Photos by Matt Finnigan, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.14 Dick’s Sporting Goods Park 6000 Victory Way Commerce City, CO 80022 Colorado Rapids website Dick’s Sporting Goods Park website Year Opened: 2007 Capacity: 17,424 Dick’s Sporting Goods Park: An Uncertain Future When Dick’s Sporting Goods Park opened in 2007, it provided a new, cozy home for the MLS’s Colorado Rapids after having played the first decade of their existence in cavernous NFL Stadiums (Mile High Stadium from 1996-2000 and Empower Field at Mile High from 2001-2006). DSG Park, as it’s come to be known, promised to be a long-term home for the Rapids, with empty acreage surrounding the facility to be developed into just about anything in the suburb of Commerce City, north of downtown Denver. The ensuing 16 years have seen that acreage sit mostly empty while the MLS’s expansion boom has brought with it a proliferation of new soccer facilities aimed at providing great fan experiences. DSG Park now sits at a crossroads. The City of Commerce City owns DSG Park, leasing it to the Rapids’ ownership group, Kroenke Sports Enterprises (“KSE”), for $1 per year over 25 years. The City has accused KSE of failing to keep promises to develop the 917 acres appurtenant to the stadium. With the City’s recent rejection of a land-swap proposal, KSE and the City have ponied up $25,000 apiece to fund a contest sponsored by the Commercial Real Estate Development Association in which Colorado college students will submit proposed plans to develop the land around DSG Park. The stadium itself has what the real estate industry calls “good bones” but, after 16 years, could use significant updating and attractions around it. This comes at a time when the Rapids have a strained relationship with their fan base. Centennial 38, the franchise’s official supporter group, wrote an open letter to the Rapids’ front office in October 2023, taking exception with KSE’s management and operation of the team and facilities. DSG “has been neglected, and without proper maintenance and periodic upgrades has become tired and run-down,” the group wrote. “While there are plans to address the stadium’s condition, these measures are long overdue and taking far too long to implement.” Centennial 38 appears to be correct. DSG Park has lost its new-pitch feel and needs updates. Until the surrounding land is developed, soccer will be the only reason to come. Unless KSE significantly upgrades existing facilities at DSG Park, soccer alone likely won’t draw fans. Food & Beverage 3 DSG Park’s dining and drinking options are in line with what a fan would expect to find at a professional sports stadium: burgers, hot dogs, pizza, chicken tenders, and nachos. Freddy’s has a location in the northwest corner of DSG Park, offering familiar items off its menu. Biker Jim’s Dogs, a very good local hot dog stand, has a restaurant in Dale’s Bar at the stadium’s south end (along with a good selection of craft beer from the eponymous Colorado brewery). The Rapids serve Coca-Cola products in plastic bottles for those eschewing alcohol for aspartame and sugar. Additionally, a small food truck area is just outside Dale’s Bar, with a projection screen TV and picnic tables. All in all, DSG Park’s menu is about what you’d expect to find at an MLS venue. Atmosphere 2 DSG Park has entrances on the east, south, and west sides. Just inside, the concourse encircles the seating bowl below. Sight lines are good, as the facility was designed for watching soccer. Concourses are sufficiently wide to accommodate concession stand queues and fans finding their seats. The stadium’s primary video board sits above and behind the north goal. However, the picture is noticeably poor; several squares in the video screen appear to be broken. The public address system might also need an update because there are several locations around the stadium in which that system is inaudible. The stadium could use a new coat of paint in several conspicuous places, as well. The closer your seat to the centerline, the better. Corner seats do not offer good perspective when play happens at the far end of the pitch. Centennial 38 provides strong vocal and musical (drums and vuvuzelas) support. Visiting teams’ support groups take up the northwest corner of DSG Park, in Section 135. Neighborhood 1 The surrounding neighborhood has all the charm of a government campus – because that’s exactly what the surrounding neighborhood is. Commerce City’s town hall, fire department, and police station all sit just to the west of DSG Park, neighbored by the United States Postal Service’s Denver Bulk Mail Center. In other words, DSG has a great location for pulling a building permit, reporting a crime, or mailing merchandise catalogs, but not necessarily for a great fan experience. Additionally, 23 full-size soccer pitches surround DSG Park. These serve national soccer and lacrosse tournaments well but to the exclusion of restaurants and bars for pre- or post-game meetups. If the Rapids can properly develop some of the surrounding acreage and provide reasons for fans to come to games early and stay afterward, this rating will improve. Fans 2 The fans have stopped coming to DSG Park. In 2023, the Rapids ranked 28th out of 29 MLS teams in both average (15,409 per game) and total (261,953) attendance. Thus, only about 85.3 percent of the stadium is filled for the Rapids 17 home games. And when MLS enjoyed a 5 percent attendance jump from 2022 to 2023, the Rapids saw their home attendance remain flat. Nonetheless, true dedication and a love of the beautiful sport still draw fans to DSG Park. Those in attendance are loud and enthusiastic. As Centennial 38’s open letter to KSE shows, the Rapids’ fan base is a spirited yet disillusioned one. Without upgrades to DSG Park, the Rapids may well lose that fan base to apathy. Access 2 Because of DSG Park’s location, most fans coming from in and around Denver will take Interstate 270. By any reasonable estimation, I-270 is a pothole-pocked, concrete ribbon that was designed and built by a misanthropic public works department. It’s that bad. Parking is free – a good thing. But returning to the car after dark presents a challenge, as fans may have to navigate through unlighted fields. Much of the signage in and around DSG Park has faded in the Colorado wind and sun. Public transportation could be an option, albeit a limited one. The nearest bus stop is approximately one mile away, at 56th Avenue and Quebec Street. Using public transportation to make the 10.3-mile trip to DSG Park from the Capitol in downtown Denver takes almost 90 minutes because of transfers and lengthy walks. The Rapids do provide bike parking on the exterior of the stadium’s west side, in the Burgundy Bike Lot; however, only two bikes were parked there on a recent visit. A Rapids game at DSG Park requires both a ticket and an automobile. Return on Investment 4 Statistically, a Rapids game is one of the most affordable in the MLS. The Athletic’s 2022 MLS Fan Cost Index rated the Rapids as the league’s fifth-most affordable experience ($264.22), comparing the costs of four weighted, non-premium tickets, combined with the lowest stadium pricing for four sodas, four hot dogs, two beers, two supporter scarves, and parking. Only FC Dallas ($201.44), Orlando City ($251.14), Vancouver Whitecaps FC ($253.64), and CF Montreal ($261.54) were more affordable than the Rapids. Parking is free at DSG Park. So too are game programs. Hot dogs ($3), popcorn ($6), basic nachos ($3), and fries ($5) are surprisingly well priced. Premium beer cans, canned cocktails, and hard seltzer cans sell for $14. Domestic beer is $12 and wine is $10, while bottled soda is available for $5.50. Ticket prices average between $25-$39, a very good price range in the MLS. Extras 1 Check out the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge, located just to the north of DSG Park. It’s a three-minute drive, just over a mile away. It’s also free. The 25 square-mile refuge has more than 330 species of wildlife that include bison, deer, black-tailed prairie dogs, and raptors (many of whom like to dine on black-tailed prairie dogs). An 11-mile paved loop enables visitors to enjoy the arsenal without having to leave their cars and expose themselves to aggressive bison. Final Thoughts Right now, Gertrude Stein’s “there is no there there” seems an apt description of DSG Park: a pitch, without much else. DSG Park has great potential. Realization of that potential will require a vision, time, and money. The Rapids’ ownership needs to give fans a reason besides a game to come to DSG Park.

Photos by Michael Rusignuolo, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Loek Loevendie Ballpark Herman Bonpad 5, 1067 SN Amsterdam, Netherlands Amsterdam Pirates website Loek Loevendie Ballpark website Year Opened: 2000 Capacity: 500 Corporate Pirates The baseball roots in the cultural capitol of The Netherlands go back to 1938 when football (soccer) club S.V. RAP opened a “baseball department.” They played as the RAP Pirates for several years, before conforming to more traditional baseball naming as the “Amsterdam Pirates” when the baseball club separated from their parent sporting club in 1974. Advancing through the divisions of Dutch baseball, they cracked the top-level Honkbal Hoofdklasse for the first time in 1982, and despite some relegations, managed to capture two Holland Series and make it to international play in the European Cup. In 2000, they moved into their new digs at Sportpark Ookmeer, west of Amsterdam city center. The 500-seat main baseball stadium became known as the “Pirates Playground,” and remained that way until 2019, when it was renamed Loek Loevendie Ballpark to honor a local baseball great. The Pirates also inked a sponsorship deal with human resources and training company L&D Support, now going under the moniker “L&D Amsterdam.” Overall, Loek Loevendie Ballpark is a solid Honkbal Hoofdklasse entry, not standing out in many areas except its fans and values. [All prices are in Euros. At the time of writing, one Euro is worth about $1.15.] Food & Beverage 3 The standard in Honkbal Hoofdklasse is to have all the food and drinks available at the park on offer in the team’s clubhouse. Amsterdam follows this lead, but their clubhouse is the only in the top league where it overlooks the field with large, sliding-glass doors, letting you eat and drink while still watching the game below. The standard fare for Dutch baseball games are available at the bar grill, including hot and cold sandwiches, sausages, Dutch meatballs, and (of course) a big selection of frites, all for €4.00 and under. You can argue the selection, but not the prices. The erstwhile Pirates also have a healthy selection of beer to choose from. Choices change, but include Liefmans, Leffe Blond, LacHouffe, Palm, and Veltins, as well as Corona. All are €3.60 or lower, so drink early, drink often (unless you’re driving). Coca-Cola is the non-alcoholic drink family of choice, as it is across the league. As for drinks, pick your favorite Belgian beer (or a Corona if you’re homesick). For food, you can try a hot Dutch sandwich, such as the chicken (“kip”), or be more adventurous and grab some tasty Dutch meatballs. But whatever you get, you have to get some frites with it (bonus points for mayo). You are in The Netherlands, after all. Atmosphere 3 Loek Loevendie Ballpark is in the standard location for a Dutch ballpark (a suburban sportpark), with the same overall configuration (laid out like a US Spring Training facility with multiple fields), but it has a rather unique structure. As with most Dutch ballparks, it is on the level of a nice Rookie League or low A-ball field in the American minor leagues. You enter behind the main grandstand, a large building with a flat, sloping roof, with access from stairways on either side. The team has large solar panels on the roof to power the building, and even sells power to the local area. At the top of the stairs is a large plaza, with the team clubhouse and offices at the back. The plaza houses several picnic tables with ash trays (to accommodate the high population of Dutch that still smoke), along with some low benches and high tables with bar chairs, both by the clubhouse and scattered around. The main seating area is down concrete steps from the landing, with eight rows of molded plastic chairs running from about halfway to third base to about half to first base. You can walk around behind home plate, but fans can go no further than the dugouts on either side of the field. There is a large digital scoreboard in the right field corner, giving out the by-inning score, basic stats, and player name and number. It rests above a standard outfield wall with some ads against an unbroken background of trees. A canal circles the park, and often home runs are “splashdowns” in the water, so take that, San Francisco. The clubhouse also houses the bathroom facilities and in one wall, there is the entrance to the small team store, featuring general baseball equipment (hard to come by in The Netherlands), as well as a small selection of team gear (almost indistinguishable from the MLB Pirates). The Amsterdam three-X flag flies several places in the park, but not the Dutch flag. As is the case in most Honkbal Hoofdklasse games, there are no mascots or between-innings entertainment that permeate all levels of US baseball. You get in-stadium PA announcements, batter walk-up music, and the Seventh Inning Stretch, period. Since this is a step up from club ball, however, there are some nice vestiges of sportsmanship. Each batter coming to the plate for the first time usually shakes the hand of the umpire and the opposing catcher. Sit where you want. The seats all offer a great view of the field. If you want more space to spread out, grab a picnic table (away from the smokers, if that is a problem). Like your baseball with a beer? Watch the game from the clubhouse, as this is the only park in the league where that is an option. Neighborhood 3 Although technically in the largest city in the country, Loek Loevendie Ballpark is tucked away in a suburban sportpark because… well, I can’t imagine what the rent would be to build a ballpark in the canal zone, but it is more than a fringe sport such as baseball can afford. There are still some okay amenities around, but it is slim pickings compared to the city center. The residential neighborhood works from the food side of things, as there is a decent clutch of local restaurants just to the south of the park. Turkish Turks Restaurants Eethuis Cesme, Chinese Kwun Wah, Italian Pomdori, French Brasserie De Serre, Dutch Meram Osdorp, and Turkish Restaurant Sahan are across the street. To the northeast is Greiks Restaurant Plato. If these don’t tickle your fancy, east to the tourist areas will yield uncountable other options. One downside is there is not a lot to do in the immediate location directly around the park. The Street Art Museum Amsterdam to the north is the only museum in the area, and there’s some shopping at the West Mall to the southeast, but that’s about it. The short ride to Amsterdam city center will offer you more of whatever you want than you’ll be able to fit into one vacation. The stadium is in more a residential area, so there isn’t much in the way of hotels nearby. The budget New West Inn is just across the street from the park, while the mid-range Citiez Hotel Amsterdam is just to the southeast. Upscale B&B Sloterpark is a bit to the northeast, and that’s about it. Ten minutes away to the northeast is Sloterdijk Station, with over a dozen hotels in different ranges to choose from, as well as Rembrandt Park a short distance to the east with even more choices. Fans 4 Baseball (or honkbal, as it is known locally) is very much a fringe sport in The Netherlands, and for all of Europe for that matter. The Dutch Honkbal Hoofdklasse is one of the only semipro/professional leagues on the continent, sharing the distinction with the Italian Baseball League. The big-city team seems to draw on the high end of the average for most Dutch baseball games (between 100-250 people per game). After games and practices at the surrounding fields end, the players and spectators come over to watch the top-level men play their games. Another out of the ordinary status quo is that there are usually pet dogs at every game. It is a welcome change for dog lovers, less so if you don’t like them. Unlike other parks in the league, there is no definitive “home” and “away” cheering sections, and everyone pretty much congregates in the one seating area, or in the clubhouse overlooking the field. There also are a smattering of ex-pat Americans who seem to come to games, as well. The crowd, both home and visiting are quite into the game and its proceedings, definitely more than average for the league. Access 3 Loek Loevendie Ballpark is located west of the Amsterdam city center in “New West Amsterdam,” just west of man-made Sloterplas lake. Thankfully, there are public transit and other options available to get there, and the park itself is quite easy to navigate. There are two bus options from Amsterdam. From Centraal Station, GVB Stadbus 21 (€2.66) will get you to the Holensstraat stop, a short walk from the sportpark. A better option is leaving from Amsterdam Sloterdijk Station, where the GVB Stadbus 69 (€1.86) will drop you off at stop Bonpad, right across the street. Car, cab, or ride share is about 20 minutes from the heart of downtown. It is about an hour to get to Amsterdam from Rotterdam and 45 minutes from Utrecht, and then the bus or drive to the park. There is a large parking lot for the sportpark, and there is plenty of free bicycle parking. Cabs and ride shares can drop you off right at the park entrance, right next to the field. The stadium just has one entrance leading to the stairs up to the seating area on each side of the grandstand. The stairs are the only pinch point, and the wide plaza makes walking around easy and hassle-free. Return on Investment 4 There’s no charge to get into the park, so you can’t really argue with that. Everything is €4.00 or under, including alcohol, so you can’t quibble on the prices. . Extras 2 As with all the Dutch stadiums, extras are at a minimum. The clubhouse has the usual selection of baseball memorabilia (both Dutch and MLB), as well as club trophies and awards. The stadium is dedicated to local Dutch baseball great Loek Loevendie. As Dutch clubhouse personnel are almost all volunteers, they are polite and helpful to a person and are always glad to talk to and assist visitors. Final Thoughts Loek Loevendie Ballpark is middle-of-the-pack in most areas, but it is a good atmosphere to watch a game for a good value a short distance from the largest city in the country.

The Royal Oak Leprechauns will become members of the Northwoods League for the upcoming 2024 season. The ball club will call #TheLuckyCorner - Memorial Park in the Detroit metro area their home. This increases the number of teams in the Northwoods League to 26. The move to the Northwoods League comes on the heels of the Great Lakes Summer Collegiate League, the club's former home, dropping from a 13-team to a 7-team league. Five clubs announced they would be on hiatus or not playing next season. The Leprechauns will now be in the Great Lakes Division, along with three other Michigan-based teams in Traverse City, Kalamazoo, and Battle Creek. Mark Sackett, Owner and General Manager of the Royal Oak Leprechauns, is excited about the challenge of the new league and the competition and benefits of joining the Northwoods League. “For the past three seasons in Royal Oak, the Leprechaun organization has grown, and our fan base continues to expand. By joining and competing in the Northwoods League, we’ll have more games for our fans, more opportunities to partner with businesses and nonprofits, and create new rivalries with well-established Michigan and surrounding Midwest state teams.” DJ LeMahieu is taking a more active role as president of the organization. The current New York Yankee and partner with the Leprechauns know the higher level of competition will bring an elite tier of players to Royal Oak. “My vision with this team is to continue to provide a unique opportunity for players and coaches to improve their baseball skills and keep moving up. Partnering with the Northwoods League will provide that and give fans a great night out at the ballpark with our players and partners.” The organization will focus on the fan experience with improvements to the ballpark that include new bleacher seating, a press box, suites, and other fan amenities. The Leprechauns have made more than $500,000 in improvements since moving to Royal Oak from Siena Heights University in Adrian, Michigan, in 2018. Stadium Journey visited #TheLuckyCorner - Memorial Park in July of 2022 and was impressed with the game-day atmosphere and environment at the small ballpark about 20 minutes northwest of downtown Detroit. The stadium earned a 3.43 out of 5 on the FANFARE Scale. You can read more about it in the following link. —— Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel .

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 McWhorter Stadium 114 Baseball Dr Clemson, SC 29634 Clemson Tigers website McWhorter Stadium website Year Opened: 2020 Capacity: 2,116 The Orange and Regalia Softball at Clemson debuted in 2020, and the Tigers got off to a strong start with a 5-1 record – unfortunately the season was cut short by COVID-19, limiting the Tigers’ inaugural season to just 6 games. The abrupt end to the 2020 season did not seem to adversely impact Clemson, however, as in their first full season in 2021 they went 44-8, winning the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) regular season championship with a 22-5 conference record. Since that time Clemson has firmly established itself as not just one of the top teams in the ACC, but also one of the top teams in the national scene.   Food & Beverage   4 McWhorter Stadium has one main concession stand located on the upper level of the concourse, directly behind home plate. It has somewhat of a condensed menu, but does offer a bit more than just hot dogs and typical snacks. Entrees include hot dogs, burgers, fried chicken sandwiches, and BBQ sandwiches. Nachos, peanuts, and chips are also available, along with an assortment of candy. Frozen Fanta is also a popular choice at this stand, and chili can be added to any of the entrees. A second concession stand, dedicated to snacks, is tucked under the concrete walkway along the third baseline – while this stand sell snacks and Coke products, it is the shaved ice that is the featured item here, where fans can add their own flavoring. Alcohol is not served at Clemson athletic events. There is not much that will blow your doors off, but concessions at McWhorter Stadium do offer more than the typical ballpark choices.   Atmosphere   4 McWhorter Stadium has a very open, modern feel to it. The large press box is topped by a massively large canopy that provides a great deal of shade for the area behind home plate. The stadium’s purple hued seats are also perfectly complemented by the orange trim of the dugouts and the Clemson trademark paw prints. The immediately recognizable paw logo is also prominently displayed on the natural grass in short center field. The in-game presentation is as would be found at many other softball and baseball stadiums around the county; despite there not being a designated stadium host, there are a handful of interactive games such as the cap shuffle, as well as reminders of fan promotions on the scoreboard. When it comes to seating options it largely depends on your desired experience – seats in the grandstand tend to hold the Tigers most ardent supporters, who hang on every out as possibly the most important at bat of the game. The outfield berm, on the other hand, has more of a social atmosphere, but fans there are still into the game, and roar in approval for Clemson hits, runs, and big plays. Despite the large awning there is not a lot of shade at McWhorter Stadium, but fans looking to get out of the sun often find themself standing along the walls of the softball facilities on the first base side of the field, or on the concourse behind home plate.   Neighborhood   5 Clemson, South Carolina is a quintessential college town, where the university is the center of most of what goes on in the area. College Avenue, the hub of activity on weekends, and the scene of much of Clemson’s nightlife, is located just about a mile from McWhorter Stadium. Situated near the northern edge of campus, this area is heavily populated with an array of bars and restaurants, making it a popular destination for both pre and post-game gatherings. During the spring, as days lengthen and temperatures rise, College Avenue buzzes with visitors exploring its shops, bars, and dining spots. While College Avenue has the highest concentration of popular establishments, The Esso Club, a renowned Clemson watering hole, is just a short stroll from Clemson’s athletic neighborhood, which McWhorter Stadium is part of – the rest of the athletics complex includes baseball’s Doug Kingsmore Stadium  , directly behind the softball stadium’s grandstand, while just across the street are both Littlejohn Coliseum  and Memorial Stadium .     Fans   5 Clemson softball packs the stands with standing room only attendees, averaging over 1,800 fans per game, which is impressive given McWhorter’s stated capacity is just a touch over 2,100. The 1,800 fans per game puts the Tigers in the Top 10 nationally in attendance, and nearly double that of the next closest ACC rival. However, it is not just that the seats and concourse are full, but a sea of tailgating chairs also surrounds foul territory, from left field around to the scoreboard in right field. And if that was not enough, a pair of rambunctious fan groups, “Cagle’s Corner” and “The Deep End” , are there keeping the tailgating going throughout the game, taking down celebratory beers and rattling cowbells in response to big plays. It is not just their boisterous nature, but also their unwavering support of Clemson softball that adds so much to the atmosphere here at McWhorter Stadium; these two groups also fly several boat dock flags in support of Tigers players. Clemson softball fans definitely comes with passion and an enthusiasm to get behind their Tigers, which helps create a top-notch experience.   Access   3 Located just about 15 minutes off I-85, Clemson’s campus is easily accessible for fans traveling from Charlotte or Atlanta, with a drive of about 2 to 2.5 hours from each. Once on campus parking is readily available around the stadium. There is plenty of free parking in the lot just outside the main gates for fans with mobility challenges, with additional general parking in Jervey Meadow, just beyond the right field confines of the stadium. McWhorter Stadium has two entry points: a main gate at field level just to the third base side of home plate, and a second, more discrete entrance through a gate and up a short flight of stairs. However, if traversing the stairs to the main concourse is too much, or the long ramp too far out of the way, there is also an elevator at the base of the press box that fans can use to access the top of the seating bowl. Attendees will also find a rather wide walkway that runs from just beyond first base down the third baseline. Several of Clemson’s games are standing room only though, so even with a wide walkway navigating can get a bit crowded. And while the concrete walkway ends as it nears the outfield wall, the grassy outfield berm has been well worn down so much that there is a path. Take caution, though, as the hillside is rather steep, and the large crowd there can make it a bit of a challenge to navigate.   Return on Investment   4 Walk up tickets for general admission start at $10, which is consistent with ticket prices for many other of the higher-level collegiate softball programs in the county.  However, when factoring in free parking, $10 to get in is a pretty reasonable rate; tickets on the secondary market might even be available for $1 before fees are added. Even if tickets do not appear to be available online, berm seating is typically available on a walkup, day of game basis. Concession prices are also kept pretty well in check to where it encourages fans to buy food, rather than simply lament the inflated stadium prices.   Extras   3 Given the popularity of the outfield seating and berm, inclines have been placed at the base of the fence, to allow fans who want to watch from that vantage point a bit of a boost to peer over the top of the outfield wall. The ambiance outside the stadium is every bit the top-notch college sports experience as you will find anywhere else in the country – the hoots-‘n-hollers big rig whistles from the two fan support groups especially add a lot of festivity to the atmosphere, playing off the idea of baseball’s “Cheap Seats” and “The Cajun Café”. In an ode to their university and in unison with the fanbase, the entire team lines up along the first baseline following the game to sing the school’s alma mater with the fans in attendance.   Final Thoughts The Clemson softball program, athletic department, and the Tigers fan base all deserve a lot of credit for where the softball program stands today; the fans for their undying devotion to Clemson athletics, the athletic department for investing seemingly unconditionally into the program, and the softball staff and players for growing a culture that has translated to such a high level of success on the field in such a short amount of time. When looking at both conference and national rankings, it is hard to believe that Clemson softball is a program still in its infancy – walking into McWhorter Stadium it would feel as if the Tigers have been fielding a softball program since the ACC started crowning a champion in 1992. What Clemson has done in establishing itself as a perennial Top 25 softball programs in four seasons is nothing short of amazing.

Photos by Stephan Hoogerwaard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 Stadio Atleti Azzurri d’Italia Viale Giulio Cesare, 18 Bergamo, Italy 24124 Atalanta BC website Stadio Atleti Azzurri d’Italia website Year Opened: 1928 Capacity: 26,562 The Nerazzurri The Stadio Atleti Azzurri d’ Italia is located in the Northern Italian city of Bergamo at the Viale Giulio Cesare. This elliptical stadium is the home of Serie A team Atalanta Bergamo, and since 2003 also the home of Serie C team UC Albinoleffe. The Stadio Atleti Azzurri d’ Italia was built in 1928 and until 1945 it held the name ‘Stadio Mario Brumana.’ The stadium originally had a capacity of 12,000 seats and was opened in two separate ceremonies. The first (and unofficial) opening took place on November 1, 1928 with a match between Atalanta Bergamo and Triestina. The second (and official) opening took place on December 23, 1928 in the presence of many authorities. At that time the complex was situated on an area of ​​35,000 square meters and included the playing field for football of 120 x70 meters (with just two stands on the long side of the pitch, only the west stand was covered), surrounded by a track for athletics, swimming pools, and tennis courts. Over the years the stadium has undergone numerous renovations. First, two curves (in Italian: curvas) were added along with a roof on the East stand. In 1960, there was a cycling track built inside in the stadium to hold cycling events. The most famous annual cycling match was for the Trofeo Baracchi. This phase ended in 1983. Of great importance for the current structure of the stadium were the works carried out during the summer of 1984. This year Atalanta Bergamo returned to the Serie A. The athletic track was demolished and metal temporary stands were added. These stands increased the capacity, which reached the historical record on September 16, 1984 when more than 43,000 spectators passed through the gates of the Stadio Atleti Azzurri d’ Italia. Nowadays many people think that the Stadio Atleti Azzurri d’ Italia is too old and not Serie A worthy anymore. When you compare the Atalanta Bergamo stadium with the World Cup 1990 grounds of, for instance AC Milan or Genoa CFC, it’s absolutely outdated, but nevertheless it still holds its charm. After the latest renovations, the capacity of the stadium has been brought back to 24,726 seats. I’m quite sure that within 10 years Atalanta Bergamo will have a new stadium to give their supporters all the comfort they need and to meet the demand for business units and business seats. One of the last traditional elliptical Serie A grounds is unfortunately about to disappear, making this a great spot for groundhoppers in the coming years. Food & Beverage 2 At the concession counters there is a very poor choice of food and drinks. The counters are too small and too understaffed to serve many people during the half time break. Soft drinks like Coca-Cola and 7Up are served in plastic cups (25cl) and cost € 1.50. Instant coffee also costs € 1.50, and a small espresso is served for € 1.00. Candy bars, chips, and home prepared sandwiches are also offered. Though the variety is lacking, the prices are more than reasonable. Atmosphere 2 The atmosphere is what one would expect in a stadium that is almost 100 years old. The facilities inside the ground are poor, many seats are uncovered and there are a lot of high fences separating the different blocks of the stadium. Whilst empty you can see that only the main stand has decent seats. Those seats are in the club colours of black and blue. Behind both goals there is a lot of space before the curves actually begin. This is of course due to the athletic track which was surrounding the pitch before the redevelopment in the mid 1980’s. The old façade of the stadium helps to give the ground its charm. Neighborhood 1 The neighbourhood around the stadium is not really spectacular. The stadium is located in a suburb of the city of Bergamo. In this area there are no pubs. There is one Japanse restaurant about a five minute walk from the ground (it is called ‘Ristorante Giapponese Suzuran Di Chen Zhebing’ at the Via Tremana 20). For a good drink or a different taste of food you need to go to the old town. Fans 4 Most of the Atalanta Bergamo fans which visit a match of their team are dressed in the black and blue club colours. The nickname of the team is the ‘Nerazzurri,’ which means ‘black and blues.’ Most of the most fanatic supporters (the Ultras) are housed in the Curva Pisani. They bring flags, banners and sometimes also fireworks and smoke bombs to the matches. The Atalanta Ultras give their team good support for almost the whole 90 minutes. Access 3 The Stadio Atleti Azzurri d’Italia is located in the northwest of the city of Bergamo. It is situated just over two kilometres from Bergamo’s old town and just over two kilometres from Bergamo’s railway station (Stazione Bergamo). At the train station you will find frequent train services to Verona, Brescia, and Milan. The stadium is easily accessible by car as well. Return on Investment 4 Atalanta only sells out their stadium two or three times each season so it possible to buy your tickets at a stall at the Via Giulio Cesare on the day of the match. This ticket office is located close to the entrance of the East stand just across the road. The ticket prices start from €14.00 for a seat at one of the ‘curvas.’ A covered seat at the long side of the pitch will cost you between €20.00 and €34.00. Please note: Bring your ID when buying tickets as this is mandatory in Italy! Extras 3 The old façade of the stadium is really magnificent, and there aren’t many left like those in Italy. The statues in the façade show the ‘Atleti d’Azzurri.’ This feature gives an extra to the stadium experience. Another extra is the location of the ground. When the weather is bright you can see parts of the Dolomite mountains from the stands. Final Thoughts If you like old grounds, then Stadio Atleti Azzurri d’Italia is certainly worth a visit. If you like the more modern stadiums then go to Milan, just 70 kilometres away from Bergamo.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Walter M. Katz Field 160 Atherton St. Milton, MA 02186 Curry Colonels football website Walter M. Katz Field website Year Opened: 1965 Capacity: 1,000 Curry College Colonels   Curry College is a private college located in Milton, Massachusetts, just seven miles from downtown Boston. Founded in 1879 as the School of Elocution and Expression, it was renamed in 1943 to honor its founders, Anna Baright and Samuel Silas Curry. Alexander Graham Bell, the inventor of the telephone, served as the school’s first Chancellor. Curry was the first school to offer a degree in Radio Broadcasting, starting the program in 1932. Today, its 4,700 students pursue studies in 25 undergraduate and 4 graduate programs.   Football has been played at Curry College since 1965. The Colonels, named in recognition of Samuel Curry’s birthplace in Tennessee, compete in the Conference of New England alongside several other small colleges throughout the area. The Colonels have qualified for the NCAA Division Three Tournament six times, with all their tournament appearances happening in consecutive seasons from 2003-2008. Curry reached the second round of the tournament twice. In addition, Curry has played in three postseason bowl games, most recently in 2017. New England Patriots legend Steve Nelson served as Curry’s head coach from 1998-2005, guiding the team through some of their most successful seasons.   Curry’s home field is Walter M. Katz Field, named for the Curry College class of 1989 alumnus. The facility serves as home to the school’s football, soccer and lacrosse teams. The New England Patriots used the field as their practice facility in 1967, while they played their home games at Fenway Park.   Food & Beverage 3    Fenway Park vendor The Sausage King runs a portable cart during Curry football games. They serve up some of their legendary sausage and pepper sandwiches, chicken teriyaki and footlong hot dogs along with a selection of cold drinks. Trust me, you’ll want to try one of these sausages at the game.   Just be warned, you’ll be paying Fenway Park prices for food at a Curry football game. Atmosphere 2   The game day experience at a Curry football game is a basic one. The highlight of Katz Field is undoubtedly the video scoreboard in the northwest end zone. It’s used throughout the game for player photos and game information. The cheerleaders set up shop in the same end zone, leading the crowd in cheers throughout the game and performing at halftime. Unfortunately, there’s no pep band in attendance, and the subpar sound system ensures that Katz Field doesn’t get too loud, so it’s usually a pretty quiet  afternoon here at Curry.   What energy is present at Katz Field is almost entirely generated by the fans in attendance, who are very much into the game and are supportive of the players on the field. There’s a good turnout from the student body, but no organized student section to speak of. Going to a Colonels game will feel very familiar to fans who have experienced other small college football games.   Neighborhood 3   Despite Curry College’s location just a few miles from downtown Boston, there’s more of a suburban feel to the area around the school. With the Blue Hills Reservation right across the street, there’s nothing in the immediate area of Curry to attract visiting fans besides the gorgeous fall foliage.   However, fans wanting to venture out into Milton will find a few spots worth a visit, including Roundhead Brewing Company. The nearby Fairmont Hill neighborhood in Hyde Park has several dining options within a few blocks. Fans looking to stay close to Curry will find some lodging options closer to I-93, including a Homewood Suites by Hilton and a Hilton Garden Inn. The Blue Hills Reservation is a popular place for hiking and other outdoor activities for those so inclined.   Of course, with Boston being so close, most out of town visitors will likely opt to head downtown rather than stay in the immediate area.   Fans 3   Curry College football crowds can be a bit on the larger side, especially when compared to other Division Three schools in the area. Although there is a lot of variance in the reported attendance, the average crowd numbers just under 1,000 fans. There’s a good turnout from the student body, but the majority of the crowd is made up of families of the players on the field. As a result, the crowd is knowledgeable about the Colonels and enthusiastic in their support.   With the majority of the Colonels’ schedule consisting of other New England teams, you’ll be sure to find a good turnout from visiting fans here at Katz Field. This is small college football, so fans are welcoming to each other, even when they are longtime rivals. You can feel comfortable sporting the opposition colors at Katz Field.   Access 3   Curry College is located in the Boston suburb of Milton, just seven miles from Downtown. Adjacent to the Blue Hills Reservation, the campus has a rustic feel despite being located very close to a bustling urban area.   Driving is the primary method for arriving at Curry College. Interstate 93 is about 3 miles from campus, and Route 138 will bring visitors directly to the school. Just remember that Curry is located just to the south of Boston, and traffic can be heavy, even on a fall Saturday. The MBTA’s number 716 bus  has a stop at the entrance to Curry College, and the school operates a shuttle to the nearby Mattapan T station.   Katz Field is located alongside several of the school’s other athletic fields on the western edge of campus. Parking is available near the football field, but be warned, this small lot fills up quickly. Later arriving fans will have to park a distance away, over near the tennis courts on Blue Jay Way. The walk is about a half mile from the satellite lot to the football stadium, but it does avoid the big hills that surround the athletic fields. Fans trying to access the Visitor’s tailgating lot aren’t so lucky, as that lot sits at the top of a steep hill.   Seating consists of metal bleachers. The home (west) side of the field stretches from one 20-yard line to the other, while the visiting side features a much smaller set of bleachers that sits between the 40-yard lines. A third set of bleachers is tucked over by the goal line. There is plenty of standing room in either end zone, while some fans choose to sit on the hill behind the north end zone while taking in the action.   There are no permanent restrooms at Katz Field. Fans will have to make due with three port a johns located by the entrance to the stadium.   Return on Investment 5   Tickets to Colonels football games are sold as general admission for just five dollars. Seniors and visiting students receive a two-dollar discount. Children 12 and under are admitted at no charge. Parking on campus, either in the lots adjacent to the field or the ones a bit farther away, is also free. While grabbing a sausage from The Sausage King may be a bit more expensive than your typical D-3 fare, an afternoon at a Colonels game is a very affordable entertainment option for Metro Boston sports fans.   Extras 1   Look for a rebranding to happen in the near future here at Curry. The old Colonel logo, featuring a man with a bushy moustache and beard wearing a white suit and purple cowboy hat, was retired in 2020. The school is evaluating whether or not the name “Colonels” is appropriate moving forward, although no announcement has been made yet.   Final Thoughts   Katz Field is a solid small-college facility featuring affordable prices and a laid-back atmosphere close to the attractions of Boston. It’s a fine place to take in some quality football on a lovely New England fall afternoon.   Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter  and Instagram  @PuckmanRI.

Photo Courtesy of GoBearKats.com Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Don Sanders Stadium 620 Bowers Blvd Huntsville, TX 77340 Sam Houston State Bearkats website Don Sanders Stadium website Year Opened: 2006 Capacity: 1,163 Eat ‘Em Up Kats! Located about 70 miles north of Houston, the city of Huntsville is home to Sam Houston State University and Don Sanders Stadium. Bearkat baseball has called the stadium home since 2006. The facility is fairly new and offers a cozy atmosphere for college baseball. Visiting fans will generally enjoy their overall experience with very affordable prices and great matchups against Southland Conference opponents. Food & Beverage 2 Located in the concourse behind the press box, the concession stand at Don Sanders Stadium offers your ballpark favorites. Be sure to take some cash out before heading to the park because the concession stand is cash only. Your main options will include hot dogs ($3), sausage ($4), hamburgers/cheeseburgers ($5), nachos ($3.25) and super nachos ($5.25). I recommend keeping it simple and grabbing a burger, dog, or sausage. The super nachos are a decent option and come topped with chili, cheese, picante sauce, and sour cream with jalapenos optional. The stand lacks a signature item and it would be great to see a grill offering some Texas BBQ. Snacks include popcorn ($3-$4), pickles ($1.75), and assorted chips ($1.50) and candy ($2.25). Your drink options are headlined by Coca-Cola products served fountain style ($2.50-$3.50), bottled water ($3), bottled Powerade ($3.50) and coffee ($2.25, when available). Atmosphere 3 Don Sanders Stadium is a classic small college baseball stadium. Opened in 2006, the Don has a capacity of 1,163 and at a construction cost of approximately $5.5 million. Chair back seats are located between the backstop and press box with bleachers making up the rest of the seating areas on both the first and third baselines. Unofficial seating is located on a hill just beyond the right field fence looking back in. The playing surface features natural grass with a small strip of light green turf surrounding the home plate area. Artificial turf is nothing new in this area for many ballparks, but it’s a bit of an eyesore at the Don with the light color of the turf standing out and the Bearkat logo fading from wear. Though the natural grass is kept in pretty good shape, there are signs of wear visible with spots of dirt in the infield and some discoloring in the outfield. The backstop is covered by a green padding which matches the outfield wall. From dugout to outfield fence on both sides runs a line of green chain link fence. The top of both dugouts features the Bearkat logo and Don Sanders Field name. Beyond the left field fence sits the scoreboard. At the time of this review, the stadium did not feature video boards but a recent announcement was made that this will soon be a thing of the past. The field dimensions are as follows: left field foul line – 330 feet, left center – 375 feet, center field – 400 feet, right center – 375 feet, and right field foul line – 330 feet. The overall atmosphere is cozy and laid back. Fans are supportive but don’t generate a lot of noise except after big plays. The athletics department staff puts a good bit of effort into developing a fun atmosphere with several activities during breaks in play and the Bearkat Pride Patrol rewarding enthusiastic fans with prizes. A Texas favorite, Deep in the Heart of Texas, is played in the middle of the 5th inning. Neighborhood 2 Sam Houston State University and Don Sanders Stadium are located about 70 miles north of Houston in a small country city known as Huntsville. The city is best known in Texas for two things: Sam Houston State University and the Texas State Prison. If you’re looking for a vast variety of options while in town, you’ll be a bit disappointed but there are certainly enough stops to keep you busy while in town. For one, be sure to stop and say hello to the first president of Texas and the University’s namesake, Sam Houston. The 67 foot statue welcomes all visitors to the area just off I-45. Though an unexpected visit to the Texas State Prison isn’t advised, a trip to the Texas Prison Museum is. The campus is quite a sight with tall rolling hills and sharp architecture. Be sure to budget some time to take a stroll. There’s a few decent eats around town. A unique place not far from the stadium is Carbonero Rotisserie Charbroiled Chicken and Steak. It’s located in a small strip mall so it doesn’t look like much from the outside, but the food inside is great. Carbornero specializes in Salvadorian cuisine with other Latin American dishes. The #5 is absolutely wonderful with a serving of rotisserie chicken and tacos. Other solid options in the area are the Farmhouse Cafe and New Zion Missionary Baptist Park BBQ. For some additional options, check out our review of Bowers Stadium, home to Bearkat football. Fans 3 Bearkat fans are a loyal and passionate bunch. Though they don’t generate much noise from the stands, they are generally knowledgeable and supportive during big plays. The grand majority of folks in attendance are either long-time fans or families of baseball players. That makes for a pretty knowledgeable bunch. Average attendance for Bearkat baseball ranges around the 700 mark. The experience sure could benefit from a few more butts in the seats, especially students. Access 4 Huntsville is about an hour drive from downtown Houston. Depending on the timing and direction of your trip, it should be an easy drive into town. If you’re heading in from Houston, I-45 is a notoriously clogged interstate during rush hour on weekdays. Once in Huntsville, traffic is sparse and the city is easy to navigate. The university and stadium are just a couple miles from the interstate. Plenty of free parking is located close to Sanders Stadium. The ticket lines are short, if there are any at all. You’ll breeze through the gates and collect a free program on your way in. The concourse is perched at the top of the seating areas with the field level at the bottom of the hill. There’s plenty of room to move about and the seating aisles are spacious as well. The restrooms are very clean and modern and there’s plenty of room. Depending on your timing, you could hit a line at the concessions as they are slim-staffed. Return on Investment 4 Tickets to a Bearkat baseball game at the Don start as low as $6 and go up to $8 for a reserved chair back. That’s a great deal for high quality Southland Conference baseball. Your parking will be free as well as the game day program. Concessions are a bit overpriced but not excessive. Overall, the return on investment is very high. 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 Sam Houston State baseball at Don Sanders Stadium, be sure to consider the following during your stadium experience: It’s hard to beat paying $6 for a good quality NCAA Division I baseball game. The new video scoreboard will be a welcomed addition and great compliment to the Bearkat baseball experience.

Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Bernard G. Johnson Coliseum 1964 Bobby K. Marks Dr. Huntsville, TX 77340 Sam Houston State Bearkats Website Bernard G. Johnson Coliseum Website Year Opened: 1976 Capacity: 6,110 East Texas Bearkats Nestled among the lush greenery of the foothills of the Piney Woods area of East Texas is the city of Huntsville, Texas, home of Sam Houston State University. The university bears the name of one of the great heroes in Texas history. The school’s athletic programs, the Bearkats, have seen an extraordinary amount of success since they began. The men’s basketball program began in 1917 and would go 43–11 during their first five seasons, including an unblemished 24–0 record during the first three. They have 14 regular season conference titles, five postseason conference tournament appearances, and made the NCAA Tournament twice since becoming Division I participants (in 2003 and 2010) as members of the Southland Conference. The team is currently a member of the Western Athletic Conference (WAC) and has seen runs recently to the NIT (in 2019) and to the CIT. Sam Houston State moved into their current home in 1976. Originally known as University Coliseum, it was remodeled in time for the 1986-1987 season and rechristened the Bernard G. Johnson Coliseum after an honored member of the school’s Board of Regents. It is also home to both the Bearkats women’s basketball and volleyball teams. The classically designed coliseum has a devoted following among the Bearkats faithful. Read on to learn what makes it special. Food & Beverage 3 The concessions at Johnson Coliseum are pretty much what you’d expect to find at a mid-major collegiate program. There are three main stands that you can find near the entrance areas, and they all serve the same items. The three stands allow fans to get their food and beverage pretty quickly, and not miss much of the on-court action. The items the stands offer include hot dogs (regular for $4 and Bearkat, a.k.a. jumbo, for $4.50), nachos ($7), bottled and fountain drinks ($3.50 and $4), and Domino’s pizza, either cheese or pepperoni by the slice or as a whole medium pizza ($3.50 per slice or $14 for the whole deal). The stands also offer candy and popcorn. The one caveat to be aware of is that Sam Houston State does not sell any beer or alcoholic beverages at their games at Johnson Coliseum – keep this in mind if that’s something you traditionally like to imbibe during games. Atmosphere 3 The architectural design of the Johnson Coliseum is a great throwback to old-school round arenas, which you don’t see much of anymore. The walls are decorated with the banners of all the Bearkats tournament appearances, championships, and conference titles. Sam Houston State also completed their latest round of renovations to the coliseum in 2016, where they installed a 31-foot videoboard and upgraded the seats in the lower courtside level. Outside the coliseum near the main sign there is a marble statue of the team’s namesake bearcat, as well as a life-sized statue of the mascot, Sammy Bearkat. Another point of interest to be on the lookout for is the team store – this is located near the box office entrance and sells the traditional team paraphernalia if you’re interested in stocking up on Sam Houston State gear for the game. Neighborhood 3 Johnson Coliseum is located right in the middle of the Sam Houston State University campus. It also shares a parking lot with Bowers Stadium, home to the Bearkats championship-winning football team. It’s a typical college town, with one notable exception. For the sake of transparency, the city is the headquarters of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (it has been since Texas was founded as a Republic in 1836) and there are several prisons throughout the area. If you travel into Huntsville on Interstate 45, the prisons are unavoidable. However, as you move into the city and towards the university, there are no reminders of that part of the city at all. In terms of attractions, Huntsville has a lot to offer visitors looking to do something before or after Bearkats games. For history buffs make sure to visit the Sam Houston Memorial Museum; this 15-acre complex is located on the site of the former homestead of Sam Houston, and is dedicated to telling the story of the first President of the Republic of Texas. Not too far from the museum you can also visit the Sam Houston Statue and Visitors Center. At 67-feet tall, it is the largest statue in the world of an American hero. For outdoor enthusiasts, Huntsville State Park has all the amenities you could hope for. Again, the city is the gateway of the Piney Woods region of the state, and the park is a perfect example of this type of environment. Covered by a canopy of Texas pine trees it offers a year-round mild climate that is perfect for hiking, biking, and camping. There is also canoeing, fishing, and swimming allowed in certain areas of Lake Raven; check their website for hours and camping site availability. When it comes to dining there are also a lot of great options, many of which are close to campus. One I would highly recommend is Farmhouse Café & Bakery – offering blue plate specials, specialty sandwiches (the double-decker BLT is a fave), and homemade baked good and desserts (I couldn’t stop eating the broccoli cheddar cornbread), the Farmhouse is a favorite among locals, visitors, and Bearkat students. Or, for something off the proverbial beaten path, Carbonero Rotisserie Charbroiled Chicken & Steak serves up a unique taste of El Salvadoran cuisine. Diners can get rotisserie-style chicken quarters, steaks, or tacos, all served Salvadoran style. When it comes to lodging, you are more than likely only going to be able to find a place to stay at a lower-level hotel or a motel, as that’s all that’s available in the city outside of an Airbnb. The two spots closest to Johnson Coliseum are the Hampton Inn & Suites Huntsville and Super 8 by Wyndham Huntsville; both are less than a 10-minute drive to the coliseum. If you don’t want to stay in Huntsville proper, Houston is an hour’s drive away. Fans 2 One thing you notice immediately about Johnson Coliseum is how big it feels on the inside. Being a circular coliseum, you feel how enormous it is once you find your way to your seat; it is also very noticeable when you take in the crowd size. On most game nights, the Bearkats average less than 1,000 fans in the stands. In all fairness, those who do show up are passionate about their team – it is just hard to ignore how empty much of stands are. Access 3 As mentioned, Huntsville is just about an hour-long drive from Houston and just a shade under four hours from San Antonio or Austin. From the Dallas/Fort Worth area, it is about two and a half hours. Once you get on site, parking is ample and free, which is always appreciated. Huntsville doesn’t currently have anything in the way public transportation. So, unless you plan on utilizing a rideshare service, you’re pretty much locked in on driving to and from games at Johnson Coliseum. Return on Investment 3 Single game tickets for Bearkats games at Johnson Coliseum range from $8-$15. This is a good bargain right now, but it’s not clear if this will hold up after the team’s move to Conference USA in time for the 2023 season. However, for now this is highly affordable – with concessions on the low end of the scale and free parking, you get a pretty good bargain at Sam Houston State games. Extras 3 Sam Houston State brings a lot of pomp and circumstance to their basketball games at Johnson Coliseum. The Bearkat Marching Band sits in the stands beneath the giant videoboard, and leads the crowd in the school fight song, raising the bearcat hand sign, and razzing the opposing players. Also on hand are the Bearkats’ cheerleaders, Orange Pride dance squad (who perform at half time), and the costumed mascot Sammy Bearkat. Fans can count on seeing Sammy patrolling the stands and sidelines, leading in cheers, tossing out t-shirts, and being around for random photo ops. All in all, these combine for a great college atmosphere that helps ramp up the crowd energy. Final Thoughts All in all I had a fun experience at Johnson Coliseum taking in Bearkats basketball. Fan attendance aside, the energy from those who are in the stands makes up for that. The coliseum itself is a good experience; it is a bit of a throwback to the way basketball arenas used to be made and I appreciated its aesthetics. For college hoops fans, I think you’ll enjoy the experience. For sports fans, it’s an inexpensive way to catch a basketball game in a fun setting in a really nice college town. It’s not a bucket list stop, but if you find yourself in Huntsville, you should make a visit. Follow Eric Moreno’s Stadium Journey on Twitter at @EricMoreno6477. Visit Eric Moreno’s writer’s portfolio site at ericmoreno.contently.com.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.43 Drass Field 401 Clara St Dover, DE 19904 Delaware State Hornets website Drass Field website Year Opened: 2004 Capacity: 2,500 Hornet Lacrosse in Downtown Dover Drass Field is the former home of several Wesley College athletics teams, including football, soccer, lacrosse, and field hockey. In June of 2021, Delaware State University purchased Wesley and turned it into its DSU Downtown campus, thus ending the Wolverines' athletic programs. The deal was notable as the first instance of a Historically Black College and University (HBCU) purchasing another school. Delaware State did find use for Drass Field, as its women's soccer and lacrosse programs moved there from Alumni Stadium, which remains home of the Hornets' football program. The stadium is located next to Bob Reed Field, former home of Wesley baseball and current home of Delaware State baseball. Delaware State women's lacrosse has not enjoyed much success recently and has consistently ranked as one of the worst teams in NCAA Division I. However, it did receive one honor following the 2022 season, as student-athlete Sydney Anderson received the Women's Lacrosse Coaches Association (WLCA) Advocacy Award after she spoke out following a high-profile police search of the team bus on the way back from the final home game of the season that saw allegations of racism levied against a sheriff's department in Georgia. Food & Beverage 0 There is no food or drink for sale at Drass Field but fans are free to bring their own. There is a water fountain that trickles out water if you are desperately thirsty. Atmosphere 2 There are three sets of bleachers at Drass Field, one on each sideline and a smaller one behind one of the goals. However, the set of bleachers on the far side of the field from the entrance is not in use during DSU lacrosse games. A few fans sit behind the goal, but most sit in the stands on the near sideline. All seats are bleachers, though some are divided into individual seats and others are not. While music is played over the PA system before the game and the announcer introduces the starting lineups, almost nothing happens after that besides the game itself. There is no music during breaks in the action and the announcer does not even announce goal scorers and penalty cards issued to players. The scoreboard also does not show which quarter the game is in, although it is equipped to do so, and showed four timeouts remaining per team for the entire game when Stadium Journey visited even though teams only receive three to begin with. Although the scoreboard was designed for football, it is capable of handling lacrosse without an issue other than not showing the time remaining on penalties, so there is really no excuse for this. Neighborhood 3 Although Drass Field is supposedly located on the DSU Downtown campus, there is not really anything in the immediate vicinity of the stadium other than some houses, a church, a synagogue, and a school bus depot. Your best bet will be to head towards DuPont Highway (US Route 13) which is lined on both sides with restaurants and hotels. Most of the places are chains, but you will find a few independent eateries such as the Speedway Cafe and Wolfie's Grille. The Dover Motor Speedway is also located along DuPont Highway and you can sometimes hear the cars revving their engines as you stand outside. Fans 4 Delaware State averaged about a hundred fans a game last season, but drew over 400 for the home opener in 2023 when Stadium Journey visited. It seems there is a new-found interest in the program and there is excitement in the air. Hornet fans come early decked in blue and red and cheer on their team. While 400 fans may not seem like a lot, this is a loud and rowdy bunch. They cheer following big plays, support their players, and are not afraid to yell at the refs when they feel a bad call has gone against their team. It is good to see the team getting the attention they deserve,, and one hopes the larger crowds will continue throughout the current season and beyond. Access 3 If coming from the north or south, US Route 13 (DuPont Highway) runs right through Dover, but if coming from the east or west, you will have to take a series of local roads to get into town. Once you get to the stadium, street parking is available on Clara Street and the other nearby roads, or you can park in a grass lot across the street from the stadium. Restrooms are available to the left of the bleachers, behind Bob Reed Field. They are small and the men's room was being used as storage for football down and yardage markers, but they should suffice for the needs of the crowd. Return on Investment 4 Admission to Delaware State lacrosse games are free, parking is free, and you won't spend anything on concessions because there aren't any. However, there isn't enough here to earn the top score. . Extras 1 Look for the "Welcome to Drass Field" sign honoring Wesley College athletics. Although the Wesley Wolverines are no more, their history is becoming Delaware State's future. Final Thoughts It would be inaccurate to call the excitement around Delaware State lacrosse a resurgence, since the team never really received the interest it deserved. However, if the attendance and atmosphere for Stadium Journey's visit are any indication, this is a program on the rise with a passionate and rowdy fan base, and there is really no way for them to go but up. While there is certainly room to improve the experience here at Drass Field in many respects, it looks like that is going to happen. It will take some time, but this is a program and a fan experience on the rise, and there will be better days ahead in Dover.

Photos by Matt Colville, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Clinton Gym 710 William Carey Pkwy Hattiesburg, MS 39401 William Carey Crusaders website Clinton Gymnasium website Year Opened: 1963 Capacity: 1,300 The Crusaders' Cathedral William Carey University originally opened in Poplarville, MS as the Pearl River Boarding School in 1892. After a fire destroyed the school in 1905 the campus was rebuilt in Hattiesburg as South Mississippi College, before changing its name to Mississippi Woman's College in 1911. The college became co-ed in 1954 and changed its name to William Carey College, named after the Protestant Missionary. In 2006 the college changed its name to William Carey University. Nicknamed the Crusaders, the small school currently competes in the Southern State Athletic Conference of NAIA. The Crusaders athletic programs have become a powerhouse in the NAIA in recent years with two soccer national championships and one baseball national championship within the last 5 years. Despite the small school nature of the college, it is quite large compared to most of the schools in the conference, with an enrollment of 3,200 and spread out over 120 acres in a neighborhood in south Hattiesburg. The basketball team began in 1963 and plays on campus at the Historic Clinton Gym. The 1,300-seat gym has seen its fair share of great basketball moments – the gym is where from 1968-71 a left-handed shooter named Mike Necaise scored more than 2,100 points, and went from the NAIA to the NBA in less than a year as he got drafted by the Seattle Supersonics. The gym is also where head coach Steve Knight's 723 career wins make him Mississippi's all-time winningest college basketball coach. But for every great moment comes a not so many great moment – in the early morning hours of January 21, 2017, an EF-3 tornado ripped through the William Carey campus, ripping the roof off the gym and obliterating the small campus. Now six years later walking the campus, you will notice many of the buildings seem quite new, and that is because many of them have been rebuilt over the past six years, including a completely renovated Clinton Gym. Now it looks like a brand-new college at William Carey, with new buildings and new athletic facilities. Food & Beverage 2 There is a small concession stand located in the lobby as soon as you enter the building. Nothing stands out as just the basics are sold here, but prices are reasonable if you have to get something to eat. You can get hot dogs and nachos for $2, or popcorn, candy, pickles, and chips for $1. Getting a drink is the most expensive item on the menu with a $20 oz. bottle (Coke products) costing $2.50. You could also get a hot dog, drink, and chips combo for $5, which saves 50 cents. However, my recommendation would be driving a little bit further into town and getting something to eat at one of Hattiesburg's many restaurants. Atmosphere 3 The new Clinton Gym is built almost exactly like the previous version of the gym. It is basically a large brick building at the front entrance of campus. Attached to the gym is the Gym Annex that was built in 2017 and houses the team locker rooms, weight rooms, and practice courts where the volleyball team plays. The building is shaped with the court facing east and west, with one main entrance on the east side that opens to a small lobby which houses the ticket booth and concessions. On the wall as soon as you enter is the game-worn jersey #24 of Mike Necaise. When the tornado hit it completely ripped out the east side entrance and sucked the jersey out into the air; luckily they found the jersey during the cleanup, and now the school's most decorated player's jersey sits proudly displayed at the main entrance. Once you enter the spacious and small gym the layout is like a typical high school gym – 12 rows of plastic bench seating line both the north and south sides of the building. The floor at the gym is named Steve Knight Court, after the Mississippi Sports Hall of Famer who has been coaching here since 1982. High above the seating area are banners of various local sponsor businesses, while above the end court on the east side are banners representing the achievements of different sports at William Carey; you'll see the soccer and baseball national championship banners, as well as all the feats of the men's and women's basketball programs. The far west side of the court features a basic-style scoreboard, as well as another banner of the retired number 24 of Mike Necaise, the only retired number at William Carey. Neighborhood 3 The William Carey campus is located about three miles south of the Southern Miss campus, in a residential neighborhood right down Highway 49. There is one small bar called Shenanigans located on the corner of Highway 49 about a mile away from Clinton Gym, but other than that, there is nothing within walking distance of the college, so you'll have to go into town to see anything. Hattiesburg is a typical larger college town with plenty to do for all ages. There is a zoo nearby, a mall with plenty of shopping, and plenty of restaurants spread out throughout the city. If you are into the outdoors the Okatoma River provides an excellent place for canoeing, while the Long Leaf Trace is a popular 44-mile trail that runs through the city. For places to stay there are a ton of hotels located closer to the interstate. In addition, Paul B. Johnson State Park and the Elks Campground nearby remain popular spots for camping, if you are coming to town for the weekend in the spring. Fans 3 William Carey has an enrollment of 2,800 and many of these students live on campus, or in the apartments right off campus. The Crusaders are also very competitive in all sports, with the multiple banners of all the sports hanging above the gym – this turns out great as students living in close proximity, plus the school winning a lot of games, definitely brings out lots of fans. Clinton Gym holds about 1,300 and I would say there were probably 800-1,000 people at my most recent game, with lots of students; I would say 90% of the people at the game were students. In fact the entire north side bleachers was filled with students, and almost all of them were into the game. William Carey also has a small pep band that tries their hardest to make it a rowdy atmosphere inside the building. During timeouts they have different giveaways and have people compete in games for prizes, which was definitely surprising for an NAIA basketball game. Access 3 Hattiesburg is conveniently located less than an hour and a half from New Orleans, the Gulf Coast, Mobile, and Jackson, so getting here should be no problem. William Carey University is located right off Highway 49 about 3 miles from Southern Miss – the small campus is located in a neighborhood east of the main highway. You should have no problem finding a parking spot on campus, as there are plenty of parking lots available. Return on Investment 3 Tickets were free for the most recent game I attended. However, I have been to games here in the past where they have charged for tickets – it's always hit or miss if they are going to be taking tickets or not; sometimes they do and sometimes they don't. When they are taking tickets they usually charge $7 each, and you are free to sit wherever you want. I consider the return on investment about average for this level of basketball; they have really cheap concessions so you can get in, eat, and watch a game for around $10-$12. Extras 3 One extra for some of the more memorable games and moments that have taken place inside this small gym. As mentioned earlier Mike Necaise scored over 2,000 points during his career here, and he would have scored more, but that was all years before the 3-point line was created. Also mentioned was head coach Steve Knight's becoming Mississippi's all-time winningest basketball coach. The small gym was also home to the many "Holy War" matchups in the 1960s and 1970s – it was the Baptists vs. Presbyterians as William Carey took on Belhaven University from Jackson in many memorable matchups. Two things were always certain in the Holy Wars; a prayer before the game and a fight during the game. Clinton Gym also played host to some historic matchups with Jackson State, as William Carey was one of the few places in Mississippi that allowed blacks to play with whites. Jackson State was led by a pair of Hattiesburg brothers, Eugene and Purvis Short, who grew up in the neighborhood near William Carey. Both brothers would later play in the NBA, with Eugene being taken number 9 overall in the 1975 NBA Draft by the New York Knicks, and Purvis being drafted number 5 overall in 1978 by the Golden State Warriors. Clinton Gym also had another notable instance happen in recent years – during halftime of a 2013 game, cheerleader Ashlee Arnau performed a halftime time stunt that became famous. With the ball placed at midcourt, Arnau approached with a running start, did a front-flip, grabbed the ball while upside down and then launched the ball towards the basket…and the ball went!!! The crowd of 1,000 or so people went crazy, and the play was featured on SportsCenter's Top 10 plays that night. In addition, USA Today, Sports Illustrated, Fox News, and CNN all covered the stunt and interviewed her – see below for a video of the famous play:

Photos by Matt Colville, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Community Bank Park Ellisville, MS 39437 Jones College Bobcats website Community Bank Park website Year Opened: 2011 Capacity: 520 Baseball at The Bank Jones College is one of 15 junior colleges in Mississippi that makes up the Mississippi Association of Community Colleges Conference (MACCC) for baseball. Like most of the schools in the conference, the college originally opened as an agricultural high school in 1911, before starting to offer junior college classes in 1927. The MACCC is considered part of the larger Region 23 of NJCAA, which includes five Louisiana junior colleges. Nicknamed the Bobcats, the first year of athletics at Jones began in 1927, and since that time the Bobcats have experienced some success. However, it was just recently that the program began its winning ways. The Bobcats have won six MACCC Championships, with the first two championships being won in 1941 and 1952. After that it would be another 50 years before the Bobcats would win a Division Title, when they won in 2002. The Bobcats made two trips to the NJCAA Division II World Series in 2011 and 2016, and in 2016 would capture the NJCAA National Championship. The Bobcats play at one of the finest facilities in all of Juco in Community Bank Park, which opened in 2011 and has seating for 520 fans. Nicknamed "The Bank", the stadium replaced an older stadium located on the same site that had been here since the 1950s.   Food & Beverage   2 There is one small concession stand attached to the ticket office at the main entrance of the complex. Only the basics are sold here – hamburgers, pulled pork, hot dogs, and popcorn round out the menu, with the most expensive item being the pulled pork sandwiches and pulled pork nachos at $4 each. Bottled Coca-Cola products are available for $3, as well as coffee/hot chocolate for $2. As usual alcohol is not sold at MACCC conference schools. The concession stand here is the same one used for the softball team, so when the Bobcats softball and baseball teams have games on the same night, there can sometimes be a backup at the concession lines.   Atmosphere   3 The ballpark is a part of a complex that also includes the school's softball stadium, Gwen Magee Field; with seating for 260 the softball field is built as a mirror image of the baseball stadium. From the outside, Community Bank Park is a beautiful facility, with a brick facade and a black iron fence that wraps around the complex. There is one main entrance into the complex, where you enter onto a concrete walkway that extends down the first baseline and on toward the softball field – if you veer right you can go to the softball field, while steering left gets you to the baseball stadium. Down the first baseline walking toward the softball field, you will find the team offices and batting cages, which are used by both the baseball and softball teams. There is also a small picnic area outside the team offices with a few picnic tables and drink rails; the rails have barstool seats that overlook the field. The walkway grounds are well maintained with landscaped bushes and small trees, and there are banners on the light poles showcasing all the baseball and softball teams' conference championships. The Bobcats baseball team has one National Championship that is featured prominently throughout the ballpark as well. Dark green is the color of the interior of the ballpark, with about 120 green chairback seats behind home plate and nine rows of dark green metal bleachers extending down the first base and third baselines. The press box is quite lively, shaped liked a brick house with a green slanted tin roof. Along the outfield you will find wall pads advertising local businesses, as well as a small line scoreboard in left field. Beyond center field sits the Sim Cooley Stadium at Bobcat Field, home of the Jones College football team.   Neighborhood   3 Jones College is located in the small Mississippi farm town of Ellisville, which has a population of 3,400. As one of Mississippi's oldest towns you can find plenty to do here – Jones College is located just a few blocks away from downtown Ellisville, which features a historic town square centered around the local courthouse, with many of the buildings still looking the same as they did 100 years ago. A few popular places to check out downtown include KaRock’s, which is a roadside chicken and BBQ shack, as well as the upscale Bosun Suns, a popular seafood restaurant located in an old historic hotel. After you are done eating you can walk across the street to finish off your night with some ice cream at Bennie & Mae's ice cream shop. Another interesting place to check out downtown is the Carpenter Bros. Emporium of Wonderful Whatnots, which is a two-story antique thrift store open only on weekends. Vintage records, antiques and other rare finds are just some of the items you will find here – this popular store has been featured on the HGTV TV series "Home Town", which is based in nearby Laurel. Another cool place to check out near campus is the Amos Deason House; the house was built in 1845 and gained historical significance because of the Civil War skirmish that took place here in 1863, which resulted in the death of the house's owner. The house is considered one of the South's most haunted places, and has been featured on numerous TV shows. If in town on Saturdays, they give free tours of the home – the events that unfolded in the house were also adapted into the 2016 movie 'Free State of Jones' starring Matthew McConaughey.   Fans   4 The Bobcats average a couple hundred fans per game, which is about average for this level of baseball. You will find a mix of students, friends and family, scouts, and the old-timers who just want to come out to watch a baseball game. Ellisville is a small town, so there is not much of a nightlife except Jones College athletics. Many of the students will take up the chairbacks behind home plate, while the rest of the crowd is spread out among the bleachers. Even though The Bank has seating for about 520 fans, the ballpark can hold so many more if you take into account the fans standing down the first baseline and in the picnic area. Many of the players here later sign with some of the local four-year schools, so it's not uncommon to see Southern Miss  and William Carey baseball players in attendance if they have an off night. They also have a few unique promotions and giveaways between innings to keep fans involved, including t-shirt tosses and giveaways, between innings entertainment, and unique contests such as the first person who takes out a $50 bill and brings it to the press box getting a gift card to a local business.   Access   4 Getting to Ellisville is very simple; the small town is conveniently located off Interstate 59 about 20 minutes north of Hattiesburg, and 5 minutes south of Laurel. The campus is located off Exit 85, a few miles past the interstate on Highway 590. Getting to campus can be quite easy, and finding Community Bank Park is even easier, as the sports complex will be the first thing you see when you arrive on campus if you take Exit 85 off the interstate; if you take Exit 88, which is the main exit through downtown Ellisville, you will have to navigate your way through the winding campus to the get to the ballpark, so I recommend taking Exit 85 off I-59 instead. There is plenty of parking on campus, although the lots closer to the ballpark behind home plate often fill up pretty quick if there is a softball game going on the same night. However, there are plenty of parking lots beyond the outfield wall closer to the football stadium.   Return on Investment   4 Tickets for Bobcats games are $8 if purchased online, or $10 if purchased at the front gate. I consider this about average for this level of baseball; you also never know what future big league player you may be watching play here. Much like Division I college baseball being a big deal in Mississippi, Juco baseball is also pretty popular, with the Jucos being a major feeder system for the bigger schools in the area. Parking on campus is free and you can't beat the cheap concessions, so I recommend making the trip to Ellisville if you enjoy watching baseball.   Extras   4 One extra for the National Championship the Bobcats won in 2016, and the two appearances the Bobcats made to Enid, OK for the NJCAA College World Series – the Bobcats softball team has also won one national championship in 2018. Most nights the softball team is playing on the same night as the baseball team, so it is possible to walk back and forth between the two venues. Jones College has had 10 players drafted by MLB teams, with one player advancing to the big leagues in infielder Trent Giambrone, who played in 2021 for the Cubs. Perhaps the greatest ballplayer to ever play at Jones ended up becoming one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time in Canada – in 1951 and 1952 Parker pitched the Bobcats to the MACCC State Championship, which they won in 1952. He was also a two-sport athlete as a quarterback who later set numerous records at Mississippi State in baseball  and football  en route to a College Football Hall of Fame induction. He also played for the New York Giants  for one season, but his greatest success happened in Canada when he played for the Edmonton Eskimos and Toronto Argonauts from 1954 thru 1965, winning three Grey Cups – Giambrone was named the third-greatest Canadian Football player ever in TSN's Top 50 CFL Players of all-time. Another popular name to come out of the Jones College baseball program is current Southern Miss  head coach Christian Ostrander, who coached here for seven years (2009-2015). Coach Oz led the Bobcats to two MACCC State Championships and a runner-up in the 2011 NJCAA World Series, along with a .701-win percentage. He would later be the pitching coach at Louisiana Tech (2016-17) before joining Southern Miss  in 2018 as the pitching coach; next season he takes over for the legendary Coach Scott Berry, who retired at the end of last season. Community Bank Park has also hosted the 2011 MACCC Tournament, which Jones ended up winning. The NJCAA Region 23 Tournament was also held at The Bank, and every summer Community Bank Park is also the home to the Pine Belt team of the Southeast Collegiate Baseball League. SECL features teams in eight different regions of Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Tennessee – each team plays 16 games over 6 weeks, featuring some of the collegiate players who did not play much the previous season getting some much needed quality at-bats.

Photos by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Surprise Stadium 15930 N. Bullard Ave Surprise, AZ 85374 Map It! Kansas City Royals Spring Training website Surprise Stadium website Year Opened: 2002 Capacity: 10,714 Royals Spring in AZ After the MLB Kansas City Athletics moved west to Oakland CA in 1968, the Kansas City Royals began play in Missouri in 1969. That team’s first spring training home was Terry Park Field in Ft Myers FL; the Royals played there till 1987. After that, they moved north to the now defunct Baseball City Stadium, part of the financially disastrous Boardwalk and Baseball theme park in Haines City FL. When their contract expired at the end of the 2002 season, the Royals packed up and moved to Surprise Stadium, a brand new $20-million park in Surprise AZ. The Royals share their spring ball stadium with the Texas Rangers . The Surprise Saguaros of the Arizona Fall League play their home games at the venue. Owned and managed by the city of Surprise Sports & Tourism, the stadium is celebrating its 20th season in 2022. It boasts wide open concourses and plaza areas, and is shared equally between the two teams. It’s a comfortable facility to catch a Royals spring training game in February or March. Food & Beverage 4 Surprise Stadium provides a considerable number of refreshment choices for the baseball fan. Offerings are in permanent stands, others in carts, trucks, and kiosks along the concourse and the plazas. The latter always tastes better, and that’s what we recommend checking out. Fans can purchase juicy Italian sausage, bratwurst ($9.25), meat burgers, portobello burgers, and hot dogs ($9.25 – $11). Top Taco on the third base side sells tacos trays at $15 – $16 (enough for two or more people) or a Desert Cactus margarita at $19. For snacks, carnival-like lemonade, funnel cake / elephant ears, fries and curly fries, corn dogs, etc run $9 – $10 at several kiosks. Best of all is a red Sweeties ice cream truck on the third base concourse plaza; a nice treat for those warm spring days and evenings in Surprise AZ. Most concession menus have a calorie count listed. The stadium serves Coca-Cola brands of soda ($5.50/$10) or bottles ($6). A good variety of craft and domestic beer is on sale, including Boulevard Beer – a brewery based in Kansas City, and Huss Brewing – based in Phoenix. Be sure to check out the Huss Brewing Container Bar area on the first base plaza. Concession areas serve traditional domestic brands like Bud Light, Coors, Michelob Ultra, Hard Seltzer and the like. Beer prices cost around $13 or $14; wine and cocktails cost $9 – $17 depending on choice. Surprise Stadium allows fans to bring outside food in so long as it is in a clear Ziploc bag. Atmosphere 4 The Royals offer a fine afternoon or evening of spring ball. The Surprise Sundancers – a spring training volunteer services group – extend heartfelt warmth, greetings and assistance to all visitors to Surprise Stadium. They run the 50/50 raffle each game and host a charity game each spring. All proceeds go to youth-related programs and scholarships. The Royals side of the stadium is third base with the team offices in the left field corner and Royals banners down the third base concourse. Fans can walk the entire concourse and watch the play of game. The sun sets behind the grandstand; infield seats get the shade. Seats down the baselines get the sun, so there’s enough variance to suit everyone’s preference. Berm seating is available in the outfield (but not directly in front of the batter’s eye). Royals fans can peer over the bullpen in left field and watch pitchers warm up. Protective netting extends to the end of the seating area with only the last two sections on each baseline net-free (sections 121-124). Fans like to congregate here pregame in hopes of receiving an autograph or two. The scoreboard is in left field and has two unique features: one, it has an analog clock at the top (nice touch)!, and two, colored circles indicate the balls, strikes, and outs with green for balls, red for strikes and outs. Surprise Stadium Scoreboard, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey The music volume is perfect with even some moments of blessed silence. Game day staff does not play music at all during the starting lineup announcement. Sweet! More stadiums should take note of this. And, music is only played between innings, the way it should be. Neighborhood 3 Surprise AZ is known for having many active adult communities and residences. Many northerners migrate south for the winter or relocate permanently to the area for its warm weather. Surprise does not have a ‘downtown’ area and is more piecemealed with communities and strip malls. Construction crews are building more and more structures as the city grows in popularity. Across the street from the stadium is the city-owned and operated tennis and racquet courts, the Surprise Community Park (walking trails, fishing pond, picnic area), an aquatic center, and the library. For places to stay near the ballpark, a Residence Inn , Holiday Inn Express , and a Hilton Garden Inn are about ½ mile from the stadium. Places to eat and drink before or after the game require a vehicle. Many chain and fast food places are along Bell Rd. For non-chain suggestions, try Bonfire Craft Kitchen and Tap House , Saigon Kitchen (Vietnamese) or Irish Wolfhound Pub . State 48 Brewery has a brewpub a little over two miles from the stadium. If outdoor activities interest you, at least eight golf courses dot the Surprise landscape or take a hike at the White Tank Mountain Regional Park (17 miles from the ballpark). The closest spring training venue is Peoria Sports Complex, home of the San Diego Padres and the Seattle Mariners , 10 miles east. Fans 3 The crowds at Surprise are usually on the sedate side more than the boisterous side, which is exactly what makes a Royals spring training visit an enjoyable one. They realize spring training does not have a pennant race and is a time to try out the prospects from the minors. This past 2022 spring training season, the fans were eager to see touted prospect and now rookie, Bobby Witt Jr, in the game. Access 3 Surprise Stadium is the farthest spring training facility in the Cactus League from downtown Phoenix, about a 45+ min drive from Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport. If coming from the south and west, we highly recommend taking the 303 Loop even though it’s longer in mileage. That route has far fewer traffic lights and congestion than other choices. Public transportation is not available to Surprise Stadium. Gates open 1 ½ hours before the first pitch. Parking is free, always a welcome feature. Three gates are open, all in the outfield. It’s one of the rare spring training venues where the ticket booth is outside center field, behind the batter’s eye. After getting through security, fans walk down and around the wide-open plazas and concourse to get to the seating area. Sundancers are readily available with wheelchairs to assist anyone who might have difficulty with the walk to their seats. Clear bags are allowed though the signs indicating such are not easy to read and do not make fans feel welcome. Surprise Stadium Unfriendly Bag Sign, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Clean restrooms are available behind the batter’s eye and along the inner concourse. Return on Investment 4 As with all Cactus League stadiums, spring training tickets have increased dramatically. More affordable tickets may be available on third party sites. Check those first before purchasing from the team site. The free parking and the team allowing fans to bring in food and bottles of water help reduce some of the costs. Extras 3 Several team stores and tents line the concourses and plazas, each with a good variety of clothing and merchandise. The stadium features a Hall of Fame highlighting plaques honoring both Royals and Rangers players and managers, as well as local community role models. In addition, the field is named Billy Parker Field. Billy Parker was a former MLB and MiLB player and the City of Surprise Director of Parks and Recreation. Final Thoughts Celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2022, Surprise Stadium is a pleasant venue for faithful Royals fans and residents of the West Valley to enjoy a few hours of spring ball.

Photo Courtesy of EIU Athletics Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 O’Brien Field 600 Lincoln Ave Charleston, IL 61920 Eastern Illinois Panthers website O’Brien Field website Year Opened: 1970 Capacity: 10,000 Deep In the Heart of Illinois The history of football at Eastern Illinois University dates back to when the first classes opened in the fall of 1899. It was one of the first extracurricular activities on campus; in within 45 days of the schools opening it played its first intercollegiate football game. Throughout its history, the program has seen its ups and downs but for the last 45 years, it’s been one of the more consistent brands in college football. In 1970 O’Brien Field opened as the new home for both the football and track and field teams. Known as Lincoln Stadium at the time, the 10,000-seat facility would be later renamed in honor of Maynard O’Brien who coached both sports during his tenure at the school. The stadium has seen a few improvements during its history that included a $2 million renovation project in 1999 that featured new offices for coaches, meeting and video rooms, and locker rooms, expanded weight room and athletic training facilities. A decade later a modern video and audio scoreboard was added to the north end zone. The program has been one of the most successful of its kind winning 60 percent of its games since O’Brien opened and appearing in 16 NCAA FCS playoffs since 1981–tops in the state of Illinois of all college football programs. The program also boasts a national championship that was won in 1978 and was a finalist in 1980. The school has also produced three NFL coaches: Mike Shanahan, Sean Payton, and Brian Childress and two quarterbacks in Tony Romo and Jimmy Garoppolo. Food & Beverage 3 The stadium offers basic varieties of food choices at the games that include nachos, hot dogs, fries, and popcorn at the concession stands. The facility offers Pepsi products. The best options are located outside the venue at portable concession stands that are set up before each game. This area is named Vendors Row and offers County Catering, Smoky’s House BBQ, and Kettle Corn and Dirty’s. Smoky’s House BBQ has pulled pork sandwiches and smoked Polish dogs, and they are both terrific choices. There is a Papa John’s pizza stand offering 10-inch pizzas. There is a stand offering shaved ice, or kettle corn if you are looking for something cool. Atmosphere 3 The excitement begins early with some of the better tailgating at this level of college football. There are also inflatables for the kids and a live band to add to the revelry 2-4 hours before kickoff. The Panther Walk begins with the EIU Marching Band leading the football team to the stadium from the library performing the school’s fight song and other traditional songs. The stadium itself is rather simple and offers metal bleacher-style seats with plenty of legroom. The seating features no covering and blankets and jackets can become common in mid-October. A smaller visitors’ seating area is at the opposite end of the stadium. The ends of the stadium are open allowing for views of the surrounding area. A bright blue track circumnavigates the football field and retired numbers of Tony Romo and Sean Peyton are also on display along with the Panthers 1978 national championship. The marching band, rather large and impressive, entertains patrons at halftime and throughout the game. Neighborhood 2 Charleston, Illinois, has a population of 21,838 and EIU has an enrollment of around 7,800. The town offers quite a few local establishments to grab a bite or drink before or after the game. Pagliai’s Pizza, Roc’s Blackfront Restaurant, Brick House Bar & Grill, Dirty’s Bar & Grill, and Smoky’s House all provide great prices and atmosphere. A few tourist attractions include the Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site, part of the Abraham Lincoln National Heritage Area, which preserves the 1840s home of Abraham Lincoln. Fox Ridge State Park provides rolling hills, lush valleys, and scenic hiking trails. The Dudley-McFarland House was built in 1892 by the architect Charles D. Mitchell, a native of Charleston. A few of the museum artifacts are stored there, including period furniture, art, and fixtures. Fans 4 The stadium offers seating for 10,000 and most crowds are nearly half-full but there is a lot of energy and passion from the fans to create a pleasant ambiance. The student sections cheer, the locals applaud for positive gains on the field, and everyone seems to enjoy the Panthers add another win on the season. Access 5 O’Brien Stadium is small enough that getting around is rather simple during the game. There is plenty of signage on campus to direct motorists to the venue and there is plenty of parking in the lots adjacent to the stadium. Return on Investment 3 The price of a ticket to an EIU football game is $20 for all seating in the stadium. The price to park is $5 in the surrounding lots adjacent to the field and concession prices are reasonably priced for an inexpensive day of college football during the season. Extras 3 O’Brien Field earns a point for the retired jersey numbers that hang on the stadium’s walls and the multiple banners of former Panthers who have made a name for themselves in the NFL. The list is impressive from Superbowl winning coaches to All-Pro quarterbacks. O’Brien Field grabs a second point for Vendors Row outside the stadium that offers an array of great food from local establishments. O’Brien Field earns a third point for the PMB that kicks things off with the Panther Walk before the game. They lead the football team, cheer team, and Pink Panthers to the game along with fans playing a list of music en route to the stadium. Final Thoughts O’Brien Field is a rudimentary facility that is fixed up with enough history to create a pleasant environment at the game. The crowds are large enough to provide a backdrop any football player would want during the season. The small-town setting makes it a small oasis in the state of Illinois.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.42 Athletics Center O’rena 2200 N Squirrel Rd Rochester, MI 48309 Oakland Golden Grizzlies website Athletics Center O’rena website Year Opened: 1998 Capacity: 4,005 The O Factor In 1998, Oakland University joined the Mid-Continent Conference and the ranks of Division I basketball. The conference has since changed its name to the Summit League, and the Golden Grizzlies are beginning to establish themselves as the league’s top program. Part of the reason for this growing success has to go to their home court, known as the O’rena. Like many arenas in the Summit League, the setting is small, but Oakland is doing a lot of things just right, making this a really good (and relatively unknown) college basketball experience. Food & Beverage 3 It’s an interesting set up for concessions at the O’rena. Since the concourse circles above the seats, you never lose your view of the action when you’re up and about. The same goes for the two concessions stands. This is a real benefit, especially because lines tend to get long during the game. If you’re hungry, try to grab your grub early. The prices are reasonable, but the selection is a bit lacking. I would recommend going for the kielbasa sausage ($2) over the hotdog ($2) or Hungry Howie’s pizza slice ($3.50). Snacks include popcorn ($2), pretzel ($2.50), and nachos ($3). They also have a great ice cream selection of either Ben & Jerry’s or Starbuck’s brand ice cream bars ($3). Pepsi is the soda of choice ($2). Atmosphere 4 The determination of where to place the student section and pep band is an absolutely critical component to creating the right basketball atmosphere. Oakland does a great job of placing their students directly behind the opponent’s bench, and the pep band blasting them from the side. It’s a fantastic one-two punch. That 50-member pep band is active starting as early as 45 minutes before the tip-off, and they are the only music you’ll hear throughout the game (with the exception of the video montage during introductions). You’ve got to love the jubilance that comes from a college pep band. There’s no overhead scoreboard. Instead, there are four very basic scoreboards in each corner, and one large HD screen on the south end of the facility, providing highlights and the detailed statistics. It’s a great modern touch. Black plastic bleachers can be found under each basket, and they are relatively comfortable. On the east side (behind the team benches) there are permanent chairback seats and drink holders. The opposite side is a foldable stand with seats that are without cupholders, and less than adequate leg room. The seats face straight ahead, so the view is a little awkward if you’re away from center court. My recommendation is to sit in section E4, where you get the best seating situation as well as the best view. One area for improvement is definitely with the mascot, who seemed pretty invisible throughout the contest. With the size of the arena, he should be making his way around the concourse and through the stands as much as possible. Neighborhood 3 Oakland University is found in Rochester, Michigan, close to Auburn Hills, former home of the Detroit Pistons. It can make for a convenient NCAA/NBA doubleheader when the schedule allows. Most of the options for bars or restaurants in the immediate vicinity are uninspiring chains. I’m a big fan of Jet’s Pizza, just a couple of blocks away. Other predictable choices include BD’s Mongolian Bar-B-Que, T.G.I. Friday’s, Applebee’s, or Romano’s Macaroni Grill. Fans 4 The student section is good but still needs a little more energy and bodies before they can be great. For the game that I attended, they were pretty late. Known as the “Grizz Gang,” this assembly needs to come earlier and in greater numbers, but in the meantime, they are a pretty imposing little group. Access 4 There is one primary parking lot near the O’rena, which is mostly taken by donors. Parking is free throughout the campus, so just find one of the nearby lots and take the short walk through campus. You’re only a couple of miles away from I-75, a major north/south thoroughfare. The size of the crowd is small enough that you should have no trouble getting in or out. Return on Investment 4 Tickets cost either $15 or $10. I would recommend paying $15 only if you can find seats in section E4, otherwise, go for the cheaper option as you’ll have a fine view in most cases. With free parking and very reasonable concession prices, you’ll find your money to be well invested in this experience. Extras 2 The murals on the walls of the concourse are a nice touch, with pictures of generations of athletes and coaches proudly displayed. Another bonus point for the University for the smart arrangement of the student section and pep band. Final Thoughts The more college basketball I see, the more I appreciate these small arenas that are focused on the basketball and beautiful college atmosphere. This is definitely one for you to see if you are living in the Detroit area, or are in town when the Golden Grizzlies play.

Photo by Joseph Oakes, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Boshamer Stadium 235 Ridge Rd Chapel Hill, NC 27599 North Carolina Tar Heels website Boshamer Stadium website Year Opened: 1972 Capacity: 5,000 Home Of The Tar Heels UNC baseball has been playing at the current site of Boshamer Stadium since the late 1960s. The current stadium was renovated starting in 2007 and re-opened in 2009. The stadium now has a capacity of 4,100 and can accommodate overflow crowds of 5,000. The entire stadium has chairback seating with great sightlines of the field. Food & Beverage 4 Boshamer Stadium has a good variety of food and drink options for fans attending UNC baseball games. These items include hot dogs, popcorn, nachos & cheese, peanuts, and candy. A couple of unique options include grilled cheeseburgers and Bojangles chicken boxes. Fountain Coke products are available as well as premium beer and domestic beer. Boshamer has done a good job “speeding up” the concession process as many concession locations are grab-and-go, and you pay at the end after picking up your food. The fact that the stadium is cashless also speeds up the concession process. There are also “Walk Thru” beverage options on the concourse where you grab your beverage out of the refrigerator and quickly pay afterward. This includes soft drinks and alcoholic beverages. Atmosphere 5 Boshamer Stadium is an aesthetically pleasing stadium with an all-brick exterior façade. Once inside the stadium, there is a wide concourse that runs above the seating bowl, with all of the seating below. Above the concourse is the press box and suite level. This makes the concourse a great place to stand in the shade on hot, sunny days or protected if there is a brief shower of rain. All seats are molded chairbacks and are angled toward home plate past the dugouts. There is a large scoreboard located in left field that has the line score and video replays. Overall there is not a bad seat in the house, and Boshamer Stadium is a great place to take in a baseball game. Neighborhood 3 Boshamer Stadium is in the midst of the UNC campus near dormitories and several of the other athletic facilities including Kenan Stadium and Karen Shelton Stadium . Therefore, there are no food and lodging options within walking distance of Boshamer Stadium. If you are looking for places to eat head a couple miles to Franklin Street in downtown Chapel Hill for many options. Fans 2 Boshamer Stadium is a beautiful baseball facility. However, unless the Tar Heels are playing local rivals NC State , ECU , or Duke , the seats remain empty for most games. Many of these other games struggle to attract crowds of 50% capacity. That’s not to say that Boshamer Stadium cannot get loud when full, just don’t expect a large crowd for most games. Access 3 Access to Boshamer Stadium is fairly easy, but keep in mind that it is in the middle of campus so you have to navigate narrow campus roads to the stadium. For most games, parking is available for a small fee at the Ram’s Head Parking Deck, which is a five-minute walk from the stadium down Ridge Road. If that deck is full, you will be forced to the Bowles Lot near the Dean Smith Center, where parking should be plentiful, but it is a 10-15 minute walk. Once inside the stadium, access around is easy as a large concourse is above the seating bowl. This is where the concession stands are located, as well as restrooms, and handicapped areas. If you are sitting on the third base side, the concourse does not extend above the seats. There is just a small walkway that leads from the main concourse to those seats. Therefore, the concessions and restrooms are located underneath the seating. Return on Investment 5 UNC baseball ticket prices are on the low end for Power Five major college baseball. Single-game tickets in the main grandstand (dugout to dugout) are $10, while seating past the dugouts is only $8. This is very good for this level of baseball. The price to park is minimal or free depending on the game, and concessions are on par with many other college baseball stadiums. Therefore, UNC baseball is a very affordable sporting event for the entire family. Extras 2 An extra point for the UNC baseball museum on the third base concourse. It is a climate-controlled room that overlooks the field that shows Tar Heel players in the MLB, and memorabilia from trips to the College World Series in Omaha. A second extra point to the picnic tables down the first base line and the many food and drink rails located around the concourse Final Thoughts While UNC has made several trips to the College World Series, it is often not thought of as a blue blood in college baseball. However, it has been a consistent Top 25 team for many years. Boshamer Stadium is a beautiful, top-notch college baseball stadium. While is it not one of the larger college ballparks and is not known for its rabid crowd or fan support, it is one of the nicest college ballparks that you will visit. One will not leave disappointed in the facility with a visit to Boshamer Stadium.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Athletics-Recreation Center 1009 Union St. Valparaiso, IN 46383 Valparaiso Beacons website Athletics-Recreation Center website Year Opened: 1984 Capacity: 5,000 Valpo Basketball is a Community Effort Note: The university changed its athletic team name from Crusaders to Beacons during the 2021-2022 season. The Valparaiso University Crusaders play basketball at the Athletic-Recreation Center, also known as the ARC, a 5,000-seat capacity that opened in 1984 as part of a $7.25 million expansion on the north side of its former home Hilltop Gym. Visitors can still visit Valpo’s former home of college hoops as it now serves as a practice facility for the basketball program following 2005 renovations that included new flooring, lighting, windows, and various school banners honoring its athletic programs. The gym was built in 1939 and fans can get a peek inside when purchasing concessions on the upper concourse. The Crusaders first game was on November 27th, 1984 against Western Michigan University; four years later the “Lutheran Miracle” occurred when they defeated the 19th-ranked Notre Dame Irish in front of a frenzied packed house. The frenzy continued with the arrival of head coach Homer Drew and his son, Bryce Drew. In 1998 a last-second shot by Bryce defeated Ole Miss and propelled Valpo to the Sweet Sixteen. From 1994-2004 the university won or shared 8 conference championships and made 6 NCAA Tournament appearances. In total, the men’s program has won a total of 15 regular and tournament conference championships and has made nine NCAA tournament appearances. In 2017 Valpo joined the Missouri Valley Conference. Food & Beverage 3 There are two concession stands in the building with one being on the main court behind the net and the other one on the upper level near the Hilltop Gym door entrance. The options are limited but are fairly inexpensive. Hot dogs are $2, bratwursts are $3, pizza sells for $2.25, pretzels (with cheese) cost $4, and nachos/loaded nachos are $3/$4.50. However, many great dining options in town are definitely worth checking out before or after the game perhaps making eating during the game something to look over or if you just need something to snack on during the game. Atmosphere 4 There is a community feel when attending a Valpo game at the ARC. The building itself is not anything remarkable but it is designed to put fans up close and personal with the players on the court. The fans underneath the nets are also pressed up against the players as they drive towards the basket and to the cheerleaders and band. Fans walk into the venue through the main lobby that houses a collection of trophies and history photos on the brick walls. Staircases take fans to upper-level seating and a narrow hall leads fans to the lower-level section that puts them near the court along with the concession stand and merchandise table. The colors of brown and gold are evident everywhere in the building from the cheerleaders’ uniforms, signage on the wall and court, banners hanging from the rafters, and other parts of the building. Once the game begins the fans do not sit down until the first points are made by the home team. During breaks the cheerleaders entertain the crowds, local supporters toss out t-shirts into the stands, little kids wipe the court when needed, and the team mascot hangs out with the student section. There is a small-town atmosphere at the ARC that is frenzied among its supporters that ends with many lining up as the club walks off the court in hopes of getting a handshake or congratulating them on the win. Neighborhood 5 Valparaiso’s downtown square offers a collection of amazing eateries, shops, and great places to drink craft beer. The streets on nice days are packed with people, enjoying dinner and drinks on outside patios. There is a selection of retail shops that sell olive oil, wines, fresh cheese, meats, and homemade sauces. The colorful and pleasant main street is worth walking to check out the many selections of restaurants. Don Quijote is legendary for its Spanish cuisine. Pikk’s Tavern specializes in steaks, ribs, and other traditional food offerings. Figure Eight Brewing has set up shop a block off the main street and features an impressive selection of beers and pub fare inside their swank little building. Vaps offers the town’s most interesting street food, with ground lamb and beef selections served in a flatbread with feta cheese, cabbage, cucumbers, and yogurt at an inexpensive price (they are also huge). Stack’s Bar and Grill, Industrial Revolution Eatery & Grille, and Serrano’s Mexican Grill are other great options when in town. About a mile west of downtown is Four Fathers Brewing; the small little brewery is off the state road and offers a fantastic pale ale and is popular among the locals. Santini’s and Tomato Bar Pizza are two fantastic family options to share a pie with the family. Fans 4 The Crusaders enjoy a great fan base at home games that fill up the facility to about 75% and cheer them on with as much passion as some of the big boys. It is a community effort with students, alumni, locals, and little ones doing their part to provide a home-court advantage at all home games. Fans are decked in team gear of brown and gold and no one sits down in their seat until the first home basket is made. Access 3 The ARC is not difficult to maneuver once you are inside the seating bowl. There is a lower level concourse that houses the concession and merchandise stand while the upper concourse has a walkway that wraps around the entire two main seating areas. There is a hidden concourse behind the upper seating area that features bathrooms and another concession stand. There is limited parking at the arena and fans may have to park on residential streets and walk to the building. Return on Investment 4 A Valpo game can be very entertaining with an enthusiastic crowd and basketball from a mid-major conference. Ticket prices begin at $12 and are in the reserved mezzanine and lower-level reserved bleachers. Chairback tickets and courtside seating cost $27 and $37 respectively. The best bet is to pay $12 and you will be guaranteed to have a great view of the court. The parking is free, concessions are inexpensive, the town is lovely, and the lively crowd makes it worth your while to visit a game. Extras 3 The ARC earns a point for allowing fans to visit the team’s old Hilltop Gym which is located behind the upper level of the seating bowl. There are not too many gymnasiums or other sporting venues where the old facility is still connected to the current facility. Unfortunately, fans are unable to walk inside the gym to take a look around. The ARC earns the second point for the various banners that hang from the rafters. The Crusaders program has a healthy history during its days in the NAIA and during the 1990s when they were becoming an NCAA tournament staple. The ARC earns a final point for the sense of community throughout the game. This feels like a high school menu in some regards with little kids wiping down the court and townspeople tossing out shirts for the fans. Final Thoughts Valpo games are a community effort that is spearheaded by the supporters in the stands and the team plays on the court. The fan support at each game provides the fuel needed for the Crusaders to play at their best. The ARC is not the fanciest of venues in the world of college basketball but it is one of the more welcoming spots for the sport in the nation.

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.43 Doyt L. Perry Stadium 1610 Stadium Dr Bowling Green, OH 43403 Bowling Green Falcons website Doyt L. Perry Stadium website Year Opened: 1966 Capacity: 23,724 Flying at the Doyt Doyt L. Perry Stadium ("The Doyt") was built in 1966, and used to have a capacity of over 30,000 before the stands in the north and south end zones were removed to make way for the Sebo Athletic Center (north side) and suites for the boosters (south side). The venue currently has a capacity of 23,724, but was designed to add an upper deck, so more seats could be added on the east and west. The Doyt currently has the second-lowest capacity in the MAC, ahead of only Ball State’s Scheumann Stadium . Doyt L. Perry Stadium was named after the Falcons coach during the 50s and 60s. Food & Beverage 3 Doyt L. Perry Stadium concessions offer all of your standard fare, including several brands of beer, which is a bit of a unique item at a college football game. The main stands on the east and west sides have pizza, hot dogs, burgers, brats, and Italian sausage ($4-$5.50 per item), in addition to snacks like nachos, pretzels, popcorn, peanuts, Cracker Jack, and candy ($3-$5.50 per item). You can also find kettle corn for $2 up to $20 for a gigantic portion. Note that different stands offer different items, so try the next standover if you don't find what you are looking for at first. Beverage choices include Coke products (in plastic bottles or from the fountain), bottled water, PowerAde, and coffee/hot cocoa from Tim Horton's. Drinks range in price from $3 to $5, and you can expect beer to cost $6.50 for 16 ounces. Beer offerings include Miller Lite, Miller High Life, Redd's Apple Ale, Smith & Forge Hard Cider, and Leinenkugel's Harvest Patch Shandy. Atmosphere 2 Doyt L. Perry Stadium is a decent-looking stadium, with a few modern features, but it is not very big and does not draw a lot of fans. Both grandstands have metal bleachers, except for a thin strip of chair back seats a few rows up all along the east, and in sections 11-17 on the west. There is also a section of the pink chair back seats halfway up sections 13 and 15 on the west, and these are much better than the others because the seats are spaced far enough apart to give you plenty of elbow room, so I recommend those. Note that the sections on the east side have even numbers, while the sections on the west are odd. The band performs before the game and at halftime and does a couple of classic formations such as spelling out B-G-S-U. Also, whenever Bowling Green gets a first down, you will hear a recording of a falcon screeching. This occurs many, many times during a typical game, and is a unique touch. You will also hear a small cannon going off after every BGSU score, and at the end of each quarter, courtesy of the ROTC. Bowling Green has a pair of mascots (Freddie & Frieda), but they are strangely absent for most of the game and seem only to make an appearance when the team comes out of the tunnel. Make sure you pay attention during the game because the video operator does a terrible job with replays - a lot of times they aren't even shown, and when they are it is usually only once, and often from a lousy angle. See a quick tour of the venue here: Neighborhood 2 There isn't a lot going on in Bowling Green, Ohio besides the university, but there are a couple of attractions if you want to kill some time before or after the game, and there are some decent restaurants. The Stones Throw on Wooster Street is a classic Irish pub that has live music on Saturdays, and drinks specials daily. Reverend's Bar & Grill, also on Wooster, is a little more traditional, but offers some unique items such as fried goat cheese cakes and plantain chips, in addition to classic fare like wings and burgers, all with religiously-themed names. Reverend's has a wide selection of regular and craft beers on tap. If you need something to do before or after the game, there are a couple of attractions such as the Bowling Green Wind Farm or Simpson Garden Park (botanical gardens). The botanical gardens are open from sunrise to sunset every day. Fans 2 At Doyt L. Perry Stadium, the fans who show up are loud, wear school colors, and are very supportive of their team, but there aren't very many of them. At a typical game, the stadium might only be one-third full. The west stands are mostly filled in, but the east side is practically empty. With a capacity of less than 25,000, that amounts to less than 10,000 in attendance, so the staff needs to do something to increase the draw. Access 3 Doyt L. Perry Stadium is right off I-75, about two hours north of Columbus, so it is easy to get to and the stadium can easily be seen from the freeway. Parking is relatively cheap at $10 per car, but it consists of grass fields on the east side of the stadium, which is manageable but not ideal, especially if it is a rainy day when you attend. There are gates on both sides of the stadium, and the concourse behind the grandstands is very wide and thus easy to move around. Will Call for most fans is located on the east side, which is convenient from the parking lots, but there are ticket booths on the west side if you didn't buy your tickets beforehand. Return on Investment 3 Depending on how much you pay for tickets, attending a game at Doyt L. Perry Stadium may be worthwhile. Like some other teams, ticket prices for BGSU football vary by the game. Prices typically start around $19 for the sections furthest from the field but can get as low as $6 for certain games, or as high as $28 for the annual battle with nearby rival Toledo. The stadium never sells out though, so you might be able to find cheaper tickets through a third party. And, since it likely won't be full, you can always buy the cheap seats and move closer. Extras 2 One point for the free giveaways at the entrances, such as BGSU rally towels. A second point for the chair back seats on the east side, possibly the most comfortable seats you will ever find at a football game, given all the extra elbow room. Final Thoughts Doyt L. Perry is a decent stadium, and BGSU has done a good job trying to modernize it - they just need more fans. More attendance would enhance the experience, so until then, you might want to save this venue for when your favorite team comes to town.

Photo courtesy of Lafayette Leopards Athletics Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Kamine Stadium 3412 Sullivan Trail Forks Township, PA 18042 Lafayette Leopards website Kamine Stadium website Year Opened: 2003 Capacity: 500 Lafayette Leopards Baseball at Kamine Stadium Two major renovations over the course of the last 13 years have transformed Hilton Rahn ’51 Field at Kamine Stadium from your typical small northeast college baseball facility into one of the finer complexes found in the Patriot League. Prior to the opening of the Leopard’s 2003 season, the stadium underwent its first major renovation with the addition of a 500-seat grandstand with chair back seating complete with an ample sized press box, equipped with a permanently installed public address system and phone lines for television, radio, newspaper and internet. A new backstop was attached to the bleacher seating with protective netting and the existing dugouts were extended an additional 20 feet and completely refurbished adding more on-field storage area as well. In the outfield, a 15-foot wide crushed stone warning track was installed and assists in defining the dimensions of the fence at 403 feet to dead center field, 332 feet and 335 feet down the left and right field lines respectively. Four regulation bullpens were installed along with permanent batting cages for each team’s use. A few years later in the fall of 2007, the subsurface of the infield was graded, a modern irrigation system was installed along with the placement of new sod and infield mix to create a perfectly finished diamond. The field is one that Hilton ‘Dutch’ Rahn would be proud of. Dutch is a Lafayette alumnus (class of 1951), a serious sports fan, and whom the field is named after. Food & Beverage 3 Not much to discuss here in terms of quantity of choices, however, the quality of the options is excellent. As with most small venues, the concessions are normally very limited, but trust me when I tell you that #PardProvisions, a mini restaurant on wheels located directly behind the grandstand that serves up fresh selections made with local ingredients is a must visit. The Home Grown Burrito, made with local eggs, local sausage, tater tots, cheddar cheese and house-made salsa cream cheese wrapped in a garlic herb tortilla is heavenly, and for $6 is a steal. The Smoked Swine, shredded smoked pork over macaroni and Gouda cheese with sweet honey barbecue sauce and crispy onions is the most expensive item on the menu, but also looks like the most delicious at $9. Atmosphere 2 This is the Patriot League and Lafayette has not been to the College World Series in over 50 years, so if you are looking for a great atmosphere, you better come back in the fall when the Leopards take to the gridiron against Lehigh in college football’s oldest rivalry game. What you do get, is the opportunity to take in America’s pastime at a serene setting allowing for a great view of a surprisingly well-played game of baseball. Neighborhood 2 Lafayette College is located in Easton, Pennsylvania however, Kamine Stadium at the Metzgar Athletic Campus is located in Forks Township, which is approximately a 10-minute car ride from campus. There is not much of note here in this tiny township of 15,000 people so I would seriously suggest visiting downtown Easton if you are in search of lunch or dinner, or looking for some place to grab a cold one. There you will find Two Rivers Brewing Company, located in the 500 block of Northampton Street and home of the Peanut Butter Bacon Cheeseburger. Pair one with an O’Hanlon Irish Stout, a coffee and chocolate flavored brew named after Lafayette basketball coach Fran O’Hanlon and you’ll be sure to return for another. Fans 2 With the exception of players’ family members and friends, or working staff, there are not many fans who make the short commute out to Metzgar Fields Complex to attend a Leopards baseball game. Small college baseball is not a huge draw in the northeastern part of the United States due largely in part to the sometimes cantankerous weather conditions during the few months of the season and this is evident in the diminutive attendance numbers of schools in this geographical region. Access 4 Hilton Rahn ’51 Field is easily accessible on Sullivan Trail no matter from which direction you are traveling. The city of Easton is located at exit 75 off Interstate 78 which is a major interstate in Pennsylvania and New Jersey and is very easily accessible as well. The parking lots are small but adequate and easy to get in and out of, and they are free. Return on Investment 4 “Remember that time is money” is a famous quote that is attributed to Benjamin Franklin, and if that is truly the case, your R.O.I. here is pretty significant as it is time that seems to be your biggest expense considering Lafayette does not charge a penny to park, nor a dime for admission and even issues free game programs to everyone in attendance. Extras 3 The quality level of play in the Patriot League is improving as was evident last year (2015) when the league had one of its best showings in the Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft when five players representing four different schools were selected, two going as early as the 10th round. This coupled with the fact that you can see it for virtually free is definitely a bonus. Athletic Department staff members at Lafayette College are absolutely amazing in their friendliness and eagerness to always assist in any way that they possibly can. It is a genuine characteristic and not one of a spurious nature that you can pick up on a mile away. There is no “big timing” here, and that can go along way with fans, especially this one. The stadium although diminutive in size, is still state-of-the-art due to the recent renovations and you’d be hard pressed to find one blade of natural grass or a little infield mix out of place. When I tell you that the field is perfect, I mean it is perfect…so an extra point for the grounds crew! Final Thoughts I found Kamine Stadium to be a wonderful place to take in a game. Sure, there were probably only 250 of us in attendance, but the level of play was fantastic and if you can get by the numbers, or lack thereof, you’d probably agree that Patriot League baseball at Rahn Field ’51 is a nice little secret. For now anyway.

Photos by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 Oregon Trail Park Stadium 17th Trail Ct Gering, NE 69341 Western Nebraska Pioneers website Oregon Trail Park Stadium website Year Opened: 2018 Capacity: 1,200 Summer Baseball in Nebraska's Panhandle Collegiate summer wood-bat baseball is the fastest growing segment of the sports entertainment industry, with more than 450 teams in more than 40 leagues throughout North America. The Expedition League is the newest of these leagues beginning operation in 2018. The Expedition League cleverly consists of two divisions: the Lewis Division and the Clark Division with teams in ND, SD, WY, and NE. The Western Nebraska Pioneers (Clark Division) play at the beautiful, newly-constructed Oregon Trail Park Stadium in Gering, NE. The game day experience is the perfect way to wind down the day, spend a few hours watching America’s past time, and easily forget about the worries of life for those few hours. Food & Beverage 3 Oregon Trail Park Stadium provides a decent variety of refreshments during a Pioneers game with one concession stand upon entering the venue and a separate Duncan’s BBQ tent just off to the left side of the entrance. At the concession stand, six varieties of burgers, five choices of hot dogs, and a ¼ pound beef brat are available ranging from $4.50 – $12. For an additional $4 order a meal which also includes a bag of chips and a 24 ounce Coca-Cola soda. Snacks include the usual chips, candy, popcorn, peanuts, pretzels, whole pickle, etc and range from $2 – $4. Nachos are priced at $4 – $9, and pizza (Dominos) is $2 a slice or $14 for a pie. Lines at the concession stand can get long. Duncan’s BBQ, a local Scottsbluff family catering business, offers delicious, huge portions of fresh beef and pork sandwiches, tacos, dogs and other tantalizing scented treats. Domestic beers of the Bud Light, Miller, Coors, Michelob variety cost $4; unfortunately no craft beers are for sale. A local Scottsbluff brewery is expected to open later in 2018 so hopefully the Pioneers organization can partner with them in future seasons at the ball yard. A merchandise area behind the first base stands sells mostly t-shirts, sweatshirts, and caps. My recommendation is to do the local thing and get some of that yummy BBQ from Duncan’s. Atmosphere 4 Attending a Western Nebraska Pioneers wood-bat summer collegiate ballgame is the perfect way to spend an evening for both the baseball purist and those who just want to spend an evening out and leave the worries of day behind for three hours. Green stadium fold down chairs with cup holders are available behind the home base area in sections 103 (third base), 102 (behind home), 101 (first base). The seats are so comfortably wide with plenty of leg room; it’s like the organization knew how to put fan comfort first when constructing the ballpark. Very, very nicely done. These sections are in the shade for the most part; the third base side gets the shade first. The upper three rows of these sections (E – G) have cover in the event of rain. Get seats in row C or above as there’s a walkway and fans pass by throughout the game obstructing views of the playing field if sitting in rows A or B. General admission bleachers (with backs) are beyond the first and third base sides. Party decks are available in these sections with tables and chairs. The home dugout is on third base side which conveniently gets the shade first while the visiting team’s dugout on the first base side gets the direct sunlight for the first several innings. The music volume is perfect at a Western Nebraska Pioneers game and 98% of the time is not played over the PA announcer. Nice! Walk up songs for the home team are broadcast; the volume is not too loud and one can still have a conversation with a new-found friend at a Pioneers game. In between inning gimmicks and contests are not overwhelming and are still enjoyable. No over excited screeching male or female and loud music for the contests. Sweet! All are sponsored by local businesses and include running the bases with the mascot, Nebraska history questions, the dizzy bat race, strike out batter of the game, and more. A funny part of the dizzy bat race is the baseball players watching… the pitcher stops warming up and looks, the infielders huddle together to watch the contest and then the players attempt to help when a participant clumsily falls over on the field trying to reach the intended finish line. Neighborhood 3 For now, there’s not much to the neighborhood. Building this ballpark is the first step to revitalizing the Gering/Scottsbluff area. It is located next to Nebraska National Guard so fans can feel quite safe. The Oregon Trail Park (where the stadium is located) contains a pool, softball fields, a playground, tennis courts, picnic tables and other public park amenities. Attractions within five miles include Scottsbluff National Monument, Legacy of the Plains Museum, Riverside Discovery Center (a zoo in Scottsbluff), and several golf courses. Chimney Rock National Historic Site and Visitors Center is 19 miles from Gering and may be worth the trip. Two hotels within a few blocks from the stadium are Monument Inn & Suites (a four or five block walk to ballfield) and Cobblestone Hotel & Suites Gering – Scottsbluff (a block closer to the field). I stayed at the Monument Inn and it is quite suitable. Some bars and restaurants in Gering include Union Bar (no craft beer), Goonies, and Steel Grill Restaurant & Bar. Of the three, I’d recommend Steel Grill. A craft brewery is expected to open in Scottsbluff (Flyover Brewing Company) at some point in 2018. Fans 5 Nebraska sports fans are known to be passionate, vocal, and supportive; Western Nebraska Pioneers fans fit that reputation accurately. Fans start a rally without any prompts from PA announcer. They have cowbells. Lots of Pioneers shirts are seen in the stands. Everybody seems to know everybody. Most gladly strike up conversations with visitors. The flooring of the seating area is metal – good for stomping feet and letting the visiting team hear “Western Nebraska thunder.” The Pioneers have the highest attendance in the Expedition League this first inaugural season. Access 5 Once in the panhandle of Nebraska, Oregon Trail Park Stadium is quite easy to get to via automobile and moving around the stadium is convenient. A bus system is available in Scottsbluff, Terrytown, and Gering but for now, it only operates Monday through Friday from 6:30 am to 6:30 pm, so getting to/from the stadium is limited via public transportation. Western Nebraska Regional Airport is the closest airport; keep in mind it is regional with limited commercial service mostly by United Airlines and affiliates. Plenty of free parking is available on the street and in lots just a block away from the park. It’s not a huge ballpark so auto traffic flow is painless pre and postgame. The ticket line takes some time and the booth opens just as or after the gates to the venue open; this may be an area to improve on for future seasons. Bathrooms are air conditioned on those hot Nebraska days and heated when necessary for those cooler evenings. In the seating areas, hand banisters are available in the middle and both sides of each seating area. Wheelchair ramps are provided to the bleacher sections and handicapped seats are readily available in the ‘reserved’ area behind home. Concessions, restrooms, and the merchandise stand are all on the outer promenade of the venue. Return on Investment 5 Attending a Pioneers game is well worth your sports and family entertainment dollar. General admission seats are $7, reserved seating is $9. No extra charge is added for a game day purchase. Ten-ticket flex packs save $1 a ticket; group events are available. Parking is free. Concession prices are as expected; domestic beer is $4. And, most importantly, attending a game is just the perfect evening out for Nebraska sports fans, the western Nebraska community, and visitors to the area. Extras 4 It is apparent the fans are quite proud having their own team and a brand new, comfortable, enjoyable stadium in Gering, NE. Sitting in section 102, row G, seats 14 – 18 will place you right underneath the radio broadcast (KNEB 960AM; 100.3FM) and allow you to hear Miles Klotz broadcast an engaging play-by-play of the game. Kudo’s to Trevor (PA Announcer) who not only calls the starting line ups and batters but keeps the fans informed of player switches and other pertinent information throughout the nine innings, he also seems to orchestrate and be the ringmaster for all the between inning events. The mascot (Hiram) is named for a historical fur trader – Hiram Scott. Hiram Scott was a Mountain Man, trapper, and trader, who was passing by the nearby bluff on his way to St. Louis, MO when he died in 1828. The story of how he died has several versions and has a bit of a mystery to it. Regardless, Scottsbluff (neighboring city of Gering) is named after Hiram Scott and the Pioneers pay homage to him. Final Thoughts It is so, so comfortable here. The seats are wide, there’s plenty of leg room, the fans are energized, and the Pioneers staff is ready to assist, if needed. It’s still more about the game than the extra stuff but there’s enough of that to keep non-purists entertained. Live in the panhandle and need a refreshing break from life’s affairs? Head to a Pioneer’s games for some fun, innocent sports entertainment.

Photos by Gregory Koch , Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.57 Bridgeforth Stadium 250 Champions Dr Harrisonburg, VA 22801 James Madison Dukes website Bridgeforth Stadium website Year Opened: 1975 Capacity: 24,877 Wear Purple for Me The James Madison Dukes football program has consistently been among the top in FCS, winning two national championships and making the FCS Championship Game another two times. They have won eight Colonial Athletic Association titles. The Dukes call Bridgeforth Stadium home, as they have since 1975. Nestled in the scenic Shenandoah Valley in Harrisonburg, Virginia, Bridgeforth Stadium seats about 25,000 fans and is one of the top venues in the Football Championship Subdivision. The Dukes recently announced that they will be moving up to the FBS level and competing in the Sun Belt Conference beginning in 2022. This review was written in 2021 when the Dukes were still an FCS member, but the stadium seems more than capable of handling FBS football. Food & Beverage 4 There are several concession stands scattered throughout the many concourses at Bridgeforth Stadium. Options include all the classics like cheeseburgers, fries, pretzels, and hot dogs, as well as soft drinks served in a souvenir cup and bottles of water, which come in aluminum rather than plastic cans to reduce waste. Beer is also available for sale to those of age through the end of the third quarter. There is a table on the lower level which sells kettle corn and cupcakes, the latter being a unique option for a football game more common at bake sales. Prices are reasonable, with nothing except beer costing more than $5 or so. Atmosphere 5 The fun gets started early at a JMU football game, as the band takes the field for a pregame performance. They will play songs familiar to any Dukes fan such as the school fight song and “Start Wearing Purple”, a song encouraging fans to wear the team color. They also play “America the Beautiful” and the national anthem while unfurling red, white, and blue streamers on the field in the design of the American flag. The band returns at halftime for another spectacular performance. During the game, there are contests on the field at almost every media timeout, ranging from punt, pass, and kick to a spouse-carrying competition. Dukes fans have a tradition of throwing streamers in JMU colors into the air after every Dukes touchdown, and sometimes you will see them fly after a big non-scoring play as well. As for the stadium itself, each side of the stadium is in a different layout. The lower bowl makes a sort of L-shape along the north and west sides, with the north side home to the band and student section and the west side home to some reserved seats and some premium ones closer to midfield. There is an upper deck above the lower deck on the west side. The east side is all bleachers without backs and only one level of them. There are no seats in the south end zone, as that is where the team’s training facilities are. There is a large videoboard behind the south end zone. The Dukes have a mascot, a dog named Duke Dog, as well as cheerleaders and a dance team who make appearances throughout the game. Neighborhood 4 Harrisonburg is a quaint town in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. Although this doesn’t have the excitement of the big city, there is plenty to do here, including the Virginia Quilt Museum. For meals, there are plenty of options depending on your budget. The famous southern chain Cook Out has a location five minutes from campus, which serves up burgers, chicken sandwiches, and other options. Try one of their trays for a great value, as it comes with two sides and a drink for around $8. If you’re looking for something more upscale, or at least something with table service, the Magpie Diner on West Gay Street is open for breakfast and lunch and is a local favorite. There are a number of hotels to stay at in Harrisonburg ranging from budget hotels to a Doubletree. Note that at the time of writing, many dining options in Harrisonburg are limited to takeout or unavailable entirely due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but this article is written to reflect the “normal” state of things. Fans 5 The Dukes routinely draw near-sellout crowds, with the fans in attendance being some of the most passionate in the country. Whether it’s tossing the streamers after touchdowns, banging the bleachers on third downs, or booing the refs after a perceived bad call goes against JMU, these fans are loud, they are proud of their Dukes, and they are not afraid to show it. When visiting Bridgeforth Stadium expect the crowd noise to be consistently loud and intimidating to opposing teams. Be warned that the fans, particularly the student section, are not always clean in their language. Access 4 Bridgeforth Stadium and the James Madison campus are located right off Interstate 81 via Exit 245. The lots closest to the stadium are reserved for season ticket holders and big donors, but ample free parking is available virtually anywhere else on campus. There are shuttles available to the stadium from some of the more distant lots, but other lots such as the Warsaw Avenue Parking Deck are within a ten-minute walk and do not offer shuttles. There are large digital signs outside most lots and garages showing the number of available spaces, which is a nice touch. It will generally designate the spaces as faculty/staff, commuter, or whatever they are normally used for during the week, but you can ignore this. Once inside the stadium, the concourse can get crowded at times. Concession and restroom lines can get long but move quickly. Still, it is best to get your food before the game if possible to avoid the wait. Just be sure to be back in your seat in time for the band. Return on Investment 5 Tickets start at $20 for general admission seating on the east side. Upper-level seats on the west side will go for $25, while 200-level level seats will go for $35 unless you are getting the premium seats near midfield which will cost significantly more. 100-level seats at field level go for a big premium as well. Ultimately, we recommend the 200-level seats as they are the best value. Concessions are also affordable and parking is free. Considering this is one of the top venues in FCS, this is a very good deal. Extras 5 One star for the unique tradition of the streamers that JMU fans throw after touchdowns. Look for murals on the concourse displaying information on the history of the Dukes’ football program. A third star for the tremendous energy and passion brought by the fans, who are among the best in the country. A fourth star for the band and the other ways the team contributes to the atmosphere here. Finally, look for the banners in the south-end zone honoring JMU postseason appearances. Final thoughts James Madison has one of the top venues in all of FCS, and it is definitely ready to make the move up to the next level next year. This has always been an FBS-quality stadium, and next year it will get the chance to show why. For now, this is an elite stadium for its level. The Dukes have one of the best atmospheres in the country and some of the best fans. It will likely get even better next year with the move up.

Photos by Matt Colville, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 UWF Field House 2344 Campus Dr Pensacola, FL 32514 West Florida Argonauts website UWF Field House website Year Opened: 1971 Capacity: 1,180 Basketball in the City of Five Flags Nestled amongst the Florida wetlands of north Pensacola lies the beautiful campus of the University of West Florida. The medium-sized, public university a little shy of 13,000 students is fairly new. Ground was broken in 1965, and in 1968 58 students received degrees during the first commencement ceremony. The team’s nickname, the Argonauts, reflects Pensacola’s Naval history, as the city is home to one of the largest naval bases in the country. The school’s first basketball team started in 1967 and originally was an NAIA independent. Because the Argos did not have an on-campus arena to play in at that time, they played their first four seasons on the road and in various high school gyms in the Pensacola area, before moving into their on-campus home, UWF Field House, in 1971. The Argos had some success during their early years, even reaching the NAIA national championship game during the 1975-76 season, but when the team arrived back in Pensacola after that game, they learned that UWF was suspending their athletic department and downgrading their sports to the club and intramural levels. UWF would reinstate the athletic department in 1980, but it wouldn’t be until the 1993-94 season that basketball would return full-time. The following year the Argos would make the transition to NCAA Division II, and begin playing in the Gulf South Conference, where they remain to this day. Since joining the NCAA the Argos have made 13 GSC conference tournaments, with their most successful season being the 2017-18 season, when the Argos won the tournament and subsequently made their first D2 NCAA tournament, with a regular season record of 28-4.   Food & Beverage   2 As soon as you walk into the UWF Field House there is one concession stand located in the east side lobby. They sell the basics here you would find at other arenas; nothing stands out on the menu, but the prices are fairly cheap and the food is quite good.   Atmosphere   3 UWF Field House originally opened in 1971 and currently has a capacity of 1,180 seats. The building is a one-story brick structure with a white metal exterior roof – the older style building, reminiscent of most buildings built in the 70s, ties in well with the surrounding architecture, so if you didn’t know where you were going you would think the field house was just another building on campus. The grounds around the facility are quite pretty, and it has a well-lit walkway lined with palm trees that provide an impressive backdrop for the building. UWF Field House is located amongst a sports complex that includes tennis courts, a health & leisure center, and football facilities, and a practice field . Attached to the field house is the state-of-the-art, beautiful UWF Aquatic Center, home to UWF’s swimming and dive team. The court at UWF Field House faces north and south, with the main entrance on the east side of the building. The east side entrance features a large lobby with ticket offices, a concessions stand, trophy cases, and an interactive display showing off the UWF Athletics Hall of Fame. There’s also an entrance to the Argo Club located here as well, which is a lounge area with food and drinks for alumni and members of the club. UWF Field House also houses the athletic department, coaches’ offices, several classrooms, weight rooms, a training room, and another full-sized basketball court used for practice. When basketball returned to UWF in 1993 the field house installed seating on both the east and west sides, bringing the capacity to 4,500 bleacher-style seats. This number proved to be kind of large for a school of this level, so in 2001 the west side seating was removed, and cushioned chairback seats were installed on the east side, reducing the capacity to about 1,100 seats; at present there is just seating on the east side with a curtain draped over the west side blocking the view of the court. Renovations over the years include new scoreboards being installed in 1997, a new sound system in 2000, and new floors in 2009. Both ends of the court are lined with banners from all the Argos accomplishments, and there is an impressive LED ribbon board on the scorer’s table on the west side, which is lit up with sponsor names and various graphics during the game. This is quite cool, and something you don’t see a lot of at D2 basketball games.   Neighborhood   3 UWF’s campus is located in kind of a secluded area in the northern part of the city – the campus was built on wetlands in former Indian territory but is now part of a nature preserve, and is located on a bluff above the Escambia River.  Nature lovers will love the campus, as it has several nature trails and boardwalks where you can walk back into the woods and through the swamps. The school also has an area where you can rent kayaks and go out on the river and view the Florida wildlife – everything from cranes, pelicans, osprey, alligators, and even manatees can be found on the Escambia River and in the swamps on campus. You can also take a trip across the river to the small town of Milton; this picturesque town lines the Blackwater River, where many people can be found kayaking, canoeing, and swimming along the sand bars during the summer. Milton has been nicknamed the ‘canoe capital’ of Florida. Besides spending time on the water there is not much else to do in the area, but just south of campus is 9 Mile Road where there are a few restaurants, including Chick-fil-A as well as a Target store. Another restaurant in the area worth checking out is Foosackly’s, right across the street from campus, which is known for its cheap prices and fried chicken. There are hotels closer to the interstate, and you are about 15 miles north of the nightlife of Seville Quarter and Palafox Street in downtown Pensacola. Pensacola Beach is about 20 miles south of campus as well, so it is possible to go to the beach before the game. A visit to the National Naval Aviation Museum, located at Pensacola Naval Station, is also a must-visit if in the area for more than a day – this is probably Pensacola's most popular attraction.   Fans   2 The Argos only average about 300-400 fans per game, which is pretty normal for D2 basketball. Many of the fans are scattered around the stands, and I didn’t see a whole lot of students at the most recent game I was at. For UWF football games  the student support and turnout is a little better than at the basketball games, which is unfortunate because the Argos athletic department does a fantastic job in presenting the game day experience. During basketball games, Argie the mascot does a great job of getting fans into the game, and the staff also does some promotional contests during timeouts, so it’s a shame more students don’t come out. The athletic department also does various promotional nights such as an outside tailgate, Faith & Family Day, Christmas in the Field House, Boy Scout Day, and the Mardi Gras Game; they also have giveaways such as UWF player cards and t-shirts given out at select games. UWF’s alumni base is largely from the panhandle area of Florida, so it seems like the majority of fans are alums. The fans here seem very into the game, and there is a lot of blue (the school’s color) being worn in the stands.   Access   2 One drawback in getting to UWF’s campus is the location itself, as well as Pensacola’s horrendous traffic. The campus is located in the northern part of the city, far away from the beach and downtown, so if coming from the east and west I-10 will be your best bet – just take the Davis Highway exit and follow the signs until you reach the University Parkway split, and you can take that road right into campus. Or, if coming from the beach or downtown you can take I-110 to Davis Highway and follow that. Alternatively you can take the beautiful Scenic Highway, a winding road that travels north and south and has spectacular views of Escambia Bay. All along this highway, you can pull off into the different areas and look out over the water; this highway is noted for its lavish mansions as well. The arena is located at the front of campus, so just take University Parkway toward the school, and UWF Field House will be the first thing you see.   Return on Investment   3 All general admission tickets are $7 and allow you to sit wherever you like. On most nights the women’s team plays before the men’s team, so the men’s tipoff never starts as scheduled. Because of this the ticket office often closes early, so you might be able to come to the game for free depending on how long the women’s game lasts. Tickets for a night out watching the Argos play basketball will not break the bank, and the level of talent is quite good for D2 basketball. Factor this in with the cheap concession prices, and I consider this a good return on investment.   Extras   4 Pensacola is a supportive sports town, with Blue Wahoos  minor league baseball in the spring and summer, and Ice Flyers hockey  in the fall and winter, so no matter when you come to Pensacola there should be plenty of sporting options for you to see. Because there is not a big-time college in the area, the closest being Florida State three hours away, the Argos are Pensacola’s college team. Everywhere you look in town you’ll see UWF signs and banners, and you’ll see people out and about wearing UWF gear. Pensacolians treat UWF as their big-time college program – the local ESPN radio station has UWF coach’s shows and call-ins throughout the week, and they show highlights of UWF sports on the nightly news. Most D2 programs do not get this kind of press and access, but in Pensacola, they treat UWF as their own D1 program; for such a small town UWF gets constant press and coverage, more so than a regular D2 program. The UWF athletic program has captured nine national championships in 15 sports, even though neither the men’s nor women’s basketball programs have won a championship yet. Perhaps the most famous and well-known sports program at UWF is the football team ; the Argos 2019 Division II national championship banner hangs high above the court at UWF Field House for all to see. UWF has had one player make it to the NBA – journeyman point guard Moochie Norris played for the Argos during their 1995-96 season and was drafted as the 33rd overall pick in the 1996 NBA draft. Most famous for his enormous afro, Norris played eight seasons for the Rockets , Knicks ,  and Pelicans . UWF Field House has also been used as a concert venue and has hosted university-related events. Some of the notable concerts here over the years include Bob Dylan, Charlie Daniels Band, Fleetwood Mac, Jimmy Buffett, and BB King. Pensacola native and World Heavyweight Champion boxer Roy Jones Jr. also fought here a few times in the early 90s back when he was a promising young fighter.   Final Thoughts Coming to a game at UWF Field House remains a great experience for this level of basketball. You will not experience a lot of bells and whistles, but a game here involves visiting a beautiful campus in a wonderful city, and I highly recommend it.

Photos by Eric Moreno, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Sharp Gymnasium 7502 Fondren Rd Houston, TX 77074 Houston Baptist Huskies website Sharp Gymnasium website Year Opened: 1964 Capacity: 1,000 Welcome to the Dawg Pound Houston Baptist University opened as a private non-secular university in 1960; their athletics program started the same year, and from then until 1990 the Huskies were members of the NCAA, and their basketball team made the Big Dance in 1984. After 1990 the school moved to the NAIA and were a perennial powerhouse; HBU made the NAIA Tournament 10 years in a row from 1998-2007. HBU ultimately moved back to the NCAA, and now compete as members of the Southland Conference, where they have made the College Basketball Invitational (CBI) and CollegeInsider.com Postseason tournaments. For the majority of the school’s history, the Huskies have played within the friendly confines of the Frank and Lucille Sharp Gymnasium. While small in size, Sharp Gymnasium should not be overlooked! Food & Beverage 2 “Bare bones” is the best way to describe your concessions options at Sharp Gymnasium – there are none of the bells and whistles that you might find at a larger Division I college basketball arena. What you will find are the basics: hot dogs ($3), sausage wraps ($5), popcorn, candy, chips, and canned sodas, as well as bottled water and sports drinks (everything is $2 except the hot dogs and sausage wraps). There is only one concessions stand at Sharp Gymnasium, and it is located near the arena’s main entrance. This is important to note, as there tends to be a bottleneck in the area during breaks and at halftime when many fans traditionally make their concessions stand run. Also important to note is that credit cards can only be used with a $5 minimum purchase. While there is not much of a selection or variety, what is offered should get you through games just fine at Sharp Gymnasium. Atmosphere 3 Capacity at Sharp Gymnasium is 1,000 people; as this might infer, the facility is not cavernous in the slightest. However, this does not detract from the overall atmosphere at all. Because of its size, fans and game attendees are virtually right on top of the on-court action, and the close proximity amplifies the energy and sound of the crowd exponentially. The banners lining the walls and rafters of Sharp Gymnasium speak to the proud history and tradition that the Huskies have forged. This is felt by the fans in the stands; they cheer, bark, and do a “Paws Up” sign during free throw attempts – it is an infectious energy that permeates the arena. One caveat to be aware of though – again because of the size, a small visiting team crowd will also have their energy and noise amplified, so even a relatively miniscule group of visitors will come off as extremely vocal. Neighborhood 5 Space City – aka Houston – is flat out one of the country’s great cities. There is so much to do, see, eat, and experience in Houston that you are going to need far more than one day – or even one weekend – to experience a fraction of what there is to offer. Houston Baptist University and Sharp Gymnasium are located in the Sharpstown section of the city. The gym is located directly on campus; as such, there is not much to see and do in the immediate vicinity. However, within a 30-minute drive you can pretty much do and see everything – just southwest of downtown Houston lies the Museum District , which is home to 19 different cultural institutions, including the world-famous Houston Museum of Natural Science . The massive Houston Zoo is also within walking distance of this area. In terms of food, again, there is anything and everything you could possibly want in Houston. One of the iconic meals that Texas does so well is barbecue – in Houston, they are pretty proud of their ‘cue, and spots like Gatlin’s BBQ will give you a good idea of why. Brisket, ribs, chicken, sausage – Gatlin’s has won awards for all of them. In addition, Houston also has a thriving Chinatown; if you are in the mood for some outstanding Asian cuisine, make sure to visit the popular Fung’s Kitchen . When it comes to lodging you can run the complete spectrum in Houston. You can stay at five-star establishments such as the Houstonian Hotel, Club & Spa , or you can stay at any of the lesser-level (i.e. budget friendly) ones – it really is all a matter of your budget. Fans 2 There really isn’t much of an opportunity for there to be a large turnout for Houston Baptist basketball games, however, the stands are generally filled and the fans come decked out in orange and blue to support the home team. There is also a great multi-generational mixture, as students are in the stands alongside older alums and their young children. The facilities at Sharp Gymnasium don’t lend themselves to much in the way of any type of tailgating activities, and there really isn’t much room for a large student section. However, the fans that do turn out prove to be engaged – they are constantly doing the Paws Up, barking, and making the small gym reverberate with their cheering. With a larger facility, there would be even more room for fan interaction. Access 3 Houston Baptist University and Sharp Gymnasium are fairly centrally located in the city, and are easily accessible off of Interstate 69 from any part of Houston. As a major airline hub, flights in and out of George Bush Intercontinental Airport are frequent, and this is arguably the busiest airport in the state. Parking is free and plentiful at Sharp Gymnasium, and since the gym is on campus, there is plenty of signage marking the way to it once you turn onto the main drag. When it comes to attending a college game in H-Town, it really doesn’t get any easier than games at HBU. Return on Investment 4 Huskies home basketball games are honestly a great bargain, as single-game tickets cost $10 for adults during men’s basketball games, and are $5 for women’s games (children 12 and under get in for free either way). In addition, HBU is a Division I school, and they play some pretty quality opponents during the season. You also have an opportunity to see a quality game in a unique facility for a very reasonable price. When you couple in the free parking and the very inexpensive concessions, you are getting a virtual steal at Sharp Gymnasium. If you’re a college basketball junkie or you’ve got younger children you want to introduce to the game, this is a great place to start. Extras 3 All of the traditional bells and whistles of college basketball are on display at Sharp Gymnasium – the Huskies Basketball Band can be found near the student section, and there are also the Huskies cheerleaders, the HBU Elite Dance Team, and the school mascot Mingo, all on display for the entirety of the game. Like most basketball games at this level, there are student contests during timeouts, as well as stoppages in play which are always fun. In the chairback seating area is the Husky Hype Squad; this two-man group of yell leaders is often called upon to pump up the crowd throughout the game. Decked head-to-toe in orange and blue, this duo is armed with megaphones and boundless energy. Final Thoughts Though the basketball facilities are small in stature at Houston Baptist University, they are big on excitement, energy, and charm. There is something to be said for watching basketball in a gymnasium the size of the Huskies’ home court – it becomes all about the game at that point, and what HBU puts on out there is a great product. If you are looking for an inexpensive way to catch some big-time college hoops, you can’t go wrong with catching a game at Sharp Gymnasium. Follow Eric Moreno’s Stadium Journey on Twitter at @EricMoreno6477 . Visit Eric Moreno’s writer’s portfolio site at ericmoreno.contently.com .

Photos by Lloyd Rothwell, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 Adelaide Oval War Memorial Dr North Adelaide SA 5006, Australia Adelaide Strikers website Adelaide Oval website Year Opened: 1871 Capacity: 53,698 Strikers Winning in Adelaide First established in 1871, the Adelaide Oval has long been known as one of the most picturesque cricket grounds in the world. Pleasantly placed on the banks of the River Torrens and in the parklands just north of the CBD, the stadium features stunning vistas including of the iconic St Peters Cathedral, located immediately north of the oval. Most regularly used for cricket during its long history, Adelaide Oval also has a strong connection with Australian Rules football. The venue has also hosted lop level rugby union, having previously been the home of the Australian leg of the World Sevens Series as well as hosting two matches of the 2003 Rugby World Cup. Despite growing demand for tickets to popular events such as Ashes test matches, increasing capacity and redeveloping the ground took many years. In 2003 the Chappell Stands were added to the eastern side of the ground in front of the Victor Richardson Gates, grandfather of the three Chappell brothers – all of whom played cricket for Australia. It took until 2009 before plans for a major redevelopment were announced. The redevelopment was completed in 2014 at a cost of over $500m, and increased capacity to 53,583. The final design maintains the charm of the original ground by incorporating the famous old scoreboard, hill area, Moreton Bay Fig and cathedral views, while also quickly building a reputation as a modern gem. Interestingly the playing surface was also slightly modified; as a cricket ground Adelaide was known for its long straight, boundaries and short boundaries square of the wicket. These changes made the surface more suitable for AFL, and along with the modern amenities and larger capacity, saw football returning to the stadium fulltime, with both the Adelaide Crows and Port Adelaide Power now calling Adelaide Oval home. The Adelaide Strikers, like all the other Big Bash League Twenty20 cricket franchises, was formed in 2011 as a new identity separate from existing state teams. They have since experienced moderate success on the field, and are extremely well supported in their home state of South Australia. Food & Beverage 4 The design of the new stadium means that no seat is located more than 40m from a food outlet. There’s a wide range of food available with all the usual fare supplemented by healthy options and specialty items. Interestingly, as of the end of 2016, the stadium management authority has worked to lower prices of many of the most commonly bought items including meat pies, beer and bottled water. One of the biggest reductions was a $0.30 drop in the price of local beer, West End Draught. While this may be a step in the right direction, it is worth noting that this “reduced price” is still $8.90 which makes it one of the most expensive beer prices in all of Australia. Similarly, even the most basic hot food such as hot chips are $5.50, as are meat pies. Anything more such as a burger or pizza is around the $10 mark. Admittedly the serving sizes are quite good (as is the quality), but the indisputable fact is that prices here are even more expensive than what you will experience at most sporting stadiums around the world. Any queues move relatively quickly, except for the Norgen Vaas ice cream stand which can have wait times of over 5 minutes between placing an order and receiving your ice cream. Also, keep an eye out for concession stands that are “card only” – helpful for some but not for others! Atmosphere 4 The Adelaide Oval is the greatest success story of modern stadium building in Australia. It’s a beautiful and well-designed building that captures all the charm and character of the original ground and the stunning surrounds, and adds an advanced, modern viewing experience. The combination is simply stunning. Over 75% of all seats are covered, providing protection from the elements. The old scoreboard combines with three video screens to keep spectators informed. The spacious atriums within the stadium concourses add to the sense of space and atmosphere. Neighborhood 5 Adelaide is a cosmopolitan city characterised by its grid-like set up featuring straight wide streets and abundant parklands. In contrast to most other capital cities around the country, it was established as a colony of free settlers rather than a penal settlement. Adelaide is regularly cited as one of the most livable cities in Australia and is well known for its many festivals and close proximity to the wine growing region of Barossa Valley. The northern area of the CBD is the heart of the city. Major venues such as the Convention Centre and Casino are on North Terrace, while Hindley St and Rundle Mall serve as an entertainment and shopping precinct. Further afield, a tram ride down to the beach at Glenelg is a popular tourist activity. Fans 4 The Adelaide Strikers are the highest drawing of all the BBL teams, most recently averaging a remarkable 42,000 fans per game. The crowd is a sea of blue, with the locals wholeheartedly embracing their team. The fans are well-informed and engaged in the brand and the action. Access 4 Along with the redevelopment of the stadium, the new Riverbank Footbridge provides an easy connection across the river from the CBD. That being the case, the best method of transport is bus, train or tram and then soak in the atmosphere and enjoy the view as you stroll towards the stadium. Alternatively, drive into the CBD and utilise a paid parking station for around $25. The plaza surrounding the stadium is easy to navigate with several interactive fan experience opportunities. Once inside, access to upper levels is made easier by a number of escalators and elevators while concourses are spacious and clean. Another quirk of the stadium is the abundance of restrooms, with Australian design standards exceeded by more than 30%. Return on Investment 4 Ticket prices offer value for money with Adult General Admission from as low as $20. The usual discounts for children and families also apply, making entry for most very affordable. While refreshments are amongst the most expensive you will ever encounter, the Strikers and the Adelaide Oval is undeniably a fantastic experience worthy of your hard-earned cash. Extras 4 In the Riverbank Stand you will find a museum showcasing Sir Donald Bradman (1908-2001). To the uninitiated, Bradman is without question, the greatest cricketer of all time. Indeed, statisticians have calculated that the dominance asserted by Bradman with his test batting average of 99.94, is more significant than any other comparative sportsperson across all sports. One of the more unique experiences at Adelaide Oval is the Roof Climb, a two hour guided climb across the roof of the stadium, even during games! While not available on event days, general guided tours of the stadium are available at other times and are well worth the effort, but be sure to book in advance. Given the BBL occurs across the Christmas / New Year period, it is natural that a number of games will take place on key dates. The Strikers host the New Year’s Eve game at Adelaide Oval, after which you can celebrate by watching the fireworks on the banks of the river before heading back into the city to party on. Final Thoughts The Adelaide Oval is simply a must-visit stadium. Do yourself a favour and visit the City of Churches!

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 BMO Field 170 Princes' Blvd Toronto, ON M6K 3C3 Canada Toronto Argonauts website BMO Field website Year Opened: 2007 Capacity: 27,456 Double Blue World Order Not only are the Toronto Argonauts the oldest team in the Canadian Football League, but, having been established in 1873, they are the oldest gridiron football team in the world. The 2022 season saw the culmination of success for the Argos with an exciting Grey Cup victory, their 18th, which is also the best in the CFL. The Argos have seen more than their share of ups and downs over the years, however, with the move to BMO Field in 2016 and solid ownership in Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment, the future is looking a little brighter for the Argos. The Argos have been a flashy team over the years boasting football stars like Joe Theismann, Doug Flutie, Damon Allen, Raghib Ismail and Rickey Williams. The current Argos are lead by the most beloved Argonaut of them all, Michael “Pinball” Clemons, who acts as the General Manager. The Argos even boast Bruce McNall, Wayne Gretzky and the iconic John Candy as former owners. Canadian Football remains a bit quirky for those used to the American gridiron game, but a game or two will assuredly convert football fans to the excitement and entertainment of the Canadian game. A trip to BMO Field to see the Toronto Argonauts is an excellent way to enjoy some top notch football and leave fans with the incurable urge to yell out “ARRRGOOOOS!” Food & Beverage 5 The concession scene at BMO Field for an Argonauts game is pretty solid. The gates open for the Shipyard area past the north end zone a half hour earlier than the rest of the gates. In the Shipyard fans can enjoy some RealSports BBQ and Mill Street beverages. Throughout the rest of the stadium concession stands provide a mix of unique items and old favourites. Gourmet hot dogs and sausage are found at the mobile carts and Pizza Pizza slices can be found at numerous stands. Burgers, fries and popcorn are readily available. A whole host of unique items including braised beef grilled cheese, porchetta sandwiches, muffaletta sandwiches and Buffalo chicken fingers will tempt fans and force them to make tough decisions. The beer scene is also strong at BMO with most stands dedicated to local Mill Street products or Stella Artois and Goose Island. Coolers and other alternative, canned, alcoholic beverages are also available. Coca-Cola products are the soft drink of choice and on those cold evenings coffee, hot chocolate and other warm beverages can take a stab at warming up patrons. Atmosphere 4 BMO Field was originally built in 2007 as the home of the National Soccer program and Toronto FC. During those days, the Argonauts were sharing Rogers Centre with the Toronto Blue Jays. In 2015 the Argos were told they would no longer be able to play in Rogers Centre and a move west to BMO Field seemed to be the answer to all Argo fans' woes. Since opening, BMO Field has been renovated a few times with upper decks and coverings over the grandstands being added. The capacity for Argonauts games rested at just over 27,000. The basic structure of the stadium is two large east and west grandstands, each with two decks, the Shipyard area in the north and an attempted supporters’ section in the south. The videoboard towers above the Shipyard and the banners for the Argonauts’ eighteen Grey Cup Championships (1914, 1921, 1933, 1937, 1938, 1945, 1946, 1947, 1950, 1952, 1983, 1991, 1996, 1997, 2004, 2012, 2017, 2022) blow constantly behind the south end zone. The banner honouring All-Time Argos (Joe Krol, Bill Symons, Jim Corrigal, Condredge Holloway, Paul Masotti, Jim Rountree, Dan Ferrone, Rodney Harding, Dick Shatto, Terry Greer, Ted Morris, Don Moen, Michael Clemons, Dave Mann, Jim Stillwagon, Mike O’Shea, Danny Nykoluk, Royal Copeland, Marv Luster, Bill Zock, Les Ascott, Ulysses Curtis, Ed Harrington, Doug Flutie) has been moved under the press box on the west side of the stadium. Unfortunately the banner has type that is pretty small and difficult to see from a distance. In 2023, the All-Time Argos increased their membership by two, with the induction of Damon Allen and Derrell Mitchell. The gameday atmosphere is solid. The video presentations for the player entrances are excellent. The players enter from the northeast corner through an inflatable contraption and are lined by flags, smoke and pyro. The mascot, Jason, stands at the touchdown cannon in the northeast end, which is something the fans should be ready for, or else! The entry of the team on the field features pyrotechnics, smoke machines, flag bearers and just about everything one would need to get hyped for the game.The Argos dance team, The A-Team, which is co-ed, performs during some breaks in the action and on the sidelines. Overall a pretty solid atmosphere for a football game. Neighbourhood 5 The best spot to get some pre and post game food and drink by foot is to head north of the Exhibition, under the Gardiner Expressway and Go Train and head to the Liberty Village neighbourhood of Toronto. There, fans will find a number of options – these would include Williams Landing, The Craft Brasserie & Grill, Magic Oven and Brazen Head Irish Pub. Of course if fans head east towards downtown, they will find a whole host of other options near the Rogers Centre and Scotiabank Arena, but those will probably require a vehicle of sorts to get there. Toronto remains a top notch location for a vacation. The number of other entertainment attractions in Toronto may be too numerous to name off. A highlight on the Exhibition grounds is the annual Canadian National Exhibition. The annual fair is how thousands of Canadians ring out the summer with the annual Labour Day weekend event. Mid July brings the Honda Indy Toronto to the Exhibition and the street course runs through the Exhibition at breakneck speeds. The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair and Medieval Times also happen on the Exhibition Grounds. There are a ton of other sporting options in Toronto and fans may have the opportunity to put together a doubleheader in the city. BMO Field is shared with Toronto FC of the MLS. Also at Exhibition Place is the Coca-Cola Coliseum, home of the Toronto Marlies of the AHL. East of Exhibition Place is Rogers Centre, home of the Toronto Blue Jays of MLB. Further east along the Lakeshore is Scotiabank Arena, home of the Toronto Maple Leafs of the NHL and Toronto Raptors of the NBA. The University of Toronto fields a full complement of varsity teams including football at Varsity Stadium , hockey at Varsity Arena and basketball at the Goldring Centre . A true gem is Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson University) hockey and basketball , both of whom play in the renovated former Maple Leaf Gardens. Most of the major hotels are found closer to downtown proper however, the Gladstone Hotel and the Drake Hotel are both close by but very luxurious and pricey. A new hotel on the Exhibition grounds, Hotel X Toronto, is also among the luxurious hotels in the city. Fans 3 At one point, the Toronto Argonauts were the toast of the town. With the majority of the CFL season not crossing with the hockey season, there was really nothing stopping the Argos from ruling the city of Toronto in the summer. However, the 1977 arrival of the Toronto Blue Jays seemed to change everything and attendance began to become an issue. Over time attendance has been on a decline, not just for the Argonauts but for the CFL as a whole. With MLSE taking over the Argos, there has been renewed effort and investment in the Argos. The on field product has improved under GM Michael “Pinball” Clemons and the attendance has slowly, but surely creeped up. As of this writing, the Argos are averaging more than 14,000 fans for the 2023 season, which remains at the bottom of the CFL, but is higher than last year. The Argos finding their niche in a sport-saturated city like Toronto will take plenty of effort. A continued rise in the attendance will also bring this grade to a better spot. Access 4 BMO Field is located on the grounds of Exhibition Place. Getting to Exhibition Place can be a challenge, as anything in Toronto can be. The Ex is immediately south of the Gardiner Expressway. Although fans may think this is the quickest way to drive to the Ex, often a longer route on Lakeshore Blvd is the way to go, especially for those coming from the west. There are a number of parking spots available for fans at Exhibition Place. It is important for fans to do some research before heading out to see the Argos. At times there are other events taking place at the Ex and parking is a real challenge. Even at the best of times, parking is not cheap and other options may be the best plan. For fans who prefer the public transit route, Exhibition Place has some decent public transit options. There is a Go Transit station right by the Ex and this is probably the easiest form of public transit. A walk north of the Ex will bring fans through Liberty Village and eventually to some TTC options. Check out the Go Transit and TTC websites for fares, maps and schedules. The ticketing window is at gate 1, at the north end of BMO Field. Lineups are not usually an issue. Security is what you would expect in this day and age of sports security, including walk through metal detectors. Before heading out, fans are encouraged to consult the Argos and BMO Field websites for up to date security bulletins and prohibited items. Consulting the Exhibition Place website is also a good idea to get an up to date event schedule for parking information. Getting around BMO Field is not too difficult and concourses are fairly spacious. Washroom facilities are also adequate for this venue. Return on Investment 4 Tickets for the Argos are very reasonable. Tickets in the Fan Zone go for under $30, as are tickets in the upper deck at the corners. Parking now uses the “Green P” app and fans will be required to pay by phone, but the cost for parking is on the high side, with not many other options. The product on the field is vastly underrated and no doubt fans will have a great time. Extras 4 An extra mark for the longevity of the Argonauts as the oldest professional football team in the world. An extra mark for the Argonauts’ top fan, former owner and movie legend, John Candy. Candy’s tenure as owner of the Argos with Wayne Gretzky and Bruce McNall was a highlight of the team’s duration including the signing of Rocket Ismail, the toast of the town, and a Grey Cup victory. An extra mark for the huge rivalry with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, which culminates in the Labour Day Classic, the biggest date on the CFL calendar. An extra mark for the return of the beloved football/ship logo, which was a mainstay in the 80s. Final Thoughts As the Toronto Argonauts continue to improve at the gate and provide a solid product on the field, the strength and stability of the oldest football team in the world seems just a little bit more secure. Hopefully, there will be another 150 years of Argonaut football in the future and fans in the Toronto area would be remiss if they passed on the opportunity to check out the Double Blue. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube , Twitter , Threads and Instagram @profan9.

Photos by Lance Sutehall, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Alabama Soccer Stadium 500 Peter Bryce Blvd Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 Alabama Crimson Tide website Alabama Soccer Stadium website Year Opened: 2004 Capacity: 1,500 Rolling With The Tide At The Soccer Stadium Women’s soccer has been a varsity sport at the University of Alabama since 1986. As of the writing of this article, the Crimson Tide have made six NCAA tournament appearances, including an appearance in the Final Four of the College Cup in 2022. The Tide has six alumni in the NWSL and another in Liga MX Femenil. The Alabama Soccer Stadium has been the home of the Tide’s Women’s soccer program since 2004.   Food & Beverage   3 The lone concession stand sells basics such as a slice of pizza ($8), hot dogs ($6), chips ($3), popcorn ($7), and candy ($3). Rita’s Italian Ice ($8.50), milkshakes ($9), frozen drinks ($9), and custard cookie sandwiches ($9) are also offered. Bottled beverages on sale include water ($6), Coca-Cola branded sodas ($6), and Powerade ($5). Finally, beer is sold at the concession stand ($11). The stand is cashless. Atmosphere   4 There is a giant red Tube Man at the entrance of the stadium. After entering the stadium gate, the concession stand and merchandise table are to the left. Walking towards the seating area you pass a table with Gameday info and Alabama Women’s soccer posters. The seating area consists of 15 rows of metal bleachers with the middle of the seating area only having three rows to make room for the camera. The team locker rooms are located behind the bleachers The stadium features a giant video board in the right corner, and the team benches are located across the field from the seating area. When the tide takes the field, smoke machines behind the goals go off. Those smoke machines are also activated whenever Bama scores, and when Bama has won. After the starting lineups are announced, the players throw t-shirts into the crowd and they give the fans high fives after the game. Alabama offers various promotions to encourage attendance including team poster signings on Sunday evening games and other themes throughout the season. Students earn “Tide Loyalty” points for attending soccer matches which helps with priority access to football season tickets. The involvement of the students makes an Alabama soccer game an intense women’s soccer environment.   Neighborhood   5 The Alabama Soccer Stadium is located in the northeast of campus next to the Student Recreation Center and near Rhoads Stadium, home of Alabama softball. This part of campus is the furthest from Tuscaloosa’s entertainment district “The Strip” but less than 2 miles away. Newk’s Restaurant is nearby on University Boulevard while Baumhower’s Victory Grille is across McFarland Boulevard. Next to Baumhower’s is PopStroke, a mini golf course that is also a restaurant. Shopping options nearby include Midtown Village and University Mall, both of which are across the street from each other. For Lodging, Hampton Inn is located between Baumhower’s and PopStroke while Hotel Capstone is on campus, next to Sewell Thomas Stadium. I would recommend staying near downtown Tuscaloosa as there are more lodging options and plenty of restaurants. Plus the strip is more accessible, the River Walk is beautiful, and Capitol Park shows the remains of the old Alabama State Capitol building.   Fans   4 The fans fill up the Alabama Soccer Stadium with families and students packing the stands. The fence was lined with flags representing the nationalities of the players on the field. The students were bringing energy throughout the match. One of the students was banging on a drum throughout the night which added to the atmosphere.   Access   4 From I-20-59, turn off Exit 73 and make a right on Highway 82. Turn off on the ramp to University Boulevard and make a right. Make another right on Peter Bryce Boulevard and the soccer stadium will be on the left beside some tennis courts and the Student Recreation Center. There are two free parking lots near the stadium, one by the aforementioned facilities and another on the other side of the field by the Greek houses. The Alabama Soccer Stadium Has one main entrance where the concession stand and restrooms are located. The seating area is straightforward and the aisles are wide enough to move freely.   Return on Investment   5 In terms of a return on investment, I do not think you can do better than free. Parking and admission to Alabama soccer matches are free to attend while concession prices are what’s expected. There is also a chance to catch a t-shirt and High Five the Tide after a win. Alabama soccer is an underrated way to spend an evening in Tuscaloosa.   Extras   2 Several practice soccer fields surround the soccer stadium with games going on around the Alabama soccer game. The soccer stadium shares a parking lot with the nearby Student Recreation Center, which includes Stran-Hardin Arena, home to Alabama’s wheelchair basketball teams. The women’s team has won ten national championships while the men’s have won three. Final Thoughts The student body and the community have embraced the Alabama Crimson Tide’s women’s soccer team over the years. The program has been on the rise over the years and their 2022 run to the final four proves the Alabama women’s soccer team is a force to be reckoned with. The fans and students believe that the Tide will roll when they are on the pitch. They have reason to.

Photos by Jeremy Inson , Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 San Siro Via Piccolomini 5 Milan, Lombardy 20151 Italy Inter Milan website San Siro website Year Opened: 1926 Capacity: 80,018 Inside Inter With a capacity of just over 80,000 the Stadio San Siro is Italy’s largest and most well known soccer arena and home to two giants of Calcio, Associazione Calcio di Milan, the red and black shirted Milan and the blue and black striped Internazionale di Milano, or more commonly Inter. The stadium was built in 13 months and at a modern day cost of $4.5 million. The first match to take place there was a friendly between Inter and Milan on 19 September 1926 and it was the blue and black shirted hordes that left the happier after a 6-3 win. Initially the capacity was 35,000 but over the 20th century there were a number of extensions that eventually took the stadium’s capacity to its current total of 80,018 in preparation for Italy’s hosting of the FIFA World Cup in 1990. In 1980 the city of Milan decided to name the stadium after Giuseppe Meazza, a former hot-shot striker for both Milan and Inter, who had died in 1979. Despite this, the vast majority of the fans making their way to the stadium refer to it as the San Siro, after the area of the city in which it is located. Over the years both sets of supporters have made a strong case for their team to be top dogs. The 1960’s was certainly the heyday for the city, a decade in which Inter and Milan both won the European Cup twice. For most of the 1990’s Inter had to look on in envy and content themselves with three UEFA Cup wins, while their owner Massimo Moratti threw millions of dollars at the team in the hope of finally breaking Inter’s title drought. Their break came in 2006 when Juventus were stripped of the Serie A title in a match fixing sting and second placed Inter were handed the title. It set them up for five consecutive title wins, the most recent two in 2009 and 2010 under the guidance of Jose Mourinho. The Portuguese made few friends in Italy, but he brought an end to Inter’s 43-year wait to be crowned European Champions when two goals from Argentine striker Diego Milito secured a 2-0 win over Bayern Munich in 2010. For Inter the alumni is impressive. Striker Sandro Mazzola was at the heart of the 1960’s success, while Giacinto Facchetti and Tarcisio Burgnich embodied coach Helenio Herera’s catenaccio defensive system. While AC Milan had the trio of Dutchmen, Inter had a trio of World Cup winning Germans – Lothar Matthaus, Andreas Brehme and Jurgen Klinsmann. Then under Mourinho it was the arrival of Dutch playmaker Wesley Sniejder to complement the likes of Milito, Samuel Eto’o, Maicon and captain Javier Zanetti that finally gave Inter the class to win the Champions League. More recently Milan’s title victory in 2011, six months after Inter had won the 2010 World Club Championship, means that those Inter and Milan fans making their way towards the San Siro will be able to continue their debate about which team is the bigger for many more years to come. Food & Beverage 4 This being Italy, good food goes without saying. But a word of warning; eat before you get into the stadium as the options once you get through the turnstiles are few and far between, except for poorly supplied and jam-packed cafes. Outside though, the range of concession stands is remarkable. The majority of them serve tasty warm sandwiches, usually ham or roast pork, with either beer or a soft-drink to wash it down with. While basic is the word, they go down very well and the aroma from the roasting pork or sizzling sausages means you need a strong will to refuse a second one. If you have more of a sweet tooth keep an eye out for Il Padrino, a stand serving a vast array of Sicilian desserts, candies and sweets, such as canoli and ciambelle, a type of doughnut covered in chocolate. Atmosphere 5 With 80,000 seats to fill, the San Siro is rarely full, with the exception of city derbies or the visit of fellow northern Italians, Juventus. Even so the curva nord (north stand), which is home to the Inter masses, makes a fair amount of noise whomever the opponents. Come derby time though, the stadium becomes a frothing cauldron of love for your team and contempt for the opponents. Fan groups spend weeks designing banners to display, songs to sing and crowd choreography. Sometimes the emotions spill over, such as the time a scooter was thrown from one tribune onto fans below, miraculously without anyone being seriously injured, but most of the time it produces an atmosphere the players feed off and which infects everyone in the stadium. Neighborhood 2 The San Siro neighbourhood is in a fairly suburban, non-descript part of town, north-west of the city centre. There may be some very minor trouble around the end of an evening match, but most fans are far more concerned about getting back to the warmth of home, especially in winter when the mercury in the thermometer plunges ever lower and the wind whips in off the mountains north of the city. In truth there is little to see around the stadium and if you have time before or after a game, then there is plenty to see in the city centre once you are back there. Fans 4 Traditionally Milan fans came from the city’s working class, while Inter’s came from the bourgeois ranks. Nowadays, though, they come from a cross section of the city and boast numerous supporter groups from around the country. Milan was originally known as Milan Cricket Club, in recognition of its founding by the English community in the city in 1899. Inter by contrast, were formed in 1908 by disgruntled members who had grown exasperated by the snobbish attitude of the founders of Milan CC and so struck out with a more ‘international’ club, that featured players and members from across Europe. Nowadays the majority of the noise comes from disgruntled young men, who have similar grievances against their opponents, the government and their lack of opportunities in society. Access 3 Lotto is the nearest metro stop and is about a 15 minute walk to the stadium, just follow the crowds. Alternatively there are free buses lined up outside the station to whisk you to the stadium in about 5 minutes and more importantly take you back after the final whistle. The station is on the red line that passes through the heart of the city and has a stop at its most famous sight, Il Duomo, the cathedral outside which Inter and Milan celebrate their triumphs. Be warned though on match day the station and trains get packed very quickly. If you are coming in by car, the stadium is on the north-west of the city and well-signposted throughout. There are a few car parks near the stadium that charge around €10 ($13). There is free parking in some of the residential streets nearby, but these get snapped up quickly. Return on Investment 4 As one of the most successful teams in European soccer, tickets for Inter are in hot demand for city derbies and Champions League matches in particular. Prices begin around €30 ($40) and rise to about €80 ($105). There are a number of places to buy them around the city. The easiest place to buy tickets is either at branches of the Intesa San Paolo bank or from one of the numerous tobacconists around the city. In both cases, fans need to have a passport or some sort of ID on them when they buy them and it is advisable to have it on you at the game because spot checks, whilst rare, are rigorously enforced. While the size of the stadium means that it is rarely full, it does mean visiting supporters can watch some of the biggest Italia clubs when they come to town. Extras 4 The stadium holds tours three or four times a day, both in Italian and English and it allows fans to go through the administrative and media areas and visit the dressing rooms. As part of the tour, visitors receive access to the calcio museum that is on site. It contains copies of all Inter and Milan’s trophies, shirts from players from around the world and many interesting and unknown pieces of the clubs’ histories. In the city centre there is plenty to see. The cathedral and nearby Galleria are at the hub of city and for Dan Brown fans there is the chance to see the Last Supper at the Santa Maria delle Grazie church, but you must book beforehand. Final Thoughts There continues to be talk from Inter that they will eventually leave the San Siro and find a new purpose-built home further out of the city. However, with money tight and the stadium a big draw for Italian and foreign players that is unlikely to happen any time soon. Furthermore the stadium appears to be intrinsically linked to the success of the team. Like many teams in Italy both Inter and Milan want to own the stadium. With the exception of Juventus and Cesena the majority of stadiums are council-owned and as such clubs miss out on match day revenue, as well as pay to rent an increasingly outdated venue. Until then though, the stadium will continue to be a huge draw for supporters from around the world and while it may be some time before the Champions League final returns, there will still be plenty of drama and magic to come at the old stadium for many more years.

The wait is over. The New England Knockouts have released their team branding and it packs a punch. The Brockton, Massachusetts, ball club will play its first season in the Frontier League at Campanelli Stadium. The primary logo features a bulldog wearing boxing gloves and holding two baseball bats. He has a backward cap and is looking forward. The team name is above him and dotted with rivets, an homage to the south shore’s industrial history. The bulldog resembles the bruiser personality of every boxing champion; the gloves he is wearing are a tribute to Brockton’s infamous tie to the sport: Rocky Marciano and “Marvelous” Marvin Hagler. The secondary marks feature the bulldog again and have him wearing a crown and ready to box.  The next mark spells out “KO”, short for “knockout”, and uses a ring bell for the letter O. The final mark reads “City of Champions” in cursive font. The official colors are titled “Jab” (navy blue), “Hook” (sky blue), “Overhand” (red), “Bell" (yellow), and “Canvas” (cream). The team was originally going to be called the Chowdaheads, a name chosen by fans in an online contest. The name received 3,100 votes, but team officials overruled it after it received a lukewarm reception. On December 15, the organization announced that the new name would be Knockouts to honor the city’s boxing history. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter  and his YouTube channel . Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 The Stadium at the Jopson Athletic Complex 402 E College St Bridgewater, VA 22812 Bridgewater Eagles website The Stadium at the Jopson Athletic Complex website Year Opened: 1924 Capacity: 6,500 D3 Football in the Shenandoah The Stadium at the Jopson Athletic Complex is home to the Bridgewater Eagles football program, as well as the school’s field hockey, lacrosse, and track and field teams. The facility seats 3,500 and received major upgrades most recently in 2013 and 2024. The Eagles compete in the NCAA’s Division III, as members of the Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC). Bridgewater most recently won the conference back in 2019, and prior to that won the conference title five straight times from 2001 to 2005.   Food & Beverage   3 The Stadium has concessions only on the home side, although since the venue isn’t that big, it isn’t really that far of a walk around the field if you are sitting on the visiting side. Food choices include burgers, hot dogs, nachos, chips, candy, popcorn, and soft pretzels – prices range from $3 to $7, with the cheeseburger being the most expensive item. The food tastes good and is served up rather quickly, as it is pre-made and pre-wrapped, all ready to go. Drinks include bottled water, bottled soda (Pepsi products), and Gatorade – drink prices are $4, except for the Gatorade, which is $5.   Atmosphere   3 Bridgewater has a nice little football stadium that seems pretty modern. The venue has real bathrooms next to the concession stand, including a family restroom if needed. The scoreboard is a mix of a regular digital stats tracker on one side, with video capability on the other side for replays. I did not see a mascot, but the Eagles have a band and cheerleaders, and a pretty decent tailgating scene on two sides of the stadium – the home tailgating can be seen from the field (to the southeast), while the visitor tailgating is a bit further down the street (to the northwest).   Neighborhood   2 Bridgewater, Virginia is a small town with a few restaurants along Main Street, mostly of the fast food and quick service type, including Chinese, pizza, and Barbecue. There is one small hotel in town, near the athletic complex, but all the typical hotel chains are about 5 miles away along I-81.   Fans   2 Bridgewater doesn’t have a ton of fans at the typical game at The Stadium, but you will see some folks wearing team gear, and the fans do cheer at the right times during the game. Like many football teams at this level, you might see more visiting fans at certain games than home fans, as the teams in D2/D3 conferences tend to be more closely clustered together geographically than you will see in FBS and FCS, especially after the recent/ongoing FBS conference realignment.   Access   4 As mentioned above, The Stadium at the Jopson Athletic Complex is only about 5 miles away from I-81, so getting here is pretty easy, depending on where you are coming from, of course; I-81 may not work as well if you coming from the east or west, rather than from the north or south. There is only one entrance into The Stadium, and you can buy tickets as you enter (their website says they don’t take cash, but that wasn’t true the last time I attended). Once inside the stadium there is plenty of room on the concourse, and you can sit wherever you want, either on the home or visiting side (the home side does have a few chairback seats near the center, while the visiting side is all bleachers without backs), or you can stand along the fence and watch from there.   Return on Investment   4 Tickets are only $10, and you can purchase them online before the game, or pay cash or use a card on the day of. Tailgate parking costs $25, and all passengers will be ID checked and given a wristband, if applicable, showing they are 21 or older. Non-tailgate parking is free, in one of the campus lots a couple of blocks to the southwest of The Stadium, on E College Ave. While not offering a ton of excitement compared to some football venues you may have been to, for the money this is a perfectly nice way to spend an evening, and enjoy some gridiron action in a pleasant, low-key setting.   Extras   1 The Eagles do have an eagle statue near the main entrance to The Stadium at the Jopson Athletic Complex. One negative is the lack of bathrooms and concessions on the visiting side, although you don’t have to sit over there, either.   Final Thoughts If you are used to D2 or D3 college football, you can imagine the kind of experience you will find here – I will say the football venue here is better than many of the D3 facilities I have been to, but you won’t have the large crowds, and high energy/noise, that you may be used to at FCS, FBS, or pro football venues, which for this sportswriter and fan, is perfectly fine. It is nice to not have to fight any crowds for a change, and to have plenty of space around you in your seat.

Photos by Andrei Ojeda, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum 3911 S Figueroa St Los Angeles, CA 90037 Los Angeles Rams website Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum website Year Opened:  1923 Capacity:  93,000 Whose House? Rams House Opened in 1923, The Los Angeles Coliseum has been the host to countless historic events, including the 1932 and 1984 Summer Olympics, Super Bowls I and VII, and the 1959 World Series. The Dodgers would play their first four seasons at the Coliseum before moving into their permanent fixture at Chavez Ravine. UCLA Football and the Raiders would also call the Coliseum home at one time, while the USC Trojans continue their gridiron home inside the old lady’s hallowed walls. Prior to returning to Los Angeles in 2016, the Rams would call the Coliseum home from 1946 to 1979. The Grand Old Lady has been given both California and U.S. National Historic Landmark status. The historic peristyle end of the stadium is where its signature Olympic Cauldron resides. Food & Beverage 5 For such an old venue, the Coliseum does an outstanding job of creating space to allow for a diverse dining experience. The food options are abundant, ranging from gourmet hot dogs from Daug Haus, Aussie Pies, Tamales, Kalua Pork Bowls to other offerings extending from Mexican to Asian. Just outside the peristyle end is the Taste of Los Angeles where you will find an assortment of food trucks that vary throughout the season such as the lobstatruck or the Korean Belly Bomb. The Fields LA is the newest addition in Exposition Park located next to nearby Banc of California Stadium . The Fields, open before and after the game and offers an array of pre and postgame dining options ranging from Soul Food, Seafood, Mediterranean, and organic greens. Atmosphere 4 In spite of a current capacity of over 70,000, even with a full house at its loudest the noise tends to dissipate due to its vast size. The massive oval playing surface is very large for a conventional football field, which is placed closer to the west end zone and a great distance from the east peristyle. In spite of the old yard’s deficiencies, this does not deter the fans from displaying their enthusiasm for the home team. While you won’t have the most up to date amenities found in most any modern day venue, there is still plenty of history steeped into the Coliseum. With the Rams scheduled to move to Inglewood in 2020, if you want an old-school experience, you owe it to yourself to take in at least one game before the Rams make way to more upscale quarters. Neighborhood 4 On the grounds of the Coliseum is Exposition Park. If you are looking for other activities prior to the game, the Natural History Museum, the California African American Museum, as well as the Natural History Museum and the California ScienCenter are located inside the park. To be able to visit all the museums and fully take in the experience, you would probably need two days. If you’re limited on time, you may want to visit the California ScienCenter, home to the Space Shuttle Endeavour. Not far from the Coliseum is the L.A. Live entertainment complex directly across the street from Staples Center, easily accessible from the Coliseum through L.A. Metro Expo Line. Fans 4 After over 20 years without an NFL team, after a slow start during their inaugural return, fans have embraced the Rams with open arms and have been rewarded greatly with a Super Bowl appearance in just its third year back. It was once wondered if the fans could continually fill the stands at the Coliseum. The Coliseum, once at a capacity of over 80,000, was deemed too big for such a diverse market. With the team reaching the postseason the last couple of seasons, the fans have returned to full form, truly making the Coliseum on game day, the Rams House. Access 3 The Coliseum is about three miles southwest of downtown Los Angeles and adjacent to the USC campus. The stadium is most easily reached from the 10 or the 110, both of which unfortunately have some of the most congested traffic in the area.  There are multiple satellite lots as well as parking on the USC campus that are typically priced based on proximity to the stadium. If you should be so fortunate, you may find pricing as low as $75. Should you decide to use public transit rather than drive, the MTA’s Metro Expo Line has a station conveniently located across the street from campus, a short walk away as you walk through Exposition Park. A day pass, along with a TAP card is a great bargain at $9. The Expo Line also offers convenient connections with other MTA rail and bus lines should you want to explore what L.A. has to offer. Once inside the stadium you will find a concourse the encircles the entire stadium. If your seats are on the upper level, expect some rather intimidating inclines. Fortunately, for those do not wish to navigate up the stairs, three escalators, two of them on the south stands, are on site. Return on Investment 4 Ticket prices run from $70 for seats in the corners of the peristyle end and are quite a distance from the field. If you are just looking to take in the action at a bargain (for NFL standards) regardless of your seating location this is your best bet. Otherwise, expect to pay in the triple digits for seats along the sidelines. With the success the Rams have had this year (2018-19), do not expect the prices to dwindle anytime soon. The experience you get while watching one of the top teams in action could well be worth it. Extras 3 During your visit to the stadium, be sure to walk by the arches and check out the “Court of Honor.” This memorial has many plaques to recognize the events or achievements that have occurred at the stadium. Notable names such as Daniel Reeves, Jesse Owens, Pope John Paul II, Jackie Robinson, John Wooden, and Jerry West all hold a place in the Court. If the Olympic rings and arches weren’t enough, check out the “Olympic Gateway” in front of the Coliseum. Created in 1984 by Robert Graham, this structure rises 25 feet above ground and has headless male and female bodies made of bronze. Final Thoughts The Coliseum is going through a face lift. When completed, The Grand Old Lady is expected to have a seating capacity of over 75,000. After a slow start upon their return to L.A., the Rams have had plenty of success, climaxed by a trip to Super Bowl LIII. With the Rams due to play in their gleaming new digs in 2020, the USC Trojans football program will continue to call the Coliseum their home. The anticipation and excitement for 2019 should be high and the Rams will look to finish their second go ‘round at the Coliseum a memorable one.

Photos by Chris Green and Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 Chase Field 401 E Jefferson St Phoenix, AZ 85004 Map It Arizona Diamondbacks website Chase Field website Year Opened: 1998 Capacity: 48,519 Las Serpientes The MLB Arizona Diamondbacks (D-Backs) unexpectedly claimed the 2023 National League Championship but fell to the Texas Rangers in the World Series.  The team has made it to the postseason several other times over its 26 seasons, winning the World Series in 2001.   The D-Backs play their home games at Chase Field, formerly known as Bank One Ballpark. It is one of eight major league baseball stadiums with a dome or retractable roof, definitely needed for the scorching hot summers in Phoenix, AZ.   The D-Backs organization enhanced the gameday experience this 2024 season.  The organization added new, colorful lighting used expertly to heighten the pregame introduction and intensify the game highlights, home runs, etc.  Red and white lights flash, strobe, and propel throughout the stadium.  All very nicely done.  The organization also added a new sound system using CO12 loudspeakers for better announcements, broadcasts, and music sound clarity.  Chase Field hosted WBC (World Baseball Classic) games in 2006, 2013, and 2023. It serves as a concert hall several times throughout the year. It has held soccer matches, bull-riding contests, Supercross and Monster Jams, and more.  With its new audio and lighting systems, expect even more concerts and events at the stadium. The D-Backs put on a good gameday operation. To me, there is a vast difference in seeing a game with the roof open vs. the roof closed, so if doable, try attending a game in April when the weather isn’t as hot, and the roof is open. Food & Beverage 4 Like most MLB facilities, all varieties of food stands, concessions, bars, snacks, and drink offerings are widely available at Chase Field at traditional high-priced stadium prices.  There are too many to list but click here to get the full directory.    Some offerings include Hungry Hill sangwiches – yes, spelled with a g (sausage, bratwurst, meatball, etc.), Rey Gloria’s Tamales, Bat Flip Burgers, D-Backs BBQ Alley, Cold Stone Creamery, Streets of New York Pizza, and Gadzooks (a local Phoenix restaurant known for their enchiladas).  Vegan burgers and wraps are available at some concessions. To help reduce wait time, some Grab N Go stands are set up along the concourse. Several stands offer ‘avoiding gluten’ and/or vegan and vegetarian choices. Concession stands sell canned and draft beers, hard seltzers, cocktails, margaritas, and wine throughout the stadium.  Craft beers include local Phoenix Four Peaks, Elysian, Golden Road, and Cerveza Importada.  A Hop Valley stand is on the first level down the first base side. A Leinenkugel stand is on the third level.   Chase Field provides value items at their Double Header concession stands where a Pepsi, hot dog, corn dog, or popcorn are each just $2.99. That’s quite a deal when all you desire is a snack.   Three restaurants are at Chase Field: Guy Fieri DTPHX Kitchen & Bar @ Caesars Sportsbook  (across from the main entrance) Cold Beers & Cheeseburgers  (left field – open 7 days a week) Estrella Jalisco Cantina   (upstairs in right field – open to the public)   The first level of Chase Field has way more concession options than the third level. Even though the organization added more express lines this season, concession lines can get long (especially for Cold Stone Creamery and Icees).  Outside food is permitted in the stadium as long as it’s in a clear plastic baggie. Fans can bring sealed bottles of water in as well. Atmosphere 4 The Diamondbacks provide an excellent gameday experience where, for the most part, the actual game still seems like the focus of attention. The stadium is a bit dark inside when the roof and panels are closed. It’s much brighter and cheerier when it’s open. That said, it is a relief to have a roof and air conditioning during the sweltering hot months of the summer.   The stadium has three levels of seating, with the middle level being the club level. Most seats are comfortable standard green fold-down stadium seats with cup holders and plenty of legroom. The upper third level is rather steep. The lower left and right field seating areas have metal bleachers with backs and cup holders. A net protects the first-level seating areas from sections 111 – 134.  The turf is Shaw B1K synthetic turf, installed in 2019.     The scoreboard features game information and video replays. Panels on each side of the scoreboard display the lineups for each team. The scoreboard provides closed captioning for ‘canned’ announcements. The organization runs a slew of promotions throughout the season which include events like bobblehead giveaways, fireworks, ethnic heritage days, religious celebration games, etc. Even though the venue has a new, clear, focused and directed sound system, the volume is still perfect for a ballgame.  Fans can have conversations with their neighbors without having to yell over the music.  Because of its design, the audio works just as well when the roof is open or closed.    A unique feature at Chase Field is the swimming pool in right-center field. A few other stadiums have that now (like the Marlins’ loanDepot Park and the Jacksonville Jaguars’ venue), but Chase Field was the first. Another spot to visit when in the park is the History & Championship Exhibit – a museum documenting the Arizona Diamondbacks’ history - its origination, logos, victorious moments, signed autographs, gold gloves, and more. The museum is on the first level, center field concourse. Chase Field Swimming Pool, Photo by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Neighborhood 5 Located in downtown Phoenix, Chase Field is within a few blocks of many restaurants, bars, hotels, and other entertainment. The Arrogant Butcher, Pizzeria Bianco, The Kettle Black Kitchen, Ingo’s Tasty Food, and Majerles’ are just a few blocks away. If you’re just looking for an affordable craft beer before the game, check out the Whining Pig. A Huss Brewing Brewpub is a few blocks from the stadium. Recommended places to stay within walking distance of the stadium include the Hyatt Regency Phoenix, Renaissance Phoenix Downtown, Courtyard by Marriott Phoenix Downtown, or Springhill Suites. Plenty more are in the neighborhood. Since these are right smack downtown, they are pricey. Other hotels near the Valley Metro light rail stations may offer more affordable choices.   Attractions near Chase Field include the Arizona Science Center, Wells Fargo Museum, Heritage Square, and St Mary’s Basilica. You may be able to catch a WNBA Phoenix Mercury  game or a late season NBA Phoenix Suns  game at the Footprint Center a block away. You may also be able to catch a Phoenix Rising FC (soccer) game when in town. It's just a few stops east on the light rail. Fans 3 Diamondback fan attendance has increased since the team’s 2023 conference championship.  The fans provide decent encouragement to the team.  Fan attendance generally runs over 50% full.  However, when popular teams like the Red Sox, Cubs, Dodgers, or Yankees come to town, the stadium sells out. [I switched sentences] The Diamondbacks are about the middle of the pack in overall MLB attendance.   Most fans sport their Diamondback hats and jerseys to games and they are very welcoming to visiting fans.  Access 5 Chase Field is very accessible via automobile as it has close and easy access to I-10 and I-17. Plenty of parking is available for $25 - $30 in nearby garages and lots. The Chase Field Garage at 401 S 4th St and the Jefferson Street Garage at 333 E Jefferson St are the closest and are covered. Parking is cashless at most garages, but some of the lots are cash-only.   Even better than driving, Phoenix’s Metro Light rail system  has a stop right near Chase Field’s entrance either at the 3rd St/Washington or the 3rd St/Jefferson stop, depending on which   direction you are travelling. Light Rail Station at Chase Field, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey If travelling from out of town, Sky Harbor International Airport is the most popular airport in the area. A fan can take the light rail right from the airport to Chase Field. Located in the APS Solar Pavilion by the main entrance, the stadium offers lockers to store luggage or oversized items. Gates open 1 ½ hours before the first pitch on Sunday - Thursday and two hours before on Friday and Saturday. Chase Field allows fans to bring in clear stadium bags (12” x 6” x 12”) and small hand-sized clutches.   Inside the venue, the concourses are wide (even on the third level), though I expect during a sold-out game, even those can get crowded. Only one escalator is available near the main entrance at Jefferson and 4th St. Elevators are on hand to get patrons to the higher seating levels. The stadium is equipped with seven all-inclusive restrooms, which have baby changing tables. Return on Investment 4 Single-game ticket prices have increased and range from $25 up to $225 (plus astronomical Ticketmaster fees).  Prices vary based on the gameday and the opponent. Check third-party sites to see if there are less expensive tickets if attending just one game. The D-Backs have extremely affordable season ticket holder packages and deals (even mini plans), so if you live in the area, that is a more affordable option.   Take advantage of one of the many promotional games, even a Kids Free Weekend, to get the best bang for your buck.    Concession prices are high but not uncommon for MLB stadiums. They do have the $2.99 deal, so that’s a fantastic bonus. The Taste of Chase concession stand next to the main merchandise shop offers 25% off your purchase if you use a Chase credit or debit card. A $4 day pass ($2 for seniors) on the light rail makes getting to the ballpark quite reasonable.   All in all, attending a game at Chase Field is worth any fan's sports entertainment budget. Extras 4 Chase Field has several additional items worth noting.   Audio and Lighting Enhancements – Upgrades to the sound system and lighting structure improve gameday excitement with the use of advanced technology. Energy Efficient Pavilion – The APS Solar Pavilion provides 14,000+ square feet of shaded entry, plus it generates additional solar power energy.   Organ Music - Organist Bobby Freeman, located on the third level near the top of the escalator and kid’s zone, is a joy to listen to during the game. D-Backs Insider – The organization provides a printed program with team articles, a scorecard, the schedule, advertisements, and stadium features. Final Thoughts Chase Field provides pleasurable gameday enjoyment and is easy to reach and traverse. The swimming pool and the retractable roof and panels offer unique elements to the ballpark. A recommendation is to visit early in the season (April) to enjoy a game with the roof open. Phoenix is a vacation destination in early spring and late fall, so enjoy a D-Backs game when in town.