Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Rickwood Field 1137 2nd Ave W Birmingham, AL 35204 Birmingham Barons website Rickwood Field website Year Opened: 1910 Capacity: 10,800 A Historic Palace for Baseball in Birmingham The Rickwood Classic is played annually in late May at the world’s oldest ballpark Rickwood Field in Birmingham, Alabama. It was constructed by owner Rick Woodward for his Barons baseball club in 1910. The team would play until 1961 before returning as a Southern League member in 1964. In 1987 the Barons would play the final season at the historic ballpark and relocate 18 miles south to the suburb of Hoover to a $14 million sleek new ballpark. The $75,000 stadium was modeled after Pittsburgh’s Forbes Field and designed by Southeastern Engineering Company of Birmingham. There were more than 10,000 fans in attendance when it played its first game on August 18, 1910 many businesses were allowed to close early to allow workers to watch the game. When it played its last season in 1987, it was the second oldest ballpark, only six weeks newer than Chicago’s Comiskey Park. The stadium was home to the Black Barons (1925-1930, 1937, 1940-1960) of the Negro Leagues, Alabama Crimson Tide football (1912-1927), and was the spring training site for the Philadelphia Phillies (1911 and 1920) and Pittsburgh Pirates (1919). The major motion pictures Cobb, Soul of the Game, and 42 were filmed here at Rickwood. The majority of why Rickwood Field is still standing is due to the work of the Friends of Rickwood, the volunteer group of baseball purists and historic preservationists who have worked profusely on restoring the stadium to its former glory. At the time of the Barons departure, the stadium required much-needed repairs. The electrical system was on its last legs, water pipes underneath the field were broken, lights would go out during games, and a two-by-four plank held up the ceiling in the cramped manager’s office. Steadily, improvements were made to the grandstands, press box, locker rooms, light, roof, and main entrance. They are responsible for the overall revitalization of the ballpark, including the scheduling, marketing, fundraising, and implementation of the restoration project itself. There are over 200 events held per year at Rickwood, and it’s the home to high school, semi-pro, police, and travel baseball. Miles College plays its home games at the historic stadium. One of these events is the Rickwood Classic which began in 1996. The Barons play annually against another league member, don period uniforms, and play underneath the sun in the afternoon. The proceeds from the game help with the maintenance of the facility. Rickwood Field is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Food & Beverage 3 There is a main concession area underneath the grandstand on the main concourse, and two portable areas are set up down the first and third base lines. The basic ballpark food is here: hot dogs, soda, peanuts, and nachos. The grill down the third base side offers Italian and Polish sausage, chicken fingers and fries, and cold Miller Lite and Yuengling. A Papa John’s pizza cart on the third baseline sells personal pizzas, and a giant grill serves hamburgers, hot dogs, and brats on the first baseline. However, bring cash, since Rickwood Field does not accept credit cards. In case you are light on dollar bills, there are several portable ATMs located outside the stadium on the first base side. Atmosphere 5 Rickwood Classic is a nostalgic trip back to a time when the game was played differently. All the modern comforts at nearby Regions Field are replaced with vintage ads on the outfield walls, a hand-operated scoreboard, large foul territory, and narrow concourses and walkways. They don’t build them like this anymore, and thankfully there is the chance to experience this living museum once a year. “The place looks the same as it did when I played here, but it sure was a lot of fun to play at this stadium, said former Negro League player Russell “Crazy Legs” Patterson, one of the many former players who make the trip annually to take in the game. The players are dressed in retro uniforms, along with umpires, staff members, and fans in attendance who also dress their part for the game. This particular afternoon game harkens back to the mid-1950s when the club was a farm team to the New York Yankees, but other games may have featured the mod styles of the late 1960s or formal designs of the Roaring Twenties. Just in case you wanted to know, you can’t smoke cigarettes or cigars in the stadium. The players seem to relish their time at the old ballpark, many sit on top of the dugout, take practice on opposite ends of the outfield before the game, and pull up their socks to their knees. The game begins with a former major league player throwing out the first pitch; today’s pitch was former All-Star and World Series MVP Bucky Dent. The atmosphere might remind many of the minor league experience during their childhood a few decades past. The concessions are limited, and not varied by today’s standards, and only a small booth sells paraphernalia that includes t-shirts, caps, posters, and balls. There are no promotions on the field between innings, no zealous announcer yelling his head off, and the score is kept by hand by a small staff up above the right-field fence. The seats are covered and wrap around the right field wall, which at one time was segregated seating for Barons games. The main entrance has been restored to its 1940’s era design, and those are the original light towers from 1936 on the roof. Still, watching a game is comfortable from your seat, even though the home plate is much further out from current ballparks. Neighborhood 2 Rickwood is in an old residential neighborhood west of downtown and not within walking distance of restaurants, bars, or retail. You will need to have a car to get to and from the ballpark. The Baron's current home Regions Field is 3.1 miles. The city offers a few places to visit including the Civil Rights Museum, Vulcan Park & Museum, Birmingham Zoo, and Birmingham Museum of Art. Saw’s Barbecue and Eugene Hot Chicken are two local restaurants that are favorites among locals. Dreamland Barbecue is also a popular destination and features numerous locations. El Barrio and Carrigan’s Public House are two other great establishments in town for dining. Good People Brewery, TrimTab Brewing Company, and Ghost Train Brewing Company are three well-established places for craft beer, and each offers an eclectic setting for beers and good times. Good People benefits being located across the street from Regions Field. Fans 3 The annual game draws average crowds between 5,000-7,000 at the stadium. The facility is filled with local Barons faithful and many visitors who are here just for the game itself. Today’s game was threatened with inclement weather, but that did not stop many from waiting in line for the skies to clear. Access 3 Rickwood Field is almost 120 years old and features elements of its days and many that we don’t miss at today’s ballparks. The main concourse is narrow and features a chain link fence separating the lower box seats from the upper box seats; maneuvering them can be tricky since the entrances are limited. The steps to the upper seating area are wide and take some stretching of the feet. The main concourse offers a terrain that features concrete, gravel, grass, and some uphill walking. However, it’s spacious enough to ease through traffic, except if you are at the main concession stand in line for food or a souvenir hat or cap. This section of the ballpark is congested, at times, and wait times can be longer. Return on Investment 5 The price of a ticket to the Rickwood Classic is $10, one heck of a bargain to be able to travel back in time to enjoy a baseball game. Public parking is $5 and is available on a first-come, first-served basis adjacent to the stadium. Space is limited, and fans tend to arrive early. If you want to save money, there is street parking in the neighborhood surrounding the field. Extras 4 One star for the Friends of Rickwood, who through hours of dedication and service, have made the Rickwood Classic possible. There have been over $2 million worth of renovations at the stadium in the past 26 years that have included improvements to the press box, seats, roof, field, and many other areas. A second star is for the hand-operated scoreboard in left field. It is a replica of a version that once stood in the stadium during the 1940s. A third star is for the vintage ads that are painted and weatherproofed on the outfield walls. They include real and past businesses in town and were designed with a 1920s look and feel. There is also hand-painted signage for both the Barons and Black Barons pennants, during their existence at Rickwood Field. A fourth star to the Negro League players who make the annual trip and are accessible to talk to about their experience and Rickwood. These men are accessible, pose for photos, and offer plenty of stories to tell about their days here in Birmingham and beyond. Final Thoughts The word unique gets used a lot in writing, but attending the Rickwood Classic is a one-of-a-kind event that attracts ballpark hunters like myself and legions of fans who appreciate that a minor league game is still held in such a palace. The world’s oldest ballpark looks good and hosts up to 200 events each year. It is a ballpark, a museum, a history lesson, and a trip back in time. Rick Woodard is probably smiling somewhere, knowing his ballpark is still being used for its intended purpose-baseball. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel. Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Matt Finnigan, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Folsom Field Colorado Ave Boulder, CO 80302 Colorado Buffaloes website Folsom Field website Year Opened: 1924 Capacity: 50,183 The Buffalo Roam Under Boulder's Flatirons Folsom Field, home to the Pac-12 Conference’s University of Colorado Buffaloes, is not the largest college football stadium in the country. Folsom seats 50,183, less than half of the capacities of the football stadiums at places such as the University Michigan (107,601); Penn State University (106,572); and Ohio State University (102,780). Nor is Folsom the newest football stadium in the country, as it will celebrate its centennial in 2024. But set against the dramatic Flatirons to the stadium’s west, Folsom has beauty and spectator proximity to the playing field that schools with larger and newer stadiums envy. Folsom is also home to one of college football’s greatest traditions: Ralphie’s run just before the first- and second-half kickoffs. Since 1967, a live buffalo has charged ahead of the CU team as it takes the field. Five “handlers,” all current CU students, run Ralphie south along Folsom Field’s east sideline, across the field, north along the west sideline, and into a trailer sitting behind the north end zone (frequently as surprised opponents are taking the field). Ralphie’s handlers must try out, complete physical exams, driving tests, and background checks before being selected; if selected, each handler must dedicate approximately 30 hours per week to Ralphie’s care and to the school’s live mascot program. “Ralphie” is a female buffalo because males are much bigger and are more easily excitable. Between stunning views around the stadium, high-level competition, and the chance to watch an American bison charge the field, even casual college football fans will enjoy a game at Folsom. Food & Beverage 3 There are plenty of places to buy food and beverages at Folsom Field but long, slow-moving lines routinely form. CU has created several “grab and go” concession stands, where customers pick up food (hot dogs, nachos, pretzels, etc.) and bottled drinks from heated racks and large refrigerators, respectively. Fans will find these concession stands in Balch Fieldhouse, behind the west grandstand, and behind the grandstand on Folsom’s east side. Although this arrangement can alleviate long lines, the food quality seems to suffer. Nacho cheese congeals while waiting to be purchased alongside stale chips. The frequent opening and closing of refrigerators prevents the bottled soft drinks inside from staying cold. The grab-and-go concept can work at a sporting event but the execution at Folsom Field needs improvement. The courtyard outside Balch Fieldhouse’s south entrance, just outside Folsom Field’s Gate 1, provides the best concessions. There, fans can enjoy the weather, snap a photo with the “Monarch of the Plains” buffalo statue, and find several interesting dining options. Steuben’s restaurant, a Denver comfort food tradition, serves a delicious Nashville chicken sandwich ($14) and a green chile cheeseburger ($13) that are quite good. Jake’s Mini Donut Diner offers donuts with cinnamon sugar, powdered sugar, chocolate dip, and sprinkles for $6 per bag. Pepsi products are the exclusive soft drinks at Folsom Field, selling for $4 per can. Bottled still (Aquafina) and sparkling water (Bubly) also sell for $4. Those seeking a more adult beverage will not be disappointed. Boulder’s Avery Brewing Company and CU developed a lager, Stampede, that is the official beer of the CU Athletic Department and bears Ralphie’s visage on each can. It’s available, along with other craft beers, for $12 for 16 ounces and $10 for 12 ounces. Twenty-four ounce domestic beers (Coors products) sell for $13.50. Fans will also find Vizzy and Topo Chico hard seltzers for $14 per can. Atmosphere 4 When filled, Folsom Field presents opponents with a loud and intimidating atmosphere. Configured as a horseshoe, with the “open” end behind the stadium’s north end zone, Folsom has large scoreboards with video screens at either end. Folsom’s grandstands have only metal bleachers. Fans can rent cushioned seatbacks for $8 outside the stadium’s southeast entrances. This can be a worthwhile purchase for fans with sore backs or who do not wish to sit on cold metal later in the season. More comfortable seats are available in luxury suites and premium seating areas. Folsom Field’s 1924 design did not leave much room between the sidelines and the stands, so the crowd is very close to the action. The stadium’s scoreboard video screens receive good use. Historical footage of Ralphie is shown as part of a pre-game countdown. The Golden Buffalo Marching Band performs before each game and at halftime. The Buffs’ human mascot, “Chip,” is one of the nation’s best. During late-season games, Chip has been known to create his own small berm from which he can jump on a snowboard. There is much to like about the atmosphere, but Folsom Field needs to upgrade its sound system, which fans cannot hear in certain sections (Section 204, as an example). There are several seating options. For those wanting a great view of Ralphie as she leads the team onto the field, Sections 119, 120, and 121 are your best bets. The seats on Folsom Field’s east side face the mountains to the west, providing a dramatic backdrop to the action on the field. Seating on the west side of the stadium is good for those who might want to take cover in the adjacent Balch Fieldhouse, where concession stands, big-screen televisions, and warmth are all contained under one roof. The visiting team’s fans and band typically sit in Sections 101, 102, and 103. Neighborhood 5 Folsom Field is situated on CU’s Boulder campus within easy walking distance of all buildings and parking facilities. Just to the west of campus, University Hill provides several locations for food and drink also within walking distance of Folsom Field. The campus teems with beauty and is worth exploring. Old Main, the first building constructed on CU’s campus, opened a few months before Colorado became a state in 1876 and houses the CU Heritage Center. For those wanting to learn more about Ralphie or the rest of the university, the Heritage Center warrants a visit. The Heritage Center also has a LEGO model of the CU campus comprised of approximately 1 million bricks, as well as artifacts belonging to CU alumnus and astronaut Ellison Onizuka that were recovered from the Space Shuttle Challenger’s wreckage in 1986. Boulder’s University Hill sits just west of the CU campus, across Broadway. Bars, shops, and restaurants line 13th Street. The Sink, at the corner of 13th and Pennsylvania Avenue, opened in 1923, one year before Folsom Field’s debut. The Sink is within an easy walk of the stadium and its burgers warrant inclusion in any discussion of the nation’s best. Actor Robert Redford worked as a janitor at the Sink in 1955 while he was a student on a baseball scholarship at CU. Beyond campus, Boulder has dining, drinking, and entertainment options for just about everyone. The Pearl Street Mall, a three-block long pedestrian mall with shops and restaurants, sits less than two miles from Folsom Field. Closer to campus, the Twenty-Ninth Street Mall is an open-air shopping center with restaurants to suit any taste or budget. There are plenty of nearby options for fans looking for something other than a bar or restaurant. Boulder’s Chautauqua Park, at Baseline Road and 9th Street in Boulder, has some of the town’s best hiking and rock climbing. It also has a full dining hall and close-up views of the Flatirons, for those looking for a tamer kind of adventure. The paved Boulder Creek path begins west of campus in Boulder Canyon and parallels the creek through downtown Boulder, across CU’s campus just north of and down the hill from Folsom Field, and travels five miles to east Boulder. Fans can easily walk or bicycle to games along the creek path. Fans 3 One of the best aspects of a Buffs game is the enthusiasm of the students. Seated on Folsom Field’s east side, the student section, the “CUnit,” generates most of the crowd’s energy. The students are loud, engaged, and thrilled when good fortune finds the CU gridders. The students also sing along with the Golden Buffalo Marching Band. Other fans are engaged as well, but the students and the band seemingly fuel the team’s play. The Buffs drew home crowds that filled Folsom at an average of 91 percent between 2015-2019, according to College Football News. Only Oregon (102.8%), Utah (101.2%), Washington (94.9%), and Washington State (92.7%) filled their stadiums to higher percentages in the Pac-12 during that time. Folsom does not sell out regularly but that may change as the program improves. Access 3 Getting to Folsom Field is much easier than getting around Folsom Field once there. The Regional Transportation District (RTD) operates several bus lines from Denver to Boulder, with several bus stops at or near Folsom Field. The closest stop is at Folsom Street and Colorado Avenue. Fans can also reach Folsom Field by bike or by foot from just about anywhere in Boulder. The City of Boulder has an excellent bike-sharing program that recently added 100 electric bikes to its existing, 300-bike fleet. Parking at the CU Events Center garage is $30 per car and likely the closest public parking available. Alternatively, fans can park for $15 per car at CU’s East Campus east of the stadium on Colorado Avenue. The walk is long but shuttle buses run frequently between the parking lot and the stadium. Because Folsom Field is nearing its 100th birthday, however, negotiating its walkways and concourses can take time. The concourses in and outside the stadium can be narrow – as is to be expected at an older facility. But lines at concession stands are long and slow, winnowing the space in nearby concourses such that fans must slide around one another. Balch Fieldhouse tends to fill during pre-game and halftime; otherwise, it is a nice place to find shelter and food. Return on Investment 3 The cost to attend a game at Folsom Field compares favorably to the cost of attending a game at other Power Five conference schools. Single-game tickets begin at $40 for seats in the upper level of Folsom Field’s south end. A 50 yard-line seat, 20 rows from the field sells for $130. CU does offer multiple-game and season ticket packages, both of which enable fans to buy game tickets at lower prices. Concession prices are consistent with pricing at most large sporting events, perhaps slightly higher. A cheeseburger sells for $12.50, while personal pizzas are available for $12; hot dogs are $6 apiece. Fans can also snack on traditional stadium fare: popcorn ($6), pretzels ($5), and candy ($5). Although CU does not permit fans to bring coolers into Folsom Field, empty thermoses are allowed and water stations can be found around the stadium’s perimeter. Fans can thus hydrate without having to spend money or wait in lines at concession stands. Extras 3 A point is awarded in recognition of the grass-roots funding for Ralphie’s feeding, maintenance, and care. CU’s live mascot program – arguably college football’s best – is funded entirely through donations from fans. The Buffs earn another point for recycling. CU has introduced zero-waste and carbon-reduction programs at all home sporting events that include a cool promotion. The Buffs convert recycled plastic bottles, collected after games at Folsom Field, into the t-shirts that CU’s spirit squad throws into the stands to celebrate every CU touchdown. Also, a point goes to CU’s Pearl Street Stampede. The night before each home game, CU holds a pep rally along the Pearl Street Mall in downtown Boulder. The team throws miniature footballs into the crowd and the CU spirit squads participate, while the Golden Buffalo Marching Band plays to the delight of those gathered along the mall. Final Thoughts Folsom Field may not have the size or new-stadium smell of other college football venues, but it has plenty of other assets. Simply put, Boulder is one of college football’s most stunning settings. The Flatirons loom beyond the stadium’s southwestern corner and CU’s campus has postcard-quality beauty. Seeing Ralphie lead the team onto the field just enhances the allure of a game at Folsom Field. Follow Matt Finnigan’s stadium journeys on Twitter @mattfinniganco

We put the journey back in Stadium Journey. The gang is all here to talk about their most recent travels across the US and Canada! Audio versions of the Stadium Journey podcast can be found by searching HIAC Talk Radio wherever you look for your favorite podcasts. Video simulcasts of all the Stadium Journey podcasts can be found on Stadium Journey's YouTube page. Join us live as we record every other Tuesday night at 7PM eastern at danlaw.tv.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 Stonewall Memorial Park 197 N Terrace Ave Elkton, VA 22827 Elkton Blue Sox website Stonewall Memorial Park website Baseball Blues in Elkton The Rockingham County Baseball League in Virginia's Shenandoah Valley is one of the oldest amateur baseball leagues in the country. Founded in 1924, the league includes both current college players with ties to the area and former high school and college players, some of whom have been playing summer ball in the league for years. While the Valley Baseball League may be better known in this geographic footprint, the RCBL has been playing small-town ball for almost a hundred years. One team in the RCBL is the Elkton Blue Sox, who play their home games at Stonewall Memorial Park, at a ballfield within a larger municipal park. The Blue Sox have been a member of the league on and off over the years, skipping the 2022 season before rejoining in 2023 after renovations to their stadium were completed. Food & Beverage 3 There is one concession stand down the first baseline at Stonewall Memorial Park, and while the menu is limited, the prices can't be beaten. Burgers are $3, or $3.50 with cheese, hot dogs are $2, nachos $3.50, fries $3 (extra 50 cents for cheese), sunflower seeds are $2, chips or lue popcorn are $1, candy bars $2, and freeze pops just 50 cents. Soda and water are available for $2 each. Atmosphere 2 There are several different places to sit at an Elkton Blue Sox game, some of which offer a better view than others. There are three sets of basic metal bleachers, one behind home plate and one more on each side. The bleachers behind home plate will have the view blocked by the backstop banner unless you are sitting at the very top, so we suggest sitting on one of the sides. The first base bleachers have a gorgeous view of Massanutten Mountain, but you will also be looking right into the setting sun. The third base bleachers don't have as scenic a view, but you will not have to squint to see the action. Some fans also bring their chairs and sit in front of the bleachers along the fence. Others will sit on their chairs on the grass further down the lines, although the view from there is obstructed by the bullpen and dugout. As is the case throughout the RCBL, there is not much going on here other than the baseball game. Some music is played pregame and between innings, although it seems to be the same dozen or so songs over and over. These include such baseball classics as "Cheap Seats" and Kenny Rogers' "The Greatest", but also songs that seem to make less sense in this setting, like "Spirit in the Sky" and "Down by the Schoolyard." Neighborhood 3 Elkton is a small town of about 3,000 people, but that does not mean there is nothing to do here. Goodfellas, just down the street from the ballpark, offers way better pizza than you would expect to find in rural Virginia. Old 33 Beer and Burger and Elkton Brewing Company are also popular. Given how small Elkton is, any place you visit is going to be close to the park. While Elkton is not a large city, it does have that small-town charm. Massanutten Resort is about a ten-minute drive away via US Route 33 and offers a water park, golf, and much more during the summer months. Harrisonburg is about a 25-minute drive away and offers more options than you'll find in Elkton. Fans 3 Any game in the Rockingham County Baseball League is going to be a town affair, and the Blue Sox are no exception. Most of the fans in attendance are from right here in Elkton and seem to know the players personally. Of course, since Elkton is so small, it seems everybody knows everybody. Blue Sox fans young and old are passionate and cheer on their team night in and night out. There will usually be a decent amount of visiting fans as well given how small the RCBL's footprint is. Access 3 Elkton is located along US Route 33 in the western foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. If coming from the east, you will have to go over the mountains to get here, but if coming from the west, you will have a much easier drive along smooth farmland and rural areas with gorgeous views of the mountains in the distance. Getting to Stonewall Memorial Park itself once you get to Elkton is slightly tricky as it is easy to miss the turn. The entrance to the lot is down a hill at a four-way intersection. However, the driveway is at about a 45-degree angle to the cross street, and some GPS apps may make it sound like you should turn onto the cross street instead. There is a spacious lot outside the ballpark, although parking too close may put your car at risk of getting hit with a foul ball. The restrooms are in a shed down the left field line. They are small but sufficient, although they look like they have not been cleaned in a while and one stall in the men's room was missing its door. Return on Investment 5 Admission to most Blue Sox games is free, thanks to sponsorship from local businesses. Check the Blue Sox' social media pages to be sure this is the case for the game you are attending, although it likely will be. Even if it is not free, the cost of admission should be no more than $5. Concessions are a great deal as well, making a trip to a Blue Sox game in Elkton an excellent value. Extras 0 There are no extras here. This is baseball at its most basic. Final Thoughts Town ball is alive and well in Rockingham County, Virginia, and the Elkton Blue Sox are no exception. Although the team was on hiatus, they are now back in action and locals flock to the games to check them out. While the quality of play on the field isn't as high as it would be in other leagues, the sense of community at Elkton Blue Sox games makes coming out worthwhile. Locals go to games here for a reason, and out-of-town visitors will find out why the RCBL is one of the best-kept secrets in baseball.

We're joined by Stadium Journey correspondent and longtime security staff person Michael Davis to discuss security issues at our favorite stadiums. Audio versions of the Stadium Journey podcast can be found by searching HIAC Talk Radio wherever you look for your favorite podcasts. Video simulcasts of all the Stadium Journey podcasts can be found on Stadium Journey's YouTube page. Join us live as we record every other Tuesday night at 7PM eastern at danlaw.tv.

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 Bok Center 200 S Denver Ave Tulsa, OK 74103 Tulsa Oilers indoor football website Bok Center website Year Opened: 2008 Capacity: 19,199 Beautiful Bok Bok Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma is a standout facility that literally hits you in the face as you drive by, with its stunning silver façade and glass atrium appearing to hang over the side. There are plenty of great amenities inside, and more importantly – you can come here to watch football! Bok Center opened in 2008, and is currently home to minor league hockey’s Tulsa Oilers, as well as indoor football’s Tulsa Oilers; the names can be a little confusing when you are doing online searches, so be careful to make sure you are checking the right game schedule. The football version of the Oilers only began in 2023, so they don’t yet draw as many fans as their hockey counterparts. Nevertheless, a visit to Bok Center for a football contest will be an absolute blast. Food & Beverage 5 There aren’t as many food and beverage options inside Bok Center as you may find at other facilities, but what helps set Bok Center apart is the number of bars and lounges dotted around inside, all of which are sleek, clean, and ultra-modern, offering great seating and TVs you can watch the game on. The best of these is River Spirit Casino Resort Lounge, with its full bar, but also its wraparound gaming chairs (and other seating) in the back, where you can sit down in your own little cocoon, drinking your drink while watching the game on a giant TV. Besides the lounges, you can find upscale versions of all the food items you might expect, such as nachos, burgers, hot dogs, Frito pie, pizza, pretzels, popcorn, chicken tenders and wings, packaged candy, and ice cream, as well as bottled water, bottled or fountain soda, Gatorade, and of course, beer. Be sure to walk around the concourse a bit before you decide, as all the stands offer different things, Atmosphere 5 The great thing about the field itself at Tulsa Oilers games is that the turf is brand new, unlike some of the indoor football fields you may have seen in the past. There is also the dance team and a noticeable mascot in the form of a giant yellow bison-like creature, as well as a wicked cool logo in the form of an oil derrick (there are two merch stands in the building, one large and one small, so be sure to go find the big one as it has way more stuff). But the thing that really takes the cake here at Bok Center is the concourse with all the amenities it offers – everything from charging stations for your phone, little tables dotted around where you can stop and eat your food, play areas for the kids (for example a mini inflatable hockey rick where kids can play one-on-one), cornhole, a giant gumball machine, multiple TVs in little nooks and along the walls, so you can watch the game while walking around, and the glass atrium with its views of downtown. Even if you don’t like football, I would encourage to go to Bok Center at least once just to check it out. Neighborhood 4 Downtown Tulsa really impressed me with how clean and well kept up it is, with none of the shady areas (at least that I could find) that you will find at many big cities in America. There are also hotels within walking distance, for example a Hampton Inn across the street. There are also lots of restaurants within walking distance, although not as close as the hotels. Probably the coolest attraction in Tulsa, however, is Route 66 – it is a few miles away from downtown, but worth driving down and of course taking some pictures of the historic signs. Fans 2 As I mentioned earlier there are not too many fans at Tulsa Oilers football games, but those who are there are into the game, and the team gear shop does a brisk business with its $10 t-shirt and other specials at every game. Access 4 Downtown Tulsa is right next to the river, so if you are coming from the west you may have to cross the bridge, but otherwise it is easy enough to get here, and there is a parking lot right across the street where you can park for $10, or you can park for free along some of the streets if you are willing to walk a little further. Once you get inside the facility, there is plenty of room to move around. The only potential downside is that the ticket window is on the far side of the building, so you may prefer to buy your tickets in advance do you don’t have to bother. If you do need tickets at the door, though, there will be plenty available, as the arena will not be full. Lines for bathrooms and concessions are very light, and there are plenty of staff inside cleaning up during the event, so you are guaranteed to have a good experience while you are there. Return on Investment 5 Tickets to Tulsa Oilers football games start at $13, and if you buy at the door you can avoid the Ticketmaster fees. Parking is cheap, especially for a downtown venue, and there are plenty of lower cost concessions items if you look around (although you could certainly spend a wad on food and drinks if you wanted to). All that said, this is a great return on investment, given the great amenities and atmosphere at a game here. Extras 4 I mentioned it already, but the large team store is a big plus here, with all of the different items it sells (way more than I have seen at similar venues, except the NBA-level ones with full team stores). The number of staff on hand is also mind-boggling, there to help answer questions or cleaning up the venue as fans move around, so you don’t have to step in anything icky. The oil derrick logo is also great, as are all the activities for kids and adults inside the arena. Final Thoughts I would definitely recommend a visit to Bok Center for a Tulsa Oilers football game – great venue, a brand-new team, and a cool smaller big-city to visit. I would highly encourage a trip to Tulsa; you won’t be sorry.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Iroquois Lacrosse Arena 3201 Second Line Hagersville, ON N0A 1H0 Six Nations Chiefs Website Iroquois Lacrosse Arena Website Stadium: 2004 Capacity: 2,300 The Home of Lacrosse It is difficult to fully describe the relationship between the Indigenous People of Canada and the game of lacrosse. It is more than sport. It is not quite religion, but there are definitely religious aspects to the game. It is entertainment. It is culture. It is really beyond description. Sports fans who are looking for the purest form of the sport and are interested in lacrosse must consider catching a game at one of the most unique facilities to watch the sport. In most cases lacrosse is the second, third or even fourth in the pecking order at a given venue. At the home of the Six Nations Chiefs, lacrosse is not only at the top of the pecking order, but there are no other sports even on the list. On the Six Nations Reserve, south of Brantford, Ontario, near the towns of Ohsweken and Hagersville, is a temple for lacrosse. The Iroquois Lacrosse Arena is not lacrosse first, it is lacrosse only. Built with no ice making plant, the ILA only houses the various indoor lacrosse teams of the Six Nations, and there are a ton. The top semi-pro team that calls the ILA home is the Six Nations Chiefs of Major Series Lacrosse. The MSL is a semi-pro, Senior A lacrosse league where many of its players spend the winter months playing for various National Lacrosse League teams. Some players also double down in the summer months playing in both MSL and Major League Lacrosse. The Chiefs have been a part of MSL since 1993. Built in 2004 and owned by lacrosse magnate and owner of the Halifax Thunderbirds, Curt Styres along with Delby Powless, the Iroquois Lacrosse Arena is not only a temple for lacrosse and its connections to Indigenous culture, it is a hub of the Six Nations Reserve and important part of the community. The Six Nations include the Mohawk, Cayuga, Onondaga, Oneida, Seneca and Tuscarora. Food & Beverage 3 Concessions options at Iroquois Lacrosse Arena centre around the Bowhunter Brothers Convenience. The store and cafe is attached to ILA and there is access from the inside. A food counter that serves fries and other larger items is available. Soft drinks and ice cream are also available for purchase along with other confections. Atmosphere 4 From the outside, the Iroquois Lacrosse Arena is not overly aesthetically pleasing. White siding dominates the exterior and there is not much to differentiate the ILA from a warehouse. Fans should not get hung up on the outside of the building, however, as the interior is a much different story. Entering the ILA brings fans to a small desk where an employee will collect money for tickets. No fancy box office or physical tickets here. Just a stamp and a cash box and lacrosse fans are good to go. A portable table sells 50/50 tickets and some Chiefs merchandise to the left. Once past these spots, into the main concourse, is when fans get to start exploring. Although the displays are simple, there is plenty to educate the fan on the connection between lacrosse and the Indigenous People. One important display, explains the history of the sport and its connections to the peoples that first called Canada home. A “gift from the Creator, lacrosse is played for his enjoyment.” Not even college football in the southern United States, or hockey in rural Canada can claim these kinds of roots. The display fully acknowledges that we have no idea when lacrosse was first played, but the first recorded mention of the sport came in the 1630s. Further down the hall there are a number of pictures and displays for various lacrosse clubs. Curt Styres owns, what is formerly, the Rochester Knighthawks. The ILA has been used as a practice facility by the Knighthawks in the past. There are a number of displays honouring the Knighthawks and their Champions’ Cup years. There are also displays for Styres’ former teams, the Toronto Nationals and Hamilton Nationals of Major League Lacrosse. The junior teams are also well represented with photos of the Junior A, Six Nations Arrows, Junior B, Six Nations Rebels and Junior C, Six Nations Warriors. The ILA is also the home to the Iroquois Nation teams, which play in International Competitions. Display cases house various trophies and artifacts. For fans interested in lacrosse, there is so much to explore, just in the halls, that the game could be of secondary interest. The seating bowl in the ILA is fairly simple. Immediately the dominant orange seats in the east-west oriented arena take command. Purple highlights add to the orange and although it may not seem like a big deal, the Iroquois Nation’s colours are purple and orange and those colours are found on many Six Nations, Iroquois or other teams with Idigenous ties. The south side and east side of the arena feature traditional plastic, stadium seats. The corners and west end have wooden risers as seating. The north wall of the arena is littered with championship banners from all levels of Six Nations teams including a couple banners for the Mann Cup winning Chiefs of 2013. Simple scoreclocks can be found at the east and west with the clock on the east side guarded neatly by both the Canadian and Iroquois flag. The gameday production is very simple at a Chiefs game. There is not much in the way of extras, which is a refreshing change from some other sports where other entertainment and advertising overshadows the sport. One of the main features of the ILA which shows that it is a mecca for lacrosse is the turf that is found on the floor. Common for NLL games, turf is not usually found at this level of lacrosse and a polished concrete floor is what is found in most off-season hockey rinks. During intermissions, which are similar to hockey with three periods, kids bring their sticks and balls on to the floor and play around while the pros are taking a break. Neighbourhood 3 For many, the Six Nations Reserve is a bit of a mystery. The Iroquois Lacrosse Arena is located on the reserve, between the villages of Hagersville and Ohsweken. The reserve is just south of Brantford. Driving through the reserve, although not announced with a large, grand sign suggesting entrance to the reserve, does feel very different. Like entering a cultural neighbourhood in a large city, signage changes, buildings look a little different and being immersed in a new culture becomes evident. It is definitely something that needs to be experienced. The ILA is, however, located in a fairly rural area. For fans making the trek, there is not too much within walking distance of the arena. That is not to say that there is nothing of interest on Six Nations. For fans who are looking for something to eat or drink before the game, the famous Burger Barn in Ohsweken is definitely a stop that needs to be made. It was featured on the Canadian program “You Gotta Eat Here” and a very popular place. Dinger’s Taps & Grill in Hagersville is also a spot to consider. For fans looking for other entertainment in the area, there are definitely things worth seeing. At the very least, fans of lacrosse will be able to find plenty of other teams that play at the ILA. The Juniors are well represented at the ILA, with the Six Nations Arrows, Six Nations Rebels and Six Nations Warriors all calling the ILA home. Another sporting event to consider would be a Friday Night at nearby Ohsweken Speedway. Short track auto racing is on the menu and may be worth checking out. The Ruthven Park National Historic Site may be of interest to check out also. For those looking for more Six Nations culture, but not really knowing where to start, a good place would be the Six Nations Tourism website. Lots of great ideas can be found here. Fans looking for a place to stay near the Iroquois Lacrosse Arena could consider The Bear’s Inn in Ohsweken or heading to Brantford to the Best Western or other known, chain hotels. Fans 3 It is difficult to assess fans of Major Series Lacrosse. For most teams and games, there is not sufficient attendance statistics recorded and made public. That being said, it is clear that the Six Nations Chiefs are a solid franchise with a solid fanbase. The game which was reviewed was a weeknight game, as many Chiefs games are, and there was a solid crowd of probably between 400 and 800 fans. Fans in attendance are extremely knowledgeable of lacrosse and the players on the floor. The fans are quite reserved and even goals are not met with a huge ovation. Access 4 The rural nature of the Iroquois Lacrosse Arena makes getting to the arena by car not very difficult at all. The Six Nations Reserve is just south of the Grand River and highway 54. It is west of highway 6. For those looking to take public transit, this is not the spot to be. Getting around the ILA is not difficult at all and washrooms are more than adequate for the crowd in attendance. There is plenty of parking at ILA and it is free. Return on Investment 5 The return on investment for a Six Nations Chiefs game is significant. First, the investment in a Chiefs game is very low. Tickets are $10 or $5 or free depending on the age of fans and there is no cost to parking. Concession prices are not an issue either. For an investment of a couple of dollars, the return is immense. Getting immersed in a different culture and experiencing an arena where lacrosse is king is unlike anywhere else. Taking in all of the artifacts in the ILA and the education in lacrosse that can be gained is an experience onto itself. Finally, the ability to see top notch lacrosse players such as Lyle Thompson and Cody Jamieson and a lacrosse legend like John Tavares behind the bench puts the return over the top. Extras 4 An extra mark for the education that fans can receive on lacrosse or Tewaarathon from the Idigenous Peoples perspective. More information can be found on the Haudenosaunee Nationals website. An extra mark for a facility that is lacrosse first and a hub to the Six Nations community. An extra mark for the ability to experience a new culture on the Six Nations Reserve. An extra mark for lacrosse magnate and Six Nations member Curt Styres. He has been a huge proponent of lacrosse at all levels, former owner of the Toronto and Hamilton Nationals of MLL and Rochester Knighthawks of NLL. He also owned the Rochester Americans and is going to be the owner of the Halifax Thunderbirds of the NLL. He is also, of course, a Mohawk and Six Nations native. Final Thoughts A trip to see the Six Nations Chiefs is no doubt off the beaten path for most sports fans. However, it is absolutely a worthwhile experience where fans can learn more about lacrosse and the people who shared the game with the settlers over 400 years ago. When in Southern Ontario, it is worth the drive to check out the Iroquois Lacrosse Arena and the treasures that it holds. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on Twitter @profan9 and on Instagram.

Photos by Paul Baker & Phil Selig, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Stade Quillorama 1550 Avenue Gilles-Villeneuve Trois-Rivieres, QC G9A 5K8 Les Aigles de Trois-Rivieres website Stade Quillorama website Year Opened: 1938 Capacity: 4,500 La Maison du Baseball de Trois Rivieres The Trois Rivieres Aigles (Three Rivers Eagles in English) began play in 2013 in the independent Can-Am League. Among the team’s initial owners were 2003 National League Cy Young Award winner Eric Gagne and Carolina Hurricanes defenceman Marc-Andre Bergeron. The team is named for the AA Eastern League affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds, who played in this same stadium from 1971-1977. Some notable players to play here during the days of the affiliated Aigles are Ken Griffey Sr., Dan Driessen, and Ray Knight. The Can-Am League merged into the Frontier League for the 2020 season, with the Frontier League absorbing five of the six remaining Cam-Am League teams. Unfortunately, the Aigles were not able to play in 2020 & 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent US-Canada border closing. During the Aigles’ eight seasons of competition in the Can-Am/Frontier League, the team has qualified for the playoffs three times, winning the Can-Am League championship in 2015. Stade Quillorama was built in 1938. The ballpark is located on the course of the Circuit Trois Rivieres, the site of the longest-running road race in North America, Le Grand Prix de Trois Rivieres. The ballpark, which was previously known as Stade Fernand-Bedard and Stade Stereo+, entered into a naming rights agreement with local bowling centre Quillorama in 2019. Food & Beverage 3 There is only one concession stand at Stade Quillorama, so be prepared to spend a little bit of time in line, unless you plan your trip to get food very wisely. The menu here consists of standard ballpark fare (well, standard ballpark fare for Quebec). Hungry Aigles fans can choose from hot dogs, chicken fingers, and pizza slices. But take a look beyond the basics to see where the menu gets interesting. Of course, since this is Quebec, you can pick up some poutine. This appears to be the most popular food item served at Stade Quillorama and doesn’t appear to be a downsized ballpark version of poutine. In addition, items such as onion rings and garden salads are sold at this small concession stand. A selection of snacks, including popcorn, candy and chips are also available. Coca-Cola products are featured at Stade Quillorama. On a hot Trois Rivieres summer night, fans may opt for a Slush Puppy instead. Fans looking for an adult beverage can choose from a decent selection of beers, including Les Aigles beer from local Archibald microbrewery. Fans wishing to skip the long lines of the main concession stand can head to one of two smaller bars, where drinks of all varieties are sold. Atmosphere 3 Many visiting fans may feel intimidated in visiting Stade Quillorama due to the language barrier. Those who do not speak French need not fear, the city of Trois Rivieres is bilingual and fans will have no problem communicating with any of the staff or even most fans here in Trois Rivieres. The one exception may be with the PA announcements, which are done primarily in French. For most baseball fans, this should not affect their enjoyment of the action. There is a video board in left field and a simple scoreboard in center field which provide fans with game information. Otherwise, the Aigles staff put on a typical minor league show, filled with between-inning games and contests, including standards such as the dizzy bat race. There is a mascot, a giant red bird named Grand Chelem (Grand Slam), who roams the stadium interacting with fans and participating in the on-field action. The mascot also dances on the field alongside some of the team’s interns to songs such as “Sweet Caroline.” There are several different seating areas from which fans can take in the action, including field-level VIP tables, a party deck in left field, and a lounge featuring seats just beyond the shallow left-field fence. Even though Stadium Journey visited Stade Quillorama on a Tuesday night, there was a band in the party area performing before the game. This was the place to be during the game. Some fans prefer the deck at the top of the seating bowl on the first base side of the field, complete with tables and beer vending machines. Neighbourhood 3 Stade Quillorama’s location is unique in that it is located on the Circuit Trois Rivieres, the site of the oldest road race course in North America, the Grand Prix de Trois Rivieres. Also located on the site are the Hippodrome 3R, Piscine de l’Expedition, and Trois Rivieres Coliseum. The entire complex is located on the eastern edge of Trois Rivieres, about a five-minute drive from Centre Ville. Many view Trois Rivieres as a simple stop on the road between Quebec and Monteal, but the city is the second-oldest French settlement in North America. It contains a vibrant downtown area and several points of interest for fans visiting the area. Numerous bars and restaurants line Rue des Forges and Rue Notre-Dame. Other points of interest include the Quebec Museum of Popular Culture, the Borealis Paper Industry History Centre and the Old Prison of Trois-Rivieres. The ECHL’s Trois Rivieres Lions play in nearby Colisee Videotron. Fans 2 The Aigles are averaging over 1,100 fans per game about halfway through the 2023 season. This figure marks a slight decrease from previous years, but crowds tend to increase throughout the season, so the Aigles should end up right around their typical average of 1,300 fans per game by season’s end. This figure puts them near the bottom of the Frontier League’s attendance rankings. Despite their relatively small numbers, the Aigles are an integral part of Trois Rivieres community fabric and they have their share of dedicated fans. Many fans have been following the team since day one. One notable aspect of the crowd here is the relative lack of children here at Stade Quillorama. Fear not, this is a place where fans can be comfortable bringing the entire family. Access 3 Stade Quillorama is located about five minutes from Centre-Ville Trois Rivieres, in a complex containing several other facilities. Route 40 runs about a mile from the ballpark. Due to Stade Quillorama’s age, it can be quite difficult to get around the facility. The ballpark features a cramped entry plaza that contains the team store, a bar, a concession stand, and washrooms. Be prepared for long lines. Steep ramps and staircases lead to the seating bowl. Depending on where your seats are, you will need to navigate a maze of stairs, railings and walkways to get to your location. It can be confusing for first-time visitors, as well as difficult to navigate for fans requiring special access. Many seats feature obstructed views due to the presence of support beams which hold up the roof. Fans who have visited McCoy Stadium in Pawtucket or Stade Canac in Quebec may get a familiar vibe from the setup. Return on Investment 5 Tickets for Aigles games are affordable, with prices starting at $14 for general admission seats and maxing out at $25 for “prestige” seats. Purchasing tickets on the day of the game adds two dollars to the total cost. The majority of seats at Stade Quillorama can be had for under $20. Discounts are available for seniors, students, and children. Parking is free in the lot adjacent to the ballpark, and concessions are reasonably priced. A night at an Aigles game is an affordable entertainment option for local sports fans. Extras 3 An extra point is awarded for the display of retired numbers on the concourse, along with Matthew Rusch’s retired number 22 jersey hanging on the left field wall. A second extra point is awarded for Stade Quillorama’s unique location in the middle of a Grand Prix racetrack. The road most fans take to the ballpark is part of the course. You can see the tire marks on the safety wall as you approach the stadium. The start/finish line is just a few metres from the ballpark’s front door. A third extra point is awarded for the old-timey feel of Stade Quillorama. This is one of the oldest ballparks still in use in professional baseball. Final Thoughts Trois Rivieres will not be a destination considered by many baseball fans when planning a road trip. However, a trip to Quebec to see Stade Quillorama is a worthwhile stadium journey for any fan. This old-timey facility is a cozy place to catch a game, and the small city of Trois Rivieres is a unique destination to include on a ballpark road trip. Pair a visit to Stade Quillorama with a trip to its sister stadium Stade Canac for a nostalgic and entertaining weekend. ----- Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

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 Aaron S. Terry , Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Bank of America Stadium 800 S Mint St Charlotte, NC 28202 Duke's Mayo Bowl website Bank of America Stadium website Year Opened: 1996 Capacity: 75,412 Bowling in the Queen City Note: The name of the Bowl changed from Belk Bowl to Duke's Mayo Bowl in 2020. Played in the same NFL stadium that is home to the Carolina Panthers, the Belk Bowl is an annual college football postseason matchup that features a team from the Atlantic Coast Conference versus a team from the Southeastern Conference. However, while the venue is a great stadium with all the modern amenities, the game is not always well-attended, depending on which teams are invited to participate. Food & Beverage 4 Bank of America Stadium has a decent set of concessions options, covering all the basics but without a lot that is truly unique. In addition, many of the stands are closed off during the Belk Bowl, due to the small expected attendance, but there are still more than enough options to accommodate the crowd. Like several other NFL facilities, Bank of America Stadium recently started offering bottomless refills on popcorn and soda (about $9 each), so for less than $20 you could be taken care of for the whole game. Of course, if you want something more interesting than popcorn, other items can also be added – the best deal on that front is probably the Bojangles’ Chicken Supremes – $8 will get you a box of six, which is a pretty good deal for a pro sports venue – or the two Krispy Kreme donuts for $3. Other food options include hot dogs, brats, burgers, chicken wings, pizza, pulled pork nachos and sandwiches, brisket, mac and cheese, soft pretzels, peanuts, and packaged candy, with prices ranging from about $4 up to $10. Note that unlike most sports stadiums, however, tax is not included, so you will pay slightly more than the price shown on the menu board. They do give a slight discount if you pay cash though, and the discount seems to vary a bit by item, as the cash prices always seem to work out to be whole dollars. The drink selection is probably even better than the food selection – in fact, Bank of America Stadium has a whole craft beer aisle on the lower level, and even a convenience store-type concessions area, which sells snacks and all manner of refrigerated cans and bottles of beer, wine, and non-alcoholic drinks. I didn’t see any mixed drinks at the stadium, but besides beer, wine, and soda you can also get Gatorade, coffee, and hot cocoa – drink prices seem to run the gamut from $4 to $9. Atmosphere 3 Bank of America Stadium can be pretty empty during the Belk Bowl depending on which ACC team is invited to play – most of the SEC teams are too far away to draw much of a crowd, and the Belk Bowl tends to take an SEC team that is pretty low in the pecking order anyway. That being the case, your best bet for a solid crowd is to get one of the local ACC teams, like maybe Duke or N. C. State – without a big crowd, the stadium just feels too empty to have much energy. Bank of America Stadium itself is pretty stellar, being a pro venue, with all the seats being chairbacks, and huge video boards to help you see replays. In fact, the videoboards are the best part of the atmosphere – the staff at the Belk Bowl shows replays on the big board using two different angles side by side, one an overhead shot and the other close-in, which really gives you a great view of the play from both angles – I wish more stadiums did this. Neighborhood 5 Bank of America Stadium is located right in downtown Charlotte, so there are plenty of great restaurants within walking distance – two of the most popular are Draught Restaurant & Bar and French Quarter Restaurant, which as you might expect offers Cajun cuisine. Both restaurants are only 3-4 blocks from the stadium, but there are a ton of other options as well, if you are in the mood for some other type of cuisine. If you are going to be in town for the weekend (the Belk Bowl is played at 1 pm on a Friday), the most popular attraction in Charlotte has got to be the NASCAR Hall of Fame, which is also within walking distance of Bank of America Stadium – the Hall of Fame is the perfect attraction for the Queen City, given the presence of the Charlotte Motor Speedway nearby. And when you finish your NASCAR experience, there are several other interesting attractions to take in during your stay, such as Discovery Place Science, TransAmerica Square, or the Secret Fountain. There are well over a dozen hotels in downtown Charlotte, just to the east of Bank of America Stadium, plus many more a little further out – two low cost options within walking distance of the stadium are the Hilton Charlotte City Center, and Hyatt Place Charlotte Downtown. Fans 2 The fans that do attend the Belk Bowl are solid – they wear team gear and cheer pretty loudly for their team – but the stands just do not fill up in certain years. Again, it probably really depends on which ACC team gets invited; even Wake Forest doesn’t seem to draw much of a crowd, but if UNC, Duke, or N. C. State were invited, you may see a lot more energy. Access 4 Getting to Charlotte for the Belk Bowl is really easy thanks to the small crowd size – there is very little traffic, especially around Christmas when a lot of the downtown businesses seem to be closed. You should be able to park for $15 just a few blocks from Bank of America Stadium in one of the parking garages downtown, and once you park, there shouldn’t really be any lines to get into the stadium. The major downside with regard to access at the Belk Bowl is that all of the stairs inside Bank of America are closed, due to the small crowd, which means you have to use one of the ramps if you happen to be sitting in the cheap seats upstairs. And while walking up the ramps is better on your knees, of course, it takes a lot more time since they are so long and winding. In addition, there are only two ramps (one on each end), so depending on where you come in, you may have to walk pretty far to find one. Return on Investment 3 Thanks again to the small crowd size, you can find tickets to the Belk Bowl very cheaply on third-party sites - face value starts around $40, but you can easily find them for half that. That said, the experience really depends on what level of energy you are looking for – the Belk Bowl won’t have the energy of some Power 5 conference home games, like Michigan or Oklahoma, or even the energy of some of the better bowl games, simply due to the lack of fans. But, if you are just looking to watch some decent football in a hassle-free setting, the Belk Bowl could be just the ticket. Extras 3 The décor around Bank of America Stadium is great, particularly the panther statues out front, which are even adorned with holiday wreaths for the season. The sightlines here are also great, even if you sit in the upper deck, and the seat are very comfortable, and all of them have cupholders too. They did have a jet flyover before the most recent Belk Bowl, and each military jet was flown by a graduate from one of the participating schools. Final Thoughts Thanks to their conference tie-ins, the Belk Bowl will always have some decent teams playing in it, and the pro venue (Bank of American Stadium) is a far nicer facility to see a football game at than a lot of other bowl locations. If you are in the area, this would be a great way to spend some time with family and friends during the holidays, especially if your favorite team happens to be invited to Charlotte.

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Thomas A. Robinson Stadium Nassau, The Bahamas Bahamas Bowl website Thomas Robinson Stadium website Year Opened: 1981 Capacity: 15,023 Bowling in the Bahamas Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium opened in 2012, and seats 15,000. The $30 million venue was a gift to the Bahamas from the People’s Republic of China, and replaced the original Thomas Robinson Stadium, which is located nearby. The multi-purpose facility hosts mostly soccer matches, but also other sporting events, such as the Bahamas Bowl, and features plastic chairback seating on both the east and west sides, as well as an oval track around the field. The stadium is named after Thomas Robinson, former sprinter at the University of Michigan, and first Bahamian to win a medal in international competition. Robinson competed in four Olympics in the 50s and 60s, and was inducted into the Michigan Men’s Track & Field Hall of Fame in 2006. Food & Beverage 4 During the Bahamas Bowl, Thomas A. Robinson Stadium offers a wide array of food and beverage options from Tiki huts located in the southwest corner; this is the only part of the stadium that has any concessions. Food selections range in price from $2 up to $10, depending on whether you want just a snack or a full meal. There are generic stands that sell a variety of items, or specialty stands run by local restaurants that offer Bahamian fare. The lines are a little longer at the specialty stands because the food is very fresh – for example, you can watch the chef chop fresh fruit, conch, and vegetables right in front of you. The generic stands offer items such as sandwiches, chicken wings, fish fingers, hot dogs, meat balls, macaroni, fried fish, conch fritters, chicken legs, and seafood salad, as well as snacks such as fries, ice cream, small cakes, cotton candy, and popcorn, while the specialty stands have jerk chicken or pork, stewed chicken, curry mutton or curry chicken, ox tail, boiled or fried fish, conch, and plenty of other seafood options. Drink options include coffee, tea, bottled water, Coke products in cans, smoothies, beer in cans, and milo (a chocolate malt beverage). Beer costs $5, but you get a discount if you buy three or six at once – brands available include Coors, Heineken, and Guinness, as well as local favorites Radler and Kalik. Smoothies cost $8, and come in a wide variety of fruit flavors. Coffee, tea, and milo are only $1, and sodas/bottled water are $2 – Bahamas Goombay Punch is the most popular soda choice. Atmosphere 3 The crowd is very small during the Bahamas Bowl, but the staff does a good job of providing a fun atmosphere, regardless. The seats are set pretty far back from the field, mostly because of the track, but also because the stands are raised. This makes it pretty easy to see the action, however, and since the venue is so small, there really isn’t a bad seat in the house. The venue also has large scoreboards behind each end zone, which are easy to see from anywhere inside the stadium. Fans who attend the game will be rewarded with plenty of giveaways, including free t-shirts and pom-poms, as well as a Junkanoo performance during halftime, featuring traditional Bahamian costumes, dancing, and music. You will also find local companies giving away samples of things like personal care products. In addition, you can check out the fan fest, located in the southwest corner, which has football-themed games and a bouncy house for the kids. And no matter which teams are invited, you will always see plenty of orange and white, in the form of Popeye’s flags, banners, and on-field logos. There are also plenty of Bahamian flags, as well as one or two US ones (both national anthems are played before the game begins). Neighborhood 4 The stadium is in the Bahamas, which is hard to knock. However, not everything here is a resort area. Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium is located outside Nassau (the capital city) on New Providence, the Bahamas’ 11th-largest island. The 21-mile long island features some amazing resort areas, especially on the east end near Paradise Island, where you can participate in unforgettable experiences such as literally swimming with dolphins. The stadium, though, is located in a more rural area near the center of the island, close to a large lake. To get there you may drive through some pretty run-down neighborhoods, and there isn’t much in the immediate vicinity. The scenery is beautiful, however, with gorgeous palm trees and other tropical vegetation in view as you look out during the game. There are lots of great restaurants located in the resort areas along the beach, or in Nassau proper. There are also plenty of things to do on the island, depending on how much time you have or how much you are willing to spend; for example, snorkeling, cruises, fishing, etc. Or if you happen to be a landlubber, there is a zoo near the stadium showcasing wildlife from all across the Bahamas. Be aware that many of the activities, such as snorkeling or the dolphin and sea lion experiences, take several hours and start early in the day, so you probably won’t have time for them on game day. That said, you may want to plan for several days, if possible. The nicest resorts (and most expensive) are near Paradise Island, which is pretty far from the stadium. Cheaper (and closer) accommodations can be found in the Cable Beach area or in Nassau. Be aware that if you come from the US, you probably won’t want to rent a car, since they drive on the left down here and you probably aren’t used to that. Cab fare can easily run over $100 per day, depending on how close you are to things, so be sure to plan ahead for what you want to do/where you want to stay. Lastly, note that Bahamian dollars are interchangeable with US ones – just be sure to offload your Bahamian ones as much as possible before you leave, as it will be very difficult to exchange them back home. Fans 2 Since this is an away game for both teams, and a pretty far away one at that, there aren’t many fans who show up – perhaps only five or six thousand in total (which is about one-third full). You will see some fans of the two participating schools, but more than half are Bahamian locals here to enjoy American football. The fans do get pretty loud, and the announcer does a really good job of making every play matter, and keeps the fans engaged with gusto and passionate play calling. A big part of the crowd noise is actually a result of the overhang on each side, which keeps the sound in, and makes it seem much, much louder than it should, given how few fans are actually here. Access 4 Thomas A. Robinson Stadium is a cinch to get in and out of, and easy to move around, because it is small and isn’t very crowded. A lot of fans get to the stadium via shuttle buses as part of tour packages, and others come via cab (namely Americans who didn’t rent a car because they don’t want to drive on the left). That said, there aren’t many cars coming in and out, so if you do choose to drive, parking won’t be too much of an issue, and most of the parking is free right outside the gate (although there are a couple of areas where you have to pay $5). The main entrance into the stadium is from the southwest corner, which includes the main ticket office (a small wooden shed outside the stadium), as well as will-call for the two visiting teams (each team has its own table). There is a slight snarl in this corner, because the fan fest and all of the concession stands are here, but once you get past those, the stadium is practically deserted. Also, there are smaller entrances along the east and west sides if you want to avoid the southwest corner altogether. Return on Investment 3 Getting to the Bahamas can be pretty expensive, but is definitely worthwhile. Attending the bowl game here may be a different story, however – since this is generally not a marquee matchup, unless your team is in the game, it may not be that interesting. The stadium is easy to get around and provides local fare, but you can find that elsewhere on the islands. Also since the crowd is so small, there won’t be a lot of energy, so I am not sure I would go just for the game. But if you want an excuse to visit, football is always a good one. Just don’t forget your passport, and make sure you plan to stay at least a few days so you can take in some of the sights. Tickets can be purchased at the door for as little as $10 if you don’t buy beforehand, and you can pretty much sit wherever you want, since it won’t be full. I would not recommend buying tickets from the participating schools, however, as you will have to pay $40 or more. Extras 2 Being able to watch a real football game (not soccer) in another country is pretty neat. Also, the weather and location are hard to beat – the great thing about the stadium is that even though it is pretty hot, the overhang on each side of the stadium protects you from the elements, and creates a nice breeze through the seats, making it seem much, much cooler than you might expect. Final Thoughts Bowl games are a lot of fun, and there are a lot of destinations to choose from. Attending the Bahamas Bowl isn’t a bad choice, especially if your team is playing here, so consider a visit to the islands. There is so much to do here, and the bowl staff does try to put on a great show for you. Besides, where else can you watch American football at a soccer field?

Photos by Eric Moreno, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Alamodome 100 Montana St San Antonio, TX 78203 Alamo Bowl website Alamodome website Year Opened: 1993 Capacity: 64,000 Remember the Alamo Bowl! The 2019 version of the Valero Alamo Bowl marked the 26th edition of the annual contest held each year at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas. The annual clash between teams from the Big 12 and Pac-12 conferences saw the Texas Longhorns take on the Utah Utes in only the second-ever meeting between the two schools. Since the inaugural game, the 64,000-seat Alamodome – one of the oldest indoor multipurpose stadiums in the country – has been the home of the Alamo Bowl. Thanks to the association with the largely Texas-centric Big 12, the large and cavernous Alamodome is quite often filled to capacity, becoming a raucous event and one of the biggest social scenes on the San Antonio calendar. With the Texas Longhorns heading down from nearby Austin for a virtual home game, the Dome was especially lively and energetic this season; this palpable energy was largely able to cover up many of the Alamodome’s sometimes glaring flaws. Food & Beverage 4 One thing the Alamodome does not lack is a variety of quality concession items and offerings. What visitors will find is a mix of traditional stadium food and drink options, pared-down versions of national chains, and a sprinkling of local food and drink favorites unique to the Alamo City. You’ll be able to find choices on every level of the Dome. Because of the capacity of the Alamodome, the lines tend to fill up fast depending on what time during the on-field action you head to the lines. However, as part of the recent renovations in 2016-17, all the concession lines were upgraded and updated to now accept credit cards, which significantly speeds things up. There is a wide variety of food and drink offerings at the Alamodome. There are close to a dozen stands that offer your basic game day selections, such as nachos, hot dogs, popcorn, soft pretzels, soda (the Alamodome offers Pepsi products for your soda selection), and candy; these all range between $6 and $12. There are also nationwide chains, such as Nathan’s Famous Hot Dogs and Papa John’s Pizza. The Alamodome also offers two great selections that are the epitome of San Antonio cuisine, namely Tex-Mex and barbecue. Los Barrios Continental Mexican Cuisine and Big Bib BBQ both have multiple stands located throughout the Alamodome. If you’re in the mood for beef or chicken fajita nachos or a pulled pork or chopped brisket sandwich, these two pinnacles of San Antonio have got you covered at the Alamodome. When it comes to adult beverages, the Alamodome has that covered as well. There are hard liquor and cocktail stands, beer stands, wine stands, and frozen margarita kiosks and carts throughout the Dome. For craft beer lovers, two San Antonio pioneers in the field, Alamo Beer Company and the Freetail Brewing Company, have got you covered. Atmosphere 3 The Alamodome – due to its design – is very cavernous. On games where the Alamodome is not filled to capacity it feels conspicuously empty. However, when a team like the Texas Longhorns or someone of that ilk comes to town, you don’t have to worry about it being empty. Built specifically to house football, the Alamodome has a configuration that gives the impression of an over-sized barn. However, because of the space, the seats in the lower bowl, specifically those along the sidelines, have the best sight lines for the on-field action. The two large video boards, one in each end zone, help those in seats which aren’t on that main level. During a game with the magnitude of the Alamo Bowl, all the usually closed off upper sections of the Alamodome are open, which cuts down on some of the emptiness. But those upper seats in particular will need to rely on the video boards to see what is going on during the game. In an effort to keep the facility competitive in the world of big-time sporting events, the Alamodome has undergone near continuous renovations and improvements in the last decade. In addition to the 2016-17 renovations, which totaled over $50 million and included upgrades to the main concourse and the addition of new video ribbon boards, the Alamodome replaced the playing surface in time for the 2019 season. For events like the Alamo Bowl, the teams also each bring in their bands, cheerleaders, dance squads, and mascots. With Texas coming to town, they bring their legendary live mascot Bevo with them. If you’re lucky enough to get down on the field near him, he is an impressive site to see in person. Neighborhood 5 Few big-time facilities can match the setting that the Alamodome has to offer its visitors. The stadium is literally within walking distance of San Antonio’s vibrant cultural hub, its downtown area. A short 15-minute drive from the San Antonio International Airport, the Alamodome has proven to be a favorite for large-scale events, specifically sporting events. Fans who annually flock to the Alamodome have frequently commented upon its convenience and location as being a draw. San Antonio’s downtown area is home to the historic and photogenic River Walk, the legendary Alamo, attraction-filled Hemisfair Park, and the most defining feature of the San Antonio skyline, the Tower of the Americas. Each and every one of these are must-see attractions for visitors to San Antonio, and all are within walking distance of the Alamodome. If you’re looking to grab a bite to eat before or after the game, the downtown area is crawling with some of the highest-rated restaurants in the city. However, if you’re looking to get a true taste of the city, you need to head down to the River Walk to Casa Rio, a true staple of Mexican food in the city. Another highly recommended spot is The Esquire Tavern – this longtime San Antonio favorite has a history as a former speakeasy, and has upgraded and updated their food and drink menu to feature modern spins on many old-time classics. Another amenity that the Alamodome area has to offer is an abundance of hotel and motel options. Downtown San Antonio is the hub for tourism in the city, and as such has a ton of options where visitors can stay. Historic St. Paul Square, which is (there is a theme here) a less than 10-minute walk from the Alamodome , has two family-friendly spots to stay at: Staybridge Suites Downtown Convention Center and Best Western Plus Sunset Suites. Whatever your budget, you’re going to find something you’ll like. Fans 5 Bowl games are really atypical in terms of sporting events. In theory, both teams competing have had great (or at least good) seasons. For some, the bowl game is the highest achievement a program could have. For fans, the game not only gives them a chance to root on their team in a game of importance, but also gives them a chance to visit a city and have a bit of a vacation built on the football game. The Alamo Bowl is typically one of these types of games. In theory, the second-best program in both the Big 12 and Pac-12 are invited to attend. The 2019 edition of the game saw nearly 61,000 fans flock to the Alamodome; while the vast majority were rabid Longhorns fans, the Utes fan base was also well represented. This falls right in line with the recent trend of the Alamo Bowl, which has averaged close to 60,000 per game since 2010. In terms of crowd noise, the Alamodome was rocking from start to finish. When the fans are engaged, the Dome’s configuration amplifies the noise and it feels and sounds even louder. This adds to the energy of the game. When Texas is involved, the fans are engaged from start to finish, and this year’s game was no exception. Access 4 The Alamodome is in a prime location for visitors to the city. Located directly off Interstate 37, the stadium is also near the crossroads of Interstates 10 and 35. Within walking distance of downtown San Antonio and a short drive from the airport, it really doesn’t get much easier to get into and out of the stadium on game day. The city’s mass transit system, VIA, has a bus stop right at street level at the Alamodome, and is a great option for those looking to avoid the traffic before and after the Alamo Bowl. For those looking to use the park and ride option, there are three locations throughout the city that will cost you $2 to $4 for roundtrip to attend the game. Uber and Lyft are still fairly new to the Alamo City, but both rideshare services are available options as well. In terms of parking, the Alamodome has two main paid parking lots, Lots B and C, for visitors. On game day for the Alamo Bowl these open at 10 am for tailgating, and they fill up fast. The cost for these lots is $20 per car. Behind the parking area is a residential neighborhood; some of the intrepid residents, as well as some of the area businesses, have made parking available for nominal fees on game day. Like most things, it all depends on how much you want to spend. One thing you want to keep in mind is the new security measures the Alamodome has put into place in recent years; in addition to strictly enforcing the clear-bag policy, the Dome has metal detectors/scanners that everyone has to go through before entering the stadium. This does take time, so plan accordingly. Return on Investment 3 The cost to attend the annual Alamo Bowl is truly right about what you would expect for a major college football event that’s not part of the College Football Playoffs. It isn’t “cheap” by any stretch of the imagination, but it is well worth the price for those who are fans of either team, or of the sport in general. Ticket prices this year ranged from $85 to $300 per person, depending on where you want to sit. The concessions are also right along what you would pay at any Division I stadium. A premium beer will set you back $11 and food at Los Barrios and Big Bib – the previously mentioned fajita nachos and barbecue sandwiches – will cost you $13. Souvenir soda cups are $9 (you can get a regular soda for $7), and a program is $5. When you factor in these costs plus the $20 for parking, the Alamo Bowl will set you back a pretty penny. Extras 3 There really has been a ton of work put into making the Alamodome an even better facility for games, especially during the Alamo Bowl itself. One of the areas that was really focused on was the main entry way and the plaza on the north end of the stadium. This area is one of the most popular and populated areas of the stadium before the game, as there are games, vendors, concessions, and more for fans. This is also the area where the local sports radio stations set up to broadcast pre-game shows. Inside the Alamodome near the main entrance, a new beer garden was installed as part of these oft-mentioned renovations. With tons of beer selections and high-definition televisions, this is a popular spot during every game at this facility, including the Alamo Bowl. There are also live bands that perform on the main concourse level, adding to the excitement and the energy during games. Not that the Alamo Bowl needs it. Final Thoughts I have been to roughly half of the Alamo Bowls since the year they started, and I can honestly say that I have enjoyed myself every time. Rarely do I have a personal rooting interest in any of the teams playing, but that has not dampened my enthusiasm for what takes place on the field. I love college football unabashedly, and the Alamo Bowl represents the best of what the sport has to offer: it has pageantry, tradition, history, rabid fan bases, and flat out great football virtually every time out. If you too are a fan of the sport, you should add the Alamo Bowl to your bucket list of big games to attend. Follow Eric Moreno’s Stadium Journey on Twitter at @EricMoreno6477. Visit Eric Moreno’s writer’s portfolio site at ericmoreno.contently.com.

Is there a better pilgrimage in sports than the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum? Quite possibly the best of all of the Halls of Fame, baseball's version is simply referred to as Cooperstown. Grab a beer and join Paul and Dave as they return to the Obstructed Views set to discuss an must-see spot for all baseball fans.! ⚾⚾

Photos by Matt Colville, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Harper Davis Field Millsaps College Jackson, MS 39202 Millsaps College Majors website Harper Davis Field website Year Opened: 1920 Capacity: 3,000 Millsaps Football Millsaps College is a small private Methodist college located north of downtown Jackson, in the historic Belhaven neighborhood. The college is small by most standards with an enrollment of just over 900 students. Millsaps opened its doors in 1890 when Confederate veteran Major Reuben Webster Millsaps donated $550,000 and the land for the university. Named after Millsaps, the Majors compete at the Division III level in the Southern Athletic Association, and with their enrollment of 900 are currently the smallest school in the conference. Since first fielding a football team in 1920 the Majors have accumulated a record of 380-356-14 (.516). In the 1920s and 1930s the Majors regularly scheduled match-ups with Mississippi State, Ole Miss, and LSU. Millsaps has posted two undefeated seasons (1980 & 2008), three D3 playoff appearances (1975, 2006, & 2008), and six conference titles, with the most recent one being in 2009. The Majors originally competed as a D3 independent before joining the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference in 1989. Difficulties in travel distances led Millsaps and six other members of the conference to leave in 2012 and form their own separate conference, the Southern Athletic Association (SAA). The Majors currently compete on campus at tiny Harper Davis Field. Named after former Mississippi State and Green Bay Packer Running Back, Davis was also Millsaps' all-time winningest coach, who coached the Majors from 1964 to 1988. The stadium was originally known as Alumni Field, and football has been played on the site since 1920. There wasn't much to the tiny field until 2004 when it was upgraded and renamed after Harper Davis, with the addition of a 3,000-seat grandstand, eight-man working press box, and a newly installed artificial turf surface. Food & Beverage 1 There are two tables set up under tents as soon as you enter the main gate; one is the concessions stand and the other sells a small selection of various Millsaps Majors gear. The concessions stand sells the basics like hamburgers, hot dogs, nachos, and popcorn, and everything is under $5. Canned soft drinks are sold for $1. The burgers and hot dogs are cooked fresh on a large grill outside the main gate. The concessions are fairly limited, but cheap at the same time. However, I would recommend getting something to eat at one of Jackson's many restaurants. Atmosphere 3 The atmosphere is pleasant; outside the stadium there is a small number of fans tailgating all throughout campus. The campus itself is a very scenic campus, with many of the buildings being over 100 years old. There are civil war cannons, a clock tower you can climb, and you can also visit the tomb of the college's founder Major Millsaps. If you’re into history, I highly suggest walking around the campus before the game. The stadium is kind of in a secluded area on campus, right next to the Hangar Dome, which houses the Majors basketball team and the school's recreation and fitness center. There's a large fountain outside the gate with one main entrance into Harper Davis Field. There is another entrance into the stadium from the basketball arena, but the football teams use the arena for their locker rooms, so they use this entrance on game days. The Hangar Dome is a part of Maurice Hall Activities Center, which houses the school's fitness and recreation facilities. Inside the building is a beautiful hallway lined with an impressive display filled with trophies, banners, programs, old game balls, etc. from all the past athletic feats at Millsaps. You can view football artifacts dating back to the 1920s, and you can view former quarterback Juan Joseph's Conerly Trophy. Joseph, a former CFL and Arena Football quarterback, won the award in 2008; the prize is given out annually to the best college football player in the State of Mississippi. Past winners of the award include Deuce McAllister, Eli Manning, Patrick Willis, and Dak Prescott. The field faces north and south with the main stands being located on the west side of the field. The east side stands consist of 3 sets of temporary metal bleachers that extend about 15 rows up. The stands on the west side are metal bleachers as well but extend only 5 rows back, with the seats in the middle being purple chair back seats. There is a small press box with a pretty cool looking observation platform for filming games. The scoreboard is located in the south end zone, while trees and the practice fields take up the view in the north end zone. The big stadium off in the distance to the north is Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium, home of the Jackson State football team. Neighborhood 3 Millsaps’ campus is located in a mostly residential area north of downtown. While there is nothing within walking distance of the college, just a short drive north will take you to the Fondren District – located near the Ole Miss Med School, this is Jackson’s nightlife area, and you will find numerous restaurants and bars on this one block strip, my favorite being Fondren Public. You can play all sorts of games such as bocce ball, corn hole, shuffleboard, and over-sized jenga, as well as multiple board games so this bar has a really cool feel to it. There are numerous other bars and restaurants located in Fondren as well, however, such as Pig & Pint (known for its BBQ), Walker’s Drive Inn, Babalu Tapas & Tacos, and Sal & Mookie’s Pizza. But another bar in the area I suggest checking out is Brent’s Drugs – from the outside it looks like a regular pharmacy, and with the soda fountain inside it’s very reminiscent of 50’s style diner. However, in the back there is a speakeasy style bar that was used during prohibition – it’s a very interesting bar that gets pretty packed at night. There are also numerous bars in the downtown area as well, a couple of miles south of campus, such as Hal and Mal’s, Fenians, and Old Tavern on George Street. In addition, Underground 119 is a cool underground blues bar located in downtown. However, the downtown area is not exactly the safest area, so use caution when walking here after dark. Lakeland Drive is located about a mile north of Belhaven’s campus and you can find all the usual chain restaurants and lodging in this area. For attractions, I recommend checking out the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame, which is a very nice interactive museum that doesn’t get too packed during the week, and you could spend hours just walking through all the different exhibits located in the museum. The Hall of Fame is located on Lakeland Drive, right next to historic Smith-Wills Stadium, former home of the Minor League Jackson Mets/Generals and the current home to the Belhaven baseball team. Fans 3 The Majors are averaging about 1,700 fans per home contest this 2019 season, which is down from the 2,300 fans they averaged last year. This is about on par with what most of the other schools average in the Southern Athletic Association. Many of the students at Millsaps stay on campus, and Millsaps has a pretty big Greek life program for a such a small school, so many of the students show up on game day. There is not an assigned student section, but there were a large number of students sitting on the east metal bleachers at the game of this review. The atmosphere in the west chair back bleacher section is much more relaxed, with a bit of an older mix of alumni and players' parents. The fans here seem very knowledgeable and into the game; there is not a large tailgating scene but there are several fans sitting on the berm in the north end zone. Access 3 Millsaps’ campus is located north of downtown Jackson, just west of I-55 in the Belhaven neighborhood of Jackson. The college is located in a residential area of town, a couple of blocks west of another school named Belhaven University; the Blazers are D3 as well and share a fierce rivalry with the Majors. When coming to the campus, the Woodrow Wilson Drive exit off I-55 is your best bet; just take rush hour traffic into account, as the interstate tends to back up especially on the north side of downtown, so plan accordingly. The campus can be easy to miss as it is pretty small, but just follow Woodrow Wilson Drive until you get to the State Street intersection. Because of the size of the campus, finding a parking spot can be difficult. There is a small parking lot located right outside Harper David Stadium, but it fills up quickly because so many students live on campus. Instead you can park across the street or you can park in the campus parking garage on the south side of campus – just take State Street until you get to the Park Street intersection, and the parking garage is on the right. Return on Investment 3 General admission seating is $5; the GA seats consist of any seats on the metal bleachers on the east and west sides. To purchase tickets for the 300 or so chair back seats on the west side the cost is $10. Factor in the concessions prices and a beautiful setting on a beautiful campus, and I consider this a good return on investment – Harper Davis Field is kind of an underrated venue, and one that not a lot of people know about. Extras 4 A play that some consider the greatest play in sports history happened at Harper Davis Field on Oct 27, 2007. Late in the fourth quarter, with Millsaps leading Trinity College 24-22, Trinity would get the ball back on their own 40 with two seconds left on the clock. What would proceed next would make the 1982 Play between Cal and Stanford, and the 2003 River City Relay between the Saints and Jaguars, look like “conservative play-calling”. Trinity College quarterback Blake Barmore would complete a short pass up the middle to receiver Shawn Thompson; Thompson would lateral the ball to another receiver Riley Curry. The ball was then lateraled 14 more times between 7 different players, en route to the 61-yard touchdown and the 28-24 win for Trinity College. The play was dubbed the Mississippi Miracle and was voted ESPN's 2007 Pontiac Game Changing Play of the Year, as well as nominated for the 2008 ESPY Award for Play of the Year. In addition, the 15-lateral play has the record for longest time for an individual play in football history – it lasted 62 seconds from the time the ball was snapped until it finally crossed the goal line (you can see the video of the Mississippi Miracle below). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z7oF4ZDigjM The Majors were also coached during this time period by former Alabama head coach Mike DuBose, who coached at Millsaps from 2005 to 2009. Also, from 2006 through 2008, the New Orleans Saints used Millsaps College as their training camp home, and practiced at Harper Davis Field. In fact, some could argue that the Drew Brees-Sean Payton era began right here at Millsaps, as the two would join the team for the 2006 season. You can also still walk around the old soccer practice field on the north side of campus, and still find old tackling dummies bearing faded Saints logos. During the 2006 pre-season the Indianapolis Colts came to town for a series of pre-season scrimmages against the Saints at Harper-Davis Field; they would meet up that weekend in an official pre-season game across the street at Mississippi Veterans Memorial Field. It would be the only time in his career Peyton Manning would play a game in the city of Jackson, and it would mark a Manning's return to Jackson for the first time since Archie dominated so many Egg Bowls here in the 1960s. Though some may not realize it, there is a lot of big time college football history that happened in Jackson. Millsaps has two main rivals; Mississippi College from nearby Clinton and Belhaven University from just down the street. The rivalry with Mississippi College, nicknamed the Backyard Brawl, originally stretches back to the 1920s – the two teams met up every year (except during World War II) for 39 years until the series was discontinued in 1959. The rivalry was a fierce, heated rivalry where students would often cause extensive damage to each other’s universities. In fact, the reason the series was discontinued in 1959 is because there was rumor that students from Mississippi College broke into Major Millsaps tomb on campus and stole his body. However, the series was restarted in 2000, and the two teams began meeting every year across the street at The Vet, which at the time was the largest stadium in the state. Another fierce rivalry for the Majors is their neighbors from right down the street, the Belhaven Blazers. Though the two schools have been playing each other for years in different sports, it wasn't until 2014 that the two schools would face each other in football for the first time. Nicknamed the Riverside Rumble, the atmosphere definitely increases a notch when these two teams meet up. Both teams usually start off the season facing one another, and both teams are currently tied at 3 wins apiece as of this season. Another extra for the number of college football games one could attend while in the area. Millsaps, Belhaven, and Jackson State's football stadium are all located within blocks from each other. I recommend checking the schedule for when all three teams play on the same day, which happens at least once or twice a year. On my most recent visit I was able to check out a noon game at Belhaven, walk two blocks and watch the Millsaps game at 2:30, and then walk across the street to watch the Jackson State Tigers play. You could also venture about 30 minutes west to see Mississippi College play in Clinton, or drive 90 miles south to catch Southern Miss play in Hattiesburg. Final Thoughts Football in the South in huge, and when most people think of football in the South they think of the SEC. In Mississippi most people think of either Ole Miss or Mississippi State. However, much like its neighbor and rival to the east Belhaven, there remains a nice little football stadium off the beaten path, on a nice, quaint little campus. If in Jackson on Saturday in the fall I definitely recommend a trip to Harper Davis Field.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Simmons Field 616 Heindel Ave Celina, OH 45822 Lima Locos website Simmons Field website Year Opened: 1960 Capacity: 500 Going Loco for Baseball in Lima Click here for Simmons Field, home of the Kenosha Kingfish The Lima Locos are charter members of the Great Lakes League, beginning as the Blues before adopting its current name in 1988. Since that time, the ball club has captured 5 championship titles and appeared in 6 championship series. The club has cemented itself among the best in the league and offers a rich tradition of history. The Locos began to play at Simmons Field in 2008, a 500-seat venue located south of the Ottawa River and offering a small grandstand, concession stand, and a party suite down the third base foul line. There is even a train car that resides in the stadium for tours. It was renovated for the arrival of the club, including a new infield grass and dirt, fences moved back, blacktop put down behind the bleachers, crushed stone added to the warning track and new lights. The ballpark was built in 1960 and is named after Al Simmons, a longtime American Legion coach who helped raise $15,000 to buy and install lights. The field fell into disrepair with dandelions littered across the infield, tall outfield grass, and old tires and other assorted junk behind the backstop. That is what the field looked like before the construction of the grandstands. Food & Beverage 3 A giant grill sits next to the concession window and features locally-made grilled brats, hot dogs, and burgers. Fans order them at the window and are given a bun, which they take to the grilling area for their desired meat selection. A new twist on food service at the ball game. Other items on the menu include pizza slices, nachos, pretzels, popcorn, and candy. Pepsi and Budweiser products are available, and this might be the first ballpark where soda and beer are of equal value at $3. Atmosphere 3 Simmons Field has the appearance and characteristics of a local Little League complex. It is small and displays a bit cranky, but full of baseball-loving people. The main entrance is a small shed painted orange with a garage door that opens up to the ticket booth and merchandise table. In one corner are a collection of championship photos, memorabilia of past teams, and a rusted street sign of the former ballpark Industry Park. There are eight rows of seats in the grandstands, which are constructed from cement blocks and metal. There are three of them that wrap around the backstop fencing. A wooden leaderboard displays the league standings and multi-colored flags displaying the Lima Locos name. They are bleachers that have some wear and tear on them and could use wrapping to cover up the open space–one that can feature photos and the history of the Locos club. Down the left field line is a train cart on display, and added in 2021 along with a party suite area that provides additional seating for the game. The train is usually open for a look inside but was closed during our visit to the game. The press box sits atop the concession stand and features a slim window looking onto the natural grass field. The attention is mainly on the game on hand, with fans wearing the colors blue and orange. There are not a lot of promotions, loud announcements, or typical minor-league antics at the game. A small, comfortable baseball atmosphere that seems about right here in Lima. Neighborhood 2 Lima, Ohio, has a population of 35,000 plus residents and is located off I-75–about an equal distance between Toledo and Dayton (75 miles each). There are several local restaurants to visit in town, including Kewpee Hamburger which has been in existence since 1928, and one newer, Happy Daz Burger. They are cheap eats and ideal with the kids. A few more places to dine include Beer Barrel Pizza and Grill (home to its style of pizza), Milano Cafe (Italian cuisine), Old City Prime (steaks, seafood, and chops), and Outskirts Brew Co. and Dive (microbrewery). Fans 4 Lima draws well and will even travel to see their Locos on the road for championship games. The stands are full of fans young, who wear team jerseys, t-shirts, and caps. The grandstand and additional tables and seating are full at the first pitch, and much of the attention is on the field. This baseball-savvy audience has been used to quality baseball for some time. Access 3 There is parking in a lot and on the street. The stadium is located in a mixed residential and business area a few miles from the interstate exit. The parking lot is ample, but oversized crowds might force people to park elsewhere. The main entrance near the concession stand is busiest during games. Return on Investment 3 The price of an adult ticket is $5, while children and seniors pay $3. The parking is free, and burgers, hot dogs, brats, beers, and soda are all $3. The price of soda might be the only expensive item at the concession stand, while a can of Bud or Bud Light is inexpensive at $3. Merchandise was limited and almost out of stock due to the time of year. Extras 3 The ballpark collects a few additional points for locally made hot dogs, brats, and burgers. They earn another point for the wooden standing board and collection of team photos and memorabilia. A third point is for the single train that stands on a set of railroad tracks on the 3rd base side of the ballpark Final Thoughts Simmons Field is not a perfect ballpark and could use a few more touches to enhance its image. However, it’s ideal for the Great Lakes League, which utilizes stadiums around 500-600 in size to provide an atmosphere that should be most welcoming to many who are fans of the game. Fan support, affordable tickets, and friendly staff are all major points. ----- Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunterand his YouTube channel. Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Jason Karp, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Centene Stadium 1015 25th St N Great Falls, MT 59401 Great Falls Voyagers website Centene Stadium website Year Opened: 1956 Capacity: 4,000 Home of the Great Falls Voyagers Perched on a breezy bluff above the Missouri River, Centene Stadium is the home of the Great Falls Voyagers, a member of the Rookie Advanced Pioneer League’s eight-team circuit and part of the Chicago White Sox farm system. The stadium, originally known as Legion Park, was first constructed in 1940 as a WPA project at the end of the Great Depression. In the 1950s and 60’s the stadium fell into disrepair and minor league baseball left for a time. Citizens of Great Falls banded together to raise funds to renovate the stadium, and minor league baseball returned in the late 1960s. The stadium is owned by the City of Great Falls and is also home to all of Great Falls's American Legion baseball teams. Ongoing renovations including a new office wing in 2003, an expanded concourse in 2010, and a new outfield wall in 2014, along with many more upgrades and improvements give the stadium a more updated and modern look than its 1940 birthday would indicate. The Voyagers, and their alien mascot Orbit, take their name from a famous UFO sighting in 1950 when the General Manager of the Great Falls Electrics, Nick Mariana, caught some film footage of two silver unidentified objects passing over Great Falls. The video helped set off a frenzy of UFO investigations that continues to this day. Food & Beverage 3 It’s been a great surprise touring these Pioneer League ballparks and seeing the nice variety of concessions available. Centene Stadium is no exception. The main concession stands are located underneath the main grandstand. The prices won’t break the bank with a hot dog being $3.00, small soda $3.00, a hamburger $6.00, chicken strips $6.50, and french fries $3.00. Beer is sold below the grandstand as well with domestic and micros available on tap and in aluminum pints and cans. A domestic draft like Bud or Bud Light is $4.50. Local micros are also available including Belgian White, a popular wheat ale brewed in nearby Belt, Montana for $5.50. But that’s not all, there’s some specialty stands located along the third baseline next to the Home Run Club patio selling pizza, bbq, donuts, and the Mighty Mo Brewing Company tent, selling their brews made right here in Great Falls. Atmosphere 3 It’s summertime. It’s a beautiful evening. The beer is tasty and minor league baseball is being played. What a great way to relax and unwind from the day. There are Voyager fans who love their team, but no one gets too worked up about anything. The PA announcer does a good job of keeping the crowd up to date and Orbit the mascot constantly roams around with the local kids in tow. The big blue Montana sky above just adds to the ambiance. Neighborhood 2 The stadium is located amongst some huge grain elevators, railroad tracks, and other industrial buildings. It would be a bit of a hike from the ballpark to any bars or restaurants, but it’s easy to get to those places by bike or car. Residential Great Falls is just a few blocks away with its gridded tree and sidewalk lined street system. There’s a golf course beyond the outfield fence and a Veterans Memorial next to the parking lot to soften the impact of the otherwise industrial neighborhood. Take in the views of the Black Eagle Dam just across River Drive from the stadium. Also just down the road is the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center, not be missed if visiting Great Falls, and Giant Springs State Park-also very much worth stopping to see. Downtown Great Falls (3 miles from the stadium) has had some hard times since the 1980s, but it is coming back to life in a wonderful way. There are several interesting bars, restaurants, and shops downtown worth exploring. A couple of highlights are the Celtic Cowboy Pub and Restaurant next to the Hotel Arvon, a boutique hotel located in one of Great Falls’ oldest and completely restored buildings. The campy Sip and Dip Lounge with their swimming mermaids in an aquarium behind the bar is almost world famous. And the Mighty Mo Brewing Company’s taproom has brought back some energy to the area. Great Falls has numerous museums to take in including the aforementioned Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center, along with a railroad museum, children’s museum, and the C.M. Russell Museum, featuring the former home, studio, and artwork of Montana’s most famous artist, Charlie Russell. Fans 3 What really stands out to me is the number of kids in the stands. It’s a real family affair at a Voyagers game. The crowd is friendly and knowledgeable. Most of the kids are there for the concessions or to socialize, but there are many hardcore baseball fans who are interested in the game, keeping score, cheering on the individual players, and chastising the umpire if they feel it is necessary. Everyone seems to be having a good time and all encounters are very welcoming to visitors. Access 3 Centene Stadium is located off River Drive, a busy roadway connecting downtown to the industrial areas above the Missouri River and the tourist attractions in the vicinity such as the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center and Giant Springs State Park. The stadium is also easily accessed from the residential street grid from 25th Street North. Just pay attention, as some of the streets, including 25 Street, turn into one-ways. It’s easy to get to the stadium by bicycle or on foot via the street grid. Unfortunately, a direct connection hasn’t been made between the stadium and the extensive River’s Edge Trail system. There are bike racks right next to the ticket window. However, the locals don’t seem to take advantage of this opportunity as there are generally only a few bikes in the bike rack. Free motor vehicle parking is in excessive abundance right next to the stadium. Once parked, many hardcore baseball fans walk the smooth pavement leading to the ticket booth and entrance. Though being a very old stadium, renovations have been retrofitted well to make the facility handicapped accessible. Return on Investment 3 Ticket prices are pretty reasonable at $10 for box seats behind home plate and $8 for general admission bleacher seats. There are always ticket promotions throughout the season as well; just check the Voyagers official website. A generous amount of reserved and general admission seating is undercover for those hot sunny day games. The metal bleachers are a little on the hard side, so a seat cushion is a good thing to have. Concessions are not unreasonably expensive for a minor-league baseball game, and there are lots of choices. There’s no reason to leave Centene Stadium hungry or thirsty. Extras 3 One bonus point for the roof over the main grandstand. Many newer ballparks seem to be lacking this amenity, but it makes going to a baseball game in the summer an altogether more pleasant experience on hot and/or breezy days, and Great Falls gets a lot of both. One bonus point for the Great Falls River’s Edge Trail system. Though it doesn’t directly connect to the stadium, this extensive trail system takes visitors by bike or on foot along both sides of the magnificent Missouri River. There are all sorts of interpretive signs along the paths and there are great views of the dams and what’s left of the waterfalls that give the City its name. One bonus point for Great Falls founder, Paris Gibson, who laid out the City in such a logical way and with generous amounts of parkland-especially along the river. Gibson’s influence has fostered a strong sense of community in Great Falls, and it shows in the many public amenities available, including many parks, museums, trails, and the City-owned Centene Stadium. Whether you are a Montanan looking for a weekend getaway, or a tourist passing through the state, Great Falls is a great place to spend a few days in the summertime. Final Thoughts Going to Centene Stadium will give you a pretty typical minor-league baseball experience, and a typical minor-league experience is a wonderful experience.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Fred C. Yager Stadium Weeb Ewbank Way Oxford, OH 45056 Miami (OH) RedHawks website Fred C. Yager Stadium website Year Opened: 1983 Capacity: 24,286 Miami, Ohio: The Cradle of Coaches Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, has had a football program since 1888. and from 1896-1982, it played its games at Miami Field. During this time, the school was the proving ground for developing future collegiate and professional coaches who would find success elsewhere. There were so many coaches that the school earned the nickname the “Cradle of Coaches”. Yager Stadium is where the Miami Redhawks have called home since 1983. The 25,286-seat football stadium was built at $13.5 and named after Fred C. Yager, Class of 1914, who was the main benefactor in building a new stadium for the football program. Before it was built, the university had the second-oldest football facility in the nation. The construction of the grandstand seating resulted in an unbalanced layout, with the west grandstands being 20 rows taller than the east grandstands. The south end zone consists of the scoreboard, and the opposite side features the recently constructed Randy Gunlock Family Athletic Performance Center which features a few areas of standing-room-only seating. Food & Beverage 3 There is plenty of food and beer stands to serve fans, and orders are expedited rather quickly. However, the beer stands might require a little bit of patience since the wait is a tad longer than the food stations. There are quite a few options, and they include Miller Lite, Bud Light, Coors Light, Fat Tire, Founders All-Day IPA, Busch Light, Goose Island, and Michelob Ultra. The food options do not vary, but that is probably OK with the fans, who are there for the game and may be quite full from the tailgating cuisine. Hot dogs, burgers, chicken sandwiches, and black bean burgers are cooked on large grills. Chicken strips, nachos, and fries are available as well. Pepsi products are the drink of choice at Yager Field. Atmosphere 3 The main two parking lots upon Ewbank Hill offer enough spots for tailgating before the game. Tents are pitched, grills are on fire, and fans entertain themselves with a variety of outdoor games. The crowd descends to the main entrance of the stadium, where much of the synergy takes place outside of the main grandstand. Visitors will find everything they need at Yager Stadium from concession stands, beer kiosks, a team store, bathrooms, and vomitories to a seating bowl. It is a festive part of the venue, and many are wearing bright Miami red colors. The crowd dissipates slightly as kick-off approaches. The beginning of the game features the marching band performing on the field, the unveiling of the U.S. flag by the cheer squad, and the playing of several other college songs. The football players take the field in a cloud of smoke with the official Redhawk mascot, Swoop. The main seating bowl is slightly steep, but there is plenty of seating for individuals who have trouble walking. There are great views along the south endzone with room to house a drink or food option. Fans should make a trip to the north endzone to visit the Cradle of Coaches statues, more on that in the extras section, but a highlight of any college football stadium. Neighborhood 4 Oxford, Ohio, has a population of 22,700, and the university has slightly fewer with an enrollment of 17,327. The small town is quite attractive and provides a scenic college atmosphere for its students while keeping visitors entertained during a visit to a football game. The campus itself has been described as “one of the prettiest campuses that ever was” by poet Robert Frost, and its buildings are in the style characteristic of Georgian Revival architecture, with all buildings no more than three stories tall. The main college drag is High Street, a few blocks away from the campus and ballpark, where you can find a bevy of commerce at its bars, restaurants, and nightclubs. The action starts early on the weekends with local watering holes packed with students. CJ’s, Varsity, Brick Street, and Steinkeller are a few of the hot spots if you choose to mingle with the young crowd. The area offers a few restaurants: High Street Grill, Paesano’s Pasta House, and local favorites: Mac & Joe’s, Spring Hill Tavern, and Hitching Post Saloon. Skippers and Bagel & Deli Shop are next to one another and offer patio seating, half-yard pints of beer, and awesome sandwiches. It is a great way to fraternize with the local population on a warm fall afternoon. Fans 3 The main grandstand fills with a sea of red who watch the Redhawks battle it out on the gridiron. It is a typical MAC college vibe among the faithful, but many left the building after the first half of play. A few folks told me they were heading back to their cars to tailgate, where ice-cold beer and a few snacks were awaiting them. The student section was almost baron, but the ones there did an admirable job of showing school spirit. Access 4 Miami University is tucked away in its little oasis, and the town feels miles away from the metropolitan areas of Dayton, Cincinnati, Columbus, and Indianapolis. The small two-lane roads take you past farms, cornfields, and gravel roads; once on campus, it is easy to get around to and from the ballpark. Yager Stadium is directly off Morning Sun Road (SR-732) and can is easily noticeable when driving in Ohio from either the north or east. Multiple access points to the stadium from High Street lead motorists to other parking lots. Yager Stadium is designed to allow fans to get around during a football game. The main grandstand entrance includes the gift shop, bathrooms, and food and concession stands. There are a few more foods that stand behind the endzone of the stadium which provides additional options. Return on Investment 3 The price of a ticket costs anywhere from $7 to $27, plus a $2.50 ticket fee. The fee is waived when purchasing a ticket at the game, which is a great option since most games do not sell out. The best spots for parking are at the West Millett and Fryman Lot for $10. There is also an accessible lot for the same price that is available. Menu options range from $4 to $6 for most products, while beer prices are $7–the non-alcoholic versions are $5. Extras 3 The “Cradle of Coaches” statues at the endzone entrance is a must-see when at the game. There are 8 beautiful bronze statues of college and pro football legends who began their careers at the university. An ideal spot for photo taking for Jets fans (Weeb Ewbank), Browns/Bengals fans (Paul Brown), or Michigan fans (Bo Schembechler). Up on Ewbank hill from the main entrance to the stadium are the original ticket booths from the program’s original Miami Field. The structures were built in 1895 and moved to the new location by the Class of 1959 and 1960. Many fans pass by these two historic structures, and they also provide great photo opportunities. You are not allowed to bring your umbrellas into the stadium, but that is not a problem. Instead of trekking back to their vehicle, many leave them against the ticket booths, tables, and even grassy patches. When the game is over, they use the honor system and pick them up. Perhaps similar efforts can be found at other college venues, but this was a first for me as a reviewer. Final Thoughts Yager Stadium is a fine football stadium for the MAC and has all the amenities a die-hard football would want. It is in no way a perfect stadium, but it serves its purpose to the many who watch Redhawks games. The stadium is easily accessible, food options inexpensive, and fans are friendly enough to have an in-depth conversation about the university. The best part is that you get to enjoy the town and campus, one of the best little spots in the area. —— Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel.

Photo by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 McKie Field at Hayden Park 550 E Withrow St Oxford, OH 45056 Miami (OH) RedHawks website McKie Field at Hayden Park website Year Opened: 2002 Capacity: 600 Charming Little Ballpark, Charming College Town In 2012 the website College Baseball Today proclaimed McKie Field at Hayden Park was the best small college baseball venue with seats under 1,000. It would be hard to disagree since the ballpark is quite a beautiful sport for baseball. Almost a decade later the ballpark is still a charming venue for baseball on the campus of Miami (Ohio) University. The home of Redhawks debuted in 2002 with an 8-0 loss to Purdue in front of 1,178 fans. The ballpark blends in nicely with the surrounding brick buildings on campus. It is within easy walking distance to campus residence halls and academic buildings along with the bustling High Street where a plethora of bars, restaurants, and coffee shops are open for business. The previous McKie Field had been demolished and the current $3.7 million ballpark was built on the same site but with a home, plate moving from the southeast corner of the park to the southwest. According to the university’s website, “the design intent is to create a ballpark that captures the nostalgia and history of baseball in the context and tradition of the Georgian architecture found at Miami.” The Redhawks began their baseball program in 1915 and are members of the Mid-American Conference. The team has made six NCAA tournament appearances and has three conference tournament championships. Food & Beverage 3 There is a food truck parked near the entrance of the field offering a nice array of items that include hot dogs, cheeseburgers, grilled chicken breasts, nachos, chicken strips, fries, and bratwurst. There are also onion rings, mini corn dogs, and fried pickles. The prices average around $4 apiece and Pepsi products are the drink of choice. There is also RedHawk Water with a specialized bottle featuring the Cradle of Coaching. A bonus is that the ballpark sells beer and alcoholic seltzer. Blue Moon, Bud Lite, Goose Island IPA, Miller Lite, Natural Lite, and Vive Seltzer are available between $5 and $7.50. There are also O’Doul’s for $5. Credit cards are accepted for both food and drink at McKie Field. Atmosphere 4 A lot is going on in this small little ballpark that is tucked in between the university’s brick buildings. Bleacher seating flanks both sides of the baseline, bucket seats are situated behind home plate, and there are grass areas for more seating down each foul line. A small press box is located behind the box seats and the press box, small children can be found bouncing red rubber balls for entertainment. The rubber balls are souvenirs that kids can earn when they return one of the copious foul balls that fly out of the ballpark during the game. It is plausible to see a group of three to four children chase down a prized possession and take it back to the information table that offers schedules and team posters. An electronic scoreboard is situated behind the left-center field and it reads “The Good Guys” but it appears that it could also provide player data and stats as well. There is thick protective netting from the first to the third baseline that is somewhat thicker than the norm but not enough to deter the perspective of a fan of the game. There are also plenty of other areas to enjoy the game from the grassy areas. Like with many college baseball games in the Midwest, the fan can hear everything that goes on between both dugouts from discerning from bad calls, arguments over balls and strikes, and a player trying to rally his team after sliding home with a score. This is also the same for the fans who have no problem hurling a few opinions of their own to the umpiring crew when they do not agree with a call on the field. Neighborhood 5 Oxford, Ohio, has a population of 21,731 and the university has slightly more with an enrollment of 24,505. The small town is quite attractive and provides a pretty nice college atmosphere for its students while keeping visitors entertained during a visit to a hockey game. The campus itself has been described as “one of the prettiest campuses that ever was” by poet Robert Frost and its buildings are in the style characteristic of Georgian Revival architecture, with all buildings no more than three stories tall. The main college drag is High Street, a few blocks away from the campus and arena, where you find a bevy of commerce at its bars, restaurants, and nightclubs. The action starts early on the weekends with local watering holes packed with students. CJ’s, Varsity, Brick Street, and Steinkeller are a few of the hot spots if you choose to mingle with the young crowd. The area offers a few upscale restaurants: Alexander House, High Street Grill, and Paesanos, and local favorites: Mac & Joe’s, Rapid Fire Pizza, Spring Hill Tavern, and Hitching Post Saloon. Skippers and Bagel & Deli Shop are next to one another and offer patio seating, half-yard pints of beer, and awesome sandwiches. It is a great way to fraternize with the local population on a warm fall afternoon. Fans 3 It was a rather nice early March afternoon with temperatures approaching the 50s and enough to get people out and about for the unseasonably warm day. However, it was still cold enough for many to don a blanket or jacket to keep themselves warm. The small gathering of individuals is what you would expect at this time of the year and there was enough fun from cheering on loved ones on the field or others just enjoying the start of baseball in the new year. Access 4 Miami University is tucked away in its little bubble and the town feels miles away from the major metropolitans of Dayton, Cincinnati, Columbus, and Indianapolis. The small two-lane roads take you past farms, including one that houses llamas, and small towns but once on campus, it is easy to get around to and from the ballpark. Return on Investment 4 There is no cost for baseball games and parking is free, but check during early afternoon games on the weekdays. The campus and town are a destination all to themselves and the ballpark is a charming little reminder that even the smallest packages are big and bright. Extras 4 The campus itself has been described as “one of the prettiest campuses that ever was” by poet Robert Frost and its buildings are in the style characteristic of Georgian Revival architecture, with all buildings no more than three stories tall. If the weather is right, it could provide for a nice stroll before the game. The ballpark’s location on campus and within easy walking distance of High Street is also a desirable feature when attending baseball games. Fans can come in, spread a blanket on the grass, and take a walk to some fun dining options. Kids earn free rubber balls when returning foul balls to the information desk. A nice way to collect the various balls that fly out of the ballpark. McKie serves beer and that is something not common at other Midwestern ballparks of this size. They also take credit cards. Final Thoughts McKie Field at Hayden Park is a charming little ballpark in a very picturesque college town. On a warm spring day with the right type of crowd, there may be nothing more pleasing than enjoying nine innings of baseball with a hot dog or drink in hand. For a ballpark of 1,000 seat capacity, there is so much to like from a visit to Miami University. ----- Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunterand his YouTube channel. Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Millett Hall 500 E Sycamore St Oxford, OH 45056 Miami (OH) RedHawks website Millett Hall website Year Opened: 1968 Capacity: 6,400 Millett Hall is the Home of the Redhawks Millett Hall is home to the Miami Redhawks basketball and volleyball programs. The 9,200-seat multi-purpose venue hosted its first basketball game on December 2, 1968, with an 86-77 loss to the Kentucky Wildcats. The $7.5 million arena was named for John Millett, the university’s president from 1953-1964. The Redhawks have home-court advantage, posting a 147-37 record since the start of the 1993-1994 season. The close to .800 winning percentage is somewhat of an anomaly since the building is not considered one of the more intimidating places for opposing teams in the Mid-Atlantic Conference. The building was designed to host a myriad of events: from concerts to commencement ceremonies and is home to the ROTC program. Fans are somewhat at a distance from the court and many of the upper bowl seating is far away from the action. The Redhawks men’s basketball program has captured 20 MAC championships and has made 17 NCAA tournament appearances. A bronze statue of Wayne Embry stands outside the main entrance. Embry led the school to the 1957 and 1958 tournaments before an 11-year career in the NBA. He is currently a senior basketball advisor for the Toronto Raptors. Food & Beverage 3 There is not a large amount of variety in the game, but enough to satisfy you while watching the game. The concession stands are located near the entrance to the seating bowl and offer hot dogs, nachos, popcorn, and soda. Alcoholic beverages are not sold during the game. Atmosphere 3 It appears that Millett Hall has not changed drastically since its opening in 1968. The building is somewhat of a time warp that offers new visitors a look back at arena construction from another era. It might not be as romantic as the likes of The Palestra or Hinkle Fieldhouse, but there is a sense of style throughout the building. The outer concourse is wide and features speckled floor tiles, natural lighting, and a slant roof that supports the upper-level seating. Fans enter the seating bowl up to levels of staircases that seem out of place at an arena. Brick interior, glass paneling, and open areas repeat a pattern in this area. A kid’s zone with multiple blow-up rides makes good use of the open space. There is plenty of activity for kids to take advantage of from slides, bouncy houses, and games. There is another area dedicated to the school’s Hall of Fame members that features framed photos from their playing days at Miami. Millett Hall Play Area, Photo by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey The inner bowl offers two sections of seating that include red and mustard yellow cushioned seating. The aisles are carpeted and there are multiple areas where fans can enjoy a different vantage point of the game. The ceiling is low and features multiple lighting that provides a bit of darkness to the game in certain areas. There are plenty of open spaces at each end of the court, and one knock against the venue is that fans are not on top of the action. It is not necessarily the case with the first few rows of seating, and additional court-side seats are set up for fans to enjoy an up-close and personal view of the action. Additional highlights inside include a cube-video board that keeps up to the date record of players’ stats, retired jerseys, and multiple banners of the programs that play inside the arena. The band section is situated at one end of the court, and the cheerleaders and dance team are at the opposite end. Neighborhood 4 Oxford, Ohio has a population of 22,700, and the university has slightly fewer with an enrollment of 17,327. The small town is quite attractive and provides a scenic college atmosphere for its students while keeping visitors entertained during a visit to a basketball game. The campus has been described as “one of the prettiest campuses that ever was” by poet Robert Frost; its buildings are in the style characteristic of Georgian Revival architecture with all of them no more than three stories tall. The main college drag is High Street, a few blocks away from the campus and ballpark, where you can find a bevy of commerce at its bars, restaurants, and nightclubs. The action starts early on the weekends with local watering holes packed with students. CJ’s, Varsity, Brick Street, and Steinkeller are a few of the hot spots if you choose to mingle with the young crowd. The area offers a few restaurants: High Street Grill, Paesano’s Pasta House, and local favorites Mac & Joe’s, Spring Hill Tavern, and Hitching Post Saloon. Skippers and Bagel & Deli Shop are next to one another and offer patio seating, half-yard pints of beer, and amazing sandwiches. It is a great way to fraternize with the local population on a warm fall afternoon. Fans 3 The Miami faithful is a knowledgeable group of supporters who cheer for every bucket or three-point made. The student section seating was not set up for the game we attended, and the lack of them could have added a bit more ambiance to the proceedings. However, the crowd gave the Redhawks an encouraging backdrop of claps, cheers, and a few boos when appropriate. Access 3 Miami University is tucked away in its little oasis and the town feels miles away from the metropolitan areas of Dayton, Cincinnati, Columbus, and Indianapolis. The small two-lane roads take you past farms, cornfields, and gravel roads; once on campus, it is easy to get around to and from the building. Millett Hall is on top of Weeb Ewbank Hill from the football stadium Yager Field. It is easily recognizable and offers plenty of free parking for motorists. Once inside the arena, the concourses are wide, and signage is plentiful for bathrooms, exits, concessions, and seating. Return on Investment 3 The price of a ticket to the game is $15 and $8 (12 and under) in advance. There is no longer a fee to park your vehicle, and concession items are fairly priced. A Redhawks basketball game should also include a visit to High Street or a hockey game at the Steve Cady Arena. Extras 2 Millett Hall earns a point for the statue of Wayne Embry on the outside of the building. The building receives a second point for free parking and easy access to the campus. Final Thoughts There is something different about attending a basketball game at Millett Hall. It’s not a basketball arena but a multi-purpose venue that serves many purposes, from sports to concerts. The building’s size hinders the experience slightly for fans who enjoy being close to the action of the court. The interior design could be updated and include touches that 21st-century fans marvel at. The place has good bones for such a transformation; perhaps that day will be here sooner than later. ----- Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunterand his YouTube channel. Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Jackie Robinson Ballpark 103 E Orange Ave Daytona Beach, FL 32114 Daytona Tortugas website Jackie Robinson Ballpark website Year Opened: 1914 Capacity: 4,200 Baseball on the Beach Jackie Robinson Ballpark is unique in MiLB. First, it sits literally on the edge of the intercostal waterway in Daytona Beach, FL. Second, it has historical significance – this is the site where Jackie Robinson played his first professional baseball game after signing with the Dodgers after other cities like Jacksonville refused to let him play because of the color of his skin. Finally, after years as a Cubs affiliate, the baseball team in Daytona is now a Reds affiliate as of 2015, and with that came a whole new color scheme and team identity in the form of the Tortugas (Spanish for turtle). Food & Beverage 3 There aren’t a lot of food stands at the Tortuga's home, as the stadium is very old school in its construction. That said the variety you find here is solid enough with plenty of affordability; you can find the usual ballpark fare in the form of peanuts, Cracker Jack, popcorn, hot dogs, and more. A fan favorite is the grande chicken nachos which live up to the name, as well as the buffalo chicken tenders and the funnel cake fries. Drink options range from coffee to soda to tea and energy drinks, as well as Gatorade and bottled water.\ Atmosphere 3 There is something to be said about a stadium with a classic look – that old-time construction with the covered seating behind home plate and the blockhouse dugouts is very much prevalent in Daytona Beach. However, while many find the old aesthetic charming, it has its drawbacks. The old-style construction means that anyone sitting above the fifth row has an obstructed view thanks to the support beams for the roof. And, while all the seats under the overhang have individual chairs, the seating along the left field for general admission is metal benches with no backs. However, the Budweiser Bullpen and right field patio offer seating options for fans and groups with a field-level view and various seating options. The team has done a good job with the field itself and the stadium, maintaining the color scheme of the team throughout the facility rather well. Additionally, the stadium’s location on the water is a big plus as the view is pretty good from your seat. Neighborhood 4 Immediately across the street from the stadium is a small downtown area full of local shops, while immediately across the water from the stadium is Daytona Beach proper, featuring the world-famous beach, pier, and the expected shopping and dining options. In addition, closer down the road towards I-4 along International Speedway Blvd are countless restaurants and shops, as well as Daytona International Speedway . The city has also done a good job trying to revitalize itself to make Daytona Beach more visitor friendly, meaning there is plenty to do. For lodging, you can’t go wrong with the Extended Stay America or WoodSpring Suites Daytona. Fans 3 As with nearly every Florida State League team, the attendance on game day is sparse most of the time, Games are rarely sold out, and even on nights that include the yearly appearance from Vince Carter you still won’t find the stadium even half full. With that in mind, the overall experience is still solid; the Tortugas are very family-friendly and the fans are a big part of that. Additionally, the fans who visit are a wide variety of baseball diehards, locals, and Reds fans traveling through the area hoping to see some of tomorrow’s stars. Access 4 To get to the stadium, it is as easy as taking the I-95 exit onto International Speedway Blvd and then heading east. Signage for directions to the stadium is well placed, so it is easy to find your way to the field. Right off the main road is the ballpark rising from the water’s edge on the corner of Orange Ave and Beach St, and parking is plentiful on-site and only $2. Return on Investment 4 Ticket prices start as low as $7 and go up to $15 for VIP seating – this means you won’t break the bank for tickets for a family of four, even when you add in concessions prices. Add that to the low cost of parking, and you have a great place to go watch a baseball game in Florida. Extras 3 A statue of Jackie Robinson is a popular photo spot at the stadium for fans. Additionally, there is a big wall that features the names of all the players from Daytona MiLB teams that have made it to the big leagues over the years. Finally, throughout the property are signs and infographics about the history of the stadium and its ties to Jackie Robinson’s story. Final Thoughts The idea of a baseball team playing in a beach city in Florida seems about as idyllic as one can imagine, and the stadium surely lives up to the image. With great views from the seats, fans in Daytona are treated to a great experience on game day. The affordability of Tortugas games is on par with the best the FSL has to offer, and it is easy to see why families and young baseball enthusiasts flock to Jackie Robinson Ballpark to watch a game, even through the heat of summer in Florida.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.29 University of Dayton Arena 1801 Edwin C. Moses Blvd Dayton, OH 45408 Dayton Flyers website University of Dayton Arena website Year Opened: 1969 Capacity: 13,409 Dayton Gets LOWD for College Hoops Many say that it is one of the elite venues and toughest buildings to play college basketball. The University of Dayton Arena, commonly known as UD Arena, hosted its first game on December 6, 1969, and quickly developed into one of the best places in the nation for college hoops. The arena is currently undergoing a three-phase renovation project that is scheduled for completion by the arena’s 50th anniversary. The $72 million privately-funded effort will include the replacement of all 13,450 seats, a new four-sided video board above the center court, installation of air conditioning and new WiFi, a wraparound main concourse around the bowl, new club seating, updated bathrooms, new ticket office location, and new corner terrace suites. The renovations will improve the fan experience at the game and update the building to modern standards, but one thing is certain, the atmosphere will continue to be among the elite. The Flyer Faithful is known to fill up the arena and create an environment that ranks with the best college programs in the nation, ranking in the top 30 of average attendance figures on an annual basis. Food & Beverage 4 There is a surprising amount of variety at the UD Arena with prices that are more than reasonable. There are hot dogs, pretzels, nachos, bottled and fountain drinks, and craft and domestic beers. The prices range from $4 for a hot dog to $7.25 for a draft craft beer. However, there are a few other great choices that include Donato pizza, Lee’s chicken strips, and City Barbecue pulled brisket and pork. The pulled pork is also topped on nachos for $10. A few other interesting choices include cheddar peppercorn sausage, steak, shrimp tacos, and grilled chicken sandwiches ranging in price from $4.50 to $8. The beer choices are varied and fans can enjoy selections from local Warped Wing and Local 27, along with microbreweries from as far away as Alaska and Hawaii. Don’t worry, there are Budweiser, Miller, and Coors selections to choose from as well at the arena. Atmosphere 5 The current renovations that are currently taking place have transformed the outer concourse of the building to make it easier for traffic flow during games that are near capacity a majority of the time. Visitors can now walk by walls decorated with the Dayton Flyer logo and photos and information about the team’s history which includes 21 years in the top 30 in average attendance, 18 NCAA Tournament appearances, 7 conference championships, and one Final Four appearance in 1967. About five minutes before the game the chanting begins and music blares over the arena’s sound system. The student section, dubbed the Red Scare, is one of the most spirited and loud student sections across the nation. The thing that sets Red Scare apart from other student sections is the people who make it up. There are three Blue Men/Women, who paint their bodies every game and embody the Flyer spirit and The Pilot who steers the section throughout the game and leads cheers. The place gets loud, or should I say LOWD, which is a term that can be described as the highest decibel that can be achieved in a college basketball arena. It helps if you are the home team needing a boost when you are down late in the game and can hinder the performance of any would-be opponent looking to escape with a win in the arena. The Flight Deck and BOESCH LOUNGE are two premium seating areas that offer a variety of luxury options to entertain family, friends, companies, or groups located at the upper ends behind each basket of the UD Arena. Neighborhood 3 The arena is located about two miles from downtown Dayton. There has been a serious amount of major investments this century that has resulted in residential, commercial, and transportation developments that have brought people back to the city. Seven million people visit the high-tech friendly downtown annually. There is a collection of breweries that include Warped Wing, Lock 27, and Toxic Brew which all offer their vibe and craft beer. The Dayton Beer Company is an ideal spot with over 36 different beers on tap that includes their own made on-site and a pizzeria on the first floor. Many of the places charge by the 4 and 8 ounces for more options of sampling award-winning beer. Most of the nightlife is concentrated near the Brown Street District, Oregon District, or Fifth Third Field (Webster Station). A few choices to enjoy a meal is The Pine Club (steaks), The Winds (farm to table), Jay’s Restaurant (seafood), Corner Kitchen (burgers), and El Meson (a vast array of American cuisine south of the border). The National Museum of the U.S. Air Force, America’s Packard Museum, Boonshoft Museum of Discovery, and the National Aviation Hall of Fame are all popular tourist attractions. The Oregon District has a nice balance of retail, bars, live music, restaurants, and several breweries. The architecture of the residential buildings dates back to the 19th century and is ideal for photos. Fans 5 The Flyer Faithful is one of the most loyal fan bases in the country. They are dedicated to the program and create an energy that is unmatched at many college facilities. The Red Scare is filled with a cast of characters who are unique to the building from fans painted in blue to a captain in full uniform steering the ship. The decibel levels are intense and it makes for a very tough place to play for any opponent. The rest of the fans in their seats do their part to create a powerful home-court advantage at the UD Arena. Access 4 The UD Arena is located west of downtown Dayton and directly off of I-75 near the school’s other sports facilities. There is a large on-site and off-site parking lot available for commuters and current renovations will make access around the outer and inner concourse areas a bit smoother. Due to the number of fans per game and renovation projects, the concourses can become congested before, at halftime, and after post-game. Return on Investment 5 Single-game tickets for Dayton games begin at $20-$25 for 300 to 400-level seating areas. Lower-level seats in the 100 to 200 sections are generally sold out, but there are certain games where student seating is available for $35. The concession prices are reasonable at $4 hot dogs, $7.25 craft beer pints, and $5 nachos. The parking lots located at the UD Arena (Lots A, B, C, and D) are for season ticket holders only and all parking passes for all lots are sold out at this time. There are on-site lots in the overflow lot (O Lot) that are available for single-game buyers which is $5 and includes a complimentary shuttle bus. The atmosphere is one of the best in college basketball and decibel levels increase immensely during certain times of the game. The price of a ticket almost guarantees a near-capacity crowd in an electric atmosphere. Extras 5 The UD Arena receives an extra point for its price points from $20 tickets in the 400 level to $4 hot dogs at the concession stand. The prices throughout the building are more than reasonable with one of the best atmospheres in college basketball. The UD Arena earns a second point for the Red Scare, according to its website, the largest student organization at the university. The Red Scare is the official group of students that facilitates cheers at UD varsity athletic events and is dedicated to doing whatever it takes to give the Flyers a home advantage during games. The UD Arena earns the third point for its impressive attendance figures which are currently averaging close to 13,000 fans per game and placing them in the top 30 of all NCAA college basketball programs. The UD Arena earns the fourth point by the copious amounts of terms that are used to describe the atmosphere and fans during the game. The Red Scare, Decibel Dungeon, Flyer Faithful, and the term lowd are all part of the UD lore and perhaps need an explanation to the common fan making a visit for the first time to the arena. The final point is for the Flyer Faithful who are a loyal group of supporters who create a challenging atmosphere for opponents and will travel in packs to support their basketball program. Final Thoughts The UD Arena is quite the experience for college basketball and goes somewhat underneath the radar to most fans. However, you will never have to tell a Dayton fan, alumni, or student what an experience is like during a home game. UD Arena is as advertised, it gets LOWD. ---- Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel. Email at marc@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57 Woerner Field at Time Warner Cable Stadium 1780 S Edwin C Moses Blvd Dayton, OH 45417 Dayton Flyers website Woerner Field at Time Warner Cable Stadium website Year Opened: 2004 Capacity: 2,000 Just the Right Size for Dayton Baseball The University of Dayton baseball team debuted at Woerner Field at DP&L Stadium in 2004 but it was not until the next season that the ballpark was completed. The Flyers dedicated the $4 million facility on May 7, 2005, and finished the year with an impressive 18-4 record in the conference. When the stadium opened it was known as Time Warner Cable Stadium until May 6, 2011, when it changed names to Woerner Field after alumni Larry Woerner and his wife. Worner pitched for the Flyers for four years before graduating in 1976 with a degree in mathematics, summa cum laude. The Flyers participated in the Atlantic 10 conference and they have been playing baseball at the university since 1902. They have captured two conference championships and made one appearance in the NCAA Tournament in 2012. Food & Beverage 2 The ballpark has a small concession stand underneath the grandstand that has a limited selection of items that includes hot dogs, nachos, and popcorn. The stand offers Pepsi products and prices range between $2 to $3 each. The items are expected based on the size and the number of people who attend Flyers baseball games but if you are hungry, eat before the game. Atmosphere 3 The ballpark has a laid-back atmosphere due to its size and the number of people who are in the facility. It has all the essentials and includes a press box, covered chairback seating behind the home plate, concessions, and restrooms. Many lines up against the fence before the game down the right-field line to talk to players and remain there throughout the entire game. Dayton was wearing bright monochrome red jerseys for today’s game and perhaps attracted a little more attention for visitors wanting to see this blast from the past uniform. The grandstand is also a comfortable spot to watch the game and offers fans theater-style seating behind protective netting. The small press box is directly behind the seats and a scoreboard is situated behind the left-center field wall. It is a basic and simple ballpark but more than adequate for college baseball in this part of the country. Neighborhood 3 The ballpark is just across the parking lot from the UD Arena and football stadium. the arena is located about two miles from downtown Dayton. There has been a serious amount of major investments in this century that have resulted in residential, commercial, and transportation developments that have brought people back to the city. Seven million people visit the high-tech friendly downtown annually. There are a collection of breweries that include Warped Wing, Lock 27, and Toxic Brew which all offer their own vibe and craft beer. The Dayton Beer Company is an ideal spot with over 36 different beers on tap that includes their own made on-site and a pizzeria on the first floor. Many of the places charge by the 4 and 8 ounces for more options of sampling award-winning beer. Most of the nightlife is concentrated near the Brown Street District, Oregon District, or near Fifth Third Field (Webster Station). A few choices to enjoy a meal are The Pine Club (steaks), The Winds (farm to table), Jay’s Restaurant (seafood), Corner Kitchen (burgers), and El Meson (a vast array of American cuisine south of the border). The National Museum of the U.S. Air Force, America’s Packard Museum, Boonshoft Museum of Discovery, and the National Aviation Hall of Fame are all popular tourist attractions. The Oregon District has a nice balance of retail, bars, live music, restaurants, and several breweries. The architecture of the residential buildings dates back to the 19th century and is ideal for photos. Fans 2 A small gathering of fans was in attendance for the Flyers game that included mostly friends and family. This is a common theme at similar baseball stadiums in the area and what you would at others in colder climates in the late winter and early months. The fans who are at the game will provide some insight into the players on the field since they know them quite well. Access 4 The ballpark is directly off of I-75 and is visible from the interstate one needs to put the GPS away as soon as they approach the exit. There is plenty of free parking around the stadium and the entrance is located down the right-field foul line. One can easily get around during the game. Return on Investment 2 The cost to attend baseball games is free and this also includes parking in the massive lot adjacent to the field. Concession prices are inexpensive but not varied and you cannot drink a beer at the game. However, attending a game here is strictly for the die-hards or that one guy who wants to attend every NCAA college baseball stadium. Extras 2 Dayton earns a point for the bright red monochrome jerseys. Players talked with fans before the game and indicated that these were their favorites. The ballpark earns a second point for being near other facilities in town that include the basketball arena, football stadium, and softball field. Final Thoughts Unless you are a fan of college baseball, connected somehow with the university, or know some playing for the team, you probably do not want to take in a game at the ballpark. It is free to attend and concession prices are inexpensive but there is not an incentive to attract the same type of customer who attends Dayton Dragons games a few miles away downtown. ----- Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunterand his YouTube channel. Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Homewood Field 3399 San Martin Dr Baltimore, MD 21210 Johns Hopkins Blue Jays website Homewood Field website Year Opened: 1906 Capacity: 8,500 Hop To It in Baltimore Homewood Field opened in 1906 and has a capacity of 8,500 fans. The field is used for football and lacrosse (both men’s and women’s) at Johns Hopkins University – the new turf was added in 2014 and the new video board (which is used to show replays) was added in 2011. Johns Hopkins football, like almost all the other sports on campus, currently competes at the NCAA’s D3 level, while the men’s and women’s lacrosse programs (the only Johns Hopkins sports to do so) compete at the D1 level. Food & Beverage 3 There is only one fixed concessions stand at Homewood Field, in the northwest end zone, and it only sells pizza, chips and candy, and cookies, as well as bottled and canned soft drinks. However, what saves the rating here is the Al Pacino Ice Cream food truck behind the opposite end zone – Pacino’s has shaved ice, slushies, sundaes, ice cream sandwiches, and other treats, etc. – pretty much any type of ice cream you could ask for, so be sure to stop by for a cold, sweet treat. Also, the concessions at Homewood Field take cash or card, which is a real plus in today’s modern age. Homewood Field Fixed Concession Stand, Photo by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Atmosphere 5 Homewood Field has a great atmosphere for college football – great fans, a peppy band that plays both modern favorites as well as oldies, fan contests at halftime (which are rare at this level of college football), the requisite dance team and cheerleaders, and an awesome 6-foot blue jay costumed mascot named Jay; Jay can be seen all game long taking photos with fans at the bottom of the grandstand on the home side. The turf field has grandstands along both sidelines; both have bleacher seating up, plus a wide cement walkway along the top which offers standing-room viewing for fans. The lacrosse center is behind the southeast end zone, and many fans can be seen watching the contest from its second-floor balcony. That end zone contains the Al Pacino Ice Cream food truck, while the main concessions stand is behind the opposite end zone. Located in Baltimore, the birthplace of the National Anthem, the singing of the Anthem before Johns Hopkins games is a bit more meaningful than at other games, and the PA announcer makes note of this fact when asking fans to stand and remove their caps. Francis Scott Key wrote the National Anthem during the War of 1812, while a prisoner on board a British ship just a few miles away in Baltimore Harbor, from which he witnessed the British bombardment of the city. Inspired by the American flag still waving after the 25-hour shelling, Key wrote the poem which became the National Anthem, on the back of a letter he had in his pocket. Neighborhood 5 Homewood Field is located only a few miles from downtown Baltimore, so as you might expect there are plenty of restaurants, hotels, and attractions in the area – you will find plenty to do before or after the game in a city this size. A couple of restaurants I would recommend are Alizee, across the street from the stadium, and Wicked Sisters a little further away. Alizee has a ton of different options, from small plates to burgers, pasta to pizza, and even roasted chicken and grilled salmon, while Wicked Sisters is an upscale pub specializing in craft cocktails and seafood dishes (this is Baltimore after all, so eating seafood should be on your to-do list). If you have time while in Baltimore, I would recommend checking out Fort McHenry and/or the National Aquarium – Fort McHenry is a national monument and was the fort being shelled which inspired Francis Scott Key to write the National Anthem. The National Aquarium is huge with a ton of attractions inside, including dolphin shows and behind-the-scenes shark tours, and there are plenty of other attractions in and around Baltimore Harbor as well. Fans 4 Johns Hopkins football brings in some stellar fans – while the stands are not full, especially on the visitors’ side, there is electricity in the air as the fans here cheer on their Blue Jays. You will hear “That’s another Hopkins first down!” shouted by fans throughout most of the game when JHU is on offense, as well as lots of shouting and stomping during opposing third and fourth downs. The Blue Jays fans seem genuinely excited to watch their team; a lot of them show up in team gear, and many of them can be seen standing the entire time. Access 3 Unfortunately, the traffic in and around Baltimore is pretty rough, especially if you end up taking I-95/I-395/I-495 (which you probably have to). There are also myriad bridges and tunnels around the city, which tend to get congested. The good news is that most Johns Hopkins football games are on Saturday, so the traffic should be a little better then. Once you get to the stadium proper, however, the access gets a lot easier – there is free on-the-street parking along University Drive, or you can turn onto San Martin Drive and park in the parking deck around the bend toward the rear – you have to pay to park there, but it is right behind the stadium so is a very short walk. The roof of that parking deck is marked for faculty only, but it seems to be open for football games, so you may be able to park there for free if you prefer. Alternatively, there are city parking garages a little further from the stadium which you can pay to park in. Inside the stadium itself, the concourse is pretty easy to move around, except note that there is only one men’s bathroom and only one women’s bathroom under each grandstand – these are located near the center of the stands. The concessions are also behind the end zones, so not near the seats, but you can walk around the stadium with views of the action the whole time, so you won’t miss anything. Return on Investment 5 Admission is free at Homewood Stadium (tickets are not even sold), so this is a bargain when it comes to football at any level, given the great atmosphere, awesome fan base, and how close you are to the action at this small stadium. Extras 3 A big plus for the “crab race” tradition at the beginning of the fourth quarter – Maryland as you know is known for crab, so this tradition is not only appropriate but also a lot of fun. The PA announcers call for “claws out” while a video of a hoard of cartoon crabs scuttling along the beach shows on the video board, during which funky dance music plays, and fans (as well as the entire football team) all put their hands up in a claw motion and jump up and down dancing while waving their arms from side to side – the football team, in particular, gets into it, which is great to see. Another plus for the great mascot, and a third plus for the free raffle you can enter (at most stadiums you have to buy tickets for those).

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Carleton Davidson Stadium 1101 Mitchell Blvd. Springfield, OH 45503 Champion City Kings website Carleton Davidson Stadium website Year Opened: 2004 Capacity: 1,056 The Champion City's Home Ballpark Carleton Davidson Stadium became the home the of Champion City Kings of the Prospect League in 2014. The franchise had relocated from Slippery Rock, Pennsylvania, and brought organized ball back to Springfield, Ohio, for the first time since the New York Giants fielded a Class D minor league team in 1951. A lot has changed since the Giants played in town; for starters, Municipal Stadium is no longer around and was razed in 2000. The stadium was built in 1937 as part of the WPA project and served as home for various minor league operations, youth leagues, and high school and college baseball games. Carleton Davidson Stadium debuted on April 23, 2004, as the new home for the Wittenberg University Tigers baseball program on the same sight as Municipal Stadium. The $2.66 million stadium included 8 light towers and a 1,056 seating capacity that featured chair back seating. An impressive building for Division III baseball would later become an ideal residence for summer collegiate wood-bat baseball. The stadium gets its name from Carleton Davidson who was a prominent-area Chevrolet dealer, philanthropist, and history enthusiast. A $1 million lead gift to the capital campaign by trustees of the Carlton F. and Ruth T. Davidson Trust would ensure that his name would grace the stadium’s entrance upon its opening. When the Sliders relocated to Springfield in 2014 it opted for the Champion City moniker, probably because the league already had a team named the Springfield Sliders (now the Lucky Horseshoes) in Illinois, but the nickname derives from when the city was the leading producer of the Champion Combined Reaper and Mower with Sweep Rake. The demand was so high for the agriculture products that the manufacturing plant in town covered 54 acres and employed 2,000 people in the 1870s. Food & Beverage 3 There is one main concession stand located underneath the press box on the main grandstand. The food is basic but exactly what you would expect at a ballgame. Hot dogs, burgers, brats, pretzels, nachos, popcorn, and peanuts all sell between $3-$6. Pizza is served by the slice or by the pie. There is a fixings bar with tomato, onions, lettuce, and condiments for fans to top their burgers and hot dogs. The concession stands house five taps featuring Miller Lite, Coors Light, Sam Adams, Blue Moon, and Rhinegeist Truth IPA. There is another beer table at the entrance that sells cans of Harp, Corona, Truly's Hard Seltzers, and Smirnov Ice Smash varieties. The beer stand does not accept credit cards, but the main food area does and will give you a ticket to purchase a beer. Atmosphere 4 The small ballpark features seating on both the first and third baseline with a small row of seats directly behind home plate. The wide concourse houses the concession stands and bathrooms and even with large crowds, the traffic moves smoothly during the game. The third and first baseline seating is separated by a small roof. All of the seats provide back support and 60 percent of the seats are covered. The seats do have a bit of spring to them providing a bit of bounce. In between the two areas is a separate building that houses the press box, concession stand, and bathrooms. A team shop is at the front of the entrance of the stadium near the ticket office offering a small collection of t-shirts and caps. The t-shirts are of very soft material and come in either red, blue, or black and sell for $12 apiece. Behind the concession stand is the Springfield/Clark County Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum featuring baseball bats and a collage of photos on the wall. The stadium offers an electronic scoreboard with video capability, two outdoor batting cages outside the stadium down the left field line, and a picnic area down the left field line. Protective netting covers dugout to dugout and 60 percent of the city is covered. Neighborhood 2 The stadium is located two miles from Wittenberg University and next to Buck Creek and the Little Miami Scenic Trail. Downtown Springfield offers a few fine-dining options that include Stella Bleu Bistro, Mel Urban Bistro, The Winds Cafe, O'Conners Irish Pub, and Cecil & Lime. A few casual options available are Guerro’s Krazy Tacos, Hickory Inn, and Mother Stewart’s Brewing Company. Places to visit in town and nearby include Frank Lloyd Wright’s Westcott House, Hartman Rock Garden, Mad River Gorge & Nature Preserve, Springfield Museum of Art, and Young’s Jersey Dairy. Buck Creek offers kayaking and Ohio Caverns features many areas underground to explore. Springfield is situated between Huntington Park in Columbus and Day Air Ballpark in Dayton, each venue is less than 45 minutes from Springfield. There are multiple lodging choices in town and along the five exits on I-70. Fans 3 The average crowd is about 400-500 people per game but certain group nights bring out much more to the stadium. The ballpark is small and cozy where most people seem to know one another. A small-town and grassroots environment with everyone either enjoying the game on the diamond or just a night outside of the house. Access 4 The ballpark is located two miles from downtown and off Mitchell Road on the outskirts of town. The stadium’s entrance appears quite suddenly with a sign directing motorists into the parking lot. The stadium’s 1,000-seat capacity and one concourse make getting around quite simple and effective for the first-time visitor. Return on Investment 4 The price of a box seat is $15, general admission is $9 for adults, and $7 for children (ages 6-12), seniors, and members of the military. On Tuesday nights the cost of admission is $2 and on Wednesdays, all hot dogs are $1. The Kings feature a promo called the beer batter where if the opposing batter strikes out, all beers are a dollar off for the rest of the inning. Concession prices are very reasonable with a hot dog priced at $4 and domestic draft beers selling for $5 a pint. Depending on what night you attend a game, you can be assured that it won’t break the bank or put a dent in your wallet. Extras 3 The Kings earn a point for its $5 beer pints that are a dollar off during the beer batter promotion, $15 t-shirts that are of great quality, and for its chair back seating in all 1,056 seats. Final Thoughts Carleton Davidson Stadium is a very charming and perfectly-sized venue in the Prospect League. It looks like a ballpark and can stand out on its own providing a classic and simple experience of watching baseball in the small town of Springfield, Ohio. A nice little find somewhere in between two minor-league cities.

There's been some big news in professional women's hockey recently, as the Premier Hockey Federation was bought out by a group associated with the Professional Women's Hockey Players Association. The PWHPA group announced the immediate dissolution of the PHF and plans to begin a new professional women's hockey league for January of 2024. Stadium Journey's Kelly Levy, Dan Colacicco and Paul Baker are joined by Melissa Burgess of the Victory Press and Ryan Burgess of the Buffalo Beauts to discuss what happened, why it happened and what to expect next. Audio versions of the Stadium Journey podcast can be found by searching HIAC Talk Radio wherever you look for your favorite podcasts. Video simulcasts of all the Stadium Journey podcasts can be found on Stadium Journey's YouTube page. Join us live as we record every other Tuesday night at 7PM eastern at danlaw.tv.

Photos by Greg Johnston, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 K.C. Irving Regional Centre 850 Sainte-Anne Street Bathurst, NB E2A 6X2 Acadie-Bathurst Titan website K.C. Irving Regional Centre website Year Opened: 1996 Capacity: 3,162 Home of the Titan In terms of the fan experience, hidden treasures are sometimes found in the smallest locations. Bathurst, New Brunswick is a little city of around 12,000 people located in the northeast quadrant of the province. This is where the Acadie-Bathurst Titan from the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) call home. Creative economics, along with government commitment and community loyalty, have all contributed to the Titan competing in Bathurst since arriving in 1998. The Titan franchise originated in 1969 as the Rosemont National before moving to Laval, Quebec in 1971. The team changed its name four times while in Laval (1971-1998), eventually settling on the Laval Titan Collège Français before moving to Bathurst. The franchise was extremely successful in the 1980’s and 1990’s, winning five President’s Cups, one as the Acadie-Bathurst Titan (1999). “Acadie” is in homage to the vast Acadian population in the area. Famous alumni include Roberto Luongo, Vincent Damphousse, Patrice Bergeron, and Hockey Hall-of-Famers Mike Bossy and Mario Lemieux. K.C. Irving Regional Centre opened in 1996 as a modern two-pad arena. Eddy Rink is the main ice surface surrounded by 2,900 fixed seats. Though the Titan are the only major tenant, the arena integrates community events, youth and professional sporting events, entertainment shows, exhibitions, and trade shows. As you walk around the concourse, as the flooring doubles as a walking/jogging track. Learning more about the history and deep connection with the citizens of Bathurst, adds more to the experience of a game at K.C. Irving Regional Centre. Food & Beverage 3 Food options at K.C. Irving Regional Centre are pretty basic for a sporting venue. The main concession stand is located just to the right as you enter the concourse. Hamburgers, cheeseburgers, and hot dogs are all offered between $4-$5, with discounts for combining your order as a “platter” including fries, onion rings, and a drink for around $13. Poutine is the only unique feature, costing around $5.50. Be prepared to wait in line if you attempt to order food before the game or at intermission, as the lines can get fairly lengthy. For a snack, two smaller concession stands offer popcorn, chips, chocolate bars, and slushies with little to no wait time. Oddly enough, the alcohol bar may be the best place to get food. Located at one end of the rink, the bar offers “The Hercules” special. This mammoth meal includes wings, onion rings, mozzarella sticks, jalapeno poppers, and curly fries for $14.50. Small snacking options are also available in the vending machines scattered around the concourse. The previously mentioned bar is the only place to purchase alcoholic beverages. A refreshing beer selection includes: Rickards, Granville Island, Creemore, and Heineken, in cans or bottles. Water, Gatorade, juice and Pepsi products are available in bottles for approximately $4 after tax. Credit cards are accepted at all permanent concession stands. Recommendation: Share an order of “The Hercules” with a friend. The flavour and variety is both appetizing and satisfying. Atmosphere 4 K.C. Irving Regional Centre is hard to miss from the main road. The arena’s strong stone masonry base and white corrugated aluminum panel middle and top with green trim, give clear indication of a major sporting venue. The look of the facility attracts your eye and draws you into the clearly recognizable main (and only) entrance. Occasionally outdoor festivities attract patrons before the game with bouncy castles, barbeques, and face painting. The location of the box office and entry to the seating area are clearly reconizable walking in the front doors. On your left is a tiny team merchandise store and an athletic “Wall-of-Fame.” Plaques recognize achievements of area teams and individuals in a wide range of sports. The arena interior is an intimate experience. The limited number of rows ensure every fan is close to the action. Programs are available for $1 and free paper noise makers are folded over every seat. Sightlines and row pitches are ideal for seeing the game at all times; however, if you do miss a play, a video board replays the action on a crisp, clear high quality screen. The public address announcer speaks with enthusiasm and professionalism in both French and English. A simple four-sided scoreboard hangs from centre ice, while championship banners and retired numbers hang from one end of the rink. Crowd noise is amplified by the cozy features of the arena, including the private boxes hovering over the concourse, creating an intimidating atmosphere for the opponent. Maximus is a visibly active mascot who high-fives all the kids and poses for cameras. Event-day operations do a great job keeping the crowd entertained with contests and fun activities through intermissions and commercial breaks. When the Titan score, prepare for a deafening horn to sound for several seconds. After relaying the home goal scorer, the PA announcer lets out a series of “WOOO’s” equal to the number of goals scored. Though this may be common in many hockey arenas today, Titan officials boast they started the fan-favorite activity. Neighborhood 2 K.C. Irving Regional Centre is located off of St. Anne Street, a few kilometers from both downtown to the east, and highway 11 to the west. This section of road is full of big box stores and chain restaurants with vehicular dominated layouts. The area lacks any desirable restaurants or attractions to experience before the event. Thus the vast majority of fans arrive near game time, and leave right after the final whistle. To get a better feel for the town, check out La Promenade Waterfront in downtown Bathurst a few hours prior to a game. Cute, unique shops and restaurants follow the curvature of Bathurst Harbour. For a little flavour of local crafts, make your way to the market on a Saturday just off of Main Street. For a fun, delicious and local dining experience, visit Jobie’s Mobile Kitchen for unique burgers, tacos, and sandwiches. Fans 4 Titan fans are one of the most supportive, boisterous, and knowledgeable fans in the QMJHL. Fans stay on every play and stay positive even if a call does not go their way. Multiple fans bring bells and horns to add to the already great game atmosphere. The city’s citizens have continually “chipped-in” to keep the Titan in Bathurst. Unfortunately, hard times have hit the town in the last decade, decreasing attendance figures at hockey games. Prior to the 2008-09 season, fans came out to support the Titan at approximately 75% capacity. Since then, Titans have an average draw between 1,400-1,700 fans per game, or approximately 45-50% of capacity. In a small market, declining attendance is devastating for a franchise, and has threatened the existence of the Titan in Bathurst. The good news is both the new investors and the community continue to show their commitment to keeping the team in Bathurst. Access 4 Getting to Bathurst is a long trek no matter how you get there. Moncton is the closest major airport, approximately three hour drive away. Early October offers stunning fall colours, making the drive an enjoyable experience. Clear signs off the main highway navigate you to the arena. A large LED sign at the Sean Couturier Avenue signals your arrival. Parking is free and very close to the main entrance. The seating bowl layout is simple to navigate. The concourse runs a full 360 degrees around the rink on a single level. The view from the concourse is open to the ice, maintaining constant sightlines to game action, and permits standing room only atop dedicated sections. However, these concourses are narrow and can be difficult to weave through the crowds during intermission. Appropriately sized washrooms are located on both ends of the rink with little to no wait. Seating areas consist of 24 sections and 10 rows of seats. Sections are clearly marked on signs over each stair. Seats are made of blue plastic with sturdy metal supports. The seats provide adequate legroom but lack cupholders for your drink or personal items. Accessible seating is available at the top of multiple sections located at the sides of the rink or the corners. Private boxes are located on top of the concourse, offering excellent up-close and elevated view of the game. Return on Investment 5 The history of the Titan franchise and Bathurst’s dedication to hockey, along with the amplified in-game atmosphere, make an event at K.C. Irving Regional Centre an entertaining experience for any casual hockey fan. Ticket prices are “on-par” with the other teams in the Maritime division. An adult single-game ticket costs $17, with discounts for “reduced mobility,” seniors 60+, children (3-11 years old), and students (12-18 years old). For a family event, “Sunday Family Packs” are available for a discounted price of $22, which includes one adult and two children, or $33 for two adults and two children. Sunday games are advantageous for kids, as activities such as face-painting, picture stations, and player autographs are available. Group packages are also offered for parties of at least 25. Prices include taxes and fees if purchased at the box office. Tickets are available on-line but additional fees apply. Titan games very rarely sell out, and offer a lot of great seating options. Avoid the on-line fees and let the helpful box office staff find the right seats for you. Extras 4 +1 for the community’s effort towards maintaining the hockey team +1 for starting a trend around a number of rinks with the “Woo!” +1 for fun fan experiences before you enter the facility, in the main lobby, and around the concourse. +1 for clarity and simplicity for a first time patron to easily navigate their way from parking the car, to finding your seat. Final Thoughts The franchise was for sale and seemed poised to leave Bathurst in 2013. However, the team has remained in town after being sold to a local businessman with investors, including former Titan players. The spirit and dedication of the community is passionate for hockey. Come out to an Acadie-Bathurst game to witness and experience the heart of the city for yourself.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 Clean Harbors Stadium 101 Academy Drive Buzzards Bay, MA 02532 Mass Maritime Buccaneers football website Clean Harbors Stadium website Capacity: 2,300 Football With a View The Massachusetts Maritime Academy is a public university located in Buzzards Bay, Massachusetts which was founded in 1891. It is the second oldest maritime academy in the United States. Originally established to train deck and engineering officers for the Merchant Marines, graduates today often go on to serve in branches of the United States armed forces. The academy operates a training ship, the USTS Kennedy. Football has been played at Mass Maritime Academy since 1973. The team competes in the Massachusetts State College Athletic Conference (MASCAC), a Division Three conference consisting of schools throughout the state of Massachusetts. The football Buccaneers have won two conference championships, most recently in 1983. Clean Harbors, Inc. is a provider of industrial and environmental services, including hazardous waste removal. It was founded in nearby Brockton, MA in 1980. The company purchased naming rights for the football stadium and adjoining athletic center in 2009 for $1.5 million. Food & Beverage 1 There is a small trailer located behind the grandstand which sells a limited menu. Hot dogs, bags of chips, cans of Pepsi products and bottles of water can be purchased here. For the 2022 season, the school’s baseball team operates the stand, and all proceeds from sales go towards supporting the team. While the menu is far from extensive, prices are reasonable. No item costs more than three dollars. Fans are able to bring their own snacks in if they so choose. Alcohol is not permitted at this on-campus facility. Atmosphere 3 The game day atmosphere at Clean Harbor Stadium will be familiar to anyone who has attended a game at a smaller school. It’s a simple, basic presentation without a ton of extra bells and whistles. When you factor in that Mass Maritime is an “academy,” the understated atmosphere makes perfect sense. There is a pep band that plays sporadically throughout the game, a scoreboard which displays basic game information in the western end zone and a small stand behind the grandstand which sells Mass Maritime hats, shirts and even jerseys. Free roster sheets are provided for all fans in attendance. Of course, there’s a cannon on the far side of the field which fires after every Buccaneers score. The crowd in attendance enjoy close relationships with the players on the field, consisting mainly of family members. With many of the other teams in the MASCAC located a short drive from Buzzards Bay, it’s not unusual to see a good turnout by visiting fans. Neighborhood 3 With the location of Mass Maritime Academy on the end of a peninsula jutting out into Buzzards Bay, there is nothing in the immediate vicinity of Clean Harbors Stadium. However, Route 6, the main commercial thoroughfare in the area, is located just a half mile from campus. Along this road are numerous restaurants and other places of interest in the area. While some local attractions are closed during the fall football season, many businesses in the area are open year-round. As you might expect in a town located on the coast like Buzzards Bay, seafood restaurants are excellent and numerous. Stadium Journey recommends Lindsey’s Restaurant and the Lobster Trap, both a short drive from Mass Maritime. Lodging options are plentiful in the area and are priced more affordably during fall football season than in the summer tourist months. For fans looking to venture beyond the immediate area, Cape Cod is just a few minutes away over the Bourne Bridge. Many attractions will still be open, especially early in the football season, and the summer crowds will be long gone. The whaling city of New Bedford is located a half hour to the west, and Boston is an hour to the north. Fans 3 Mass Maritime averages roughly 1,500 fans per game at Clean Harbors Stadium. This places them just above the MASCAC average. Without a huge turnout by the student body (with a total enrollment of only 1,400 students, the entire student body wouldn’t even fill the grandstand), the typical crowd is made up with many family members of the players on the field. Fans are into the action on the field, but at a small school, sportsmanship does rule the day, even during heated conference matchups. Access 3 The Mass Maritime Academy is located in the village of Buzzards Bay, MA, located on the mainland side of the Cape Cod Canal at its southern mouth. The Mass Maritime campus is easily accessible by car, with the junction of Interstates 195 and 495 located just a few miles away. Route 25 passes just north of campus as it approaches Cape Cod, and route 6, the main business thoroughfare along Massachusetts’ south coast, located just a half mile north of campus. For fans utilizing public transportation, the Buzzards Bay train station and Greyhound Bus Station are located right on Academy Drive. Fans will find ample parking along Academy Drive right across the street from the stadium as well as in the parking lot for Clean Harbors Athletic Center. There are two entrances on the north side of the facility, which lead to a walkway that crosses behind the grandstand. All seating is located on the north side of the facility, with rest rooms located in the adjacent Athletic Center. Seating consists of metal bleachers without backs. Center sections consist of individual molded plastic seats. All seating is located on one side of the stadium, as the soccer field is located adjacent to the football field on the far side. Return on Investment 5 Tickets for Buccaneers games are sold as general admission for just five dollars. Parking is free of charge on Academy Drive or in the parking lot on the other side of Clean Harbors Athletic Center. With no concession item costing more than three dollars, taking in a football game at Mass Maritime Academy is a very affordable entertainment option for southeastern Massachusetts sports fans. Extras 1 The waterfront location of Clean Harbors Field is worth another point. It’s not often that you can witness a splashdown field goal attempt, but it’s an absolute possibility here. Final Thoughts Baseball parks are often known for their views, but you don’t often talk about the view at a football stadium. From the waterfront location right at the mouth of the Cape Cod Canal to the view of the Canal Railroad Bridge and Bourne Bridge in the distance and even the wind turbine behind the west end zone, there is no shortage of things to look at here at Clean Harbors Stadium. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Marsh Field 1800 Peck St. Muskegon, MI 49441 Muskegon Clippers website Marsh Field website Year Opened: 1916 Capacity: 600 Muskegon's Century Old Ballpark Marsh Field in Muskegon, Michigan, has been the home to all levels of baseball, from high school, minor league, and women’s professional teams since May 4, 1916. It has been the home of the Muskegon Clippers of the Great Lakes Summer Collegiate team since 2015, and they continue the tradition left by many others in the past. Charles W. Marsh, a prominent industrialist, civic leader, and president of minor league clubs in Muskegon, spearheaded construction. He purchased four square blocks of property in the center of town and built a modern facility to attract a new team to town after one of the city’s ballparks was dismantled and replaced with homes. The new stadium would eventually seat 6,000 people. It would be home to various minor league teams, including the Muskegon Red and the original Clippers, which served as parent clubs for the Detroit Tigers and the New York Yankees, respectively. The Tigers sponsored the 1940 team and provided funds to upgrade Marsh Field, including additional open bleacher seating. Marsh Field was home to the Muskegon Lassies of the All-American Girls Baseball League from 1946-1950. The Lassies averaged close to 2,500 people per game. The large crowds might have been attributed to the light towers installed for the first time. In 1953, the Muskegon Belles of the AAGPBL would call the stadium home before folding, concluding an era of professional baseball at Marsh Field and in Muskegon. The field was in squalid conditions when current Clippers management took over the field in 2015. Every dime collected by the team has been put back into the stadium and has included a new infield, scoreboard, party deck seating, paint job, stadium seating, and improved lighting and sound system. Food & Beverage 3 A small concession stand at the front of the seating bowl ramp offers hot dogs, brats, and nachos between $3 and $4. Fans order by the bun and take it to the grill, where a sizzling brat or dog is served to them directly. Other items include candy, chips, popcorn, and peanuts. Coca-Cola products sell for $2.50 a bottle. An alcohol kiosk in the seating bowl includes cans of Bud, Bud Light, and Michelob Ultra. Nutrl Hard Seltzers and local Unruly Brewing Company cans are available between $4-$5, but a dollar off when the beer batter strikes out. Atmosphere 3 The Clippers provided a pleasant atmosphere for home games at Marsh Field. The venue offers food, beverages, merchandise, plenty of fans, and baseball. The 600-seat stadium is separated into bleacher seats and stadium seats, along with small party decks and suites at each end of the concourse. A merchandise kiosk is down the ramp from the seating bowl. An impressive collection of t-shirts and caps are available and nicely displayed. The small concession stand and grill move fans quickly during the game. A small decorative scoreboard is behind right-center field. A historical plaque is at the entrance, detailing the field’s history in Muskegon. The atmosphere is similar to other ballparks in the league from Lima, Royal Oak, and Grand Lake. It is intimate, affordable, and pleasant during a summer's evening. Neighborhood 4 Marsh Field is located 1.5 miles from downtown Muskegon where there are more than a few options for food and drink before or after the ball game. Trinity Health Area is the home to indoor soccer, junior hockey, and indoor football, but it also anchors two eating establishments: Rad Dad’s Taco & Tequila and Carlise’s Restaurant. Visitors can eat inside while watching a sporting event at the arena, or take a walk around the concourse to get a personal tour of the sports venue. Rad Dad’s offers $1 tacos on Tuesdays, and Carlise’s has a happy hour menu between 2 pm-6 pm. Across the street is Dr. Rolf’s Barbecue, and next to the arena is Topshelf Pizza Liquor & Bar. All four establishments provide patio seating for customers in a lively downtown atmosphere. The Muskegon Museum of History & Science at the Lakeshore Museum Center is around the corner from these restaurants. A few miles outside downtown are the white-sand beaches of Pere Marquette Park. Visitors can stroll through the sands, take a dip in Lake Michigan, or hang out at The Deck, where barbecue and music take center stage at the double-decker restaurant. Fans 4 The Clippers have a great fan base that supports the club throughout the season. The fan support is similar in a few other Great Lakes Leagues of similar size. Fans wear Clippers t-shirts and caps, and local groups provide ample support on most nights. Access 3 Marsh Field is small and easy to get around. A small concourse separates the bleacher seats from the box seats. Concessions, bathrooms, and a merchandise kiosk are outside the seating bowl area. A large parking lot provides enough space for cars. Return on Investment 3 An adult ticket is $5, seniors 65 and older are $3, students are $3, and kids under 5 years old are free. Parking is free of charge, t-shirts are $20, while caps are $30. Concession prices range from $3-$4 for a hot dog or nachos, and beer prices are $4-$5 a can. Extras 3 Marsh Field earns a point for hosting baseball since 1916. A second point for the Clipper's array of t-shirts and caps at reasonable prices. A final point for the beer batter that takes a $1 off beer when the batter strikes out. Final Thoughts Marsh Field has seen plenty of baseball played since 1916, and the Clippers continue that tradition in the Great Lakes League. The cozy, intimate conditions of the ballpark and proximity to downtown Muskegon and nearby beaches are ideal travel sports for the baseball traveler during the summer months of June and July. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel. Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 LMCU Ballpark 4500 W River Dr Comstock Park, MI 49321 West Michigan Whitecaps website LMCU Ballpark website Year Opened: 1994 Capacity: 9,500 West Michigan's Outdoor Entertainment Spot The West Michigan Whitecaps are the High-A affiliate of the Detroit Tigers in the Midwest League. They have called LMCU Ballpark, formerly Old Kent Park and Fifth Third Ballpark, home since 1994. The ballpark cost $6.5 million and has a seating capacity of 8,942 plus lawn seating. The Whitecaps have been successful both on and off the field, capturing six league titles in 1996, 1998, 2004, 2006, 2007, and 2015 and attracting crowds of well over 5,000 to home dates. They have become the de-facto minor league team in the region of Michigan, located 2.5 hours away from the parent club in Detroit. LMCU Ballpark will begin a major renovation project. It will be divided into multiple phases, with Phase 1 set to start in a few months and be completed before Opening Day 2024. All phases are expected to be roughly completed in 2028. It will transform the venue into a state-of-the-art facility that will entertain fans for many years, featuring new suite-level club space, new seating, and social gathering areas, and all-new stadium lighting. Food & Beverage 5 LMCU Ballpark offers a vast array of food and beverages that puts it towards the top in comparison to other ballparks in its league. The ballpark was known for many years for the Fifth Third Burger, a massive 5/3 pound burger that attracted many to eat in record fashion, which has sadly been retired. Both the first and third base line of the concourse offer concession stands, along with portable stands behind home plate to cover fans' cravings. The two Crash Cravings stands offer hot dogs, brats, burgers, nachos, fries, chicken sandwiches, popcorn, kid’s meals, soda, and beer. The Queso Castle is down the third baseline, and offers pulled pork and chicken sandwiches, spicy cheese curds, chicken tenders, and poutine. The portables behind home plate offer a beer, taco, steak, gyro, and build-your-own burger cart. The Craft Clubhouse features 16 drafts from around Michigan, including Bell’s, Mitten, Founders, New Holland, Vivant, and Nyx. Fans can buy a 24-ounce refillable mug and refill it for an additional charge. Mixed drinks are $7 or $10 for a double. The Whitecaps are known for their Fan Food Vote. In the past other winners have included: Mount Wing-Suvius (onion rings piled high with mac ‘n cheese, buffalo chicken, beer cheese, and green onions) and the Westsider Sandwich (1/2 lb. cheddar-infused kielbasa sausage wrapped in bacon, fried, served on a sub bun), Beer Cheese Poutine (waffle fries with pulled pork, bbq sauce, beer cheese, and green onions), and the Rocky Balburitto (a deep-fried cheesesteak in a burrito). Atmosphere 4 LMCU Ballpark is the standard design of a 1990s-era stadium. The stadium concourse wraps almost entirely around the field and features numerous party decks and suites behind the outfield walls. The team gift shop is at the main entrance, and upper deck suites and seating are on the second level. The team colors of dark and light blue are splattered around the stadium. A giant video board and hand-operated scoreboard stand in left field, while a grass berm takes up most of the right field corner. The Pepsi Stadium Club, a climate-controlled space with indoor and outdoor seating, takes up the majority of centerfield. Adjacent to the stadium club on the first baseline is the Founders Rooftop, which can host groups of 150 to 200 people. Neighborhood 3 LMCU Ballpark is located outside of downtown Grand Rapids in the suburb of Comstock Park off US-131 and north of the Grand River. It is surrounded by a large parking lot. There are a few restaurants nearby that include Mad Dogs with 25 different visions of hot dogs, and several chain restaurants. Downtown is a short drive from the stadium and offers more activities during your visit. It includes Brick and Porter, Social House Kitchen & Bar, Tupelo Southern Kitchen, Rockwell Republic, and HopCat. All are reasonable spots for a bite to eat and a drink after the game. Grand Rapids is known for its microbreweries, and there are several options to choose from. Founders Brewing is located downtown and is very well known. Perrin Brewery is north of the stadium, and Mitten Brewing Company is popular among locals. Others include Brewery Vivant, City Built Brewing Company, and Greyline Brewing Company. Well-known tourist spots are the Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park, the Gerald R. Ford Museum, the Grand Rapids Art Museum, and the Public Museum. Fans 4 The White Caps have a large fanbase that has supported the team for 30 years. The team usually ranks number two, after Dayton, in the Midwest League and averages over 5,000 fans per game. Access 4 The ballpark is easily accessible from ramps leading to the entrance, wide-open concourses with visible signage for concessions and bathrooms, and easy parking outside the stadium. Return on Investment 4 The cheapest ticket is $10 for a grass berm or standing-room-only, while parking is $8 per car. Box and reserved seats are $15-$17, and padded premium seating costs $19. The concession prices are what you will find at High A ballparks, with beer and alcohol fetching the highest prices. Still, a fan can enjoy a reasonably inexpensive night at the game. Final Thoughts LMCU Ballpark is designed for a festive night of baseball. It has an assortment of food and drinks available, a passionate fan base, and plenty of areas to enjoy the game. Future renovations will transform the ballpark and make it an even better place to catch a game. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel. Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Gregory Koch and Marc Viquez Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Charles E Smith Center 600 22nd St NW Washington, DC 20052 George Washington Revolutionaries website Charles E Smith Center website Year Opened: 1975 Capacity: 5,000 Raising High with George Washington Note: In June 2023, George Washington University changed its team name from the Colonials to the Revolutionaries. The Charles E. Smith Center is located on the campus of George Washington University in Washington, D.C. The arena portion of the Smith Center is home to that school’s basketball, gymnastics, and volleyball teams, and it also contains a swimming pool that hosts the Colonials’ swimming and water polo programs. The arena opened in 1975 and is named after local philanthropist Charles E. Smith, who was also a university trustee at GW. George Washington basketball had a few good years in the mid-2000s, including a 27-3 record in 2005-06 and three straight tournament appearances. Since then, the Colonials have fallen on harder times, though they did win the NIT in 2016. Food & Beverage 3 There is one concession stand at the Charles E. Smith Center, located in an out of the way area down a flight of stairs from the main entrance. The selection here is very limited, serving items such as pizza, chips, candy, and popcorn. The good news is that everything is very affordable – entrees will cost around $5 or $6, while snacks will cost less. However, between the limited selection and the difficult time getting to and from the concession stand, we recommend you eat before or after the game if possible. Atmosphere 4 Entering the Charles E. Smith Center will put you into one of the four corners of the arena. From there, you will walk around the concourse then up or down to your seat. All seats are chairbacks, although there is limited legroom. Keep in mind that a small portion of the court will be obstructed if you are sitting in the upper baseline seats, but you should still be able to see the vast majority of the action. There is a big videoboard over center court that also shows player and team stats, and smaller scoreboards in two of the corners that only show the basic information. GW does a good job at keeping fans entertained during breaks in the action. There is a decently-sized band called the Colonial Brass as well as recorded music played during timeouts. Perhaps unsurprisingly, the costumed mascot is a cartoonish version of George Washington, who roams the crowd throughout the game interacting with fans. There are also cheerleaders and a dance team called the First Ladies. There is a nice light show during pregame introductions, but depending on where you are sitting, the spotlight may be shining right in your eyes, making it very difficult to see. Neighborhood 5 George Washington is located in the Foggy Bottom neighborhood of DC, about half a mile west of the White House. This is one of the nicer and older neighborhoods in DC and there is plenty nearby. Local restaurants include Bobby’s Burger Palace, owned by celebrity chef Bobby Flay, and Founding Fathers DC, a farm-to-table restaurant that is wildly popular with some locals but which the Washington Post infamously gave a rare zero-star review. The Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts is also nearby. If you’re willing to stray outside the neighborhood, there is so much to do elsewhere in the District, and the best part is that most of it’s free. Whether it’s visiting the numerous monuments and memorials or one of the many museums, there is something for everybody here. All government-run attractions are free, but some privately run ones are not. Just keep in mind if you want to tour the White House or Capitol, you will need to book in advance Fans 4 GW fans show up in decent numbers – the arena certainly isn’t deserted, but it isn’t anywhere near full either. However, the fans who are there are passionate and get very into the game. They’ll cheer their team, applaud for good plays, and aren’t afraid to get on the referees’ case if they think there was a bad call. There are times where the Smith Center gets very loud, in part due to the fact that the compact layout helps trap the sound. All in all, the crowd is more passionate than many at this level, but that doesn’t change the fact that there are frequently large banks of empty seats. Access 3 Getting to the Charles E. Smith Center is relatively easy if you’re willing to take public transportation. Just take the Silver, Orange, or Blue Line to the Foggy Bottom-GWU station, then walk a few blocks to the arena. If you’re coming from outside the DC area, you can still drive to a suburban station and park there, then take the Metro the rest of the way. Keep in mind, however, that Metro frequently has delays and closures, especially on weekends, but some which last for weeks or months at a time. Unfortunately, this can make getting anywhere a frustrating experience. Check the WMATA website ahead of your visit to be sure nothing is going on that will impact your trip. If you do choose to drive, there is street and garage parking surrounding the arena, but it is very expensive. While getting to the arena is easy, getting around it is somewhat harder. The narrow concourses make it difficult to move around, and the concession stand and restrooms are in out of the way places that seem to be wherever they found room to put them. With such a compact design due to being in the middle of a city, it is understandable that options were limited. Nevertheless, this can make moving around difficult. Return on Investment 4 Tickets range from $20 for upper-level baseline seats to $50 for courtside seats. Regular lower-level seats at center-court are $35, while upper-level sideline seats are $25. These prices are relatively close to the average for the A-10. However, you can get a much better deal by taking advantage of a discount package. The “Family Four-Pack” offers four upper-level seats for $8.75 each. Mini-plans start at $10/game for three, five, or nine games, while season tickets start at $100, which works out to about $5.50 a game. Keep in mind that these multi-game packs need to be purchased well in advance to ensure the best selection. While attending a GW game is not a bad deal regardless, it can go from an OK deal to an excellent one by taking advantage of a discount package. . Extras 4 One bonus star for the banners hanging down from the roof of the arena showing the Colonials’ accomplishments, including the 2016 NIT. A second one for the flags behind the GW bench showing all the countries that the team’s players come from. A third for one of the more amusing traditions in college basketball. Before the game, when the PA announcer reads the standard announcement that smoking is prohibited in the arena, the band will yell “Except on the court!” If you can make a tradition out of something that boring, you deserve a bonus star. A fourth and final bonus star for the graphics shown on the videoboard during the national anthem. This footage of various monuments, memorials, and other significant national sites throughout DC is a very moving tribute to this country. Final Thoughts There are really three tiers to Division I college basketball in the Washington, DC area. The first tier is national powerhouses Georgetown and Maryland. George Washington is in the second tier along with fellow Atlantic 10 school George Mason. The third and lowest tier is low-majors Howard and American. While George Washington doesn’t have the same prestige as the top-tier schools, a visit to the Charles E. Smith Center to see the Colonials can still be an enjoyable experience at an affordable price for the whole family.