Utah, but it has been recognized by several as the loudest and best venue to watch a college basketball game west of the Mississippi. Food & Beverage 5 The concessions selection has evolved over the years with a few traditional mainstays. There is a selection for everyone from normal concessions, local restaurants and vendors to national chains. The normal fare is very affordable and includes nachos ($4), pretzels ($3), hot dogs ($3), Churros ($4). There are two concession areas located along the concourse dedicated to the regular fare, while two others add pizza, bbq pork sandwiches, and World Famous Aggie Ice Cream. Local vendors include stands with kettle korn and roasted almonds, while there are two sandwich shops located to the side of the concession areas. Paun Island serves up Suka Chicken and Kalula Pork sandwiches ranging from $5-$10 depending on size, while Frank’s offers chicken, beef or turkey subs ranging from $8-$20. USU is a Coca-Cola sponsored university and only carries Coca-Cola products at events. Powerade, Smartwater and other sodas range from $3-$4. The chain restaurants include a Utah original in Costa Vida. The chain opened in 2003 and its fresh mexican food made its way to the Spectrum very soon after. A newer addition and sponsor of Aggie athletics is Chick-fil-A. The restaurant opened in Logan during 2011 and now sells its chicken sandwiches at the Spectrum. Atmosphere 5 The 2011-2012 season has been somewhat of a down year for the USU men’s basketball team, and there was also an issue between the students and university administration during the first home game of the season. Those two factors have made for a down year in attendance in the student section, but during Senior Night against the Idaho Vandals, the Spectrum was in the form that has made it famous nationwide. The doors open one hour before tipoff and for some games, the students have been waiting in line for hours — sometimes all day. The student section, which constitutes half of the stadium, fills up fast and all the way to the brim. There is a buzz from the moment the doors open and the famous chants and heckling intended for opposing teams, begins much before tipoff. There is also a great community feel during and after the game. Aggie men’s basketball is something the connects Cache Valley and appeals to all ages. Neighborhood 3 The Spectrum is surrounded by student housing and lacks in proximity to restaurants. Fredrico’s Pizza, a Cache Valley establishment, has been a local favorite for several years and Aggie Ice Cream is sure to please. However, this is where the buck stops when it comes to close restaurants. What is unique about Logan, is there are several post and pre game hang out spots and several restaurants have touted themselves as the place to hang out post game. Angie’s Restaurant, known as “Where the Locals Eat” is the hole-in-the-wall diner of Cache Valley and a local treasure. The prices are reasonable and selection is nothing short on variety. Fans 5 The Aggie student body is quite frankly what makes the Spectrum a premier venue for college basketball. It is the most ruthless, relentless and organized group of students I have ever seen. Most say it only compares to the Cameron Crazies at Duke University’s Cameron Indoor Stadium . If you haven’t attended an Aggie men’s basketball game, go search it on YouTube and enjoy a small fraction of what goes on at the Spectrum. The student body never varies from tradition. Although, two chants in particular have been implemented in the past three years and have made the student body that much more famous. One minute before tipoff, the students begin the, “I Believe That We Will Win,” chant. During the starting lineups, each player is assigned a motion with or phrase that each student repeats during the announcement of that players name. The students always give an emphatic, “Stew!” when his name is announced across the PA. Each time the opposing team fouls a prompt shout of, “You, you, you, you, you, you, Suck!” ensues. During the first half, the opposing team shoots toward the basket not facing the student section. This doesn’t discourage the students from rabid attempts to distract free-throw shooters. A confident shout of, “You will miss it!” begins as a soft slow chant and increases speed and volume rapidly during the first shot. If the free-throw shooter misses the shot a self-affirming, “We were right, we were right!” follows. If the shooter makes the free-throw, the heckling continues in the form of, “You still suck!” With the quality of officiating which often reigns in the WAC, “Take his whistle” chants happen almost on a nightly basis. When the Aggies get momentum, the Spectrum becomes increasingly louder and with each crowd pleasing play — a dunk, a shot and the foul or a long 3-pointer — sends the student body into a frenzy bordering on psychotic. There have been several occasions where I am pretty sure I lost my hearing, both in the student section and sitting on press row. The Aggies tend to be a second-half team and there is no question that the student body plays a huge factor as the opposing team shoots toward the basket under Section F. Section F hosts the most ruthless and faithful of the student body — including the “Shirtless Wonder” “Wild Bill” Sproat. To add to the distraction factor of Wild Bill, Section F composes the most unified distraction tactics I have ever seen. The Aggie student body is so loud and ruthless that a certain team in Utah took a hiatus from the Spectrum before returning this season, and another altogether gave up on trying to win inside the Spectrum. Access 5 Parking at any sporting event is rarely pleasant, but parking for Aggie men’s basketball games is very reasonable. At one time, there used to be several places one could park for free and walk a small distance, but the university has put the clamps down and free parking at a reasonable walking distance is difficult to find. However, $5 per vehicle at several nearby parking areas including a free shuttle from some areas. Return on Investment 5 The price to attend an Aggie men’s basketball game is beyond reasonable compared to other premier venues and the Aggies boast one of the best home records in the nation. Disappointment is unlikely to follow after a night in the Spectrum. Extras 3 One extra point goes to “Wild Bill” Sproat. The superfan brought huge popularity to and exposure to an already popular student body. He made several ESPN appearances and trended on twitter during several games. One more point goes to the innovative idea of the Aggie Shack. The retail store sits on the concourse adjacent to the main entrance to the Spectrum. The Aggie apparel is somewhat overpriced, but in those urgent situations when one forgot to wear blue, it is a great resource to have. One more extra point goes to the PA announcer Rob Flygare. Although his phrases cause occasional head scratching, his intonation and enthusiasm tends to send the fans into that much more of a frenzy. Final Thoughts Attending a game at the Spectrum is something that should be on the bucket list of every sports fan. Although the venue is nestled in a location very much out of the way for non-locals, it is well worth the trip.

Photo by Drew Cieszynski Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57 Riverside Sports Complex Center 900 University Ave Riverside, CA 92507 UC Riverside Highlanders website Riverside Sports Complex website Year Opened: ? Capacity: 2,500 State Parks Meet Baseball California is known for its many National and State Parks, often drawing visitors from far-reaches of the earth. The University of California, Riverside campus seems to embrace the state's culture with a variety of trees and flora surrounding the diamond. The UCR Highlanders play at the Riverside Sports Complex, one of the few stadiums in Division I that does not have a corporate name or named for a donor. While the stadium may seem a bit behind Division I standards, The Plex has hosted the Division II College World Series in the past. Former Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim player, Troy Percival, provided the means for renovations in 2007, including a home team locker room. Food & Beverage 1 Food is limited to a single concession stand near the first base foul pole. Fans sitting on the third base side have quite a walk to get to their food options. The menu is limited, offering pizza ($2.50), hot dogs ($2.50, or add chili for an additional $0.75), nachos ($2.50), pretzels ($2.50), candy ($1.50 - $2.50), chips ($1.50), sunflower seeds (42), and peanuts ($3). The beverage options include soda with free refills ($2.50), bottled water or Gatorade ($2.50), coffee ($1) and hot chocolate ($2). Atmosphere 4 While I would expect more of a rowdy atmosphere at a UCR basketball game, the serene setting at the ballpark seemed just fine. Upon walking through the front gates, fans can quickly notice that towering trees surround the concourse and outfield wall. The trees are such a presence that the outside traffic, campus, and surroundings seem muted. This really helps to immerse fans into the baseball game as distractions are limited. Neighborhood 3 Just outside campus is the University Village, which offers Quizno's, Del Taco, Denny's, Yoshinoya, and Rubio's among others. There is also a movie theater if fans have time to catch a flick before or after the game. Other nearby food options include Jason's Deli, Coco's, Marcello's Pizza & Pasta, Getaway Cafe, SubStation, Duke's Bar & Grill and Mediterranean Palace Grill. If time allows, fans should also be sure to check out downtown Riverside. Here, fans can be treated to the Tio's Tacos, the Mission Inn, and the California Citrus State Historic Park. Tio's Tacos may be one of the most interesting stops ever made, as Martin Sanchez built one of the greatest collections of folk art in the world. Fans 2 Just like the basketball venue, the crowd was lacking. Aside from the "Diamond Girls," seated behind home plate, the crowd was limited and very few wearing the UCR colors. While modifying a venue is not an easy fix, I can't help but think that perhaps the program could benefit from a smaller, more intimate venue similar to that of Cal State Northridge. The fan turnout is clearly the biggest opportunity for improvement at a UCR game. The venue and the team are both decent, so more of the local fans need to commit to come out and support the Highlanders. Access 3 The UCR Sports Complex can be a little tricky to find if you are not familiar with the area as it does not have a stand-out name that fans have become accustomed to with many baseball venues. Most fans will reach the area via the 91 Freeway and simply follow signs to baseball parking. Parking is $5 per vehicle, but fans may be able to find some free alternatives on the nearby streets if they are willing to walk a bit. The restrooms are a single set beyond the grandstand. The Men's room had 11 stations, which seemed to be more than enough for the venue. The restrooms were a bit run down, again reminding one of the restrooms that would be found in a state park. Seating inside the stadium is bleachers with seat-backs behind home plate and aged fold-down seats above the dugouts. Return on Investment 3 Fans can walk up and get their tickets for a relatively inexpensive price. Adult tickets go for $7, while youth and seniors can get a seat for just $5. Coupled with parking at $5 and some low-priced concessions, any fan can do the whole experience for under $20. While fans will not experience the frills that they may be accustomed to at other venues, attending a Highlander game is still a sound investment. Extras 2 Unfortunately the venue did not provide much in terms of extras. If I were to mention two items, the first would be the aforementioned paths behind the seating area. These paths are filled with colorful flowers and are lined with many towering trees. Next is the Highlander sculpture, witnessed immediately upon entering the venue. After fans hand their ticket to the attendant, they can spot a concrete sculpture that has the likeness of the school mascot. Final Thoughts Riverside may not be the first city mentioned in Southern California vacation destinations, but as mentioned in the Neighborhood section, certainly provides its fair share of entertainment. The same goes for the baseball team. While the Highlanders may not have the notoriety of local programs such as Cal State Fullerton , USC, or UC Irvine , the Riverside Sports Complex still proves to be a great place to catch a game. Fans could benefit from some upgrades to concessions and seating, but the experience should still be recommended to the average baseball fan.

Photo Courtesy of Wikipedia Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 UCCU Center 800 W University Pkwy Orem, UT 84058 Utah Valley Wolverines website UCCU Center website Year Opened: 1996 Capacity: 8,500 Wolverine Valley Located on the campus of Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah, the UCCU Center is a microcosm of UVU itself. The school was known as Utah Valley State College until 2008, when it achieved four-year university status. A year later, UVU became a full Division I member after a seven-year provisional wait. The rapid rise of the program culminated with a naming rights deal for the former David O. McKay Events Center with Utah Community Credit Union in August 2010. Food & Beverage 3 There is a lot of space designated for concessions, but only one window was open for this game. Even so, you can get a lot in just one place. Entree-wise, you have pizza or a teriyaki chicken bowl on the high end ($5.50) followed by a $5 burger combo, a $3.50 BBQ pork sandwich and $3 for a “Chicago Dog.” Snack options include “Nachos Supreme” ($3.50; 50 cents more for extra cheese), not-as-supreme nachos ($3), popcorn, churros, pretzels or a jumbo candy bag (all $2.50) and a candy bar ($1.50). For drinks, you have Pepsi products ($2.50 reg., $3 jumbo), bottled juice, Gatorade or Exude, a locally-made sports drink ($2.50), a can of Rockstar ($2.50), bottled water ($2), milk ($1.50) or coffee ($1). Atmosphere 3 Attending a game at the UCCU Center has nearly all the elements of a quality college basketball experience; a small but supportive crowd, an army of enthusiastic cheerleaders, an interactive mascot in Willy the Wolverine and just the right amount of promotional tie-ins. For whatever reason, though, I felt like there was still something lacking. One is a pep band; the fight song is played over the loudspeaker, which diminishes the collegiate experience. The other, I believe, is beyond UVU’s control: its conference affiliation in the Great West. For starters, the schools are so spaced out (from UVU to the New Jersey Institute of Technology) that there are no natural in-conference rivals for fans to get excited over. Second, NCAA bylaws dictate that the Great West as presently constituted must wait until 2020 to qualify for an automatic bid to the NCAA tournament. (The GWC tournament champion does get an automatic bid to the CIT tournament.) Without something more glamorous to play for, the games feel somewhat hollow. Neighborhood 2 UVU is the quintessential commuter college, bordered on the west by Interstate 15 and surrounded by major roadways. That limits, however, the ability to find good, unique eats close by. Unless, that is, you come to a Friday game. In that case, you can eat at Greg’s Restaurant, located in the UCCU Center’s lower level. Greg’s is where UVU’s culinary arts students put their skills to the test with a different cuisine style each week. Be aware that you can only get into Greg’s by reservation. Any other night, you’ll have to travel up the hill on University Parkway for pre or post-game grub. One unique sandwich shop is The Italian Place (1086 S. State; 2.3 miles away). It prides itself on its Philly cheesesteaks in either half, full or “Monster” sizes. You can either get just “Steak ‘n’ Cheese” or go with the “Steak ‘n’ Everything” with mushrooms, green peppers, onions and tomatoes. If you don’t want steak, they also have pastrami, turkey and ham sandwiches available. You can also get your steak or turkey in a salad, if you wish. Fans 3 As with any college team, the fan critique begins with the student section. UVU’s is named the MAWL (Mighty Athletic Wolverine League). You can’t miss them thanks to the giant MAWL banner overhead and the MAWL logo on the court in front of them. About 15 students were in place at tip-off, a number which about doubled midway through the first half. Almost each one was decked out in his or her green MAWL t-shirt, a positive sign the students were engaging themselves. I was surprised, though, that the MAWL didn’t make noise when the opponent had the ball until cued by the cheerleaders. The rest of the 1,313 in attendance did the right things at the right times, but UVU’s game-long domination kept things mostly mellow. One fan behind me seemed determined to be the loudest person in the arena on foul shots. Most of the time he had no competition, instead garnering looks and laughs from most of his fellow fans. Access 4 The lot closest to the UCCU Center costs $3 to get into. There are a vast number of student parking spaces nearby, but the hours of enforcement aren’t clearly marked, so park in those at your own risk depending on game day and time. Each end of the concourse has a set of perhaps the largest bathrooms I’ve seen in an arena. Even at full capacity, you have plenty of width to maneuver your way through without any hassle. Return on Investment 3 All of the components of a quality game experience were in place, but the feeling surrounding the program (and, thus, its home) isn’t as energized as it could be if UVU were in a different league. UVU has done well throughout its time in the Great West, but I believe a change of scenery would bring more life in the program. As a result, the UCCU Center experience would become more valuable and worthwhile to both the casual and rabid Wolverine fan. Extras 1 One point for UVU’s “lights out” player introductions. Even though it’s a “small-time” program, adding this special touch makes players and fans get that much more excited. Just one small step from small-time to big-time. Final Thoughts As UVU continues to carve out its niche in the Utah sports scene, the UCCU Center has the potential to become a consistently exciting venue. The best-case scenario is if UVU becomes a member of an established conference such as the WAC (as has been rumored) and establishes significant natural rivalries. That combination would significantly elevate both the program and its home. In other words, a good experience now is on the brink of becoming great soon. Editors Note: Utah Valley Wolverines have since moved to the WAC (Western Athletic Conference).

Photo Courtesy of Bucknell Athletics Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.43 Christy Mathewson-Memorial Stadium 701 Moore Ave Lewisburg, PA 17837 Bucknell Bison website Christy Mathewson-Memorial Stadium website Year Opened: 1924 Capacity: 13,100 Christy Mathewson-Memorial Stadium, Home of the Bucknell Bison There are few things better than taking a drive through the rolling hills of Central Pennsylvania on a cool autumn day for some football. In the middle of scenic Lewisburg is Bucknell University, and the Bison play football at Christy Mathewson-Memorial Stadium. It has been awhile since the team has seen success as their one and only Patriot League title came in 1996. Though you can find a better overall football and stadium experience at rivals Lehigh and Lafayette a couple hours to the east, a trip to Bucknell is worth a visit to the town and scenic region. Food & Beverage 2 Not too much is offered, and though I would recommend eating in-town before or after the game, there are enough options to keep you full. Hot Dogs ($2.25), Cheeseburgers ($4) and Italian Sausages are the main foods, while the rest are primarily snacks. There was a Pulled Pork Sandwich ($3.75), but it was gross, bad enough for me to throw out. The hot dog I had however was good and filling. It was great seeing a “soup of the day” on the menu as that came in handy for many on a chilly day. There are several drink options available like ice tea, hot chocolate, PowerAde, and fountain soda. Atmosphere 2 Christy Mathewson-Memorial Stadium isn’t the coziest of venues as a track keeps fans a little further back from the football field. The seating design is a partial horseshoe and that leads to seats in the corners being quite far away. Given that there is not too much of a crowd, nobody sits out here. Bleachers make up most of the seats, while closer to midfield, there are several sections that have small, blue chairs. Sitting on the west side stands (the home side) provides a nice view of some campus buildings along with overhanging trees. A great touch was at the south end of the stadium, where landscaping was filled in during a late-’80s renovation and shrubs were cut so they spell out “Bucknell”. Crowd noise during the game was minimal and though it was nice to have a pep band, they played way too much and could be heard after just about every play in the 1st, 2nd, and 4th quarters. Neighborhood 4 Lewisburg is a quaint borough and worth a stroll through the center of town on Market Street. One could even take a long walk from downtown to Bucknell’s campus. Market Street is charming with several great local places to eat, drink, and hang out. The Lewisburg Hotel is a great place whether going for a nice dinner or out for a drink and a bite at the bar. Another one of the several great options around town is the Town Tavern, a local place more geared towards the bar scene. Fans 2 The amount of fans was lacking when you compare it to similar schools within the Patriot League. The game I attended was both Homecoming and Senior Day. Though the announced paid attendance was over 6,000, I would estimate only 3,000 or so were actually there as only the middle stands (between the 30-yard lines) filled up on one side of the stadium. They were there for support, but I would say most were only mildly interested. The crowd noise during a huge defensive third-down play towards the end of the game did not generate much more noise than what you would hear at other points in the game. Access 2 Bucknell and the stadium is easy to get to as it is right off of U.S. Route 15. If you’re coming from Interstate 80, the trip is only about 10 minutes down Route 15. It takes a little longer if you’re arriving from the south and using the Pennsylvania Turnpike or I-81. The biggest problem with the stadium experience here is the total lack of direction when it comes to parking. There is nobody directing you where to go when you arrive at the stadium and no signage either. So, you are forced to drive around looking for parking on a campus that is limited in that regard. I ended up in a lot behind Fraternity Row, hoping it was fine to park there. Even looking online, the parking map gives you no direction as it only displays the locations of certain tailgates. As for bathrooms, though there is only two of each, they are surprisingly spacious and halftime didn’t feature any lines for men or women. Return on Investment 4 A Bison football game is very affordable with a general admission ticket going for $8 and a reserved seat only $10. Combine that with free parking and cheap concessions, a football afternoon in Lewisburg is quite reasonable. The quality of football and atmosphere may not be great, but it’s worth spending a serene fall afternoon in Bucknell and Lewisburg. Extras 1 Right at the main entrance of the stadium is a stand-alone plaque recognizing and describing Christy Mathewson, whom the stadium is named after. Mathewson was a Bucknell alum who went on to become part of the first class entered into the National Baseball Hall of Fame. Additionally, famous Bison coaches are honored with similar plaques and descriptions in the landscaped area towards the South end zone.

Photos by Paul Derrick, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 NRG Stadium One Reliant Park Houston, TX 77054 Texas Bowl website NRG Stadium website Year Opened: 2002 Capacity: 71,795 A Look at the Texas Bowl Originally called the Texas Bowl back in 2006, Meineke became the title sponsor for 2011, changing the name of the bowl to the Meineke Car Care Bowl of Texas. Since 2010 the bowl has been played between middle tier Big 10 and Big 12 schools, with the 2011 game pitting the Northwestern Wildcats against the Texas A&M Aggies. The game is hosted at NRG Stadium which is home of the NFL Houston Texans and is a more than ample location for a bowl game. The Bowl advocates have been pretty good about hosting one of the local Texas Big 12 schools for this game which always makes for a pretty good size crowd. Food & Beverage 3 When you head to NRG Stadium for the Texas Bowl you will notice that not as many stadium concessions are open as there are at the Texans games, however there are still plenty of options. You will find an array of options from chopped beef sandwiches, nachos grande, corn dogs, hamburgers, etc., as well as a variety of Coca-Cola products and alcoholic beverage choices. Unfortunately for fans the prices don’t decrease any for this game from the NFL prices so expect to fork out some dough if you’re real hungry or thirsty. Atmosphere 4 Even though the Texas Bowl is between two teams in the middle of the pack in their conferences that doesn’t take anything away from the atmosphere. The atmosphere for the game is great and even though NRG Stadium might be a tad big for this type of game, the closed roof helps keep the noise in making for a rowdy location. Since College Station is only an hour and a half from Houston, Aggie fans were there in abundance and made this game almost a home game for the Aggies. The atmosphere may not be BCS bowl quality but it makes the Texas Bowl definitely worth checking out. Neighborhood 5 Houston is the biggest city in Texas and 4th largest city in the United States and definitely provides an ample amount of options for things to do. NRG Stadium may not be in downtown Houston like its Houston siblings Minute Maid Park and the Toyota Center but there are still plenty of great options nearby. My favorite nearby option is Ruchi’s which is an excellent Tex-Mex place located off of Main. They give you a great amount of food and at a fair price. I highly recommend Ruchi’s fajitas and guacamole which I think is some of the best in Houston. A visit to Ruchi’s will definitely not leave you disappointed. Another nearby favorite of mine is Mama’s Oven; if Soul food is your cup of tea then this is your place. Mama’s Oven has all your soul food favorites like pork chops, meat loaf, greens, and sweet potatoes. The prices I think are more than generous and the customer service is always top notch, which makes a trip to Mama’s Oven always worth it. Fans 4 The Texas Bowl selection committee has been good about picking one of the more local Texas teams to play in the bowl since they took over which makes for a Texas size crowd. The 2011 game brought in many of the College Station rowdies making the fan base a majority of Aggies. The fans were great throughout the game cheering on the Aggies and there were even Texas Longhorn fans to play devil’s advocates. Overall the Texas Bowl provides a great fan base, but if you’re a non Texas team be ready for hostile territory. Access 4 NRG Stadium isn’t downtown like its Houston counterparts, but that can be an advantage as traffic is a little less congested. I was pleasantly surprised that traffic for the Texas Bowl was not nearly as bad as it is for Texans games. Parking will cost you anywhere from $10-$25, depending on how close you want to be to the stadium. I recommend getting a parking pass before showing up to ease the decision making process and ensure that you have the spot you want. Return on Investment 3 You will find tickets for the Texas Bowl range anywhere from $25-$100, depending on exactly where you would like to sit at NRG. Luckily for fans, NRG Stadium doesn’t really have any bad seats so I would recommend just paying the $25 for a seat. Unfortunately you’re going to be paying more for parking and food if you plan on consuming anything inside NRG, so you may as well save a bit on the ticket itself. Overall it’s not a real bad deal, but to watch two mid tier teams, I think it is a tad on the expensive side. Extras 2 The Texas Bowl gets one point for hosting their game at NRG Stadium, this place is a must-see beauty for any football fan. My second point goes to the Texas Bowl committee for choosing local Texas teams to play in this bowl; it not only helps the fan base but also makes for a great trip for local alumni. Final Thoughts The atmosphere for the game is great and even though NRG Stadium might be a tad big for this type of game, the closed roof helps keep the noise in making for a rowdy location.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Crenshaw Gym 2204 Henry St Ashland, VA 23005 Randolph-Macon Yellow Jackets website Crenshaw Gym website Year Opened: 1964 Capacity: 1,310 The Buzz Around Randolph-Macon The campus of Randolph-Macon College is located in Ashland, Virginia, about 20 miles north of Richmond. RMC's athletic programs, known as the Yellow Jackets, compete at the Division III level in the Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC). Randolph Macon's basketball team is one of its most successful programs, having won the Division III National Championship in 2022. The basketball team makes its home in Crenshaw Gym, which originally opened in 1964. The venue seats approximately 1,300 fans and is also home to the volleyball programs. Food & Beverage 1 There is one concession stand in the atrium of Crenshaw Gym that opens half an hour before tip-off. A very basic menu consists of chips, candy, bottled soda, and water. While limited, the options are affordable, with everything costing $2. Atmosphere 5 Although Crenshaw Gym is a Division III venue, the experience here is on par with many Division I arenas. Before the game, a drummer will beat a large drum faster and faster as the crowd claps along and gets hyped. The team's mascot, a costumed yellow jacket, also loves to get the crowd into it. Cheerleaders and a dance team perform on the court during breaks in the action. Crenshaw Gym is a small, intimate gym, with seats on both sides of the court. One side consists of chairbacks and the other of bleachers. Arrive early if you want a chairback, as the arena does fill up. Regardless of where you sit, you will be up close to the action, with fans all around you raising the energy in the building. There is a small atrium just inside the doors of Crenshaw, featuring a merchandise table, a concession stand, and a table selling tickets to those who were unable to use the app to purchase them. The atrium is festooned with the Randolph-Macon logo, reminding you that this is the home of the Yellow Jackets. From there, you can walk through a set of doors to the gymnasium itself and take your seat. Neighborhood 3 Randolph-Macon College is located in Ashland, about 20 miles north of Richmond. Downtown Ashland includes many options, including the Iron Horse Restaurant, The Caboose Market & Cafe, and Trackside Grill. There are hotels available as well, for visitors who are staying overnight. Richmond is a relatively short drive away and offers many more options than would be available here. Fans 5 Although Crenshaw Gym only seats about 1,300, Randolph-Macon fills it to near capacity for most games. The fans are loud and passionate about the Yellow Jackets. Many of them have some connection to the team, whether that is a parent of a student-athlete, a student, or an alumnus. Some of them have been coming to games here for many years. Randolph-Macon may be a Division III school, but the fans here are comparable to many at the Division I level. This is a boisterous crowd, and Crenshaw Gym can get extremely loud at times. Access 2 The Randolph-Macon campus is a few miles off Interstate 95. Once you are on campus, you can park in any lot you want, but lots closer to the arena may already be full when you get here. This will especially be true if there is some other event at the college earlier in the day and fans have arrived and parked for that. At a minimum, you should be able to park in a large lot across Center Street and the railroad tracks from the main campus, about a five-minute walk from Crenshaw. Just watch for oncoming trains, as you will need to cross the railroad tracks at grade. There are also no clear signs directing you to Crenshaw, so we suggest using Google Maps or a similar app on your phone to ascertain the specific location and the right way to walk. Restrooms are located off the gymnasium floor and are small, so there may be a wait to use them. One good thing about access is that the Ashland Amtrak station is located less than a 10-minute walk from Crenshaw Gym, with access up and down the Northeast Corridor. This may not help most people, but for some, it will be extremely convenient. Return on Investment 5 Tickets to Randolph-Macon home games are just $10 each, available in advance through the Ticket Spicket app. This is on the high end for Division III, but won't break the bank. When you consider that the environment here at Randolph-Macon is one of the best in Division III, it is certainly a good deal. Extras 4 Free programs and a merchandise table are located in the atrium and are each worth an extra star. Look for the banners in Crenshaw Gym honoring Randolph-Macon basketball achievements, including the 2022 national championship. The pregame tradition with the drum beating faster and faster to get the crowd pumped up is worthy of an extra star as well, and not something you often see at this level. Final Thoughts Don't let the fact that Randolph-Macon is a Division III college fool you. A basketball game at Crenshaw Gym is as good an experience as many Division I schools. With an energetic, packed crowd, and one of the best teams in the nation taking the court, a visit to RMC to check out some college hoops is well worth it to any fan in the area.

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 G. B. Hodge Center Hodge Dr Spartanburg, SC 29303 USC Upstate Spartans website G. B. Hodge Center website Year Opened: 1973 Capacity: 878 This is Spartan Country In a time when college athletic facilities has become a race of who can build the biggest, most technologically advanced, extravagant facility, G.B. Hodge Center on the campus of the University of South Carolina-Upstate has kept simplicity at the forefront. With a seating capacity of 878, G.B. Hodge Center is the smallest venue in NCAA Division I basketball. USC-Upstate made the jump from NCAA Division II to Division I in 2007, becoming members of the Atlantic Sun Conference. The Spartans would stay in the A-Sun until the 2017-18 season, when they would leave for the Big South Conference, which is more concentrated throughout the Carolinas. While Upstate has not earned a trip to the NCAA tournament since joining the highest level, they have appeared in post-season tournaments in six of their seventeen seasons in Division I.   Food & Beverage   3 A small concession stand in the lobby gives fans everything they would expect at any large arena – hot dogs, personal size pizzas, soft pretzels, popcorn, and nachos with cheese dipping sauce, along with chips, candy, and the ever-popular pickle are available. And as Georgia is to Coca-Cola, Pepsi is to the Carolinas; soft drinks here are from the Pepsi family of beverages, along with Aquafina and Gatorade. While the inside concessions might not be all that eye popping, BBQ plates from the Greenville-based Big Dave’s All American BBQ are sold outside the arena.   Atmosphere   3 G.B. Hodge Center is a rather non-descript building, which would be a bit difficult to pick out if you weren’t sure what it is you were looking at. Its ability to blend into the surrounding campus buildings is part of the charm of G.B. Hodges Center. Once into what is considered Eddie and Anne Payne Arena, the walls of each end of the floor display a large videoboard showing a live feed of the game, along with individual player point and foul totals, as well as team field goal and 3-point shooting percentages and rebound totals. An accompanying more traditional scoreboard provides game time, score, and team foul totals. Despite the closeness of the primary seating area on both sides of the court, USC-Upstate has found room along the sideline of the parquet court for a row of courtside seating. Throughout the game, fans are entertained by updates of Spartan athletic accomplishments and appearances by Upstate student-athletes, but it is the game entertainment crew that deserves a lot of credit for the amount of on-court contests and engagement they have with fans.   Neighborhood   3 The USC-Upstate campus is on the outer reaches of Spartanburg, in a bit of an isolated area with not much by way of restaurants or other points of interest. Downtown Spartanburg is less than 5 miles from Upstate’s campus, and provides visitors with a wide variety of restaurants, shops, hotels, and the typical points of interest of downtown areas. The campus of the Southern Conference member Wofford Terriers , as well as Division II Converse University, are also in Spartanburg, just 4 miles away – this could give visitors many more options in planning a full day of sports in Spartanburg. Those looking to experience more of what the city of Spartanburg has to offer might just be interested in taking a walk around the downtown area. Morgan Square is a lovely small park surrounded by several locally owned restaurants, and downtown Spartanburg also has a very vibrant art scene, with several public displays and sculptures throughout downtown.   Fans   3 Despite being the smallest venue in D1 basketball, it doesn’t take away from the passion of fans that fill G.B. Hodge Center. The Spartans typically draw well compared to their Big South counterparts when considering their gym is typically half to two-thirds filled for conference matchups. Expect larger crowds for contests against other schools from the area; Gardner-Webb , Winthrop , Presbyterian , and High Point tend to draw some of the larger crowds. A large number of fans definitely is a good indicator of the level of fan support behind a program, but the numbers themselves do not tell the whole story. On nights when the Spartan Army fills G.B. Hodge Center, it can be every bit the homecourt advantage as some of the largest arenas in the nation. Spartan fans are a supportive group; it is just the consistency of filling the gym that seems to be the challenge.   Access   4 USC-Upstate is conveniently located two miles off I-85 from North Pine Street, as it transitions to the I-585 bypass. G.B. Hodge Center is situated toward the front of Upstate’s campus, separated from the remainder of the athletic facilities that are concentrated at the back of campus. A relatively large parking lot sits in front of the arena, making accessing the entrance rather straightforward. The lobby is well laid out for fans needing to purchase tickets, or simply needing their tickets scanned for entry before moving into the gym. Accessing seating is not the most convenient set up, as limited space around the court requires fans to get to their seats on either side of the court via the lobby area. Fans are not able to cross along the baseline. The front row of seating can also create challenges when navigating the walkways. When factoring in the legs of spectators and fans coming and going to their seats, congestion can make traversing the walkway a bit of a challenge. Given the size limitations of the gym, passing from one side of the court to the other does require fans to return to the lobby.   Return on Investment   5 With tickets starting at just $8 and court-side seats available for $20, it would be hard to find a better deal in Division I basketball. Parking lots are typically free, with the exception of homecoming, when there is a $10 charge for the lots adjacent to G.B Hodge Center; concessions are kept to a reasonable rate as well. All-in-all, the basketball investment at USC-Upstate is worth the minimal financial commitment required.   Extras   4 A display featuring Stadium Journey’s recognition of G.B. Hodge Center as the # 15 best college basketball experience in the NCAA’s Division I definitely garners recognition and credit as an extra feature of G.B. Hodge Center. Casts of spartan warriors line the walls above each of the seating areas – this goes a long way in supporting the University’s “Spartans” nickname. While there is not a lot on display by ways of looking at the history of USC-Upstate basketball, the wall behind the team bench does proudly showcase the 1982 NAIA Championship banner. Following the game, children 12 and under are invited to the floor to get some shots up. This is a small gesture that on the surface seems inconsequential, but goes a long way in building the hoop dreams of the next generation of Spartans.   Final Thoughts The beautiful thing about college athletics is that game experiences come in all shapes and sizes, and are special in so many different ways – from the largest arena, Syracuse’s JMA Wireless Dome (35,446), to Upstate’s G.B. Hodge Center with its seating capacity of 878. But, as exhilarating as experiencing games at the largest arenas in the nation can be, the arenas at the other end of the spectrum can be just as spectacular for their own reasons. What G.B. Hodge Center lacks in frills and extravagance, it more than makes up for in intimacy and the sense of community practically every fan in the gym feels for one another, and even visitors.

The city of Pensacola has had a long love affair with the game of baseball. It has hosted teams at the youth, college, recreational, military, and minor league levels over the years. It also has served as a spring training site for teams at the major league level. Baseball in Pensacola: America’s Pastime & the City of Five Flags by Scott Brown provides an in-depth look at the baseball teams and baseball stadiums that have called the city home. Pensacola is one of the oldest cities in Florida, as it was founded in 1559. It would be another three hundred years before the sport arrived in the city. The military has played an especially key role in bringing baseball to the area. Pensacola has always had a large military population due to its strategic location as a port city on the Gulf of Mexico. Baseball games were first reported in the area during the Civil War, as a means of building morale and good physical conditioning for the troops stationed in the arena. The Pensacola Naval Yard had an entire baseball league, with each ship berthed at the facility sponsoring a team. During World War I Ty Cobb was one of the first professional ballplayers to visit the base as a part of a morale-boosting tour. World War II saw several major league ballplayers train for active duty at the Naval Air Station. Among these players was Baseball Hall of Famer Ted Williams, who was an aerial gunnery ace during the war. He also served as a flight instructor at the airfield. One of the airfields in the area was called Bronson Field. It served as the home of several major leaguers during the war and had a team nicknamed the Bronson Bombers. Pensacola’s first minor league baseball team was known as the Fliers as a nod to the base’s major contribution to the game. Following the wars, Branch Rickey and the Brooklyn Dodgers utilized the decommissioned air base as a home for an annual rookie training camp. Pensacola also had civic league teams sponsored by area neighborhoods or local businesses. They typically played their games at either Palmetto Beach Park, Maxent Park, or Magnolia Bluff Park. Even though Pensacola is in the Deep South, several black baseball teams shared the same ballparks with white teams in Pensacola. They would play on opposite nights or have segregated seating in the stands, both of which were considered highly unusual in those segregated times. Pete Caldwell Field was the home of the Pensacola Arthur Giants, while the Pensacola Seagulls were a barnstorming Negro League team that played their home schedule at Legion Field. Pittsburgh was the first major league city to see the potential of Pensacola as a spring training site. The team was known as the Allegheny’s at that time. They erected a simple diamond with a 500-seat grandstand. They were followed by the Cleveland Naps in 1913. The Boston Red Sox held their spring training camp in Pensacola in 1930-1931, while the NY Giants arrived in town in 1936. While they did not hold spring training in the city, the Yankees played a series of exhibition games in Pensacola on their way back to New York City after their preseason camp. Both Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig played in these games. Minor League-affiliated baseball has been in Pensacola since 1927, with some interruptions along the way due to wars and league failures. The Pensacola Fliers/Pilots operated from 1927-1950. They were affiliated with several teams, including the Brooklyn Dodgers, the Philadelphia Phillies, and the Washington Senators. They played their home games at Maxent Park, a 5,000-seat venue that eventually was renamed Legion Park. The Fliers team folded after the Southeastern League went out of business in 1951. The Fliers then merged with the Miami Flamingos and moved to South Florida. In 1956 the Alabama-Florida League added the Pensacola Dons as a new member. Dons named honored the Spanish Conquistadors who once ruled over this portion of Florida. The Dons played their home games at Admiral Mason Park along the Pensacola Bay waterfront. The stadium offered several modern features for the times, including concrete and steel construction and lights for night games. At first, the Dons were not affiliated with any major league team. In later years, the Dons were affiliated with the Kansas City Athletics, the St. Louis Cardinals, the Chicago White Sox, and the Baltimore Orioles. During the last season of their existence, the Dons became the Pensacola Senators as a result of becoming affiliated with the Washington Senators. The team met its end when the Alabama-Florida League went out of business. The Pensacola Pelicans were Pensacola’s representatives in the minor leagues from 2002-2011. They played in three different leagues over the years, including the Southeastern League, the Central Baseball League, and the American Association of Independent Professional Baseball. They played their home schedule at Jim Spooner Field on the University of West Florida campus. They were extremely successful both on and off the field, setting the plate for the next team to move into AA-affiliated baseball. The current Pensacola minor league representatives are the Pensacola Blue Wahoos of the AA Southern League. They began playing in 2012. The home of the Wahoos is the 5,000-seat Admiral Fetterman Field at Community Maritime Park. The ballpark is located along the shoreline of Pensacola Bay. Due to its proximity to the waterfront, the stadium had to be designed to withstand 150 MPH winds during hurricanes. Over the years the Blue Wahoos have been affiliated with the Cincinnati Reds, the Minnesota Twins, and the Miami Marlins. --- Scott Brown’s Baseball in Pensacola provides a great read for anyone interested in the history of baseball in the Deep South.

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Murphy Center 2650 Middle Tennessee Boulevard Murfreesboro, TN 37130 Middle Tennessee State Blue Raiders website Murphy Center website Year Opened: 1972 Capacity: 11,520 Bluenited When considering some of the most relevant college basketball venues across the state of Tennessee, Thompson-Boling Arena in Knoxville or Vanderbilt’s Memorial Gymnasium might be the first that come to mind, but the most important very well might be Murphy Center on the campus of Middle Tennessee State University, which has been at the center of the State of Tennessee’s basketball community for decades. Opened in 1972, Murphy Center replaced neighboring Alumni Memorial Gymnasium, whose capacity of 2,500 had been outgrown – Murphy Center would open not just as the home of Blue Raider basketball, but has hosted the Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association’s state boys and girls basketball championship games since 1973 as well. Members of the Ohio Valley Conference for 48 seasons, the Blue Raiders joined the Sun Belt in 2000, where they would remain for 12 years before moving to their current home, Conference USA, in 2013. Despite a major reshuffle in that conference, Middle Tennessee recently reaffirmed their commitment to Conference USA as members for the foreseeable future.   Food & Beverage   3 Concession stands are situated in the corners of the arena, behind the walls of bleachers (more on this in a moment) at the top of the seating bowl. Concessions are nothing that will knock your socks off, but just the typical hot dogs, nachos, soft pretzels, popcorn, chips, and candy. Sweet treats seem to be the biggest point of interest when it comes to concessions – lines for various flavors of frozen lemonade and the always popular Dippin’ Dots tend to get rather long, along the track that surrounds the seating area. Beverage choices include soft drinks from the Pepsi family and bottled Gatorade. Beer and seltzers are sold at Murphy Center. Basic domestic beers can be purchased at any of the concession stands, but the biergarten dabbles more in creating a social atmosphere for fans to hang out, while they enjoy several craft beers from Murfreesboro brewers Cedar Glades Brews and Mayday Brewery. While the concessions are less than impressive, the beer garden does add a level of social gathering to an arena that might not typically have such a feature.   Atmosphere   4 From the outside, the appearance of Murphy Center is very geometrically balanced, with many flat planes and right angles. The building sits elevated upon a mound, as a temple of sorts to basketball.  Large, glass windows wrap around the entire arena, from floor to roofline, leaving few questions about where the nickname “The Glass House” comes from. Murphy Center’s interior design was inspired by Notre Dame’s Joyce Center , with its oval shaped seating bowl, while the exterior’s geometric simplicity is reminiscent of Air Force Academy’s Clune Arena . When originally opened in the ‘70s, Murphy Center was used as a multi-purpose facility, with the floor obviously for basketball, but the upper concourse having a six-lane track and long jump pit built in. Today, this track provides space for a sizable children’s play area of inflatables. The Murphy Center court strays from the traditional hardwood appearance, rather using more of a gray that nicely complements the school’s primary blue color; the seating bowl is a sea of blue seats that encircles the court level. Upper bleacher seats back each of the court level sections, which gives the arena its 11,000+ capacity, but these bleachers are commonly pushed in and rarely used. Foregoing a traditional center hung scoreboard, two large video boards at each end of Murphy Center show a live video feed of the game, with sidebars showing running player scoring, rebounding, assist and foul totals, and a litany of team stats. LED scoreboards also hang over each of the four tunnels leading to the floor, which provide game time and score information. There might not be a college basketball pep band in the country that makes an entrance quite like that of the Blue Raiders – following a drum solo, both the pep band and cheer squads march down the rows of the east stands, as they fill their seats and begin dancing, before picking up their instruments to entertain fans during pregame. Throughout the game, mascot Lightning is an active participant of the spirt squad, willing the Blue Raiders to victory. While Lightning primarily hangs out in the student section, he will occasionally wander around the lower levels of seats, mingling with fans during stoppages in play. Given the configuration of the seating bowl at Murphy Center, the seats at midcourt are the furthest from the playing area. This mostly impacts those sitting at the lowest level, as they have to contend with being pushed back from the action with an awkward dead space/walkway in front of them.   Neighborhood   3 Murphy Center sits prominently at the corner of Greenland Drive and Middle Tennessee Boulevard, backed by Floyd Stadium  (MTSU football) and Reese Smith Stadium (MTSU baseball). Visitors will not have to look far if wanting to sit down for a bite before the game – Campus Pub and Boro Bar & Grill offer up dive bar experiences within walking distance of Murphy Center. Boro does offer live music late night, so it might offer a bit more entertainment post-game. Alternatively, on the opposite end of campus along East Main Street, Boulevard Bar & Grille provides a bit more of a family friendly atmosphere. If a more concentrated area of bars, restaurants, and shops is what you are looking for, however, take East Main Street away from campus to Murfreesboro town center, where there are several options built around Rutherford County Courthouse.   Fans   3 Attendance at Murphy Center has been on a decline since the height of the program’s recent success during the 2016 and 2017 seasons. During this run, the Blue Raiders averaged over 5,000 fans per game; these days that total is closer to 3,000. Middle Tennessee fans are supportive of their Blue Raiders, and a lot of that credit goes to the “Blue Zoo Student Section” and the pep band. What is a bit disappointing, though, is that with a reported enrollment of over 20,000 students , the number of students in attendance at games does not reflect this size. A lot of credit needs to go to the those who are in attendance, however – the Blue Zoo and the Blue Raiders pep band do a great job in setting the tone for the atmosphere within Murphy Center. Alumni and community members also comprise a large portion of those in attendance.   Access   4 Middle Tennessee's campus is located less than 4 miles from I-24, which runs regionally between Chattanooga and Nashville. Even though it is not directly off the interstate, Middle Tennessee’s campus is still easy enough to get to via local streets. A moderately sized parking lot along Greenland Drive leaves a short walk to Murphy Center. As referenced earlier, Murphy Center was built as a multi-use facility with a track built around the top of the seating bowl. This track provides fans with a great deal of space to move around the arena, and not have to worry about lines for concessions or the children’s play area backing up and impeding the flow.   Return on Investment   3 Purchasing tickets from the Blue Raiders athletics site apparently avoids Ticketmaster fees; tickets here start at $15 and are not subject to the $4.40 service fee. This seems to be a good way to go simply to save a few dollars, and the savings can be used for the $5 parking charge in the lot just outside Murphy Center. Concessions are a bit inflated, but this isn’t much different than you would see at other arenas. When compared to other schools in Conference USA, Middle Tennessee’s prices seem to be in line with the rest of the conference.   Extras   4 Banners recognizing MTSU’s conference regular season and tournament championships, along with their NIT and NCAA tournament appearances, hang from the rafters. The retired # 40 of George Sorrell is also displayed amongst the Blue Raider accomplishments. The bounce house area behind the bleachers is a popular location for parents to bring children throughout the game – it can be a great getaway for kids, as getting them to sit in their seats the whole game might be a bit too much to ask for. A history of Murphy Center lines the back side of the bleachers, celebrating its 50th anniversary. This timeline recognizes not just the basketball highlights, but also other prominent moments, including performances from Bob Hope, Elvis Presley, Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers, Garth Brooks, The Who, Elton John, Tina Turner, Bruce Springsteen, U2, and an almost endless who’s-who of the entertainment world. A display in the court level concourse tells the story of chemistry professor Dr. Aaron Todd and “Operation Full House”. After being diagnosed with a brain tumor in 2004, Dr. Todd made a list of 5 things he wanted to accomplish, one of them being to see Murphy Center set its all-time basketball attendance record – Dr. Todd made it his mission to fill Murphy Center past its capacity of 11,520. On February 26, 2004, Dr. Todd would see his work come to fruition, as 11,807 fans packed Murphy Center for a late season match up against conference rival Western Kentucky Hilltoppers .   Final Thoughts In the upcoming years, Murphy Center is slated for substantial enhancements as part of the athletic department’s "Build Blue” master plan. Changes will include the addition of premium suites along the top of the seating bowl, bringing seats at center court closer, and the addition of a new grand entry point. Rendering courtesy of Middle Tennessee State University While Murphy Center will have an updated look, design plans appear to have given special care to not change the facility too much, to the point where it becomes unrecognizable. Rendering courtesy of Middle Tennessee State University Murphy Center is quietly one of the special college basketball experiences in the country; the facility holds a lot of history that has long made it a special gathering place not just for Blue Raider supporters, but for those from all corners of Tennessee.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Starry Baseball Field 236 N Grantham Rd Dillsburg, PA 17019 Messiah Falcons website Starry Baseball Field website Year Opened: 1962 Capacity: 1,000 The Falcons Nest Messiah University is a private interdenominational evangelical Christian university in Grantham, Pennsylvania, although the mailing address is in nearby Mechanicsburg. Starry Baseball Field is part of the larger Starry Athletic Complex. The university began as Messiah Bible School and Missionary Training Home and was part of the Brethren in Christ Church. The name changed over the years going from Messiah Bible School to Messiah College, and in 2020 Messiah University. The university is now interdenominational and not part of the Brethren in Christ Church but still is evangelical with an influence in the Anabaptist, the Radical Pietist, and the Wesleyan holiness movements. The Falcons mascot is named Flex, although he was previously known as Fandango. The Falcons compete in Division III of the NCAA and are a member of the Middle Atlantic Conferences. The Falcons receive some of the biggest support in Division III and boast some of the best attendance of all schools at that level in the "Olympic" sports. The Falcons have been very successful in athletics. The men's and women's soccer teams won the NCAA Division III National Championship in 2005, 2008, 2009, and 2012. The Falcons men's soccer team are eleven-time national champions. Messiah University is the only NCAA college to win the men's and women's soccer national championships in the same year, and they have achieved that distinction four times. There also have been national championships in women's softball, women's field hockey, and numerous individual championships in wrestling and wrestling. The Falcons baseball time are five-time conference champions in 2003, 2005, 2008, 2011, and 2012. An amphitheater seating system was installed at Starry Baseball Field in 2010. Food & Beverage 2 There is a small concession stand near the field called the Falcon Hut. It offers cheap concessions from a limited menu. it is a nice little facility but it doesn't offer much if you are looking for more than a small snack. Atmosphere 4 The Starry Athletic Complex is a great little complex to watch sports. You have to access it via a covered bridge. Each of the various fields offers great views and a fun environment for each of the Falcons sports teams. Starry Baseball Field is a nice little field and the amphitheater seating, along with the hills for seating, makes for a nice comfortable place to watch a game. Messiah's "A Warmer Welcome Campaign" is an ongoing effort to enhance the outdoor athletic facilities at the Starry Athletic Complex. The Campaign is set to include a new concession and hospitality facility that will serve Messiah’s entire outdoor athletic complex, expanded and enhanced new seating for lacrosse and softball fans, and improved dugout areas for the baseball field. Neighborhood 3 Starry Athletic Fields Complex is south of the main Messiah campus. There is not much of a neighborhood in Grantham but one can venture into Mechanicsburg and/or Harrisburg for more things to do before or after a game. There is a Primanti Bros. Restaurant and Bar in Camp Hill if you are feeling like eating a large meal. Vitality Bowls in Mechanicsburg could be a healthier option. Fans 4 Messiah has one of the best fan bases around . They support Falcon sports, no matter which one. If visiting on any given weekend, you are likely to find multiple games going on, with each a healthy attendance . Access 3 Messiah University, itself, is not that hard to access as it is located nearby the Pennsylvania Turnpike, I-83, I-81, and U.S. Route 15. You may have more issues once on campus. The university is easy enough to get around, but the Starry Athletic Fields Complex is located to the south of the main Messiah campus, across an old-style covered bridge. Once across the bridge, there is a medium-sized parking lot that could fill quickly. We ended up parking across the campus and walking as there were so many events going on, not just at the athletic complex. This was not a bad thing, as we found a nice little walking trail, along with a swinging bridge. You need to be aware that the main parking lot might not work out for you. Return on Investment 5 There is no charge for attending a game at Starry Baseball Field. Even if there was, you could easily watch the game for free along the field. The limited offerings of the Falcon Hut are also very good with prices. Extras 4 The ability to easily watch so many sports without almost any extra walking is a great extra. Go north of the nearby Criste Tennis Courts to find a delightful swinging bridge that crosses Yellow Breeches Creek. Once across the bridge above look for the campus fitness trail which offers a great walking trail around a good part of the Messiah campus. The Climenhaga Homestead is a historic house on campus that was built by the first dean of the college (Asa Climenhaga) as a way to become better connected to the campus and its students. The homestead now houses guest rooms, meeting rooms, and conference facilities. Final Thoughts Messiah University is already a great spot to watch sports, but with the upcoming "A Warmer Welcome Campaign" it may go to another level. Starry Baseball Field is a simple place but is one that offers a great place to spend a bit of time.

Photos by Matt Colville, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Dantzler Arena Perkinston, MS 39573 Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College Bulldogs website Dantzler Arena website Year Opened: 2022 Capacity: 1,540 Gulf Coast Bulldogs Dance at Dantzler Arena Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College is one of 15 schools that compete in the Mississippi Association of Community Colleges Conference (MACCC) for basketball. The MACCC is also part of the larger Region 23 of the NJCAA, which also includes five Louisiana community colleges. Located in the tiny zero-red-light town of Perkinston, Mississippi, the Bulldogs have a pretty storied basketball history – since the first year of basketball on campus in 1927 the Bulldogs have won the MACCC State Championship 11 times, with the most recent being in 2012. MGCCC also won the Region 23 Championship 14 times, with the most recent being in 2009. In addition, MGCCC advanced to the NJCAAA Tournament twice in 1990 and 2009. The MGCCC women's basketball team has had a little more success than the men's, as they won one NJCAA National Championship in 1973 and advanced to the championship game the next year, where they were runners-up. The school has gone by many names since it opened as Harrison County Agricultural High School in 1911. The school became a junior college in 1925 and changed its name to Perkinston Junior College in 1942, before changing it to MGCCC in 1962. Today the college has four campuses throughout the Gulf Coast region, with a total enrollment of 8,700 students, making it the second-largest junior c, college in the state. The Bulldogs men's and women's basketball teams play at the newest athletic venue to open on campus, the beautiful Dantzler Arena, which opened during the 2022-23 season. The new arena is part of a series of construction projects for the college that also included a new residence hall, an upgraded baseball and soccer field, and a new entrance road into campus.   Food and Beverage   2 There is one small concession stand located in the lobby area as soon as you enter the arena. The food and drink options are extremely limited with nachos, popcorn, candy, and chips being the only items on the menu. Bottles of Coca-Cola products are sold for $3 as well, and as usual, no alcohol is sold on campus, or anywhere in Stone County for that matter. Unfortunately, because of the lack of food options in Perkinston, you may want to grab a bite to eat before you leave your house if coming for a game here.   Atmosphere   4 Dantzler Arena replaces Historic Wentzell-Weathers Center, which opened in 1957 and was home to the program until 2022. The shiny, new arena holds 1,450 seats and is named after the Dantzler Family, who owned and operated a nearby sawmill in Perkinston in the 1940s. Alfred Dantzler III, the youngest of the family, was a longtime supporter and donor of the college. Dantzler Arena is an architectural beauty – from the outside the building looks quite intimidating, with the front of the building constructed with bricks, while four Greek columns make up the front entrance. The side walls of the arena are made of out tin, which makes the inside of the venue echo pretty loudly, especially when the building is packed. There is one main entrance to the building on the south side; as soon as you enter you walk into a pretty spacious lobby, with a large trophy case being the first thing that greets you. Inside the trophy case, you will find trophies, jerseys, and basketballs from some of the past years of the Gulf Coast Basketball program. Also, in the lobby, you will find the ticket table, a pop-up merchandise stand, and a large scrolling marquee on both sides of the wall that displays upcoming games and University-related events. Once inside Dantzler Arena, you realize that the gym is sunken, something that doesn't look evident from the outside of the building. But the facility is built into the side of the hill, so you are entering on the second floor of the building. The court faces north and south, with 10 rows of metal bleacher seating in the Bulldog colors (blue and grey) on each side, and a walkway that separates the rows, with five rows on the first level and five rows on the second. The arena has low ceilings, and the A/C duct work runs along the ceiling, creating a few obstructions if you sit in the last two rows. The student section makes up the entire west side bleachers, while the east side bleachers are a little calmer, consisting of mostly visiting fans and family members. On the far north end of the court is another student section, and the MGCCC Band of Gold also sits there, while the Perkettes Dance team entertains the crowd from the floor. Above the end court on the north side of the arena are all the past banners of the MGCCC State Championships the Bulldogs have won in men's and women's Basketball, while above the end court on the south side is a rather larger suite for the Bulldog Club, which overlooks the court. The centerpiece of Dantzler Arena is the two large videoboards that are on the walls above the ends of the court. The video boards are quite large for Juco basketball but are of excellent quality and show replays, advertisements, and promotions.   Neighborhood   2 There is no neighborhood whatsoever, as the only thing in the tiny town of Perkinston is the college. This area's thousands of acres of undeveloped pine forest made it ideal for the lumber and timber industry, and at one time this area was filled with hundreds of sawmills. Perkinston was built right on the railroad and was an important stop for the transportation of goods to the Gulf Coast. However, when the mills depleted the resources by using up most of the timber, the mills shut down and people vacated the communities along the railroad, Perkinston included. Today there is nothing in Perkinston besides the campus. Abandoned homes and an abandoned general store line the main road along the railroad as you come into campus – today it is a ghost town around campus except for a post office and elementary school. Fortunately, much of the land is under protection now, which has led to many outdoor activities in and around the area. Perkinston is located inside DeSoto National Forrest, and the forest offers many hiking trails nearby, the most popular being Tuxachanie Trail a few miles south of campus. Also nearby is the POW Recreation Area, a campground located on the grounds of an abandoned WWII bunker and barracks. Across the street from MGCCC’s campus is perhaps the most famous spot in Perkinston, called Perk Beach – this campground and sandbar located on Black Creek makes for a great swimming hole, and you will find many students out here on the weekends. About 15 minutes up the road is Wiggins, where you can find a few fast-food restaurants and chain stores. There isn't much to do in Wiggins, so don't expect too much. Wiggins does have Flint Creek Water Park, a popular campground right on a lake, as well as Paul B. Johnson State Park, which is located nearby. For hotels, you'll find a few smaller chain hotels in Wiggins as well, but Hattiesburg and Gulfport/Biloxi are your best bets for any big hotels, or if you want to do any shopping; both cities are about 45 minutes away, with Perkinston located right in the middle of the two.   Fans 4 Like most athletic events on the MGCCC campus, the basketball program has good attendance for every game. This is partly because there isn't anything for the students to do with 40 miles, so you can expect a good turnout, with the Bulldogs averaging about 1,000 fans per game. Students take up the entire west side bleachers, and many of them will stand throughout the game, along the railing by the walkway. Because of this, you may not be able to see the action of the court when sitting on that side, as many students will be blocking your view. As mentioned it can get quite loud in the venue – the tin walls amplify sound well. So, with the Gold Band playing and 1,000 students standing up and stomping on the metal bleachers, it can be quite intimidating for visiting opponents.   Access   4 Perkinston is located halfway between Hattiesburg and the Coast, conveniently located right off Highway 49, the main road from the coast to Jackson. Perkinston is about 40 minutes north of Gulfport and 40 minutes south of Hattiesburg. You can't help but see the campus as you drive on Highway 49 – Dantzler Arena is located on the back side of campus near the rest of MGCCC's athletic facilities. Parking does fill up in the lots surrounding the arena, so I recommend parking at AL May Stadium, the school's football stadium right across the road. It is also easier to get out when you leave if you park next to the football stadium . Once inside the Arena, everything runs smoothly; the only issue is the obstructed views on the top rows and the students who stand on the concourse in the student section along the west side bleachers.   Return on Investment   3 Tickets are $8 for general admission, and you are free to sit wherever you like. For most games, the women's team will play before the men's, and if the women's game runs long they sometimes shut the ticket stand down early, so it is possible to get in the men’s game for free.   Extras   3 If you are interested in checking out an old historic basketball gym, the old Weathers-Wentzell Center is still standing and located on the south side of campus. The old gym housed the Bulldogs men's and women's basketball teams from 1957 until 2022 and is currently used for intramural and rec sports for the college. The gym is named after former coach Bob Weathers, who guided the Bulldogs from 1961-2002. After 41 years at the helm of the Bulldogs program, Weather retired as the second-winningest basketball coach in Junior College history and was inducted into the NJCAA Hall of Fame. His son Wendell took over the program in 2002 and coached Gulf Coast until the 2018-19 season. Gulf Coast has one NJCAA National Championship to the name – the 1973 women's team won the 1972-73 NJCAA National Championship, and there is a banner commemorating this feat on the northeast side of the facility. The 1990-91 men's team, coached by Weathers, also made it to the 1991 NJCAA Final Four in Hutchinson, KS. The MGCCC women's basketball program has produced one player who won a gold medal, but not in basketball; instead, it was in track & field; Gulfport native Brittney Reese won the gold medal in the long jump in the 2012 London Games. She also won silver medals in the 2016 and 2020 Olympic Games, but before she won Olympic medals, she played basketball here from 2004-06, before attending Ole Miss, where she was the NCAA indoor and outdoor Long Jump Champion in 2007 and 2008. The Bulldogs men's team has produced one player to make it to the NBA in Journeyman player Ira Newble, who played here from 1993-95, before transferring to Miami (Ohio) . His best years were the five years he played for the Cleveland Cavaliers from 2003-2008, coming off the bench for Lebron James. Gulf Coast also produced a pretty big-time college player in Moss Point native Dale Brown, who played here for two years before leading Kentucky  to the 1993 Final Four, where they lost to Michigan . Former Wichita State  coach and Pascagoula native Isaac Brown also played here from 1988-1990 – Brown guided the Shockers  to the 2020-21 NCAA Tournament.

Image courtesy of the Mascot Hall of Fame The Mascot Hall of Fame  in Whiting, Indiana was recently named the number one Pop Culture Museum in the United States by USA Today . The recognition comes as a result of USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards, where the winners are determined by a public vote.   The Hall of Fame was founded in 2005 as an online museum by original Phillie Phanatic  David Raymond. It opened its physical location on the shores of Lake Michigan in 2018. Since 2005, the Hall has elected a class of mascots into its membership each year, based on the criteria of being active for over 10 years, and impacting their team, fanbase, and community.   “This incredible feat marks a momentous occasion not only for the beloved mascots but also for the dedicated team behind the scenes who work tirelessly to bring joy and laughter to visitors from all corners of the globe,” said a spokesperson for the Mascot Hall of Fame in a news release. “As confetti rains down and cheers echo, the Mascot Hall of Fame stands tall as a testament to the power of imagination and boundless possibilities of play.”   Just a half-hour outside of Chicago, the Mascot Hall of Fame features interactive exhibits and a host of memorabilia honoring some of the most popular mascots of all-time. The Phillie Phanatic was part of the inaugural Hall class, along with the Suns Gorilla  and the Famous San Diego Chicken . Other mascot who’ve been inducted in the ensuing years include the Spurs Coyote , Brutus Buckeye , and Mr. Met .   “Congratulations to all mascots for this well deserved recognition,” the release continued. “Congratulations to Mayor Steve Spebar and the City of Whiting team for believing in our mission. Congratulations to the heart and soul of the Mascot Hall of Fame – our staff.” ----- Follow Eric Moreno’s Stadium Journey on Twitter at @EricMoreno6477 . Visit Eric Moreno’s writer’s portfolio site at ericmoreno.contently.com .