Photos by Lance Sutehall, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Humphrey Coliseum 55 Coliseum Blvd Starkville, MS 39762 Mississippi State Bulldogs website Humphrey Coliseum website Year Opened: 1975 Capacity: 10,575 Welcome to The Hump Mississippi State basketball has been a successful program over the years with a final four appearance in 1996, three sweet sixteens, ten NCAA tournaments, ten SEC regular season crowns, and four SEC tournament championships. The Bulldogs play basketball at Humphrey Coliseum, a 10,575-capacity arena that opened in 1975. In 2023 it received a renovation that included adding a premium area, restrooms, concession stands, and an expanded concourse. Food & Beverage 4 Typical stadium fare includes cheeseburgers ($10), chicken tenders and fries ($10), hot dogs ($4.50), sausage ($6.50), pizza ($8), popcorn ($6), nachos ($5), pretzels ($5), chips ($3), and candy ($4). Smoked brisket and pork sandwiches ($10) are also sold. Chick-fil-A is sold at the arena provided you do not attend a game on Sunday. Coca-Cola is the soft drink provider and drink options for sale include Dasani water ($4), bottled sodas ($4.50), Powerade ($4.50), and a souvenir cup ($6). Alcohol is sold at the arena with domestic beers including Bud, Miller, Michelob, and Coors ($9) or Cathead and White Claw seltzers ($10). The concession stands are cashless. Atmosphere 4 The atmosphere at a Mississippi State Bulldogs game depends on how the Bulldogs are playing and who the opponent is. The entrance has been renovated and what was the lobby of the attached Mize Pavilion (the Bulldogs basketball practice facility) is now a Mississippi State basketball experience with a screen and a walkway that reveals the Coliseum seating bowl. The walls on the concourse are filled with images of Bulldogs' sports history, a “Welcome to Starkvegas” sign with basketballs, and “Hail State” slogans. When you walk the renovated concourse you know you are at a Bulldogs game. When you walk into the bowl and find your seat you notice there is a lot of maroon. The seats are maroon, the basketball banners are maroon, and the exterior of the basketball court is maroon. The baselines read “The Hump” and the midcourt features an outline of the state of Mississippi. The cheerleaders keep the fans engaged throughout the game and when the arena is packed it can get very loud. Neighborhood 4 If the dictionary had an image beside the phrase “college town”, the town of Starkville would be a great choice. That being said, Starkville still has a lot to offer, particularly in the Cotton District that is adjacent to MSU. Restaurants in the Cotton District include Two Brothers Smoked Meats, Bulldog Burger, Boardtown Pizza, and Bin 612. For those wanting to visit a bar check out Drifter’s, The Klassroom, or Mojo Maroons. The Cotton District attracts students and can get packed so for those looking to avoid the younger crowds can head downtown and check out places such as The Little Dewey for BBQ, The Camphouse for seafood, and the Central Station Grill. Hotel chains located in Starkville include Comfort Suites, Courtyard, Hampton Inn, and Holiday Inn. Fans 3 The fan support for the Bulldogs basketball team seems to be based on how the team is doing. The arena is packed when the team is doing well but when the team is on a slide the arena has a lot of empty seats. As mentioned before Starkville is a college town and most students move away to other cities when they graduate and become alums. Football and baseball seem to be higher priorities for Bulldog fans than basketball. Access 3 Starkville and Mississippi State University are not the easiest places to get to. It is roughly midway between Tupelo and Meridian with both cities being over an hour away while Columbus,  the closest decent-sized town, is half an hour away. Columbus has an airport that has flights coming from Atlanta-Hartsfield airport while the closest airport with multiple destinations is in Jackson, over an hour and a half away. If you are coming from Highway 82 Westbound, turn onto Old Highway 82 then turn left at George Perry Street. Make a right turn at Bailey Howell Drive and there will be paid parking lots on both sides. From Highway 82 Eastbound, take the offramp to Highway 389 and keep going until you reach Main Street. Main Street becomes University Drive and Barr Avenue. Take a left at George Perry Street and another left at Bailey Howell Drive to find the parking. From Highway 12 Northbound you will turn at the College View Drive exit and turn right before making an immediate left to Bailey Howell Drive. Paid parking will be $10-$15 depending on the lot but I was able to park by Dogwood Hall for free. Granted I attended a game on a Saturday when class was not in session. Once inside the arena, the concourse has been widened during the renovation, there are plenty of restrooms and concession stands spread out through the arena. Return on Investment 4 Non-conference game tickets start at $13 ($10 ticket, $3 fee) for upper-level seats behind the baseline and are $15 for upper-level sideline seats. SEC games vary based on the opponent and if it’s a weekday or Saturday game. Upper-level seats will range between $15-$25 for upper baseline and $20-$35 for sideline seats. If you pay $10 to park, snag $15 tickets, and have a cheeseburger and a beer you will spend $45 by yourself, $80 for a date, and around $150 for a family of four. Considering this is SEC basketball this is a great deal! Extras 4 The Lady Bulldogs team were back-to-back finalists in 2017 and 2018 in the Women’s tournament. Their banners hang in the rafters. They were most famous for ending UCONN’s 111-game win streak on a buzzer-beater in the 2017 Final Four. There are several banners including one recognizing the Men’s 1996 Final Four team as well as the other NCAA tournament appearances and SEC championships. Other banners recognize former head coach Babe McCarthy, the 58-year voice of the Bulldogs Jack Christl, and Bailey Howell who is considered to be the best player to come out of the MSU program. Bailey Howell’s team won the SEC in 1959 but neither the 1961 or 1962 teams that also won the SEC were able to go to the NCAA tournament due to the State of Mississippi not allowing its state schools to play integrated teams. In 1963, having earned a bid to the NCAA tournament, the then Maroons snuck out of Starkville in the middle of the night to board a plane in Memphis and flew to East Lansing, MI to play Loyola-Chicago, a team composed of mostly African-American players. When the Maroons flew back to Starkville having lost to Loyola they were met with applause and laws began to change eventually integrating the Mississippi State team. The schools met up in 2013 at Humphrey Coliseum to commemorate what is now called the “Game of Change”. Final Thoughts The Bulldogs have a nicely renovated arena to play their games in and the Bulldog faithful have the opportunity to make “The Hump” an intimidating place to play. A Mississippi State Bulldogs basketball game is a great time and an experience that you can have on a budget.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Allen County War Memorial Coliseum 4000 Parnell Ave Fort Wayne, IN 46805 Fort Wayne Mad Ants website Allen County War Memorial Coliseum website Year Opened: 1952 Capacity: 4,000 Don’t Get Mad at These Ants Before the arrival of the Ft. Wayne Mad Ants in 2007, its home venue, the Allen County Memorial War Coliseum had a history with the National Basketball Association dating back to when the building opened in 1952. When the arena debuted, it held 13,000 for the Ft. Wayne Pistons who would operate in the building for five seasons before relocating to Detroit, Michigan in 1957. The Pistons were founded in Ft. Wayne in 1941 by Fred Zollner who owned the Zollner Corporation, a foundry that manufactured pistons primarily for cars, trucks, and locomotive engines. The club were champions of the National Basketball League in 1944 and 1945 and captured three straight World Championships in 1944, 1945, and 1946. The Pistons joined the Basketball Association of America in 1948 before the league merged with the NBL and changed its name to the NBA in 1949. The Pistons were a popular draw in Ft. Wayne and were able to host the NBA All-Star Game in 1953 to a crowd of 10,000 plus. The team would qualify for the playoffs every season at the building and appeared in two NBA Finals in 1955 and 1956. However, the league was outgrowing its smaller markets and Zollner looked to a bigger market for his basketball club and he didn’t have to look too far to Detroit, only 162 miles northeast of Ft. Wayne. In 2007, the Mad Ants debuted at the building and have put up quite a bit of success of their earning two trips to the NBA G League Finals in 2014 and 2015 and winning it all during its first trip. They get their name from the city’s and the fort’s namesake General “Mad” Anthony Wayne. The Ants became affiliated with the Pacers before the 2017-2018 season and have developed some of the entertainment aspects from the parent club in Indianapolis. Food & Beverage 3 A few regular concession stands are closed for G League games, but the food court offering pizza slices and Chinese food is open for business on the upper concourse level that offers something a little different at your minor league sports venue. Pizza slices sell for $5.50 or a whole pie for $28, plus tempting steak hoagies and submarinos for $7.75, and fried ravioli for $6. It should be mentioned that the slices are well-portioned and fresh from the oven. Teriyaki bowls cost $7.50 for a regular and $9.50 for a large order. Patrons can pick their protein, vegetables, toppings, and sauces and watch while they are created right in front of them. Other take-out options include sesame beef, General Tso chicken, and vegetable lo mein for around $6.50 a dish. On the lower concourse outside of the seating bowl, the basic options of hot dogs, nachos, and soda pop are available. Atmosphere 3 The Mad Ants advertise themselves as the highest level of sports entertainment in the city; this is technically true and their brand of entertainment is definitely on par with its minor league counterparts Komets and TinCaps. The club does an admirable job of combining high-level basketball and keeping fans entertained throughout the game. The arena is shrunk considerably in comparison to a hockey game. Curtains are draped over the upper 600 level of the building and portions of the 200 level behind each basket to give a more intimate feeling for the game. This allows everyone to be close to the action on the court and within access to everything that takes place beyond the game. A children’s play area is located behind one of the baskets that cost $5 for kids to have a little fun and test their athletic skills. The Mad Ants Drummers are situated adjacent to the kids’ zone which provides a lot of noise and ambiance during the game. Behind the opposite basket is the Ant Colony seating where fans can enjoy all-inclusive food and beverage for $15 for groups of up to 100 people. The team employs the Mad Antz Dancerz who perform before the game and during breaks in the action. The official Mad Ant mascot also does his share of entertaining himself. He waves the team flag during opening ceremonies, shakes the hands of fans sitting in the Larry Bird Seats, and roams the stands. Neighborhood 3 The Coliseum is located near an abundance of chain restaurants, retail outlets, and berries lodging options. Depending on who you’re with a familiar restaurant might be just what you need for the night. Or you can drive towards town and check out a couple of classic venues – they have a history of over a hundred and fifty years. There are some great local area institutions both old and new that should be previewed when in town. First, Coney Island Ft. Wayne has been serving its unique chili soup and Coca-Cola from 8-ounce bottles for over 100 years. The interior has not changed that much since its opening in 1914 and the place is quite popular among the populace. Coneys are $1.50 and it now takes credit cards with a $5 minimum. Powers Burgers is a local institution and its decor has not changed at all in over 82 years it’s been in business. Their sliders come with grilled heavy onions and cost under $1. The small location only takes cash and has limited space but it’s worth a visit to any lover of the hamburger. A few new places that are vastly becoming popular are The Yummi Bunni and Junk Ditch Brewing Company. The Yummi Bunni serves homemade ice cream between two glazed donuts and the lines have been long since the place opened in November 2016. Junk Ditch Brewing Company opened in the town in 2015 and has a very impressive menu lineup along with its craft beer. Fans 3 The Ants draw nice crowds to games regularly at the Coliseum. They attract respectable crowds in a basketball-savvy state where many levels of the game are celebrated; their knowledge of the game should never be in question. Access 4 The 600-level concourse is closed off to customers and only the 200-level concourse is operational at basketball games. There are a series of ramps that provide access to different parts of the building. Almost all of the seats are near the court and close to the action. The seating arrangement on the court is among the best pricing options for pro or college basketball in the state. There is also the opportunity to watch a Pacers player suit up on assignment with the Mad Ants or even a former college or local high school star The Coliseum has gone through multiple renovations this century that has modernized it for greater access for all guests and patrons. These new features include escalators and elevators and provide access for fans to multiple areas of the arena. There is parking for 5,000 cars in the lot and it’s only a 1.5 half-mile drive from the I-69 exit or a 4-mile drive to downtown Ft. Wayne. Return on Investment 3 The price of a single-game ticket is $15 or $25 at the box office, parking is $5 per car, and the food options are varied and reasonably priced. The $15 price point is not a bad deal with how close you are to the action on the court and entertainment. Extras 3 The Mad Ants earn a point for the children’s play area behind the main court that provides kids with their athletic skills and has some fun during stoppage time in the game. The Mad Ant mascot earns a second point for his active pace entertaining fans during the game. The third point is for the Mad Antz Drummers that bang it out throughout the game, similar to what takes place at Indiana Fever games. A nice way to connect the two clubs in spirit and atmosphere. Final Thoughts The Mad Ants are doing an incredible job of providing both basketball and entertainment at all home games at the Coliseum. The fans are up close and personal from their seats to the play on the court. The drum section is loud, the kids are entertained, and the basketball takes center stage. It is a fun way to enjoy an evening or afternoon with friends or family. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel . Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.29 Great American Ball Park 100 Joe Nuxhall Way Cincinnati, OH 45202 Cincinnati Reds website Great American Ball Park website Year Opened: 2003 Capacity: 42,059 And This One Belongs To The Reds In 1881, the Cincinnati Red Stockings were a charter member of the American Association and joined the National League in 1890. This makes the Reds, as they were named in 1890, the oldest team in Major League Baseball. It is for this reason that baseball in Cincinnati is just a little bit different and a little bit more special. Opening Day for the Reds is unlike anything else in the majors and holds near holiday status in Cincinnati. Winning five World Series titles, the Reds have enjoyed their share of ups and downs. From the Big Red Machine to the 1919 Black Sox scandal. From Johnny Bench and Joey Votto to Pete Rose and Marge Schott. The history of baseball in America is nowhere near complete without a full chapter on the Reds. In 2006, Bob Castellini took over the Reds as the primary and current owner. Home for the Reds is Great American Ball Park; possibly the best corporate name for a ballpark in the country with Great American Insurance holding the naming rights until 2033. The Reds ballpark trajectory is similar to many other Major League teams with the venerable years of the Reds playing at Crosley Field. The seventies through the nineties sent the Reds to the regrettable circular, multi-purpose Riverfront Stadium, before returning to a baseball-specific stadium in 2003. Food & Beverage 4 The culinary experience at Great American Ball Park is solid. A healthy mix of ballpark expectations and Cincinnati staples is what one could expect at a Reds game. Chick-fil-A, Porkopolis, and Frybox are all spots that fans may want to check out. The local favorites are goetta, which can be found at several different locations, and the Skyline Chili concessions. Skyline Chili Coneys are among the most recognizable Reds concession selections. New for the GABP is Skyline Chili Nachos, which seem like they should have been around forever. 50 West Burgers have new options including the GABP Burger, which is a Goetta burger. Sections 144 and 428 feature the All You Can Eat Stands where fans can purchase a pass for unlimited soda, popcorn, peanuts, chips, and 5 hot dogs. The beer selection at GABP is among the best anywhere. The Reds Brewery District, by section 118, offers the largest selection of craft beers. Moerlein, Taft’s, and Mad Tree may be selections for the connoisseurs at the game. For a unique GABP experience, fans may wish to get tickets inside The Handlebar, which is the restaurant that can be found past centerfield, shaped like a riverboat. Atmosphere 5 Great American Ball Park is among the elite constructed ballparks in the league. The main entrance at home plate is at the northwest corner of the lot at the corner of Johnny Bench Way and Joe Nuxhall Way. The exterior differs from the retro classic parks that feature the now overused red brick and green seats. The main entrance features a clean, white iron and light brick look that is unique among its peers. However, the exterior of the building is nearly lost by the presence of the plethora of Reds bronze statues which are at the top of the league. Joining Joe Morgan and Johnny Bench are the “Reds Legends of Crosley Field” which feature four bronze statues interacting together. The battery of Joe Nuxhall and Ernie Lombardi are attempting to strike out Frank Robinson, while Ted Kluszewski watches on. Possibly the most iconic statue of the group, however, is the Pete Rose statue, which depicts Rose in his unique, head-first slide, pose, hair flowing in the wind. A bit of an engineering marvel, there seems to be no better way to show Rose. The interior of Great American Ball Park does not disappoint. The main concourse features a host of treasures for those fans looking for a bit of an adventure. Numerous nods back to the original Reds and those Reds teams who were champions can be found throughout the ballpark, including giant newspaper pages hung from the ceiling. Unique street names will help fans traverse the concourses. There are plenty of Reds markings around the concourses just in case fans can’t remember who plays at Great American. The seating bowl offers a huge variety of seating options on three main levels. A separation between the home plate and third base upper decks is known as “The Gap'' and offers a peek into the stadium from the outside. Beyond centerfield. The Handlebar is an indoor/outdoor restaurant fans may wish to purchase tickets and inhabit. With the Power Stacks in right centerfield, the illusion of the riverboat, a Cincinnati staple, is prominent and gives a local feel to the structure. The Power Stacks shoot fireworks during the national anthem and home runs and fire when a Reds pitcher strikes out an opponent. The massive videoboards in left-center and right-center are state of the art and offer more information than any baseball fan could desire. Reds history is honored with the achievements of the World Series teams of 1919, 1940, 1975, 1976, and 1990 with pennants on the facia in left field. Behind the plate, the retired number of Jackie Robinson is joined by the numbers of Fred Hutchison, Johnny Bench, Frank Robinson, Joe Morgan, Ted Kluszewski, Tony Perez, Sparky Anderson, Dave Concepcion, Barry Larkin, and Pete Rose. The numbers are joined by microphone discs for broadcasters Marty Brennaman, Joe Nuxhall, and Waite Hoyt. The gameday production at a Reds game is as good as any in Major League Baseball. The Reds use their fair share of pyrotechnics. The mascots, Mr. Red, Mr. Redlegs, Rosie, and Gapper can be found throughout the ballpark interacting with fans and posing for photo ops. Redzilla, a dune buggy that fires t-shirts into the crowd, zips around the diamond a couple of times during select games. The use of the organ is higher than many other ballparks, giving the Reds experience a bit of a classic feel at times. Neighborhood 5 Located in the Central Business District in Downtown Cincinnati, Great American Ball Park is ideally situated to take advantage of the best the city has to offer. Just north of the Ohio River and east of the home of the Cincinnati Bengals, Paycor Stadium, the GABP has several great options for food and drink within steps of the stadium. The area between the two stadiums is hopping! Moerlein Lager House, Yard House, The Filson Queen, Holy Grail, and Taste of Belgium are all very close. For fans looking for other sports in Cincinnati, the Cincinnati Bengals are just to the west of GABP, and immediately to the east is Heritage Bank Center, home of the Cincinnati Cyclones of the ECHL. Just north in the OTR district is TQL Stadium, home of FC Cincinnati of MLS. The University of Cincinnati also hosts Bearcats football , basketball , and baseball amongst other sports. Xavier Musketeers basketball is also a popular option. For fans wanting a more cultured experience, the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center is a must-visit as well as a riverboat cruise on the Ohio River. A walk around Smale Riverfront Park, in the area between the two stadiums, may also be of interest. For fans wanting to stay near the ballpark, the AC Hotel by Marriott looks right over first base. There are also several options north of the highway. Fans 3 The June 2023 resurgence of the Reds behind projected phenom Elly De La Cruz has produced a swelling at the turnstile for the Reds. At the time of writing, the Reds are averaging over 21,000 fans per game. This places them in 21st place in Major League Baseball. Previous years, where the Reds struggled in the standings, saw over 17,000 fans per game and ranked them 24th in the league in 2022. Cincinnati is a baseball town, but attendance has not been as inelastic as in other markets. However, if the Reds consistently put a contending team on the field and draw stronger crowds, the mark for fans will no doubt increase. Access 4 Getting to Great American Ball Park is not too difficult. It is nestled neatly between the sunken highway I-71 and the Ohio River, part of the Central Business District in Downtown Cincinnati. Parking north of I-71 might be the best idea as getting down past the highway will make congestion a little more of a reality. For fans coming from out of town, the proximity of Great American Ball Park to the major arteries is a plus. Interstate 75 can be found to the west and I-71 to the south with I-471 to the east. For fans wishing to take public transit, the light rail can be reached right outside of GABP as well as bus stops. Fans should consult the Go Metro website for fares, maps, and schedules. With security protocols for Major League Baseball constantly changing, Stadium Journey recommends consulting the Cincinnati Reds website for the most up-to-date security information including bag policies and prohibited items. Return on Investment 5 The Cincinnati Reds are one of the most affordable experiences in Major League Baseball. As with most teams, ticket prices are becoming increasingly difficult to decipher as they change from game to game. Tickets can be found for $20 in the upper bowl and go up to around $125. A lower bowl ticket can be found for under $60 in the outfield area on the first and third base sides. The best value may be found in the 400 level on the third base side, which is equidistant to the 300 level on the opposite side but goes for $35 instead of $110. According to the 2022 Fan Cost Index, the Reds are far below the league average of $204 and end up in the bottom third at $157. Concession prices are what one would expect and parking can be found for $30 or less. The experience is solid and the gameday production, although not over the top, offers a good balance between a classic baseball feel and modern production. Extras 4 An extra mark for the history and longevity of the Cincinnati Reds, having been around since 1881, the oldest professional team in baseball. An extra mark for Opening Day in Cincinnati. Opening Day is akin to a holiday and there is no other franchise or city that places as strong an emphasis on Opening Day as Cincinnati does. Two extra marks for the Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame and Museum. Although it requires a separate ticket, which usually comes with an excellent souvenir, the Reds Hall of Fame is simply the best team-centric museum in all sports. Final Thoughts The Cincinnati Reds have grasped a hold of their history and celebrated it better and stronger than any other team in Major League Baseball. Great American Ball Park captures that feeling and offers a fantastic baseball experience. If the Reds are doing well, it is that much better and must be considered among the elite of MLB. A Reds victory at GABP will have fans joining Reds legend Marty Brennaman proclaiming “And This One Belongs to the Reds.” ---- Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on Twitter and Instagram @profan9.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.43 The Proving Grounds 725 Conshohocken Rd Conshohocken, PA 19428 Villanova Wildcats website The Proving Grounds website Year Opened: 2016 Capacity: 300 The Proving Grounds of Champions Although most people only know Villanova for its men’s basketball team, the school plays numerous other sports as well. One of the lesser-known teams is the field hockey program, which plays about five miles off campus at a facility at The Proving Grounds in Conshohocken, Pennsylvania. The Proving Grounds is a multi-sport complex which includes a turf field that is home to the Wildcats’ field hockey program. Prior to the field opening in 2016, the Wildcats played their home games at Villanova Stadium , also home of the football program. However, playing a sport with such small crowds in a stadium so large was not ideal, nor was the bladed turf surface (unlike almost every other sport nowadays, field hockey still uses old-style, unbladed artificial turf as it helps the ball roll better.) Food & Beverage 1 There is no concession stand at The Proving Grounds. However, a vending machine next to the bleachers sells water, Pepsi, Gatorade, and lemonade for the usual vending machine prices (typically between $2 and $2.50). Only coins, $1 bills, and $5 bills are accepted. If you pay with a $5, expect to receive a lot of quarters back as change. According to The Proving Grounds website, outside food and drink are not permitted, but this rule was not enforced when we visited. Atmosphere 2 As mentioned above, The Proving Grounds is a multi-sport complex which includes several athletic fields. The turf field that hosts Villanova field hockey has a very basic layout with a few rows of bleachers on one side of the field. All seats will have a great view of the action, but like at the vast majority of schools, field hockey simply isn’t a huge production here. You go for the game and that’s it. The PA announcer will announce goal scorers, cards, video reviews, etc. but sometimes won’t even do that. There is music played over the sound system pregame but it seems to be mostly sped-up remixes of well-known songs which is a little bit strange. As mentioned above, The Proving Grounds is a multi-sport complex which includes several athletic fields. The turf field that hosts Villanova field hockey has a very basic layout with a few rows of bleachers on one side of the field. All seats will have a great view of the action, but like at the vast majority of schools, field hockey simply isn’t a huge production here. You go for the game and that’s it. The PA announcer will announce goal scorers, cards, video reviews, etc. but sometimes won’t even do that. There is music played over the sound system pregame but it seems to be mostly sped-up remixes of well-known songs which is a little bit strange. Neighborhood 2 There is very little in the immediate vicinity of The Proving Grounds. A steel distributor is located across Conshohocken Road, and other corporate offices are nearby as well. If you head back to Ridge Pike, you will find several places to eat, although this is several miles away. Andy’s Diner and Pub is open 24 hours and there are several pizza places including Franzone’s and Tony Roni’s. Primo Hoagies is a regional chain that serves hoagies (or subs, or grinders, or whatever you call them in your region) on sesame seed buns. You will have to drive a bit to find something, but it’s all on the way to or from the highway anyway. Fans 4 Although The Proving Grounds is a pretty basic stadium, the Wildcats do draw decent crowds, at least considering what they are for field hockey at most places across the country. The team routinely draws 200-300 fans if not more, which may not seem like much, but it puts them in the Top 25 in the nation. Most of these are friends or family of the players or people with some other connection to the program, but you do get a good number of locals as well, especially families with young girls who play field hockey themselves and dream of someday playing collegiately. Given the small size of the bleachers, they are mostly full for a Wildcats home game and the fans can get quite into it. Although you don’t often think of field hockey as a major spectator sport, these things are all relative. Villanova field hockey will never draw anywhere near the same crowds as football or basketball, but now that they play in an appropriately-sized stadium rather than a cavernous football field, the crowds do feel pretty large. Access 3 The Proving Grounds is located a few miles off I-276. There are parking lots on each side of the stadium which will provide you with easy access. The lot on the north side is smaller and may fill up, especially if there are other events at the complex, but you should have no problem parking on the south side. There is a road connecting the two lots in case the one you go to first is full. Restrooms are available in a building in the north lot. Return on Investment 4 Like pretty much every college field hockey game in the country, admission is free. Note that there may be a charge for admission for Big East or NCAA Tournament games if Villanova hosts. However, there isn’t enough here to earn the top score. Extras 1 The crowds here are worthy of an extra star, as despite not being elite at the sport, the Wildcats still have one of the highest attendances in the nation. Final Thoughts There are very few schools in the country that make a huge deal out of college field hockey, and Villanova is not one of them. If you make the trip to The Proving Grounds, you can expect to see a game and not much else. However, you will get to experience one of the top field hockey fan bases in the country. While those unfamiliar with the sport may not find this worthwhile, if you’re into field hockey and are in the area, you will definitely want to stop by The Proving Grounds for a Villanova game.

Photos by Paul Baker and James Hilchen, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 McCormick Field 30 Buchanan Pl Asheville, NC 28801 Asheville Tourists website McCormick Field website Year Opened: 1992 Capacity: 4,000 Beer City Baseball   Dr. Lewis McCormick Field is the third oldest ballpark in Minor League Baseball. It has been the home of professional baseball in Asheville, NC since 1924. Named for the city bacteriologist who started the “Swat That Fly” campaign in 1905, McCormick is credited with successfully combating Asheville’s housefly problem.   While McCormick Field is celebrating its 100th season of play in 2024, the ballpark at the site is not the original. After the 1991 season, the original $200,000 wooden structure was torn down and replaced with the current concrete facility. The new ballpark was designed to look similar to the original.   In this era of teams rebranding at the drop of a hat, it’s refreshing to learn that Asheville’s pro baseball teams have been named the Tourists since 1915, with only a brief break as the Orioles in the 70s. The team has played in the South Atlantic League since 1976. In their lengthy history, the Tourists have won seven championships.   Fans may not realize that the Tourist moniker was not created in homage to the many visitors to the area. Back in the day, the writers covering the team noticed that none of the players were from the area. Thus, they were a bunch of “Tourists.”   Food & Beverage 4   Several concession stands are built into the exterior of McCormick Field’s grandstand. Fans looking for something besides the typical ballpark fare won’t be disappointed, as items such as sweet potato waffle fries, hot honey pimento cheese bites, and Nutella beignets dot the menus. The State Fair Experience stand deep-fries Oreos, moon pies, corn dogs, and almost everything on their menu. Sprinkled amongst all this deep-fried goodness are healthier options, including hummus and chips and grass-fed beef hot dogs. Portable carts line the exterior of the concourse, augmenting the menu with everything from cheesesteaks to taco bowls. Concessions are reasonably priced and can be packaged into combo meals to save a few more dollars.   Coca-Cola products are featured at McCormick Field. As you might expect in a stadium in “Beer City,” the craft beer scene here is amazing. Many of the city’s outstanding craft breweries are represented, including Hi-Wire, Sierra Nevada, Oskar Blues, Wicked Weed, Foothills, French Broad River, Bell’s, and Highland Brewing. If craft beers aren’t your thing, national brands are available. With the quality and quantity of beer sold at McCormick Field, it’s a wonder more fans don’t just fall down the hill after the game.   Atmosphere 3   Much of the atmosphere in this quaint ballpark is provided by its setting, as the field is nestled right into the side of a mountain. It’s a backdrop begging for a more traditional game day presentation. The Tourists’ staff do accommodate with a simple, but effective show that hits all the expected notes without a lot of your typical minor league shenanigans.   The 36-foot wall in right field is covered in advertisements and topped by a simple scoreboard, which provides the line score, balls, strikes, and outs. There’s no fancy video board with computerized graphics and such here in Asheville. The sound system is solid and the PA announcer professionally gives game information.   The team employs a pair of mascots, Mr. Moon and Ted E. Tourist. They do their thing throughout the game, posing for photos and interacting with fans. Mr. Moon’s name is a nod to Asheville baseball history. In the late 1800s, even before the arrival of the original Tourists, the local nine were nicknamed the Moonshiners. When the team’s logo and uniforms were updated in 2010, Mr. Moon was created in their honor.   Neighborhood 4   McCormick Field is located in downtown Asheville, on the edge of the South Slope neighborhood. This part of the city is notable for its craft breweries. There are six breweries located within a four-block radius of the ballpark, with several more just a little bit further. Do yourself a favor get to the park early and walk around the neighborhood.   Asheville is known, of course, for the famous Biltmore Estate, the home of George and Edith Vanderbilt. The Biltmore House spans 175,000 square feet and includes 35 bedrooms, 43 bathrooms and 65 fireplaces. If the fancy surroundings or the high price tags of the tour and the dining room are too much for you, you may wish to explore the Pinball Museum, which features over 70 classic pinball machines as well as arcade games, beer, and snacks.   While you will have to venture out into the city to find many of the city’s best lodging or dining options, Asheville’s neighborhoods are very walkable and there is something here for everyone. Explore Asheville  has a great deal of information about everything the city has to offer.   Fans 3   Asheville averaged over 2,700 fans per game in 2023, a slight increase from the year before and a slight decrease from the record-high figures the team enjoyed pre-pandemic. This figure places the Tourist in the middle of the South Atlantic League.   The Tourists are an institution in Asheville, with the team ingrained in the fabric of the community. Fans seem to be into the game to a great degree and are knowledgeable about the future Major Leaguers playing in town. You’ll see die-hard fans, casual fans, families, and groups at a Tourists game.   Access 3   Asheville is a city of about 94,000 residents located in western North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains. It’s known for its vibrant arts scene and historic architecture. The city is easy to reach if driving, as Interstates 40 and 26 meet within city limits. Asheville Regional Airport serves the region for fans flying into town.   The ballpark is located in a mixed business/retail/residential neighborhood a bit removed from the highways, so you’ll have to drive through the city to get here.   Ashville Rides Transit has several routes that stop near the ballpark.   This is where the good news ends. McCormick Field is built into one of Asheville’s many hills, about halfway up. This means that no matter where you park, you’re walking up a steep hill one way or the other. The entrance to the ballpark is located on the right-field side of the facility. After a quick security check, you’ll find yourself in the entry plaza, where the team store, offices, and concession stands are located.   The seating bowl stretches around from about first base to about third base, with party decks located beyond the seating area. All seats are blue plastic stadium seats with cupholders and decent legroom. There are good views of the field from all seats, even with the presence of netting throughout. A walkway runs the length of the seating area about a third of the way up. Be wary of the lack of railings on the stairways here, especially if you’ve been pregaming at one (or more) of the great breweries downtown.   Return on Investment 5   Tickets to Tourists games start at $11 for general admission, with prices increasing to a maximum of $19 for Press Row Tickets. Seniors and members of the Military receive a one-dollar discount, with children receiving a two-dollar discount.   Parking is free in the small lot up the hill from the ballpark (yes, you have to go uphill in both directions from McCormick Field). There are only 50 spots in this lot, so get to the ballpark early. Other free lots a short distance from McCormick Field are free as well, and there is on-street parking in the neighborhood.   Concession prices are reasonable, and there are bargains to be found during theme nights and by purchasing combo meals.   Extras 4   A scene from the classic baseball movie Bull Durham was filmed at McCormick Field. The team pays homage to the movie with the “Crash’s Kitchen” concession stand, complete with a photo of Crash Davis on the wall. Eagle-eyed fans may spot a mural that appeared briefly in the movie on the third-base locker room building’s wall.   Championship flags fly along the first base side of the ballpark, and a listing of every Tourist player to reach the Major Leagues is posted on the concourse.   For a few years in the 1950s, there was no baseball being played at McCormick Field. No problem, the owners turned the ballpark into a racetrack. A NASCAR Grand National race was even held here in 1958.   Final Thoughts   The city of Asheville, North Carolina is an underrated summer destination. Of course, baseball is an integral part of any proper summer road trip. While exploring the mansions and breweries of this fine city, make sure to stop in at McCormick Field, a ballpark that manages to be old and new at the same time.   Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter  and Instagram  @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Matt Colville, Stadium Journey When then Pearl, Mississippi Mayor Jimmy Foster lured the Greenville Braves to town at the end of the 2004 minor league baseball season, he wanted baseball to last in the Jackson metro area for at least the next 20 years. His vision has been achieved, because on September 3, 2024, the Mississippi Braves will begin their final homestand at Trustmark Park, marking exactly 20 years that baseball has been played here – no more and no less. At the beginning of the 2024 season, it was announced that the Atlanta Braves  would move the double-A club from Greenville to Columbus, GA beginning in 2025. With teams now in Augusta , Rome , Columbus, and Gwinnett , the Braves will have three of their four minor league affiliates in Georgia next season. Unfortunately, the Jackson, MS area is no stranger to losing minor league teams – in 1999 the Jackson Generals, Double-A affiliate of the Houston Astros , packed their bags and moved to Round Rock and then Corpus Christi , the latter where they remain to this day. The Generals played closer to downtown at Smith-Wills Stadium, which was also home to the Jackson Mets from 1975-1990, until becoming the Generals in 1991 and playing here until 1999. Many residents were disgruntled at losing their team in 1999, so when baseball returned in 2005 it was initially a big success. This area of the country is part of " Braves  Country", so when the opportunity to get a Braves-affiliated team presented itself, city officials raised enough money to build the $28 million, 8,840-seat, state-of-the-art stadium. At the time there wasn't much in Pearl – the sleepy town of 20,000 was mostly residential, but as more and more people moved out of Jackson the suburbs continued to grow. In 20 years, this exit off Interstate 20 has grown to include multiple restaurants, hotels, an outlet mall, Bass Pro Shop, and of course Trustmark Park. At first, the M-Braves were a big draw for the area, but attendance waned in recent years, and not even the chance to see some of baseball's top prospects in Ronald Acuna, Ozzie Albies, Dansby Swanson, Austin Riley, Michael Harris, and Spencer Strider could bring fans to games. In fact, in 2023 the Mississippi Braves ranked 29th out of 30 Double A teams in attendance. The biggest question is what will happen to Trustmark Park once the Braves move? Besides the M-Braves, the facility gets plenty of usage throughout the year – the ballpark's biggest game every year is the Governor's Cup, when Mississippi State  plays Ole Miss , and Southern Miss  usually plays a game or two here every year as well. These games are big draws for the stadium and usually sell out. The Mississippi high school baseball state championships are also played here every year, and D3 baseball's Belhaven University has also used the stadium for their home games since 2023. The venue even served as a concert space in the summer of 2024 when Miranda Lambert performed there. The ballpark has aged well in the past 20 years, and, other than maybe a new paint job on the rails, you'd have a hard time telling it's 20 years old. There have been some rumblings recently that a new independent or summer collegiate league team will move into Trustmark Park, but that remains to be seen – if people couldn't support the Mississippi Braves, what's to say they will support the new team either? But regardless of what happens to Trustmark Park in 2025, it just won't be the same as coming to a Mississippi Braves game. The Braves signage around the park will no longer be here next year, and any traces of the past will be long gone, such as the Braves Wall of Fame on the third base concourse, which features names like Freddie Freeman and Brian McCann. Also gone will be the giant mural of Braves manager Brian Snitker, the first M-Braves manager. The Ronald Acuna mural at the main entrance, as well as the Braves logo on the huge video board in center field, will also no longer be there after this season. The final home game in franchise history at Trustmark Park will be against the Tennessee Smokies  on Sunday, September 8.

Photos by Lance Sutehall and Michael Davis, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 FedExForum 191 Beale St Memphis, TN 38103 Memphis Tigers website FedExForum website Year Opened: 2004 Capacity: 18,400 The Tigers Are A Pouncin’ The Memphis Tigers play their basketball games seven miles away from their campus at the FedExForum in downtown Memphis. More famous for being the home of the NBA’s Grizzlies , FedExForum has been the home of Memphis basketball since 2004. There is a proud tradition with the Tigers program as they have made 22 NCAA Tournament appearances that have not been vacated, including an appearance in the NCAA Championship Game in 1973. They have retired the jerseys of nine players, including #25 Penny Hardaway who is now the head coach of the program. Food & Beverage 4 The good news is that the FedExForum has a lot of concession options due to the fact that it is an NBA arena. The bad news is that those concessions will cost you NBA concession prices. Standard fare includes nachos ($7), pretzels ($6), candy ($4), peanuts ($4), and bottomless popcorn ($8). Soft drinks are Pepsi branded with options including bottled drinks ($4.50) and souvenir cups ($9). Combos include a Grind City burger combo ($17), Memphis Hot Chicken ($16), and Memphis Sausage ($15). Vendors selling food in FedExForum include Rendezvous for BBQ, Delta Grill for Burgers, and Fowline Pizza. Alcohol is sold throughout the arena with options including wine ($10), cocktails ($13), beer ($12.50), and seltzers ($13.50). FedExForum is a cashless venue. Atmosphere 4 The concourse of FedExForum is mostly decorated for the Grizzlies, not the Tigers. The only thing I saw that was specifically for the Tigers was a makeshift “Tiger Bookstore” souvenir stand. Once inside the seating bowl, the Memphis Tigers court has the logo with a tiger scratch in the background. The band and the student section sit behind one of the baskets.  The cheerleaders and dance team also keep the atmosphere of the arena up during the game. Pouncer the Tiger walks all around FedExForum entertaining the crowd as well. Neighborhood 5 FedEx Forum is located on Beale Street which is one of the main tourist attractions in Memphis. Beale Street is famous for its Blues clubs and restaurants. Some of the dining options on Beale Street include B.B. King’s, Blues City Cafe, and Wet Willie’s, all of which have live music. There are also several bars on Beale Street if you want a drink. Lodging options near Beale Street include the Westin, Hampton Inn, and a Hyatt Centric. If you stay near Beale Street you won’t need your car once you get to your hotel. Fans 4 The fans of the Memphis Tigers are very passionate about their team and travel well. It is a tall task to get FedExForum to be an intimidating atmosphere, yet the Tigers fans do a great job. The student section do a great job of keeping the energy up during the game. The energy that the students give spreads throughout the rest of the arena. The band, cheerleaders, spirit squad, and Pouncer also do their part to get the fans going. If the fans get going, FedExForum can be an intimidating place to play. Access 3 FedExForum is located on Beale Street. Safe parking nearby in a parking garage is going to run $30. Parking garages further away will cost you less. It is possible to score street parking but do that at your own risk. I parked on a nearby street for free and walked to FedExForum but I also attended a game on a Sunday afternoon.  Once inside, the arena is easy to navigate through with plenty of concession stands and restrooms. The seats are all chair backs and have plenty of legroom. Return on Investment 3 Memphis Tigers basketball has variable pricing for games. Tickets start at $10 for upper level seats and go up to $150 depending on the seat, opponent, and date. If you buy a $20 ticket, park for another $20, and get some food, you are paying over $50 for a program in the American Athletic Conference. Extras 5 FedExForum hosted one of the few 1 vs 2 matchups in college basketball history when the Tennessee Volunteers came to play the Memphis Tigers in 2008. The venue hosted the C-USA tournament from 2005 to 2009 and hosted the American Athletic Conference tournament in 2014 and 2019. It hosted the NCAA tournament four times, last time in 2024. The venue has banners showing the successes of the basketball program. There are also banners of all nine of the retired jerseys for the Memphis Tigers basketball program Final Thoughts FedExForum is a great basketball venue as the Grizzlies can attest to. When the Tigers program is doing well it can also be an intimidating college basketball venue.

Photos by Matt Colville, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57 Hartsell Arena College Blvd Pensacola, FL 32502 Pensacola State College Pirates website Hartsell Arena website Year Opened: 1948 Capacity: 1,000 JUCO B-ball in Pensacola Pensacola State College opened its doors in 1948 as Pensacola Junior College, the first college of any kind in the Pensacola area. PSC is the largest college in west Florida with 36,000 students. In 2010 the college began operating as a four-year university and began offering bachelor’s degrees. To reflect these changes it changed its name to Pensacola State College. However, even though PSC is now a four-year university, its athletic programs still compete at the JUCO level. Pensacola State currently fields five sports and competes in the NJCAA Panhandle Conference, which includes four other schools in the panhandle area of Florida (Northwest Florida State College, Chipola College, Tallahassee CC, and Gulf Coast State College). The Pirates have won 16 Panhandle Conference Titles and 5 Florida State titles, but perhaps the Pirates greatest feat happened during the 1992-93 season, when the Pirates claimed their first and only NJCAA National Championship. The Pirates were coached during this time period by current UL-Lafayette head coach Bob Marlin, who led PSC to a 123-35 record during his five years at the school and claimed NJCAA National Coach of the Year honors for the 1992-93 season. Hartsell Arena was renovated in 1988 with the addition of the Lou Ross Center. Named after the first basketball coach at PSC, the building includes the athletic department offices, PSC Athletics Hall of Fame, ticket office, and an Olympic-sized indoor pool. The arena originally opened when the college opened, but it wasn’t much until the addition of the Ross Center in 1988. The arena was renovated again in 2005 after Hurricane Ivan caused extensive damage to the college the year before, and in 2007 the venue was officially renamed Hartsell Arena, named after former school president Ed Hartsell. Notable members of the Hall of Fame include former Miami Heat center and 2-time NBA Champion Joel Anthony, current Vice President of the Utah Jazz Dennis Lindsey, former San Francisco Giant infielder Greg Litton, and professional boxer Roy Jones Jr. Food & Beverage 1 There is a very small stand located on the concourse to the left as soon as you walk into the building. The options are limited to hamburgers ($4), nachos ($3), hot dogs ($2.50), and chips and candy ($2), with Coke being the soft drink provider selling 20oz bottles for $2. Overall the prices are reasonable but the options are extremely limited, so my recommendation would be to get something at one of the Pensacola area restaurants. Atmosphere 3 The arena is located on the west side of the Lou Ross Center, with one main entrance on the south side of the building. As soon as you walk in the door there is a hallway that serves as the makeshift concourse. The beautiful and spacious concourse is a pretty nice set up with carpeted floors and the concession stands to the left, plus the PSC Athletics Hall of Fame with myriad trophies the school has won over the years. The most noticeable thing you notice when entering the court is the ceiling – the arch shaped ceiling is unique and definitely makes the place stand out. The whole court is also lit up really well with the court facing north and south, with two main entrances onto the court. Seats on the east side of the building extend 6 rows, and they are actually pretty comfortable chair back seats with cup holders that extend from one end of the court to the other. On the west side of the building there are 12 rows of bleacher-style seats that also extend from all the way along the sideline. Also, covering the walls of the building are all the men’s and women’s championship banners, including the 1993 JUCO National Championship banner located on the east wall of the building, and the trophy located in the trophy case in the hallway where you walked in. The atmosphere on both sides is pretty relaxed, and there are local high school cheerleading squads that perform during halftime. But other than that there isn’t much in terms of entertainment; there isn’t even music played during timeouts, although the PA announcer does a good job of trying to pump up the crowd. Pensacola State Banners, Photo by Matt Colville, Stadium Journey Neighborhood 4 The campus is located in a fairly busy area of Pensacola. Directly across the street to the west lies the gigantic Sacred Heart Hospital, and directly across the street to the east lies Pensacola International Airport. Directly across the street to the south lies Cordova Mall, the largest indoor shopping center in western Florida, with chain stores including Dick’s, Best Buy, Dillard’s, and Belk, and you can also find just about any typical mall store inside. In addition, outside the mall in the parking lot you can find all kinds of restaurants such as Panera Bread, Red Robin, Twin Peaks, Chick-fil-A, Zoes Kitchen, Steak ‘n Shake, Chili’s, Newk’s, and Firehouse Subs. A restaurant I recommend in the Cordova Mall parking lot is BJ’s Brewhouse – BJ’s is a typical bar food set up that brews its own beer inside the restaurant and has over 60 beers on tap. The Tuscan Oven Pizzeria across the street is a pretty popular pizza place as well. In addition to the mall, if you go down the main road (9th Street) you can find every typical chain restaurant found in most decent sized cities. There is a movie theatre and a bowling alley located across the street as well, but if you want to experience Pensacola’s nightlife at its best then take a 15-minute drive south to Seville Quarter or Palafox Street. Seville Quarter, which is modeled after New Orleans’ French Quarter, has many different bars and restaurants and is Pensacola’s main nightlife spot. In addition, Palafox Street has hundreds of different bars and restaurants; downtown Pensacola is a really pretty and popular downtown spot and I definitely recommend making a trip down there if you are in town. Fans 2 For this level of basketball there isn’t going to be more than a couple hundred fans in attendance on any particular night, and because of this fans are pretty reserved for the most part, but there are often a lot of visiting fans in attendance because of the close proximity of many of the schools in the conference. There is a small student section taking up the whole of the southwest grandstands, but most of them are playing on their phones. But for the most part many of the fans seem to be either friends or family members of the players, or visiting fans from out of town. Also, because there is not any music being played in the arena, it definitely takes away from the fan engagement. Access 3 Depending on which way you are coming to PSC determines whether the access is convenient or not. The campus is located on the northeast side of the city just south of I-10, so if coming from the east or west, I-10 will be your best bet. Just take Davis Highway, which is one of the main highways in Pensacola, and the campus is located a couple of blocks east of the road. Things can be a bit more difficult if coming from the downtown area, as traffic can be terrible depending on what time of day it is – from there just take I-110 to the Brent Lane exit and the campus is located just off 9th Street; though the campus is only about 8 miles from downtown, with traffic taken into consideration the drive could be a lot longer. Luckily the bulk of the weeknight games tipoff at 7:30 pm. which allows for plenty of time for traffic to die down. If flying in from out of town, the campus is conveniently located directly across the street from the airport – you could fly into Pensacola and walk across the street and you’ll be there is less than 5 minutes. PSC is mostly a commuter school, however, so although 36,000 students are enrolled, it doesn’t mean the campus is so large that it’s difficult to find your way around. There is also a lot of construction going on around campus right now, so certain roads and some parking lots tend to be blocked off. However, Hartsell Arena is located in the center of campus, so it is not hard to find and there is plenty of parking near the venue. Return on Investment 3 Tickets are five bucks which allows you to sit anywhere in the arena, and they allow re-entry so you can come and go. The concessions are cheap and parking is not a hassle at all, so I consider this a good return on investment. Games are pretty short on the JUCO level, rarely exceeding an hour and a half total, so you won’t be in the building long before the game is over. Extras 2 The Lou Ross Center, the building that houses the basketball arena, is a favorite stop for presidential candidates who use the venue for their campaign stops in Pensacola. Bob Dole, Dick Cheney, and John McCain have all used the Lou Ross Center during their presidential bids. The building is also a beautiful structure and has been completely redone following Hurricane Ivan’s damage in 2004. Final Thoughts Hartsell Arena is actually a pretty nice building for this level of college basketball. Its low-arched ceilings, comfortable chair back seats, and well-lit interior make for a very pleasant place to watch a basketball game. I don’t recommend going out of your way, but if you are in the area and want to catch a quick college basketball game then check out Pensacola State College.

Photos by Conrad Klank, Stadium JouCrney Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.29 Stade Roland Garros 2 Avenue Gordon Bennett Paris, France 75016 French Open website Stade Roland Garros website Year Opened: 1928 Capacity: 28,708 Allez Roland Garros! Bonjour! Roland Garros, also commonly referred to as The French Open, is the second Grand Slam of the tennis calendar year, held during the last week in May and continuing a week into June. It is preceded by the Australian Open in January, and succeeded by Wimbledon just two weeks after the completion of the French, and the final Slam of the year, the US Open in September. The Roland Garros venue features three large individually ticketed stadiums: Court Phillipe Chatrier which holds 15,059, Court Suzanne Lenglen with a capacity of 10,076, and Court 1 or The Bull Ring, with seating for 3,805. Of the four Grand Slams, Roland Garros was the third to be established: Wimbledon in 1877, The US Open in 1881, Roland Garros in 1891, and The Australian Open in 1905. Roland Garros began as The French Open because it was initially reserved only for play of those French players. The tournament officially renamed to Roland Garros and was opened up to players of all nationalities in 1925. The tournament bears the name Roland Garros as a memorial to the French aviator who was shot down in aerial combat in October 1918 at age 30. The current site where the tournament stands today was first built in 1928 to host an important Davis Cup match where the famous French Four Musketeers could handle the large crowds that were expected. Later, only after the previous sites of the tournament outgrew their land, did it relocate to the stadium built for the Davis Cup as it stands at Porte d�Auteuil. The deal set by the Stade Fran�ais was that the seven acres of land would be donated on the condition that it would be named after Roland Garros. In 1928, only five courts stood on this land. Most notably was the small stadium, Centre Court, which would eventually evolve and upgrade to what we see today as Court Phillipe Chatrier. Not until 1975 did the tournament begin to really see growth. As a very small portion of land was acquired, four additional courts were built, and Centre Court underwent its first renovations as offices were added. In 1979, the grounds saw its most noticeable expansions as roughly $6.4 million was invested to enlarge the grandstand around Centre Court, construct Court 1 which would hold a capacity of 4,500 at the time, the construction of three covered underground courts, and expanded to fill 10 acres. In 1984, the venue underwent its second sizable renovation and expansion, with costs estimated around $10.3 million to upgrade player facilities, and build a sound barrier bordering the Avenue de la Porte d�Auteuil. This included the addition of four acres given to the French Federation of Tennis (FFT) by the City of Paris where six new courts would be constructed, and spectator areas around outer courts were improved. By the end of this phase in 1986, the venue consisted of 15 acres and 19 courts. Since 1991 there have been renovations to keep the tournament at the forefront of major tennis tournaments. During that time period, the venue has expanded to 20 courts on about 21 acres, and has upgraded nearly everything along the way including the additions of Susanne Lenglen Court, the small stadiums, Courts 2 and 3. The cost of modernization to the grounds over that time period has totaled nearly $158 million. During the 2013 event, the FFT announced its largest continued modernization plans, which will aim to provide solutions to the biggest problems, identified by the FFT, most notably, adding a retractable roof to Court Phillipe Chatrier to ensure continuous play during inclement weather. Food & Beverage 3 The food and beverage selection at Roland Garros is very interesting and probably not what most would expect. The most common areas to fill up on food and drinks are the concession stands located all over the grounds, which feature only one similar American stadium type treat, which is the hot dog. Options at the concession stand include: hot dog, dessert, and can of pop for $13.75, ham and cheese sandwich, dessert, and can of pop for $13, and for an additional $7 one can add a salad or an additional hot dog and chips. Believe it or not, this is the most affordable way to eat while at the tournament. In addition to the typical concession stands, there are a number of other specialty concessions and carts around the grounds with a selection of sandwiches, burgers, salads, wraps, coffee, waffles, and one in particular featuring Haagen Dazs ice cream. Additionally, there is a small self-service grocery called L'Epicerie located on the south esplanade of Court Suzanne Lenglen. My biggest food recommendation is the macaron variety pack, pricey, but very tasty! For the more upscale dining experience at Roland Garros, be sure to visit La Brasserie overlooking outer court number 11 and near Gate W. This Mediterranean themed area features three different distinct experiences. The first part is the bar and lounge called The Macarons & Cocktails Bar which is the only public spot inside the grounds where alcohol can be purchased. While this may sound blasphemous as a spots traveler, it's my recommendation to stay away from the beer offered and instead try some of the wine available; after all, it is France! Drinks are definitely pricey and will range from $12-$20. The next part of this area is Le Buffet, but don't be fooled, this is no typical American buffet, everything is a la carte! If you're extra hungry and still want to try the buffet, be sure to load up on the rolls as they're pretty cheap and still filling. If nothing is found appealing in the buffet area either go back the next day as the menu changes daily, or head just next door to the last part of La Brasserie. This part is a sit down gourmet restaurant with waiters and a menu. Obviously, this is the most expensive area on the grounds to eat, but is also the nicest. Overall, the food and beverage selection is a bit disappointing when compared to other events of this magnitude. Atmosphere 5 One of the things that Roland Garros does exceptionally well is creating a wonderful atmosphere. Upon entering the gates, one will consistently be reminded of where they are by the Roland Garros logos and vibrant color scheme apparent all over the grounds and buildings. Retail vendors are out in the walkways yelling and singing as boisterous Parisians. Each day there are different types of entertainment typically found near the Place des Mousquetaires ranging from local musical acts to street performers. In general, the Place des Mousquetaires is certainly a must visit area inside the grounds at the tournament. In addition to being a great place to soak up some of the history of the tournament and the great players of French past, it's also a wonderful area for fans that are interested in watching matches on the video board in which their ticket may not allow them to enjoy firsthand. Similarly to the video boards on the facade of Court Suzanne Lenglen, large groups of people will congregate to gaze at exciting matches, particularly when a French player is involved. Scoreboards, ad displays, and PA announcers inside and around the grounds are all done beautifully and without obstruction. When looking at the seating, while the legroom and absence of cup holders is noticeable to American sports fans, this is not an uncommon practice in European sports or tennis events in general. Neighborhood 4 There's a wonderful little bar and restaurant district just a safe ten minute walk from Gate W. Once exiting the tournament grounds via Gate W, take a right heading East on the Avenue de la Porte d'Auteuil following the crowds which will typically head that direction for post-match indulgences, or for the Metro station. The desired area is called the Place de la Porte d'Auteuil where there are a number of bars and restaurants of all kinds. TSE is an interesting trendy and upscale French take on traditional Thai food. The cuisine is excellent, but is very pricey for small portions. This is a great choice when you're ready to relax after a long day at the tournament and you're looking for a light meal. If a traditional French experience is desired, the Le Beaujolais d'Auteuil is highly recommended. Be sure to request a seat on the patio if it's a nice evening for some of the best people watching in the world. While these are my top two recommendations, there are a dozen great choices within the Place de la Porte d'Auteuil. As with any restaurant you experience during your stay in Paris, it is recommended that you request an English version of the menu as most restaurants do keep these on hand. Lastly, don't be surprised to really shell out the money for dining experiences, especially if you want a drink or two with your meal, as that's really what gouges you. When looking at lodging options, keep in mind that Parisian hotel rooms are very small and typically pretty expensive. If you are content with going that route, there are tons of options all over Paris with convenient access to the tournament from all over the city. The option that I strongly recommend for the more adventurous traveler is to rent an apartment or house depending on the number of travelers accompanying you. In almost every case you'll be able to save a substantial amount of money and get more space by renting as opposed to staying in a hotel. A great resource to keep in mind is a website called Home Away . Paris has some of the most well-known tourist attractions in the world, but there is a ton to see. Be sure to leave a few days to see the sights outside of days planned at the tournament. Attractions that I absolutely recommend include: visiting the Eiffel Tower and views from the Trocadero, visiting the Arc de Triomphe and walking the shops along the Champs de Elysee leading to it, visiting the Notre Dame Cathedral, riding a boat tour down the Seine River, visiting the Sacre Coeur Cathedral and walking through the accompanying artisan square, visiting the Louvre and nearby gardens, and countless other museums, gardens, shops, and beautiful architecture. Fans 5 Tennis fans are some of the best fans in the world. Although there are different types of tennis fans, all appreciate and respect the basic rules of being present at live tennis matches. Each sport has times where the crowd is expected to get especially loud or especially quiet. Tennis is unique in that most of the time the crowd is expected to be silent, however, there are exceptions to this rule when there has been a great point played or when there is a native player playing in front of their home crowd. The French crowds take this instance to a much higher level than at most other events. While the US Open crowds have done their best to improve in this aspect in support of their native players, it's nothing in comparison to the French supporters. While I have a tough time understanding French, there is one distinct word that you're forced to learn no matter what language you speak-"Allez!" The French fans have turned a simple word with an English translation of "Go Ahead," into an interjection at any stop in play to will on a player. This phenomenon has gotten so out of hand that it's common that the player on the opposing side of the chants will go on to complain about the French fans' enthusiasm in post-match press conferences. It's also common that while watching matches on TV that one will hear the chants in the background. Access 4 While the access getting to the tournament itself may sound daunting at first, especially for those who may not be very familiar with the French language, don't stress too much, we are here to help. First off, the best airport option when flying into Paris is Charles de Gaulle. The airport is a bit dated and confusing, but it's important that you follow the signs very carefully depending on your next mode of transport. The most inexpensive mode of transport from the airport is by far the Metro system (the underground/above ground subway/train system). If traveling by the Metro, proceed to the airport tram, which will transport you to the RER B line, which is the direct train into the heart of Paris. The one-way ticket into the city will cost approximately $12. From there you will transfer trains depending on where exactly you're headed from the airport. Keep in mind that when purchasing train tickets with an American credit card, you will need to skip the automatic ticket machines and proceed to the ticket window where a representative will assist you (they speak English). If heading to the tournament directly you will exit the RER B train at the St Michel Notre Dame stop, transfer by foot to the Cluny La Sorbonne, and ride line 10 to the Porte d'Auteuil stop. Once above ground it will be easy to follow the crowds or Official Roland Garros logoed footprints on the sidewalks to the front gates. It is important to consult and print the Paris Metro Maps before heading the tournament. If you're interested in other modes of transport to and from the tournament, below is the pertinent info: Car Parking Getting to Roland Garros Once inside the tournament grounds, you will surely feel right at home. Despite there being large crowds that will inevitably form between big matches in the walkways and restrooms, the walkways are large and spacious, and restrooms are clean. For stadium accessibility, handicap guide, first aid, emergency, boutiques, and restaurants, consult the Around the Grounds. One of the many great things about Roland Garros that isn't often found is the cloakroom that is in three different locations around the outside of the venue. The cloakrooms are storage areas that will accept the items that you didn't mean to bring that aren't allowed in. The cloakroom is willing to accept bags as large as an airplane carry on. One last thing to keep in mind about the access to the tournament is the e-ticket system that the tournament utilizes. In an effort to cut down on the amount of black market ticket sales, tickets are reserved using a name at the time of purchase. While the tickets can be transferred to different people in advance, this is a very secure ticketing system. The biggest drawback is the conversion system that takes place at the gate. Each e-ticket needs to be confirmed by the tournament staff by scanning the printed e-ticket, verifying ownership by checking the registered name against your passport (a passport or laminated copy is the only accepted form of ID), and then converting the e-ticket to the entry pass, which is then printed on the spot before entering. Clearly, this process slows the entry procedure, so it's recommended that you plan an extra 15-30 minutes when traveling to the tournament grounds, and absolutely, do not forget your passport or laminated copy. Return on Investment 4 Overall, the return on investment at Roland Garros is good, but not great. When taking into consideration ticket prices, concessions, and souvenirs against the experience, each category is slightly on the expensive side. It's to be expected that an international event such as this would be slightly overpriced, but that doesn't change the fact that it isn't quite worth the total expense. Individual tickets for the 2013 event ranged from $30 to $200 during the two-week period. As the tournament progresses into the later rounds the tickets obviously increase in price. Additionally, separate tickets are sold for each of the three match courts (Court Phillipe Chatrier, Court Suzanne Lenglen, and Court 1), as well as general admission grounds passes, also known as annexes, which only allow access into the grounds and first come first serve seating for courts 2 through 18. Court Phillipe Chatrier gets the highest ranked players, followed by Court Suzanne Lenglen, followed by Court 1, thus making these the most expensive ticket choices. These are my recommendations over the grounds passes due to the large number of grounds passes sold and the limited space available. Please note that the prices listed above are face value and are typically only purchased for those prices well in advance and through the Official Roland Garros Ticket Distribution . If you are planning your trip to Roland Garros a little later and the opportunity to buy tickets through the tournament directly has passed, I recommend getting tickets through Vivid Seats . Extras 5 Roland Garros fully deserves full marks when it comes to extras as the tournament goes above and beyond to satisfy international tennis fans. Let's start with the RG lab featuring free access to the Babolab, where the Official Stringers are located, a special History of Lacoste exhibit, and games and activities for kids. Just as the city of Paris has unbelievable architecture, the tournament has found a way to stay up to date while keeping its beautiful historical feel. Final Thoughts Top 5 things to make sure you do while at The French Open: Visit the Place des Mousquetaires to see the statues Watch a match in as many outer courts as possible for different experiences and atmospheres Get drinks and a meal at La Brasserie above court 11 Watch a match on the big video boards just outside of Court Suzanne Lenglen Shop and visit the boutiques and exhibits, especially the RG Lab Things to keep in mind when attending The French Open: Pack a small bag to take into the tournament to store your extra long sleeves, long pants, and small retractable umbrella since the weather varies (small bags are allowed in the tournament after a brief inspection, of course) Bring a camera and autograph pen (necessities when your favorite player is on the practice courts) Overall, Roland Garros is a pricey endeavor. However, for a sports fan, it's certainly one of the best experiences in the world. Planning this trip is not to be taken lightly as it can be a little tricky with the language barrier and the hiccups along the way, but if you take some of our recommendations, you'll be well on your way to a wonderful trip. Au revoir!

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 Goggin Ice Center 610 S Oak St. Oxford, OH 45056 Miami RedHawks men’s hockey website Goggin Ice Center website Year Opened: 2006 Capacity: 3,642 Hockey is Good at the Goggin Ice Center Tucked away on a small campus in Southeastern Ohio is Miami University which is home to a picturesque campus with red brick streets and fans with a passion for hockey. The epicenter of this passion is the Goggin Ice Center, named after former university vice-president, Lloyd Goggin. The facility consists of two NHL-sized sheets of ice and debuted in 2006 at $34 million. The RedHawks play at the “A Pad”, also known as the Steve “Coach” Cady Arena. The “B Pad” is used for recreational skating. The building also hosts intramural hockey and broomball programs, Jr. RedHawks youth and Talawanda High School varsity hockey clubs, hockey camps, skating lessons, ice shows, and other events. The facility includes 2,800 reserved lower bowl seats, 102 club seats, 4 opera boxes, and 6 private suites. The capacity of the building swells to 3,700 with standing room only included. It was one of the most labor-intensive projects in the university’s history and was completed in 104 weeks. The Redhawks properly dedicated the arena with a 5-2 victory over Denver University. The arena was named after former head coach Steve Cady who coached the club for its first seven seasons from its start in 1978 to 1985. The building itself is decorated with former players who have moved on to the National Hockey League, championship banners, and historical photos from the previous 40 seasons. The Hawks have made twelve NCAA tournaments and two Frozen Four appearances in 2009 and 2010. Food & Beverage 3 The Cady Arena offers a rather basic assortment of concession items at four main locations on the concourse. Fans can choose from hot dogs, nachos, popcorn, and barbecue pork sandwiches. Pepsi products are available and if you have a sweet tooth, cookies, and an assortment of sweets are available at an additional stand. There are no alcoholic beverages allowed except in the upstairs lounge area. Atmosphere 5 The architects of the Cady Arena designed the facility that would feature everything its hockey program would ever need. The brick interior gives the building a sense of nostalgia and provides beautiful a beautiful backdrop to its hangar roof. Once you take your seat and the opening faceoff has been completed you are immersed in an energetic atmosphere that becomes quite intoxicating as each period progresses. The ambiance is as electric and frenzied as some of the best college venues in the country. The compact-sized arena offers many elements: a passionate student section, boisterous alumni, and a school band that generates its special brand of home-ice advantage. The hockey program is considered by many to be the number one sports team on campus. The students take up residency on a first-come/first-served basis at the north end of the arena. They do everything your typical student section would do at a college sporting event of its size and they do it quite well. The rest of the audience fills in the noise with chants after each goal, hard hit, penalty call, or break in the action. The soundtrack to all of this is the marching band that resides right next to the student section in the western section of the building. The arena offers seating at all ends of the rink with a wraparound concourse that offers concessions, bathrooms, and access to other parts of the facility. The interior walls feature retired numbers of former players and championship banners hanging from the rafters on each side of the ice. There are two video boards on both the north and south end of the building. The main lobby is an attraction all of its honoring former players who have won the Stanley Cup in the National Hockey League with giant-size photos along with NHL jerseys of former Redhawk players decorating the walls. The lobby also houses a box office, a skate shop, and a team store that gets quite busy before and after games. There is also access to the second rink that was being used for curling during our visit. If you’re lucky, you might be able to see the school’s official mascot “Swoop” greeting fans. Neighborhood 4 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 holds 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 5 The fans at the Cady Arena are loyal, zealous, and fervent. They are focused on the game the minute the first puck is dropped and when the Hawks score the first goal, they point their finger in the air and sing a little ditty to the opposing goalkeeper. The crowd, both students and regular fans donning university colors or jerseys, also have chants for when there are penalties that can be slightly PG-13. If you are not familiar with some of the chants, ask a fan next to you, they are more than happy to explain what it means and how you can learn the lingo. Access 4 Cady Arena is a small facility with one main concourse for single-ticket purchasers; it is very easy to move around the building from one end to the other, but be careful not to accidentally walk out the main doorways. Even with near-capacity crowds, the flow of traffic moves rather smoothly inside the arena: bathrooms, exits, and concession areas are easily accessible. Return on Investment 4 The average price for a ticket is $25 for most home games, but they do sell fast and when college powerhouses North Dakota and Minnesota-Duluth come to town, the price may increase or the tickets sell out. Parking is $5 in the parking garage or open lots, but there is available street parking if arriving early. The best seats might be towards the top of the seating bowl or on the west side of the rink, opposite the player benches. Most games are near capacity and the crowd is a dedicated brass that does its best to make you a fan. All of this makes the price admission well worth the investment. Extras 4 The fans provide an extra point for the experience at the Cady Arena; the supporters are passionate, loud, and love their hockey in a part of the country not known for hockey. The lobby is nicely decorated with memorable events from the team’s history, but most of the focus is on the former players who have made a name in the NHL. Their jerseys are displayed on the walls along with special attention to players who have hoisted the Stanley Cup. 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 merchandise stand offers a special of the game, for example, a flex fit cap for $10. A great way to spend a little bit on university swag. Final Thoughts The Goggin Ice Center is the perfect venue for the Redhawks hockey team and provides an ideal canvas for its fans, students, and alumni to cheer on the club during the season. The program can hold its own against the best of them in the college hockey world and the Hawks fans won’t let you forget that when in attendance. If you happen to find yourself in Cincinnati or Dayton, take a short trip to the campus of Miami University. —— Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel .

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Winterhoter Field Vayhinger Cir. Upland, IN 46989 Taylor University baseball website Winterholter Field website Year Opened: 2012 Capacity: 500 A Pleasant Ballpark at Taylor University Taylor University is a private, evangelical Christian university in Upland, Indiana. It was founded in 1846 and is one of the oldest evangelical Christian universities in the country. It was named after Bishop William Taylor and located on 950 acres. There are 1,910 undergraduate students on campus, and the school is about halfway between the cities of Ft. Wayne and Indianapolis. The ball club plays at Winterholter Field which has seen a beautiful transformation since the installation of artificial turf in 2012, the first of any NAIA school in the state. The ballpark received sunken dugouts, a new backstop with netting, and a new scoreboard. Three-years-later lights were added, and two years after that, a new press box was constructed. The renovations made it possible for the school to host the NAIA National Championship Opening Round for the first time in 2018. The Taylor Trojans baseball program participates in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics and is a member of the Crossroads League with nearby Huntington and Marian Universities . The Trojans joined the league for the 1994-1995 academic school year and have captured six championships, including four in a row from 2010-to 2013. The team has also made six NAIA Tournament appearances. The ballpark was dedicated in 2012 in honor of former coach Larry Winterholter and his wife Lynne. Larry guided the program for 22 years and served as a faculty member for 30 years at the university. He was a four-time All-Conference pitcher at Taylor during his playing days and lettered in both baseball and basketball. In 1961, he picked up win in both games of a doubleheader. He retired from coaching in 2000. A plaque in front of the stadiums honors the couple and their commitments to the school. Food & Beverage 1 There is a concession window at the bottom of the press box, but it is only serving drinks and candy. The usual spot for concession items is in the nearby lobby of the Odle Arena, but due to construction that building is off-limits to fans. Water and Gatorade were the drinks of choice, and both would be ideal to quench your thirst on the 83-degree day of our visit, but a hot dog, a bag of peanuts, and nachos would have hit the spot. Atmosphere 4 First, the photos on the university’s website do not do the ballpark justice. The stadium is quite charming and well constructed. It was a perfect day for baseball, and it appeared that most people agreed and packed the grandstands and foul lines for the first game of the doubleheader. The stadium features a synthetic infield and natural grass outfield with views of campus structures and the city’s water tower in the distance. The synthetic turf looks great and is needed for the rainy months of March and April. The campus buildings and water tower add a nice romance to the stadium. Fans gather down both lines to set up chairs to watch the games, while a few more stand behind the open outfield fencing to get a glimpse of the game. The grandstand seating is also impressive, with chair backs on all seats, including armrests on chairs directly behind home plate. The fans are into the game, with students making their share of chants and cheers; parents yell for their sons to get a hit or drive in a run. Players in both dugouts fill the air with baseball banter. The stadium is very clean and almost spotless. The grounds are kept up nicely, and a plaque is located outside the stadium honoring the ballpark’s namesake. The only negatives might have been the lack of proper food at the concession stand and the scoreboard that was hard to read from the grandstand. However, these were just a few complaints about an otherwise picturesque stadium for college baseball. Neighborhood 2 The campus is vibrant, with students out and about on the lawn, playing tennis, shooting hoops at the basketball course, and watching the softball game at their ballpark. The campus is well taken care of, clean, and easy to get around, but that was not the case for the town of Upland, which had very few options to choose from for food and drink. Ivanhoes is the place to be in town, with long lines for ice cream and food. The local institution serves 100 different flavors of sundaes and milkshakes that attract crowds from the area. The food options include sandwiches, burgers, chicken tenders, nachos, and salads. If you are with the family, an ideal place for the kids. The Bridge Cafe is a coffee shop that offers sandwiches, breakfast, and an item they call South African pizza. Off the Gas City exit to the interstate are a collection of national chains that include Cracker Barrel, Taco Bell, Dairy Queen, and Burger Queen. Payne’s is a local restaurant that specializes in British fare of bangers and mash, beef stew with Yorkshire pudding, and fish and chips. Fans 3 The fans made their voices felt during the game, and there were even a few students adding their touch of ambiance to the game. The sound of a vuvuzela was heard whenever the Trojans scored a run – they won 11-1. There was another group of fans dancing during certain walk-up songs and shouted a few words when certain players came up to bat. The rest of the crowd was made up of parents and family members and packed the seats in the grandstands and down the first baseline. Access 4 The ballpark seating probably holds no more than 500 people and ramps lead to the seating bowl. The parking lot is in front of the stadium and is easy to find on campus. There are two areas for fans that are in wheelchairs in the back of home plate, and fans can check out the game through the open fences from behind the outfield. Return on Investment 3 Admission is free of charge, and if you’re thirsty a bottle of water is no more than $2. It is suggested to bring your food before the game, as most people did during our visit. The ballpark is clean, set up well, and quite impressive for an NAIA school. It makes for a nice trip for a ballgame when the weather is warm during the unpredictable month of April in Indiana. Extras 3 Winterholter Field is immaculate clean, without a spec of dirt or debris found throughout the grandstand. The synthetic turf looks pristine and needed for the rainy months of March and April. All of the seats and backs to them, including armrests for the main grandstand seating. Another nice feature was the outfield fences that allow fans to see through during the game. Final Thoughts Winterholter Field is one of those hidden gems of a ballpark in the state of Indiana. It covers almost all of the basics with stadium features and is ideal for a warm spring afternoon of baseball. There is a dedicated fanbase, comfortable seating, and easy access. What else would you need at the ballpark? Perhaps a hot dog, but Taylor baseball is worth a drive if nearby. Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on YouTube @ballparkhunter, Twitter @ballparkhunter , and Instagram .

Photos Courtesy of AlcornSports.com Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Davey Whitney Complex Alcorn State University Lorman, MS 39096 Alcorn State Braves website Davey Whitney Complex website Year Opened: 1975 Capacity: 7,000 Home of the Braves Named after former basketball coach Davey Whitney, the Davey Whitney Complex has hosted Alcorn State basketball since the 1970s. Food & Beverage 3 If you come to a game at Alcorn State hungry, you have made a major mistake (see the neighborhood section below). That said, if you need a snack at the game, you can get the usual fare (popcorn, soda, hot dogs, etc.) at the game for reasonable prices. If you are looking for fancy gourmet, you will likely be disappointed, but there are enough options to keep you happy during the game. Perhaps more importantly, the concessions are at a reasonable enough price that you and the kids can stay full for around $20 to $30. Atmosphere 3 Walking into the Davey Whitney Complex feels a bit like walking into a larger high school basketball game. As far as the atmosphere at the games, it often depends on the crowd. If you catch the game with a hot crowd, it can be loads of fun, but if you catch a blowout with a dead crowd, staying the entire time can feel like a chore. The SWAC has its share of heated rivalry games, so pick the right night (perhaps against Jackson State) and enjoy your trip to Lorman. Neighborhood 4 If you are going to eat at one place in Lorman, make sure you swing by Mr. D’s Old Country Store. The outside might be a little scary, but the inside is amazing. The buffet has southern food at its finest, with fried chicken earning the spotlight. When Alton Brown of the Food Network says it is the best fried chicken in the world, it must be amazing. While it is not within walking distance, you need to make the fifteen-minute drive to dine here. A trip to Lorman, located in Jefferson County, one of the oldest counties in Mississippi, also provides the chance to step back in time a bit, so take advantage of the bed and breakfasts in the area, such as the Rosswood Plantation. Natchez, one of the first cities in Mississippi, is a close trip, as well. If you have time, it is worth a visit for the day or the weekend. If you head to Natchez, make sure to hit up Fat Mama’s Tamales. The tamales are great, and so are the margaritas. Fans 3 While the crowds may not always be large, the fans in attendance do support the Braves on the court. Any time fans can keep their energy level high through two basketball games, they should be commended. As far as seating in the venue, fans are going to have a good seat no matter where they choose. However, the best bet is to sit in the chair backs in the lower portion of the stadium. Most fans will be in this area, and you will have a more comfortable viewing experience than sitting on the bleacher seats. Access 3 Lorman, Mississippi, is somewhere you either intend to visit or get to by complete accident. That said, getting to Lorman is not too difficult of a process, and a trip to Lorman can provide a reason to take a trip on the Natchez Trace. The drive home can be a bit tricky at night due to winding roads, so use caution when traveling after the game. As mentioned above, there are some pretty solid places to visit within an hour of Lorman, so making a weekend trip to the area is well worth it. Return on Investment 3 One of the bonuses of going to a SWAC basketball game is that the women and men almost always play back-to-back games, giving fans two games to attend. For fans of basketball, this provides a chance to get twice the value for the ticket price. While the next NBA star probably will not be on the floor that night, several players who will go on to play professionally in other leagues will be playing. The overall value of the experience is pretty good. Extras 3 If you are looking to experience basketball off the beaten path, a trip to Alcorn State is well worth your time. You may not see big-time basketball, but you will see players who are playing hard trying to maximize the games left in their careers. While ticket prices continue to climb in the hotbeds of basketball, fans can get a near-courtside experience in Lorman, eat all they want, and leave without shelling out over one hundred bucks.

Photos by Will Halpern, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 Truist Stadium 1601 East Market Street Greensboro, NC 27411 North Carolina A&T Aggies website Truist Stadium website Year Opened: 1981 Capacity: 21,500 Aggie Pride in Greensboro Editor's Note: Truist Stadium opened in 1981 under the name Aggie Stadium. In 2018, the stadium’s name changed to BB&T Stadium, and in 2020, the stadium’s name changed to Truist Stadium. The spirit, culture, and tradition that you can feel throughout the campus of North Carolina A&T State University can be felt far beyond BB&T Stadium, and the chant of “Aggie Pride” is much more than a slogan: it is a way of life for the students, faculty and alumni of A&T. North Carolina A&T was founded in 1891. Aggie Football has been played on and off since 1901, but it wasn’t until 1924 that the football team became an integral and consistent part of the university. From 1924 until 1969 the team played in the CIAA. In 1970 it became a founding member of the MEAC, with other HBCU schools. The Aggies have won 16 conference championships, including one this 2019 season, and have won a total of seven Black College National Championships, which while not technically recognized by the NCAA, is a source of pride among both major Division 1 HBCU Conferences, whose winners compete against each other in the annual Celebration Bowl in Atlanta to crown the HBCU National Champion. Including this 2019 season, the Aggies have captured the crown the last three seasons, and in four of the last five seasons. Prior to 1981, the team shared World War Memorial Stadium with various Greensboro minor league baseball teams. The on-campus stadium was originally known as Aggie Stadium until last season when it became BB&T Stadium. The stadium has a capacity of 21,500 but often sees crowds that top that, including a record 34,769 in 2001. The stadium also boasts the Irwin Belk Track, which is an Olympic quality track, and routinely hosts various track events, including the high school State Championship. Food & Beverage 4 BB&T Stadium has selections of food and beverages throughout the stadium. There are a couple of main concessions stands that offer chicken tenders with fries, sausage dogs, hot dogs, and nachos for ten, eight, five, and six dollars respectively. There is also an Off the Hook Chicken and Fish food truck selling various items, including crab cake sliders, beef sliders, and fish and chips, all for nine dollars. Pepsi products are offered for three dollars. There is a beer and wine garden plus Henry’s Popcorn Shop, as well as funnel cake, fried Oreos, and Favor Desserts, which offers various selections of cupcakes – you will not go hungry when attending an Aggie football game. Atmosphere 4 BB&T Stadium is a fantastic place to take in a game, and the electric atmosphere starts even before you enter the stadium’s gates. The Aggie Fan Zone outside the stadium is packed with tailgaters playing music and grilling up some southern classics, including amazing chili. Because my most recent visit was the final game of the season against the hated rival North Carolina Central in the annual Aggie-Eagle Classic, there was an extra buzz around the stadium despite heavy rains pounding the Aggie Faithful throughout the afternoon. If the weather had held up, they were expecting a sold-out or even an overflow crowd at the stadium, however, the heavy rains led to a little more than half-full stadium, which on every another occasion would result in a lower score, but there was still a lot of energy throughout the game, and the fans in attendance made it clear that it would take a lot more than inclement weather to slow down the cheers of Aggie Nation. If Mother Nature had held up its end of the deal, the score would no doubt be a five, as alongside the fans, the great PA Announcer not only enthusiastically announced first downs and touchdowns, but they also heralded the Aggie Defense after third downs. The cheerleaders are fantastic, and the Blue & Gold Marching Machine are among the best college marching bands I have ever heard, adding to a truly wonderful home-field advantage. Seating is bleacher seating, with a nice-sized video board in front of the Joseph and Kathleen Bryan Wellness Center, all behind the north end zone. There are no seats on this side of the stadium but there is seating behind the south end zone, with a basic scoreboard as well in that area. Neighborhood 4 BB&T Stadium is located on the north end of North Carolina A&T’s campus. The stadium is about a mile and a half east of downtown Greensboro, and the area around the stadium is filled mostly with campus buildings and some fast food restaurants The main places to check out are going to be in downtown Greensboro. However, if you don’t want to venture too far, there are a couple of choices near the stadium – Fox Pizza and Subs serves up a variety of specialty pizzas and gourmet sandwiches, along with pasta, burgers, and more, while Mrs. Winners Chicken and Biscuits serves up some southern favorites, including chicken sandwiches and boxes plus a variety of breakfast biscuits and sides, including potato wedges, macaroni and cheese, and coleslaw. In downtown Greensboro there are numerous places to grab a bite to eat and drink – Crafted: The Art of The Taco offers twelve different tacos, including my personal favorite, the Big Truck, which includes pulled pork, mac and cheese, tobacco onions, scallions, and is topped with bacon BBQ sauce. For those who don’t like tacos, the restaurant also offers eight different kinds of burgers, and starters including various types of chips and dips, such as nachos and Mason of Bacon, which is literally a mason jar filled with bacon. Or just down the road is a Greensboro institution, Natty Greene’s, which is known for having multiple beers on tap from their own brewery; this restaurant also serves up delicious appetizers, burgers, sandwiches, and salads. Finally, a true hidden gem, if you are in Greensboro beyond Saturday’s game day is Cincy’s, which is open from 11 to 2 Monday through Friday, and is located around the corner from Elm Street, the main street in downtown where the aforementioned eateries are located. Cincy’s serves up authentic Cincinnati Style chili, both on hot dogs and over spaghetti in two, three, four, and five ways, depending on whether you want to add cheese, beans, or onions. It is one of the few places to get authentic Cincinnati chili at a restaurant in NC. They also have sandwiches, burgers, and wraps, if you’re not feeling the chili. Besides its restaurants, Greensboro has tons of other places to check out – those who have a need to shop should check out Friendly Center and Four Seasons Mall, both ten minutes away from the stadium. With nearly three hundred stores between the two, there is something for everyone. For those with children, the Greensboro Science Center and Greensboro Children’s Museum, fifteen minutes and less than five minutes away from the venue respectively, will provide hours of entertainment for the young ones. Greensboro is also home to the ACC Hall of Champions, ten minutes away from NC A&T, a museum that honors the best of the conference and its fifteen member schools, including in-state Wake Forest , Duke , UNC , and NC State . Also, five minutes away from BB&T Stadium in downtown Greensboro is the International Civil Rights Center and Museum, at the site of the Woolworth’s, where in 1960 four North Carolina A&T students sat at a segregated lunch counter to help bring about change and integration. The majority of Greensboro’s hotels are not in downtown, but around Greensboro Coliseum , which is a few miles west of BB&T Stadium. There you can find plenty of chain hotels such as Best Western, Embassy Suites, and Holiday Inn. There is also a Hyatt in downtown, and if you are looking to stay closer to the university there are a couple of bed and breakfasts, like Haynes and Double Oaks, if you’re looking for something a little bit different. Fans 4 It’s no secret that Aggie Nation ranks among the best fans among the many passionate fan bases at HBCUs, and even across North Carolina. A&T may not play in the bigger conferences like other in-state schools such as UNC , NC State , App State , or ECU , but with a large alumni base and a student body of more than 12,000 that bleeds Blue and Gold, the Aggies can hold their own. Fans are loud and proud, and a football Saturday is always an event. The last two seasons the Aggies have averaged about 15,500 fans per game, or a little more than 70% capacity, and while there is definitely room for growth, the atmosphere around BB&T Stadium during the game pushes the Aggie team to play among the best. With the team’s recent success, the hope is for the venue’s attendance to continue to grow. Access 4 Getting to BB&T Stadium is not a painful process with its location close to downtown. Several Greensboro Transit Authority buses will take you close to the stadium including the 6, 10, and 14. Traffic, if you choose to drive, is not too tough even around the BB&T Stadium, and there are a number of parking lots throughout campus. If you’re not looking to spend any money on parking, then parking in one of the many lots on East Market Street across campus from BB&T Stadium might be to your advantage, as shuttle service is offered from lots 12, 16, 17, and 42. Even if you’re not in one of those lots, you’ll be very close to the shuttle regardless, as the lots are close together. There are also lots closer to the stadium but to park in either the pink or orange lots, you’ll need to pay twenty dollars, and the adjacent lots are reserved for those with a credential or permit. Handicap parking is available in the pink lot on the corner of Benbow Road and Sullivan Street, but those spots tend to fill up. However, in the event they do fill up, there are spots in the general parking lot across campus with shuttle service available. There are a few gates around BB&T Stadium, and the lines are never too long, though it is recommended that you buy your tickets in advance, as lines at the box office outside the stadium on game day can tend to get a little long. The concourses are fairly wide but can get fairly crowded at times, but lines for concessions and the bathrooms are never too long; the bathrooms are clean and well-kept as well. Return on Investment 4 The average ticket price for Aggie Football is around twenty-five dollars per ticket, but you can sometimes find tickets for less on the secondary market – for this particular game against rival NC Central, tickets were averaging forty-five dollars each. The food prices aren’t terribly high, but not super cheap either, but if you choose to take the complimentary parking option and attend a game other than the biennial Aggie-Eagle Classic, attending an Aggies game won’t set you back too far. If you’re okay with spending a little more, however, getting to the big rivalry game is worth it if you’re in Greensboro in late November of an odd number year. Extras 5 First, a point for the great tailgating scene outside BB&T Stadium, packed with music, food, and lots of students and alumni decked out in Blue and Gold. Point number two for the excellent PA Announcer, getting excited at all the right times and hyping up the already enthusiastic Aggie fans in the stadium. A third point for the incredible amount of merchandise available for purchase at the stadium – most stadiums have a place to buy the home team’s gear, but here there are stands selling everything from soaps and shampoos and other goods to various t-shirts, as well as visiting team gear (there are lots of places to buy Aggie gear too, of course). It is not often that you can do your Christmas shopping at a football game, but at an Aggies game you can do just that. Another point for the Wall of Fame with various Aggies that have excelled in their various sports, prominently placed in the stadium’s concourse, and finally a point for one of the best college bands I have ever heard, the Blue & Gold Marching Machine. It was also nice to see that North Carolina Central’s band, the Marching Sound Machine, was able to make the trip and play as well, as they are a great band in their own right. Final Thoughts North Carolina A&T State University has been one of the football powerhouses in the MEAC and throughout HBCU Football, and have a passionate fan base to match. The campus is decked in Blue and Gold with chants of Aggie Pride coming from the more than twelve thousand students, and thousands more alumni throughout the season, including at large events such as the annual GHOE (Greatest Homecoming on Earth) and Aggie-Eagle Classic. Between the fans, band, and the recent championship-winning seasons, attending a game at BB&T Stadium should absolutely be on your list of college football games in North Carolina.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.43 Marty L. Miller Field 50 Presidential Pkwy Norfolk, VA 23529 Norfolk State Spartans website Marty L. Miller Field website Year Opened: 1997 Capacity: 1,500 Miller Time Located in Norfolk, Virginia, Norfolk State University is one of many historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) in the country. Their athletic teams, known as the Spartans, compete in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC), one of two Division I conferences composed entirely of HBCUs. The Spartans baseball team has played at Marty L. Miller Field since 1997. Located next to the Spartans’ football stadium on the south side of campus, it is named after Marty L. Miller, who spent more than 50 years as a player, coach, and administrator at Norfolk State. Food & Beverage 2 There is a food truck down the first baseline near the ramp to the bleachers which serves basic options, although prices are affordable. Hot dogs are $2, sausages are $3, and there is a wide range of snacks available, from chips to candy to gum, for no more than $1. Rather bizarrely, individual pickles are available for 50 cents each. Presumably, they are supposed to be put on the hot dogs and sausages, but they are listed as a separate item, not an add-on, so fans can order just a pickle as well. Sodas are available for $1, bottled water for $1.50, and Gatorade for $2. On cold days early in the season, Swiss Miss hot chocolate and coffee are available for $1. Note that the stand is cash only, so be prepared. Atmosphere 2 Marty L. Miller Field is a rather basic stadium with a few sets of bleachers accessible up a ramp from the entrance area and not much else. There is a scoreboard in the outfield which shows the linescore, but there isn’t much else here. The two sections of bleachers directly behind home plate have backs, but the back bar is so far back that it may be more comfortable not to use it. The other two sections of bleachers do not have backs. There are the usual announcements and walk-up music, but beyond that, there isn’t much going on here. The school doesn’t do much to promote the baseball team at all or keep fans engaged, unfortunately. Neighborhood 3 There is not much to do in the immediate vicinity of campus, but if you’re willing to drive a mile or two away, downtown Norfolk is a lively area. Whether it’s local comfort food like Tony’s Diner (which you will likely pass on the way in) or a sports bar like Baxter’s, almost everyone will be able to find something they enjoy. If you arrive during one of the first couple weeks of the season, you can make a short drive down to Virginia Beach and make a long weekend out of it. Fans 2 There were only about 100 fans in attendance when Stadium Journey visited, and many of them were fans of the opposing team. However, those Spartans fans who do attend are extremely passionate and vocal throughout the game. They come decked in the Spartans’ colors of green and gold and cheer the team very loudly throughout the game. If there were more of them, the atmosphere here could be quite intimidating for visiting teams, but unfortunately, there aren’t nearly enough people to have that kind of impact. Access 3 The Norfolk State University campus is located either right off I-264 or a few miles off of I-64 depending on where you are coming from. Regardless of how you get to campus, you will need to use the gate off of Park Avenue which will put you on Presidential Parkway. From there, the stadium and lot are straight ahead on your right. However, if for some reason you don’t know where to go, the guard at the gate can direct you. Parking is free and there are additional spaces by the softball stadium and tennis courts if that lot fills up. Although the baseball stadium lot is generally far enough away to be protected from foul balls, many of the spaces at the softball stadium are within foul ball range, so if there is a game there on the same day, plan accordingly. Restrooms are located behind and under the bleachers and are of sufficient size but are dimly lit by strange buzzing lights. Return on Investment 4 Admission is free, parking is free, and concessions are extremely affordable. However, given the rather basic experience and paltry attendance, there isn’t enough here to offer the top score. Extras 1 There are free programs available at the concession stand. They aren’t that extensive, but it’s hard to argue with the price, particularly with so many places eliminating physical programs. Final Thoughts Norfolk State baseball has a very small but very passionate fan base. If the team would put more effort into promoting the team, they could attract more fans and a visit to Marty L. Miller Field would be a better experience. The reality is, however, that like many HBCUs, Norfolk State is a football school first and foremost, and the baseball team operates in their shadow figuratively as well as literally in this case.

Photos by Gregory Koch Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 Rotary Field 1001 E Cork Street Winchester, VA 22601 Shenandoah Hornets website Rotary Field website Year Opened: 1979 Capacity: 500 Oh, Shenandoah! Located in Winchester, Virginia in the Shenandoah Valley, Shenandoah University's athletic teams are known as the Hornets and compete in the Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC). The Hornets' softball team plays its home games at Rotary Field, located in Jim Barnett Park. Before the 2022 season, SU played at another field in the park, Henkel-Harris Field. However, the university backed major renovations to Rotary Field, Briddgeforth Stadium (home of Hornets' baseball), and two other fields in the park and moved into their current home. Food & Beverage 0 There is no food or drink for sale at Rotary Field. A concession stand is located in a structure beyond the outfield fence to the left of the baseball stadium, but it was not open when we visited. The concession stand in Bridgeforth Stadium may be open if there is another event going on, but likely will not be accessible unless you have a ticket to that game. Fans are permitted to bring their food and drink, except alcohol. Atmosphere 3 There are two small sets of metal bleachers at Rotary Field, one down each foul line between home plate and the dugout. Many fans also bring their chairs and sit along the backstop. Wherever you sit, you will be close to the action. However, there isn't a lot going on here besides the action on the field. Music is played between innings, but that is about it. As at most Division III venues, this is a place to watch a game but not much else. Neighborhood 3 Winchester is a small city located in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley. There are several restaurants located near the stadium, ranging from sports bars to barbecues to homemade ice cream. Since Bridgeforth Field is located near the highway, pretty much everything in Winchester is right there. While Winchester certainly isn’t a bustling city, it does have that small-town charm. History buffs may also want to visit the many Civil War sites in and around Winchester, which played a major role in the conflict. The city changed hands 72 times during the war and was known as the Shuttlecock of the Confederacy. Fans 4 Shenandoah draws a couple hundred fans a game, which is above average for Division III. Most of them are friends or family of the players, although others have some connection to the university as well. Whatever brings them out, they are knowledgeable about the team and the players and most of them are regulars. That is not to say newcomers will be made to feel unwelcome, however. As the ODAC consists mainly of teams within Virginia, there will often be a good number of visiting fans as well. Fans of the away team tend to sit in the first base bleachers and fans of the Hornets on the third base side, as that is where the teams' dugouts are. Access 4 The nearest highway to Rotary Field is Interstate 81, and it is easily accessible via Exit 313A. Fans coming from the east or west will need to take State Route 7 or U.S. Route 50 at least part of the way, and while these are not highways, you can usually make good time. Once you get to the stadium, there is parking available in a lot right next to it. If this fills up, there is parking available elsewhere in Jim Barnett Park as well. All parking is free. Keep in mind the rows of the lot closest to the stadium are within foul ball territory. Park there at your own risk. Restrooms are available in a structure next to the baseball stadium, and while there may be a small line at times, especially between games of a doubleheader, you should not have to wait too long. Return on Investment 4 According to the Shenandoah website, admission to Hornets games is just $6 with youth getting in for $4, and tickets must be purchased in advance through the Ticket Spicket app. However, when Stadium Journey visited, tickets were not for sale in the app and nobody was selling nor checking the tickets of people who came in, so admission was free. It is not clear if this is always the case. Regardless, the cost of a ticket certainly won't break the bank. Extras 1 As the Hornets' baseball stadium is right across the parking lot, you have a chance to see two different teams in two different sports in one trip if you time your visit right. Final Thoughts Although Division III is the lowest level of NCAA softball, Rotary Field is one of the nicer parks at this level. It is recently renovated and the Hornets have a core fan base that shows up for just about every game. Sports fans passing through Winchester will want to stop by Rotary Field for some softball if the Hornets are at home.

Photos by Eric Moreno, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 TDECU Stadium 3875 Holman St Houston, TX 77004 Houston Cougars website TDECU Stadium website Year Opened: 2014 Capacity: 40,000 Houston Cougars – TDECU Stadium (NOTE: This review took place during the 2020 season; all ratings take into account the limited seating capacity and attendance due to COVID-19 precautions.) The University of Houston first fielded a football team in 1946. Since that time, the Cougars have been a fixture on the Texas college landscape, and when the legendary Bill Yeoman took over the reins in 1962, the team rose to national prominence. By the time his successor, Jack Pardee, took over in 1987, the Cougars were at the forefront of the game as innovators of offensive football. In 1989, quarterback Andre Ware shattered the NCAA record books on his way to a Heisman Trophy. The Cougars have won 11 conference titles, spread out over their tenures in the Missouri Valley Conference, Southwest Conference, and current home in the American Athletic Conference (AAC). Since 2014, they have called TDECU (which stands for the Texas Department of Education Credit Union) Stadium their home. This brand-new, state-of-the-art facility is a fitting home for the largest university team in the fourth largest city in the country. It features all the bells and whistles (see Atmosphere section below) of a first-class facility, and is a fitting den for the Coogs. Food & Beverage 4 In a normal season, TDECU Stadium has an abundance of concessions areas and options for fans attending Cougars games. The stadium has a whopping total of 160 concession points of sale, which is more than enough for any fan base anywhere. However, due to the pandemic, many of these concessions areas have been closed for the season. There is still a large amount of concessions options on both the main concourse and the upper level seating areas for fans. However, again due to health restrictions, most of the main concessions stands have limited offerings. What they do serve though are all your traditional game day favorites – this includes hot dogs ($5), cheeseburgers ($8), nachos, bags of popcorn, soft pretzels, sodas ($5 and $8 for souvenir cups), and beer ($9 for domestic and $11 for premium). There are also full-service cocktail stands offering adult beverages for $11 and $12 (or add another $4 for a souvenir mason jar) to allow fans to responsibly drink while enjoying Cougars games. Chick-fil-A and Dippin’ Dots also have stands on the main concourse and offer pared down versions of their popular menus. Food and drink wise, the University of Houston has you covered despite limited offerings. Atmosphere 4 TDECU Stadium is located right in the middle of the campus of the University of Houston. As such, they tend to draw pretty large crowds and the stands are filled with red on Saturdays. As previously mentioned, a lot of thought was put into the design of the stadium to give fans the most for their game day experience. This includes the east-west orientation of the stadium to take in sun and shade for fans in the stands. There are 26 luxury suites, 42 loge boxes (a great innovation that features table-side seating and dining on the main concourse level), 766 club seats, two suite decks, and four open-air party plazas. The 68×51 foot LED video scoreboard is one of the largest in the AAC. It is also the setting for the large fireworks display that shoots off after every Cougar score. In lieu of full stands during the 2020 season, Houston has taken a cue from several schools facing the same seating limitations, and has one section populated by cardboard cutouts featuring program legends, fans, pets of fans (either available for purchase for $30), and for their contest on Halloween, characters such as Wonder Woman and Freddy Krueger were in the stands. Outside of the stadium, the school has done a great job incorporating its history into the atmosphere on game day. The front lawns, which traditionally offer up limited tailgating, are the site of statues of majestic cougars leading up the steps at Gates 1 and 2. Also, on the plaza outside of Gate 1, the school has installed a Legends Pavilion, complete with display boards of all of the Cougars’ accomplishments guarded over by a statue of the late Bill Yeoman. During normal seasons, this area is abuzz with energy before games. Neighborhood 5 As mentioned, TDECU Stadium is located right on the campus of the University of Houston. It is also at the tail-end of the school’s athletics complex, which is lined up with Schroeder Park and the Fertitta Center, respective homes to the school’s baseball and basketball programs. With that said, you are going to be limited in terms of dining and hotel options in the immediate vicinity of the stadium. On Scott street, which fronts the south side of the stadium, you’ll find a ton of chain, fast-food restaurants which as you can imagine are popular with the student body. However, there are a couple of options that go beyond the norm; these include Brooks Family BBQ – which, if you’re visiting Texas, you owe it to yourself to grab some of the Trinity (brisket, beef ribs, and sausage) – and Rookies Cookies to indulge your sweet tooth. For hotels, your nearest option is the Hilton University of Houston, which is within walking distance of TDECU Stadium. However, being that this is Houston, you are not in any way limited in your hotel options; the University is a short 10-minute drive via Interstate 45 from the bustling Downtown area, home to hundreds of hotel, motel, and rental options. Also, when visiting an area such as Space City, you are going to be hard-pressed to find yourself bored or with nothing to do. Houston is easily the most metropolitan and multi-cultural big city in the state, and you are never without entertainment options. A personal favorite is one you won’t be able to miss on your drive to TDECU, and that is the Houston Aquarium. This multi-story building and its accompanying Ferris wheel are viewable from the highway and will greet you on your trip to the stadium. Fans 3 As discussed above, the stands at TDECU Stadium are filled with red on Saturdays. The University of Houston averaged around 33,000 fans per game last season, which was near the top of the AAC in terms of attendance. Overall, Houston is an underrated sports city. In general, they’re passionate about their teams and this translates over to the Cougars as well. They have an active alumni group and in normal seasons they show out in droves at TDECU Stadium. Access 4 Being located in Houston, you are in no way limited in terms of access to TDECU Stadium. The stadium is about a half hour drive from George Bush Intercontinental Airport, which is one of the largest in the southwest. The stadium is also in the middle of the triangle formed by Interstate 45 and state highways 288 and 69. This means that, in spite of Houston’s legendary traffic issues, you should be able to get to Cougars games with relative ease. Off Interstate 45 there is a lot of signage denoting the exits for the University of Houston campus, and there is clear signage marking the way there. Once near the athletics compound, you cannot miss the stadium and once you get there, there are ample surface parking lots (parking starts at $20) and a parking garage (permit only though) adjacent to your destination. The surface lots are home to numerous pedicab and golf cart taxi services that – for a price, of course – will drop you off right in front of TDECU Stadium. These run all during the game, in case you don’t want to make the hike to and from your vehicle. While Houston generally has pretty good public transportation, the METROrail doesn’t run near the U of H campus, so keep that in mind when planning your visit. Return on Investment 3 The University of Houston has long had the look and feel of a big-time, premier, power five program. They built TDECU Stadium and the surrounding facilities with that aim in mind. Everything looks first rate. With that said, that aspiration tends to show up in the cost to attend Cougars games. Tickets for U of H football will run you anywhere between $30 and $100, depending on where you look, where you want to sit, and who the Cougars are playing. This is in no way exorbitant, but it is on par with Power Five DI programs. The concessions and parking are honestly on the higher end, but that again is to be expected with how the program sees itself and in how big-time the stadium truly feels. The AAC is easily the best of the group of five conferences in the FBS, and Houston tends to have a pretty high-end non-conference schedule, so you should get to see some great football which will help ease the hit your pocketbook is likely to take at TDECU Stadium. Extras 4 What college football does that I feel no other sport can match is include history, pageantry, energy, and passion into each and every game. Every college football game that I have been to has always felt like a big deal and even in the time of the pandemic, my visit to TDECU Stadium lived up to this expectation. All of the trappings that you can expect from a college football game are on hand in spades – fireworks, entrance pyrotechnics, fight songs, mascots, it’s all there. While normally patrolling the sidelines and interacting with the crowd, the Cougars mascots Shasta (named for the school’s long-time live mascot that currently lives at the Houston Zoo) and his partner Sasha limit their shenanigans to the student section for the 2020 season. The same can be said for the Spirit of Houston Marching Band and the Cougar Dolls dance and cheer squads. While they don’t leave their posts in the stands, they still add to the atmosphere, excitement, and enjoyment on Saturdays at TDECU Stadium. Final Thoughts TDECU Stadium is truly a first-class facility by every measurable definition. It looks great, it feels big-time, and exceeded the expectations I had going in. As a native Texan, I like much of my kin and peers have preconceived notions in regard to Space City; Dallas may be the Big D, but Houston is the Big City. As such, everything in H-Town is supposed to be inflated, be it the skyline, the costs, the much-maligned (with due reason) traffic, or the attitudes of Houstonians. While this may sound like a knock, it is not. It is simply Houston and we accept it. TDECU Stadium is everything that Houston is – it’s big, it’s flashy, it’s gaudy, and it perfectly embodies a brash program and a brash city. Go Coogs!

Photos by Steven Burke, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Rocky and Berenice Miller Park 2750 Ashland Ave Evanston, IL 60208 Northwestern Wildcats website Rocky and Berenice Miller Park website Year Opened: 1943 Capacity: 600 Renovated Rocky and Berenice Miller Park Northwestern University unveiled a renovated Rocky Miller Park for the 2016 season and the newly renovated and newly rechristened Rocky and Berenice Miller Park in surely one of the top ballparks in the Big Ten. Rocky Miller Park has been the baseball home of Northwestern University since 1943 and the newest renovations will ensure it remains the home of Wildcats baseball for years to come. The renovations began in 2015 with new field turf, a new backstop, and new dugouts. Renovations unveiled in 2016 include team clubhouses at the ballpark (instead of in a nearby athletic building), with the addition of Hayden Clubhouse which also features a player's lounge. Perhaps the most visible addition is the brand new press box which features designated space for different forms of media replacing the former wooden folding tables located out in the open on the concourse where home and away radio was forced to broadcast from. The ballpark also features all new folding seat back chairs, new concession stands, and a new scoreboard. Food & Beverage 3 The brand new concession stand at Rocky Miller Park shows a dedicated building for concessions and restroom facilities. The concession selections are average and the usual suspects of options are present. Prices are reasonable with Polish sausage ($4.50), hot dogs ($3.50), brats ($5), hamburgers or cheeseburgers ($5.50), popcorn, pretzel, or nachos ($4.50) all available. Additional snacks like Cracker Jack or peanuts ($4), assorted candy ($3.50), and chips ($2) round out the menu. Coca-Cola soft drinks and Dasani water are available for $4, and hot chocolate is $3. Atmosphere 3 The renovated ballpark still has a small capacity but it finally looks like a big conference facility. The seats are large and comfortable and the crowds are full and into the game. A large group of fans for the visiting team seems to be par for the course at Northwestern athletic events. This is a result of favorable ticket prices and the fact that Chicago is a desirable destination with plenty of alumni from around the Big Ten living in or near the Windy City. A few between innings promotions are done to keep the crowd excited and involved, but they do not go overboard. An additional positive attribute to the atmosphere is the fact that the majority of the Northwestern athletic facilities are in the same location. From the seats at Rocky Miller Park you can see the softball field beyond the outfield wall in center field, and Welsh-Ryan Arena beyond the right field fence. This really reiterates the fact that you are at a college game on a college campus. Neighborhood 3 Within walking distance of Rocky Miller Park is Mustard's Last Stand, a typical Chicago Vienna Beef stand serving up hot dogs and hamburgers, and is a favorite of many fans. There isn't much else in the immediate vicinity of the ballpark. In downtown Evanston there are plenty of places to park and enjoy an ever-changing array of restaurants. Smylie Brothers Brewing Company offers a great BBQ-inspired menu to go with their in-house brews. Temperance Beer Company is another local brewery with a taproom to try all of their unique brews. Downtown Evanston is most easily accessible by the CTA Purple Line via the Davis stop while Rocky Miller Park is a quick walk from the Central Purple Line stop. If you are staying in Evanston you have several choices including the Hilton Garden Inn, which is just across from the large movie theatre on Maple Avenue. Hilton Orrington, which is close to a majority of the restaurants and campus, and the Best Western University Plaza which is located on Sherman Avenue a few blocks from the middle of downtown Evanston are other options. Fans 3 There is a good mix of fans in attendance at Rocky Miller Park with students, parents, community residents, high school baseball teams, and as usual with Northwestern athletics, a large group of visiting fans. All fans are very interested in the game on the field. Most conversations in the stands occurring during play are regarding what is happening on the field. Access 4 Public transportation provides easy access to Rocky Miller Park via the Purple Line Central stop. Exiting the L stop, walk west and you will soon reach the Northwestern athletics facilities. Once you see Ryan Field you have arrived in the correct area. Walk past Ryan Field and Welsh-Ryan Arena and you will find Rocky Miller Park. Free parking is also available in the lot across the street. There are ample spaces in this lot even if large crowds are on hand for a baseball game. Return on Investment 3 All tickets are general admission and are $7 for adults and $4 for senior 65 & older, faculty/staff, children 17 and under, or students from other universities with a valid student ID. Students of Northwestern are admitted free with a valid WILDCARD ID. Extras 2 One extra point for the feel of campus ballpark. Seeing aspects of campus adds to the environment of the college game. Seeing other athletic facilities beyond the outfield wall gives a good campus setting to a game. One extra point for the investment made by Northwestern in maintaining this Big Ten facility.

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 Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Alumni Hall US Naval Academy Annapolis, MD 21402 Navy Midshipmen website Alumni Hall website Year Opened: 1991 Capacity: 5,710 Anchors Aweigh The United States Naval Academy began in 1845, originally as the Naval School. Located on the site of old Fort Severn, the academy replaced the Philadelphia Naval Asylum as the training center for Navy personnel. The 338-acre campus is located on the Severn River in Anne Arundel County, Maryland. The entire campus is a National Historic Landmark. Students are nominated for placement into the Naval Academy. If accepted, they become officers-in-training and are referred to as midshipmen. Tuition for midshipmen is fully funded by the Navy in exchange for an active duty service obligation upon graduation. Graduates usually become ensigns in the Navy or second lieutenants in the Marine Corps. Participation in athletics is mandatory at the Naval Academy. Although most students participate in intramural or club sports, the academy is known for its many intercollegiate sporting endeavors. The academy fields 30 varsity sports teams, a larger number than at many colleges and universities. There are an additional 13 club sports teams. The intercollegiate teams generally participate at the Division I level. Football is soon to join the American Athletic Conference, whereas basketball and many sports are part of the Patriot League. Annapolis is the capital of the state of Maryland, as well as the county seat of Anne Arundel County. The city served as the seat of the Continental Congress from 1783 to 1784, becoming the temporary capital of the United States. Annapolis currently has a population of 38,394 and is the seventh-largest incorporated city in Maryland. The basketball teams have called Alumni Hall home since 1991. From 1956 until 1990, the teams played at Halsey Field House. Halsey is now home to indoor track and field teams, as well as other athletic programs. It contains a 200-meter synthetic track, squash and tennis courts, and a 65-tatami dojo for Aikido/Judo. Food & Beverage 2 There are a few outer concourse stands, although not all will be open depending on the size of the event. There is also a small concession stand located inside the main concourse. There is not a huge amount of variety, but the prices are very fair. Hot dogs ($3), pretzels ($4), and whole Papa John’s pizzas ($8) are the main extents of options. Candy ($2) and water/soda ($3) pretty much round out the simple options. Atmosphere 4 The stands surround the court, as the facility was designed for basketball primarily. All seats will offer good views of the action. The upper decks were not in use at the game I attended, as a mid-Atlantic snowstorm meant that a pretty small crowd was expected. There are class crests that are mounted below all of the upper deck seating. It is a good idea to travel the entire inner concourse to take a look at each of these symbols. There is a pretty engaged group of cheerleaders at Navy games. They even throw out t-shirts for every three-pointer made by the Midshipmen. Instead of a traditional pep band, the Navy has a drum and bugle corps to keep fans entertained during the game. They sound very good. Alumni Hall has a very nice, relatively new scoreboard and video board. It is state-of-the-art and shows stats, highlights, and entertainment throughout the game. The mascot for the Naval Academy is Bill the Goat. A “stuffed” version of Bill is at the game and is mobbed constantly by the kids in attendance. Since the Navy encourages kids to have birthday parties and other group events at the game, there will be many kids at every game. Neighborhood 5 Right outside of Alumni Hall, you will find yourself in the heart of the amazing US Naval Academy campus. If you have time, you should wander around the beautiful grounds and see where the Navy elite train. The US Naval Academy Museum is almost across the street and warrants a visit. Other amazing sites to visit while on campus are The Naval Academy Chapel (home of the crypt of John Paul Jones), Bancroft Hall (the largest college dormitory in the world), and the Herndon Monument. The Herndon Monument is where every year it is covered with lard and plebes attempt to climb the monument, remove the plebe headwear, and put a standard midshipman hat on top. This symbolizes the successful completion of their first year. Legend also has it that the midshipman who places the sailor’s cap upon the monument will be the first member of the class to reach the rank of Admiral. Besides the amazing campus, one should visit the historic downtown of Annapolis. The city known as the ‘Sailing Capital of the World’ has a bright and beautiful downtown harbor area filled with great shops and restaurants. The state capitol complex is also in this area. If you are looking for fine dining, Cafe Normandie (185 Main St.) has great French/seafood options, while Harry Browne’s American (66 State Circle) is a place to be seen. Treaty of Paris Restaurant at the Maryland Inn (16 Church Circle) is another expensive option. If you want something a bit less pricey, try the iconic Chick and Ruth’s Delly (165 Main St.). Just don’t be surprised when your fellow diners just happen to be the governor or other state leaders. If you’re looking for food away from center-city Annapolis, try Red Hot & Blue (200 Old Mill Bottom Rd S) or Old Stein Inn (1143 Central Ave E, Edgewater, MD). One offers great barbecue, while the other is a must-stop for German food. Fans 4 The game I attended was right after a pretty dramatic and unexpected snowstorm, so the crowd was not as big as one may expect. But the people in attendance were still boisterous and knowledgeable. Navy fans, whether local or alumni, seem to take the efforts of their team very seriously. They stand by their teams no matter what. Expect games against a fellow service academy, especially Army, to fill quickly. There are many groups and kids' birthday parties that make up the attendance at Navy games. Access 2 Alumni Hall is not easy to access. One can’t just drive up and park outside the arena. One must have a parking pass from the Department of Defense to drive on campus. So most fans park at Navy/Marine Corps Stadium and take the shuttle to the venue. Another option is to park downtown and walk in through the visitor gates. Just leave some time for this, as it is a secured facility so metal detectors and security measures are in place. Whether a visitor rides the shuttle bus to the USNA or walks through one of its gates, everyone over the age of 16 must present a government-issued photo identification card (such as a driver’s license) to gain access to the Naval Academy. Annapolis is just off routes 50 and 301 and near Interstate I-97. It is 45 minutes from Baltimore (via Richie Highway or I-97) or DC (via Route 50), so getting to the area is not an issue. Return on Investment 4 Tickets are downright cheap. $10 gets you into the arena. $5 youth tickets are also available. You won’t get much cheaper for Division I sports. Parking at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium costs $5. per vehicle. The shuttle bus itself is free. Extras 5 It is great to see the #50 David Robinson banner. The former NBA player is surely the most well-known basketball player from the Navy. It is also always a treat to see the players sing their alma mater (“Navy Blue and Gold”) after each game. Players also high-five their youth fans surrounding the court after each game. Plaques and signage are everywhere honoring various people and groups. The class crests are the most obvious, but around every corner seem to be other honored notations. There are also various miniatures of military vessels on display in cases around the facility. Try and spend some time looking at the various displays and gather a sense of history and pride for the Naval Academy. Alumni Hall also serves as the Bob Hope Performing Arts Center. It is fun to see the venerable entertainer’s name listed on the wall. He entertained many a troop over the years, and this entertainment venue continues in his footsteps. Final Thoughts Alumni Hall is a well-designed basketball facility that fits well with its team and fans. Although nearly a quarter of a century old, it holds up well compared to newer sports venues. The unique location and the truly amateur athletes who play their visit here are very special.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57 CAA Centre 7575 Kennedy Road Brampton, ON L6W 4T2 Brantford Steelheads website CAA Centre website Year Opened: 1998 Capacity: 5,000 Swimming 7 KM Upstream Major Junior hockey in the GTA has had a pretty difficult existence.  The Brampton Steelheads are new to the Ontario Hockey League in 2024.  The Steelheads moved 7 km north of their previous home in Mississauga .  With low attendance and a reported increase in rent, a move out of Mississauga became desirable.  The Steelheads were founded in 1996 as a school affiliated team, the Toronto St. Michael’s Majors.  Owner Eugene Melnyk, unable to find a more suitable home than the historic, yet drastically undersized St. Michael’s College School Arena, purchased the Mississauga IceDogs in 2007.  The intention was to get control of the lease in Mississauga, move the Majors there and sell the IceDogs.  The IceDogs would move to St. Catharines to become the Niagara IceDogs .  The Mississauga St. Michael’s Majors lasted until 2012 when they were sold to a group led by Elliott Kerr and rebranded the Mississauga Steelheads.  The home for the Steelheads is CAA Centre.  The city owned arena opened in 1998 and has a capacity of 5,000.  It is an appropriate home for OHL hockey as it housed the Brampton Battalion from 1998 to 2013, before they moved to North Bay .  A familiar story for OHL hockey in the GTA is once again brewing, low attendance and an uncertain future. Food & Beverage 3 CAA Centre has a moderate selection of concession options.  Hot dogs, burgers, nachos, pizza, fries, poutine, chicken nuggets, and popcorn are available.  Select stands offer ice cream options.  Pepsi products are the soft drink of choice at CAA Centre.  Water, coffee, tea and hot chocolate are also available.  Some stands also offer limited beer options. Atmosphere 2 CAA Centre has a fairly pedestrian exterior.  Light coloured siding can be found around the exterior and CAA Centre offers no main or grand entrance.  One of the curiosities of CAA Centre is a large decorative rock honouring former Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Joey Smallwood sits at the west entrance of the arena.  Entry into CAA Centre leads to a cramped concourse.  CAA Centre is a hub for the Brampton hockey community as it also has three other NHL sized rinks along with the main spectator arena.  Around the concourse there are some Steelheads markings.  It is clear that the Steelheads are embracing their Mississauga history.  Team photos from past Mississauga Steelheads teams are found in the concourse.  The most interesting part of the concourse is definitely the Brampton Sports Hall of Fame.  Fans can peruse the portraits of inducted members and include Cassie Campbell, Jamie Storr, Stan Butler and Rick Nash amongst others.  The concourse is a horseshoe design and does not offer a 360 degree path around the rink. Upon entering the seating bowl, fans will find the ice oriented from east to west with truss supports across the roof.  Fans should find themselves on the south side of the seating for the perfect centre ice logo picture.  The four-sided videoboard that hangs above the ice is unique in that it is essentially four screens over four small scoreclocks.  It is simple but effective.  The Steelheads bringing their history with them continues in the seating bowl as there are two Mississauga Steelheads banners for a 2017 Division and Conference Championship, hanging above the ice.  There is also a banner honouring former OHL Commissioner David Branch and his 45 years of service.  This banner can be found in all OHL buildings for the 2024-2025 season.  The seating consists of 15 rows of purple arena seats with some sections having padding.  There is no seating at the east end and a number of luxury boxes are found along the north and south sides, behind the general seating.  The CAA Centre itself is not that unique and is essentially the same design as the arenas in Mississauga, Sarnia  and others. The gameday production of a Steelheads game is fairly simple.  The game begins with a minor hockey player skating around the ice, carrying a Steelheads flag and then is joined by mascots Sauga and Rosie, both monikers that are unique to Mississauga, but have little relevance to Brmapton.  The 50/50 draw and chuck-a-puck are also staples of a Steelheads game. Neighbourhood 3 CAA Centre is located adjacent to the County Court neighbourhood of Brampton.  It is on the grounds of the larger Brampton Sports Park and as a result, there is little for pre or post game food and drink in the immediate area.  A short drive in the car offers a few choices.  New China Garden and Pomodoro Italian Kitchen are more unique options to go along with a number of large chain restaurants north of the arena on Steeles. As far as other sporting options in the area, the CAA Centre is also the home of the Brampton Honey Badgers of the CEBL, but their schedule will not cross the Steelheads schedule.  The Brampton Excelsiors of the OJLL also play in the summer.  The CAA Centre is a few short minutes from the town of Caledon East and their three hockey teams, the Caledon Admirals, Bombers and Golden Hawks.  There are far more options for fans willing to expand their search into Mississauga or Toronto.  Other tourist options in the area include the Peel Art Gallery and checking out Downtown Brampton.  However, Brampton is very much part of the GTA and far more options can be found by heading to Toronto.  For fans wishing to stay in the area, the Fairfield Inn Brampton is not far away. Fans 2 A combination of increasing rent and poor attendance are the reasons the Steelheads jettisoned Mississauga in favour of Brampton.  However, as of this writing, the attendance has not made a huge increase since the move.  The 2023-2024 season saw the Mississauga Steelheads draw 2,400 fans per game, good for the basement of the OHL.  The Brampton Steelheads have not climbed any higher and as of this writing have attracted only 1,940 fans per game in the 2024-2025 season.  The fans that are in attendance don’t bring much excitement, and the experience ends up feeling rather depressing.   Access 3 The CAA Centre is located adjacent to the County Court neighbourhood of Brampton.  It is at essentially the confluence of Highways 410 and 407, on Kennedy Road.  Fans coming from out of province should beware that Highway 407 is a toll highway.  Although it may seem that getting to the arena is not difficult, traffic in this area can be a real chore, especially on Highway 410 during the week.  There is free parking on site, but beware that there are a number of spots that are reserved for season ticket holders.  For fans wishing to take public transit to the game, there are Brampton Transit  bus stops on Kennedy Road.  Fans should consult the Brampton Transit website for fares, maps and schedules.  Inside the CAA Centre, the concourses are small and can get cramped.  Considering the low number of fans in attendance, this is definitely a concern.  It is not possible to walk a full 360 degree circle in the concourse and doubling back may be necessary.  The washroom facilities are decent in the facility. Stadium Journey acknowledges that the security protocols in major sports are constantly changing.  It is highly recommended that fans consult the Brampton Steelheads  and CAA Centre  websites for prohibited items and safety procedures. Return on Investment 3 Brampton Steelhead tickets are on a tiered system with the lowest priced seats at $26 up to $31 for platinum.  Gallery seats are $50 and are at the top of the east end and offer in-seat service.  There are discounts also for youth and seniors.  Parking on site is free and concession prices are a bit on the expensive side.  The plus is that OHL hockey is among the best anywhere and in their first season the Brampton Steelheads have a strong team on the ice.  For an improved ROI, for fans in the stands to provide a better experience is necessary. Extras 2 An extra mark for the Brampton Steelheads embracing the Mississauga Steelheads history. An extra mark for the Steelheads focus on youth hockey and bringing out as many youth teams as they can. Final Thoughts It remains to be seen if the Steelheads can make a successful transition to Brampton.  At the time of writing it seems that the move from Mississauga was not necessarily a bad one, but Brampton has not provided a significant improvement for the team.  Even though it is only 7 km from their former home to the CAA Centre, the Steelheads are definitely swimming upstream! Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube , Twitter , Threads  and Instagram @profan9.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 TD Place Arena 1015 Bank St Ottawa, ON K1S 3W7 Ottawa 67’s website TD Place Arena website Year Opened: 1967 Capacity: 9,862 The Barber Shop There are plenty of uniforms from bygone eras that are so gaudy that it boggles the mind that they ever did the job. The “barber pole” version of multi striped uniforms definitely fall into this category. However, one team that has stuck with the barber pole is the Ottawa 67’s … and it works. The red, black and white stripes of the 67’s jerseys have been a staple for the team since their inception in 1967. One of the cornerstone franchises of the Ontario Hockey League, the 67’s derive their name from not only their inception, but to the founding of Canada as an independent country in 1867. The 67’s are one of the most successful franchises in the league, both on and off the ice, are owned by the Ottawa Sports & Entertainment Group, who also claim the CFL’s Ottawa RedBlacks as part of their portfolio. Home for the 67’s is also one of the most unique in the OHL. TD Place Arena or sometimes The Arena at TD Place, was originally the Ottawa Civic Centre and original home for the expansion Ottawa Senators of the NHL. TD Place Arena is nestled neatly under the south grandstand at TD Place. Food & Beverage 4 The concession options at TD Place are what a fan would expect for an OHL venue, with a few interesting items. All of the favourites can be found, including hot dogs, fries, popcorn and pretzels. Pizza can be purchased from local Ottawa favourite Gabriel Pizza. Gabriel offers an original 67s Pizza to go along with pepperoni and cheese options. Poutine and pulled pork and pineapple sandwiches add to the variety of options. There is a fairly significant beer selection available including Stella Artois, Mill Street Organic, Broadhead and Corona to go along with Budweiser and Bud Light. Twisted Tea, Bud Light Seltzer and Brickworks 1904 Cider are also available. Hitting the Lois ‘n Frima’s Ice Cream for some homemade ice cream, donuts, churros or a Slush Puppie would be the spot to go. Atmosphere 4 TD Place Arena is located at Lansdowne Park and is one of the most unique arenas in the OHL. The arena is located underneath the north grandstand of TD Place, the home of the Ottawa RedBlacks of the CFL. Entry to the arena is on the north side of the building at the east or west entrances. The massive, spider-legs-like I-beams give the arena a unique exterior look. Between the two main entrances, Lansdowne Park has a number of retail outlets, so the arena itself is actually kind of inconspicuous. Upon entering the arena, fans are welcomed to a huge concourse on the north side. The northern wall features a massive mural honouring Hockey Hall of Fame Coach, Brian Kilrea, who spent the bulk of his career coaching the Ottawa 67’s. Following his career and honours is a pathway through the history of the Ottawa 67’s franchise. There is plenty to look at and go through along the way. Heading over to the north side of the arena brings fans to a totally different area, with low ceilings and hockey motif. Make sure to check out the football stadium through the glass doors on the north side to get a better sense of the full stadium/arena complex. The southeast corner is The 67’s Barber Shop group seating area which looks like a great place to bring a group to the game. Entering the seating bowl, fans are welcomed with a very different structure. The north side, which is the side to be on for fans wanting that picture perfect centre-ice logo pic, has the majority of seats with two main levels. The east and west sides are similar, but the south side just has a few rows of seats under a low ceiling. Rather than hanging anything over the ice surface, the TD Place Arena utilizes the bulkhead above the south side seats. The main videoboard is centering banners and two other smaller videoboards. The score and time are kept on traditional scoreclocks between the main videoboard and the two smaller boards. On either side of the videoboard are the two Memorial Cup banners the 67’s have earned, from 1984 and 1999. The retired number banners of Peter Lee, Bobby Smith, Brian Campbell, Denis Potvin and Doug Wilson hang with a Brian Kilrea on the right side of the videoboard and the three OHL Champions banners, from 1977, 1984 and 2001 hang to the left. The gameday production is about what one would expect from an OHL experience. Popular music and classic rock are played throughout the game. The 67’s mascot, Riley, can be found throughout the arena interacting with fans. A unique feature for the 67’s is the giant wind-sock character, like those found at car dealerships, is blown up in the east end as the celebration continues. Neighbourhood 5 TD Place Arena is at Lansdowne Park which is located in a neat neighbourhood in Ottawa called The Glebe. With the building of TD Place, Lansdowne Park has seen significant development and there are a plethora of food and drink options in the immediate area. The Rowan, Irene’s Pub, Mr. Puffs, Joey Lansdowne, Local Public Eatery, Craft Beer Market, Crust & Crate, Milestones and Jack Astors are all within a two minute walk of the arena. For fans wishing for more sports, the Ottawa RedBlacks play at TD Place Stadium, right above the arena. The NHL’s Ottawa Senators play out in Kanata at Canadian Tire Centre. The summer months have Frontier League Baseball at RCGT Park with the Ottawa Titans. The University of Ottawa Gee-Gees play football at Gee-Gees Stadium, hockey at Minto Sports Complex and basketball at The Court at Montpetit Hall. The Carleton Ravens play football at MNP Park , hockey at Carleton Ice House and the 15 time National Champion basketball team plays at the Ravens’ Nest . For a possible doubleheader, fans may want to consider crossing the river into Gatienau, Quebec to check out the Gatineau Olympiques of the QMJHL at Centre Slush Puppie. Outside of sports, Ottawa boasts one of the premier tourist destinations in Canada. Being the capital city, the Parliament buildings are high on the list of places to see. There are a ton of museums to check out while in Ottawa including the Canadian Museum of Nature, Canadian War Museum, Canada Aviation and Space Museum and the Royal Canadian Mint are the tip of the iceberg. The Rideau Canal is also just south of Lansdowne Park and skating on the canal may be the quintessential Ottawa winter activity. For fans wishing to stay in The Glebe to be near Lansdowne Park, will have to go north to the Rideau Inn or to some of the multiple Centretown hotels that are available. Fans 4 Traditionally, the Ottawa 67’s have enjoyed some of the strongest support in the entire Ontario Hockey League. However, the major renovations that were required at TD Place which displaced the 67’s to Kanata to the Canadian Tire Centre, significantly hurt the 67’s at the turnstile. The team has worked hard to slowly build the fanbase back up to where it once was. The Covid impacted 2021-2022 season has seen falling attendance across the board, including in Ottawa. Previously, the 67’s enjoyed averaging 4,000 fans per game, which kept them in the top third of the league for attendance. Fans are smart, yet fairly quiet, as most Ottawa fans are. Access 4 Traversing Ottawa is not the easiest proposition. Lansdowne Park is located south of Highway 417-Trans Canada Highway, the main route in and through Ottawa. A drive along the canal on Queen Elizabeth Driveway to the Park will be required. On the positive side, the City of Ottawa has done a wonderful job routing traffic into both entry points of Lansdowne Park effectively and what could be a difficult trek to the game is not as bad as one would expect. There is underground parking on site for a price and it can be pre purchased. This is definitely advisable as there is little parking available in the residential Glebe area. Parking at Carleton University and taking the free shuttle to the game may also be of interest to fans wishing to keep the car out of The Glebe. Ottawa has a strong transit system and there is a bus stop on Bank Street that is across from Lansdowne Park. Fans should check out the OC Transpo website for fares, maps and schedules. TD Place Arena boasts some of the widest concourses anywhere and getting around the arena is not difficult at all. There are plenty of washroom facilities for the size of the crowd that the 67’s draw. Return on Investment 5 Ontario Hockey League hockey remains one of the best investments possible for the sporting dollar. Tickets for the 67’s begin at $25 for adults and go up to $39. The south side of the arena is General Admission, and probably not the best spot to be considering fans will not be able to see the videoboard which is on the bulkhead above. There are also discounts for children and seniors and a variety of ticket package options. Concession prices at TD Place Arena are what one would expect and parking does have a cost at Lansdowne Park, but not at Carleton if the free shuttle is taken. The return is the opportunity to see one of the cornerstone OHL franchises, which consistently recruits a top product on the ice, in one of the most unique venues in sport. Compared to what one would pay to see the crosstown Ottawa Senators, the 67’s are a deal. Extras 3 An extra mark for the 67’s continuing to rock the barber pole uniforms for over 40 years. The 67’s are even referred to as the Barber Poles at times. An extra mark for the amazing revitalization of Lansdowne Park. An extra mark for one of the most unique uses of space having TD Place Arena situated under the north stands of the football stadium. Final Thoughts Catching an Ottawa 67’s game can be part of an amazing weekend or vacation in one of the most tourist-friendly cities in North America. There are a ton of things to do in Ottawa and a 67’s game can fit right in there. When in Canada’s Capital Region, make sure to head to The Glebe, Lansdowne Park and TD Place Arena to catch the Barber Poles in action. It won’t be a disappointment. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on Twitter @profan9 and on Instagram .

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.29 Indianapolis Motor Speedway 4790 W 16th St Indianapolis, IN 46222 Indianapolis Motor Speedway website Brickyard Weekend website Year Opened: 1909 Capacity: 257,325 NASCAR Takes to the Bricks The annual NASCAR visit to Indianapolis used to feature the fanfare familiar to Indy 500 fans when stock cars took to the track’s 2.5-mile oval. However, a change in date and a change in track layout means fans now get to watch the sport’s athletes race on the circuit’s infield road course. While not the same experience as the oval’s past races, this new event setup is no less exciting and enjoyable for fans, offering plenty of up-close viewing options, as well as a double-header weekend with the NTT IndyCar Series. No doubt, there is plenty to watch at The Brickyard to entice fans of all ages. Food & Beverage 3 The standard fare is available throughout the concourse and tracks infield thanks to various concession stands. The basics like burgers, fries, chicken fingers, etc. are all available here, as well as soda, water, and beer. Fans can also expect a variety of food trucks and independent vendors in the infield Pagoda plaza. Atmosphere 5 The Indianapolis Motor Speedway is the literal definition of a motorsports mecca in the United States. Every inch of the track oozes with history – this in itself should be enough to elevate the track’s profile. However, thanks to the recent purchase of the facility by Roger Penske, various upgrades and renovations have made the track even better than it was before. A new LED display behind the Pagoda and other smaller displays around the track offers fans a chance to see the action no matter where they are. Renovated bathrooms and common areas are also featured in the latest upgrades as well. The stadium effect of seats on both sides of the track down the front stretch adds to the roar of the engines. Also, the sound of the bagpipes being played in the paddock by the famous Gordon Pipers fills the air during pre-race. It is hard to beat this historic facility for a flair and history mix. Neighborhood 3 Speedway, Indiana is a unique setting, as you will see both the past and future of the area in a few blocks. Located literally in the middle of a neighborhood, the IMS facility is massive, rising above the rooftops of the nearby homes. Across the street from the southwest corner of the track is Main Street; here, various restaurants and shopping destinations mix with newly constructed apartments and several IndyCar race team HQs. In addition, a mile west of the track along Crawfordsville Road are more shopping and dining options. Hotels are plentiful and nearby as well, with downtown Indy just a short drive east, and multiple hotels just west of I-465 and the track. Fans 4 The fans at Indy are among the most sport-knowledgeable in racing; you would be hard-pressed to find any others in the US who can top this. Many fans have been going to Indy for various races for decades. Even with decreased attendance in recent years for the NASCAR round at Indy, the facility still packs in a large crowd for the weekend – infield viewing mounds are filled for all races during the weekend, be it the IndyCar and NASCAR Xfinity Series on Saturday or the NASCAR Cup Series on Sunday, the track is sure to be packed full of hardcore fans. Access 4 To get to the track you can just follow the signs, literally – there is no shortage of signage on the way to the track. The nearest highway is I-465, with I-74 meeting up with it just north of the track’s exit. Parking on-site is plentiful both inside and outside of the facility, though many of these require pre-purchased parking passes. With that said various homes in the area also offer up their driveways for paid parking, as do some of the businesses nearby. Return on Investment 5 Tickets to the NASCAR weekend are relatively well priced; general admission tickets are incredibly low, starting at $20 for Friday and $40 for Saturday or Sunday. Reserved seating tickets range from $60-175 for Saturday and Sunday, depending on location. Compared to prices you will see at the Indy 500 as well as other races on the NASCAR schedule, this is an absolute steal. Extras 3 Cooling stations are available for fans throughout the property to help with the summer temperatures; offered inside city buses with AC, this is the perfect break from that mid-day sun. The track also has several event stores set up throughout the track, where you can purchase merchandise from the event and the track, as well as the drivers. Finally, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum is located onsite in the infield and is open during race day. Fans of the sport will no doubt enjoy looking into the past and enjoying the history of the sport of racing. Final Thoughts To many, Indy and NASCAR should feature the track’s famous oval layout. However, the action on the track has been hard to ignore these past few years, with the track’s road course layout being the feature at the Brickyard. Fans still flock to the track no matter what is racing here, and the NASCAR weekend is incredibly affordable compared to other events. Couple that with the nostalgia factor that Indy injects directly into your soul, and it is hard to skip this annual summer stop on the NASCAR circuit.

Photos by Gary Butterworth, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Capital One Arena 601 F St NW Washington, DC 20004 Washington International Horse Show website Capital One Arena website Year Opened: 1997 Capacity: 14,000 What a Difference Some Hay Makes Pumpkin spice lattes, light sweaters, crunchy leaves on the ground, and the smell of fresh manure in downtown DC. When fall is in the air, it’s time for the Washington International Horse Show. And just as the hot summer transforms into the crisp, cool autumn, the Verizon Center radically transforms itself for its annual equestrian extravaganza. The Verizon Center is best known as the home of the NHL’s Washington Capitals and the NBA’s Washington Wizards . Fans in the nation’s capital who have attended basketball and hockey games and concerts here can vouch for the venue’s capability of handling multiple set-ups. While certainly nothing to be ashamed of, basketball-to-concert-to-hockey changeovers are par for the course for modern indoor arenas. To truly show off their versatility, today’s arenas need the opportunity to host something a little different. Some venues get unique, one-off events like the X-Games or political conventions. The Verizon Center has the annual Washington International Horse Show. The WIHS called the DC Armory home from its birth in 1958 until it moved to the suburban Capital Center in Landover, Maryland, in 1978. The Armory still sees the occasional event, but the Capital Center is no more. When the Verizon Center (originally the MCI Center) opened in 1997, the horses followed the lead of the hockey and basketball teams and trotted back downtown. Like clockwork, the WIHS shows up every fall. The show’s week of star-filled evening performances, sparsely-attended afternoon sessions, and theme nights are fall staples on the Verizon Center’s calendar, just as the circus is in the spring. Equine enthusiasts know this is a can’t-miss event, and others should take notice. The Washington International Horse Show shows off the Verizon Center’s versatility in a way any stadium traveler would likely enjoy. Editor’s Note: in Aug, 2017, Capital One purchased the naming rights of the venue and the name changed from Verizon Center to Capital One Arena. Food & Beverage 3 The Washington International Horse Show hosts some of the world’s finest horsemen and women, as well as showcasing the Verizon Center’s adaptability. But the WIHS itself is a fairly incongruous animal. Some of its sessions are big, Olympian-filled affairs. Others showcase children from local riding clubs in front of a few hundred spectators. For the larger sessions, expect services from most of the same concessionaires that you would find for an NBA or NHL game. Expect everything from gourmet tacos to a kosher sausage stand to craft brews. For the smaller daytime events, fewer stands open. Hot dogs and pretzels are always an option, meaning you’re unlikely to go hungry. Atmosphere 4 The Washington International Horse Show doesn’t need to advertise much since the makeshift outdoor barn in the heart of the nation’s capital announces the show’s presence to the thousands who pass by the arena every day. If you’re heading inside to catch a session, the stables outside the main entrance do a good job of setting the mood. Once inside, dozens of vendors transform the Verizon Center’s main concourse into fun, temporary equine market. Before even reaching their seats, fans have the opportunity to grab free horse magazines and shop for saddles, boots, or maybe just some handmade fudge. Upon entering the seating bowl, the fan can’t help but be struck by several things. This a big, nice, modern arena, and it has really put its best foot forward for this event. Decorations seamlessly meld the idyllic setting of a horse pasture with the iconic sights of Washington’s National Mall. As far as the atmosphere delivered by fans, well, that depends on which session you choose to attend. High-priced evening sessions deliver large crowds and Olympians. Daytime sessions offer lower prices, smaller crowds, and general admission seating that offers fans the ability to move around the venue and probably find space in the first few rows. While individual sessions have different atmospheres, the event as a whole differentiates itself from the Verizon Center’s more mainstream events in a very enjoyable way. Neighborhood 4 The Verizon Center sits in Washington’s downtown Chinatown neighborhood. What the area has lost in its Asian roots over the past decades it has gained in popularity. Some have compared Chinatown to New York’s Times Square. While that’s not really an accurate comparison, this is the closest DC comes to Manhattan. The Verizon Center sits directly over three of DC’s six Metro (subway) lines, and just blocks from the other three. A major bus stop sits just around the corner. You can walk to the heart of the tourist areas on the National Mall in about 20 minutes, and you’re also within walking distance of many of downtown’s offices. This is the ultimate central location. As such, the area around the Verizon Center has evolved into a busy commercial strip that caters to the tastes of the very diverse groups who pass through here. Virtually every age, race, religion, and economic group imaginable is represented in front of the Verizon Center 24/7, and they all have their choice of fast-casual restaurants. McDonald’s, Fuddruckers, Hooters, Walgreen’s, three burrito chains, an upscale bowling alley, and a movie theater are just a few of the shops within a one-block radius. For a little more sophistication without the walk to the National Mall, check out the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery just across the street. Fans 2 Horses have a reputation of being an expensive hobby, and while the well-heeled are indeed well-represented at the WIHS, the stereotypical old-money crowd is thankfully not the only demographic present. Fans show up in riding gear, tee-shirts, and everything in between to cheer on both famous and unknown riders. While Olympic riders are indeed the marquee draw, some of the lower-level events are well supported. Children’s Shetland Pony racing is a newfound fan favorite. Access 4 The Verizon Center is about as central as you can get. The “Gallery Place-Chinatown” station on DC’s subway system, Metro, sits directly below the arena, and provides safe, regular, and inexpensive service within the District as well as to suburbs in Virginia and Maryland. Parking is expensive in the immediate neighborhood, but between metered spaces and private garages, fans should be able to find a place to park. In the evening, free parking may be available on the National Mall, about a 20-minute walk south of the venue. Since the horses need a place to sleep, F Street NW in front of the Verizon Center is closed to vehicular traffic for the duration the Washington International Horse Show. If it weren’t for the fact that F St NW is frequently closed before and after Verizon Center events, this could be a headache. But this part of DC is built on a grid, and it’s easy to find an alternate route. Inside, the Verizon Center is roomy. The horse show’s numerous temporary vending stalls do take up concourse real estate, but fans still have enough room to circulate freely. Seats are cushioned and comfortable, and numerous restrooms are clean and well-stocked. Return on Investment 3 The 2014 edition of the Washington International Horse Show saw things get noticeably more expensive. The addition of a service charge for tickets bought at the box office and the removal of the discount for showing a public transportation card meant that general admission to even the least popular sessions ran $15. The more popular evening sessions start at more than double that. The value in this event, like any, is in the eye of the beholder. Equestrian competition at this level is in relatively short supply, so fans may be happy to pay to see some of the country’s best riders in person. Fans merely curious about the sport might balk at the prices. Extras 2 Every fall, fans in Washington have the opportunity to see a known venue in an entirely new way, and to see a relatively unknown sport. In both respects professional presentation pays off. The Washington International Horse Show has lasted more than a half-century for a reason, and is worth seeing.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Henrico Sports & Events Center 11000 Telegraph Rd Glen Allen, VA 23059 Henrico Sports & Events Center website Year Opened: 2023 Capacity: 3,500 A-10 Hoops North of Richmond The Atlantic 10 Women's Basketball Tournament has been held at multiple locations over the years. At first, it was held mainly in on-campus arenas, but in 2013, it was played for the first time at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn. From 2014 to 2018, the tournament was played at the Richmond Coliseum in Downtown Richmond, but the aging arena closed in 2019, and the A-10 moved back on campus for a few years. In 2022 and 2023, the tournament was played at Chase Fieldhouse in Wilmington, also home of the Delaware Blue Coats of the NBA G-League. In 2024, the A-10 Tournament was held at the newly-opened Henrico Sports & Events Center for the first time, as part of a two-year contract. The 3,500-seat arena is located in Henrico County (Pronounced Hen-RYE-co) in Richmond's northern suburbs. In addition to the main arena, there are 12 other courts that are used for youth tournaments and other events. Stadium Journey visited the Atlantic 10 Tournament for the two semifinal contests. As in most conference tournaments, the experience starts slow in the early rounds and builds towards the final. While this review attempts to cover the whole tournament, your experience will depend on which rounds you visit for.   Food & Beverage 4 There are several different places to buy food and drink at the Henrico Sports & Events Center. There is a concession area located in the lobby. Prepackaged options such as drinks, chips, and candy, as well as other options like cold sandwiches,, yogurt, and snack packs, can be picked up and purchased at a self-checkout area to expedite the process. For fans who want hot options, these can be purchased at a counter in the concession stand area. The lines for this can get long at times, as there are only one or two workers taking orders, but they move quickly.  In addition to the numerous cold options, which can be paid for here as well, fans can purchase hot dogs, cheeseburgers, Chick-fil-A sandwiches, Papa John's personal pizzas, nachos, popcorn, and soft pretzels. Prices are reasonable - snacks will only run a few dollars and everything is under $9. Alcohol is available at a separate stand in the lobby for fans of age. It cannot be purchased at the other stands. There is a smaller stand in the arena itself that has far fewer options, but it usually has shorter lines and fans can watch the game while they wait.   Atmosphere 4 Walking through the entrance of the Henrico Sports & Events Center will put you in the main lobby. You will then scan your ticket and go through another set of doors to the arena itself. Seating is laid out in a U shape, with the entrance to the arena in the corner near the open end. A large videoboard hangs over center court and also shows the score, team fouls, and timeouts remaining. All seats are general admission chairbacks, except a few seats in the front rows which are reserved for VIPs. If you are eligible for these reserved seats, you know who you are; otherwise, there are still plenty of excellent seats for you to choose from. Just get there early if you have a particular presence. There are 15 teams in the Atlantic 10 Conference and each of them bring their own band, cheerleaders, mascot, and traditions to the tournament. We do not have enough space to discuss each of them in great detail, but they are discussed further in those teams' review articles of their home arena. However, there are some specific examples that are worth mentioning here. St. Joseph's University's mascot is known simply as The Hawk, and he is legendary for flapping his wings non-stop throughout the game. Saint Louis's Billiken mascot and Richmond's Spider mascot are downright terrifying but tend to be fan favorites. For any game, the bands from both schools will be in attendance, and will on occasion get into musical battles with each other, turning into a Battle on the Bands as well as what is going on on the court. For instance, when Stadium Journey visited, the Duquesne band repeatedly played "The Itsy Bitsy Spider" to taunt their opponents, the Richmond Spiders, although considering the spider in question was resilient enough to survive the rain and climb the spout again, its usefulness as a taunt is questionable. The organizers run promotions on the court during most media timeouts, including games between fans, ceremonies honoring Atlantic 10 figures, and more. There is certainly plenty going on at the Atlantic 10 Tournament, both on and off the court.   Neighborhood 3 As mentioned above, the Henrico Sports & Events Center is located in Henrico County, Virginia, in Richmond's northern suburbs. There are numerous businesses along the major thoroughfares surrounding the arena, but most of them are chain restaurants. In particular, the Creeks at Virginia Centre shopping mall is located along Route 1 less than a mile away from the arena. This is a typical suburban area - it is certainly not the middle of nowhere but nor is it particularly glamorous.    Fans 4 With 15 teams in the Atlantic 10, each one brings their own fan base with their own unique traditions. In a 3,500-seat arena, the Atlantic 10 Tournament drew between two and three thousand fans for most sessions. A few of the early-round sessions drew under 2,000, while one drew a near-capacity crowd of over 3,000. Attendance builds as the final approaches, but it will also depend on who is playing in the session. In particular, the local fan bases of Richmond and VCU draw especially well if one of those teams is playing. George Mason and George Washington are based 90 minutes away in the DC area, so those fan bases can travel as well. However, every team's fan base will show up in decent numbers. When one team scores, their fans will erupt in cheers. When the other team scores, the rest of the fans will. There are too many fan bases and too many traditions to cover in great detail here, but you will get to experience all of them at the Atlantic 10 Tournament.   Access 4 The Henrico Sports & Events Center is located a short drive from Interstate 95 via Exit 86A. Ample parking is available in the large lots surrounding the arena, which are far bigger than they need to be. Since the arena is still relatively new, some GPS apps struggle to find it, but the entrance is clearly signed, so if you follow that even if the GPS tells you to go elsewhere, you will get here just fine. Restrooms are available on both sides of the lobby - go back out the main arena doors and turn left or right and you will soon get there. They are clean and of a sufficient size. There are very narrow aisle behind the benches and media table to get from the one arena entrance to the seats. As a result, there can be a significant bottleneck of fans after the game, especially if it involves one of the Richmond teams and more fans are leaving. Normally you should have no problem getting out, it might just take a few minutes. However, if you are planning on staying for the second game of a session and are just stepping out momentarily to use the bathroom, you may find yourself having to fight the bottleneck in the opposite direction to get back to your seat. This is not too difficult, it is just annoying.   Return on Investment 4  Tickets are $22 for every session except the final, which is $26. Other than the final, every session gives fans the chance to see two games. In early rounds, two sessions are played per day, one in the afternoon and one at night. For a chance to see a competitive college basketball tournament in March, this is an excellent value. Concessions are also affordable and parking is free, making the Atlantic 10 women's basketball tournament a great deal for what you're paying.   Extras 2 There is a merchandise table at the open end of the arena that sells conference merchandise. Look for the Virginia Sports Hall of Fame in the lobby, honoring some of the top athletes, coaches, and other sports leaders from the Commonwealth of Virginia.   Final Thoughts The Henrico Sports & Events Center is a gorgeous new arena, and the Atlantic 10 Conference made the right choice returning their tournament to the Richmond area. With 15 loyal fan bases, 15 different sets of traditions, and an excellent value for families, the Atlantic 10 Women's Basketball Tournament is well worth checking out for any fan of the sport.

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57 Vernon T. Bradley, Jr. Stadium 3400 N Wesleyan Blvd Rocky Mount, NC 27804 North Carolina Wesleyan Battling Bishops website Vernon T. Bradley, Jr. Stadium website Year Opened: 2022 Capacity: 1,000 Building for the Bishops Vernon T. Bradley, Jr. Stadium is home to the Battling Bishops of North Carolina Wesleyan University. With the first phase completed in 2022, the brand new and expanding facility began with a state-of-the-art turf field that can accommodate football, soccer, and lacrosse. Stadium lights were also added so that the teams could practice and play at night. Named after the biggest athletic donor in Wesleyan history, the facility currently seats about a thousand fans, with additional improvements planned for the future, including an athletic building and press box. NC Wesleyan previously played its football games at Rocky Mount Memorial Stadium but is thrilled to now have an on-campus facility, making it easier for fans to attend Bishops games. Food & Beverage 2 Vernon T. Bradley, Jr. Stadium offers a few concessions for fans from a stand at the main entrance – not a huge selection yet, but enough to get you through the game, including Chick-fil-A sandwiches, pizza, popcorn, candy, and chips, plus soda, bottled water, Gatorade, and a few other drinks. The Chick-fil-A sandwiches are by far the most expensive item on the menu at $7, but everything else is $1 to $3. Atmosphere 2 North Carolina Wesleyan’s football field doesn’t offer much yet, but the turf field has vibrant pops of color, and there is a tunnel for the players to come through as they enter the field. There is also a fence around the field that gives a rather stately feel to the setting. There are cheerleaders on hand to keep the crowd engaged, and there is also a team gear stand near the main entrance for fans to grab their Bishop's swag. Neighborhood 3 Rocky Mount is a small town in North Carolina about an hour east of Raleigh, with a population of around 55,000. There are a few restaurants to the south of the facility along Highway 301, including a few well-known chains such as Applebee’s and Chili’s, as well as a few more upscale choices such as Tap@1918. There are plenty of hotels in the same area as the restaurants, and if you are looking for something to do in the area, there are a couple of local parks you can visit. If you plan to be in town for the weekend, downtown Raleigh features a ton of museums, including the Marbles Kids Museum for the little ones. There are also numerous local breweries located in the Raleigh-Durham area. If you come to a game in August or early September, you may be able to catch a Carolina Mudcats baseball game during your visit, which is the closest professional team to North Carolina Wesleyan University. Fans 2 Bishops football games don’t boast a ton of fans just yet, but attendance should increase as the facility continues to be built out. You will see the stands about one-third to half full, and most of them are rooting for the Bishops, which is nice to see – at many smaller college stadiums there will be more visiting fans at some games than home fans. It is also nice that most of the fans are wearing Bishops gear. Behind the south end zone, there are a few tents set up, where the boosters and donors usually have a cookout going on during the game. This area is off-limits to general admission fans, but is a great spot to watch the game from if you would like to support the Bishops; NC Wesleyan is currently looking for additional donations to continue the planned upgrades to the venue. Access 4 Getting to Vernon T. Bradley, Jr. Stadium is pretty simple, especially as the field is right next to the highway, across the street from a Sheetz gas station – most fans will enter from the west side, where there is parking for $10. Currently, there is only one entrance, located not far from the parking lot, with the team gear tent and concessions next to the ticket table. At present there is only one grandstand, also on the west side, with a small temporary press box on the east side. A few fans do stand along the fence on the west side to watch the game as well. Return on Investment 4 Tickets to NC Wesleyan football games are only $5, and programs are only $1. This is a great value for college football at any level, and well worth it if you want to spend a pleasant day watching gridiron action. Parking is reasonable at $10, and concessions are inexpensive as well. Extras 1 There is no mascot here yet, and no band either, but there should be more amenities added as the stadium gets built.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Palais des Sports Leopold Drolet 360 Rue Cegep Sherbrooke, QC J1E 2J9 Sherbrooke Phoenix website Palais des Sports Leopold Drolet website Year Opened: 1965 Capacity: 3,646 Renaetre de ses Cendres des Castors In 2012 the Phoenix rose once again. The folding of the Lewiston Maineiacs brought the opportunity for expansion once again in the QMJHL, and a return to the Quebec town of Sherbrooke. Famous for being the home of the Sher-Wood hockey stick company, Sherbrooke had a few opportunities in the QMJHL on previous occasions. Ironically enough, the Sherbrooke Castors left Quebec for the greener pastures of Lewiston, Maine. The original Castors were founded in 1969, and left Sherbrooke in 1982 and would eventually become the Rimouski Oceanic. The Castors would return to Sherbrooke in 1998, coming from Trois-Rivieres, and making that stop in Lewiston before finally rising back in Sherbrooke. The group that brought hockey back to Sherbrooke was led by former NHL goaltender, and former Sherbrooke Faucon, Jocelyn Thibault. However, the new Phoenix would not be satisfied to play in the old Palais des Sports. The City of Sherbrooke and Government of Quebec agreed to a huge renovation of the Palais des Sports Leopold-Drolet. This old arena, named after the founder of Sher-Wood, is now one of the model arenas in the QMJHL, and an example of what can be done to modernize an aging arena. New paint gave a fresh face to the arena, and new luxury boxes gave a fresh source of revenue. In the end, what is exciting to see is that, in what may be the final opportunity for junior hockey in Sherbrooke, the fans have realized what they have been missing, and embraced the Phoenix with open arms, showing their support. Food & Beverage 4 Concession options were not too bad, but if you speak only English you will have to manage through the menu which was in French. You will find what you would expect plus a few Quebec staples. Beer is sold in tall-boys and sell for $5.50. They are actually sold in the stands, a la baseball, which was a bit of a surprise. There are four main concession stands; one in each corner of the concourse. Two feature fries, poutine, onion rings and other fried offerings, and the other two feature salads and sandwiches. Subs and smoked meat are on the menu, as well as maple butter. The prices are not too bad, and are what you would expect from a junior hockey venue. The local flavour gives the concessions a bit of a bump up, and you will be satisfied if you choose to eat at the game. Atmosphere 4 As mentioned above, the Palais des Sports is an older arena that has undergone a significant renovation. The Palais is part of a greater sporting complex that is on the campus of Cegep de Sherbrooke, a kind of junior college that is part of the Quebec education system. Upon arriving at the Palais, there is nothing that will blow you away about the exterior. It is a pretty plain building, that has been decorated with some photo murals in the windows that make it a bit more homey for the Phoenix. There is a small monument outside dedicated to local speed skater Sylvie Daigle, who earned medals in the Albertville and Lillehammer Winter Olympics. Stepping inside, there is a small atrium which offers access to the ticket office (Billetterie) and the team store. There is also some local team decor, which makes it feel a little better for the home team. In the seating bowl, the concourses travelling around the arena are above the seating bowl, similar to many other arenas in junior hockey, and the opportunity for standing room is available at the ends as well. Both sides are lined with luxury boxes, and the concourses travel behind them, with access to the seats available through small doorways. The seats themselves are a bit of a disappointment. They are the classic wooden seats, that have been given a wonderful Phoenix-navy blue paint job, but the novelty of sitting in the wooden seats wears off after a while, right around the time your butt goes numb. Other key additions to the Palais are the crystal clear video board at centre ice and the ribbon boards on either side of the arena. There is also a traditional scoreboard at one end of the arena. The videoboard does not boast a scoreboard attached to it, so another traditional scoreboard may be on the menu for future developments. They do use graphics on the board to show the score and time among other things, but the traditional board is far better for this. The ceilings in the Palais are low, so a larger videoboard, with a scoreboard attached is probably not an option. The in-game production is fairly strong, and that is obvious from the participation of the crowd. Music is a mix of modern pop/rock and traditional hockey organ music. The PA announcer, although speaking far more in French than English, gets a great reaction from the crowd. There are a group of young people who act as cheerleaders on ice-level and get the crowd involved, as well as the in-game emcee, who is far less annoying than in many cases. They all travel with Onyx, the Phoenix mascot, who does a great job engaging the crowd. Overall, whether you are English-speaking or French-speaking, you will enjoy the game in Sherbrooke, even if it is a blowout (as was the game for this review). You may even want to step out of your comfort zone and buy a Moitie-Moitie billet (50-50 ticket). The one thing that was really missing, was any sort of recognition of the past Sherbrooke hockey teams. There were no banners or recognized players that I could find. The Castors did have some success as they made it to the Memorial Cup in 1982. Neighborhood 3 Being part of a larger sporting complex, the neighbourhood surrounding the Palais does not immediately jump out with numerous options for pre or post game meals. If you head down to Rue King, you may find a couple of options. Mike’s Restaurants are an Italian chain in Quebec that you may want to try, or possibly you could try Louis’ Luncheonette, which has a reputation for great poutine. What pumps up the neighbourhood mark is that there are some decent ski destinations in this region. You may want to add a Phoenix game to a little recreational skiing if you are in this region of Quebec. Fans 5 During the 2013 season, the Phoenix welcomed over 108,000 fans to the Palais for hockey. This was a record for an expansion team in Quebec, which is impressive considering that the capacity for the Palais is not very high, under 4,000. At this particular game, the Phoenix welcomed 3,800 patrons to the Palais. What jumps out about the Sherbrooke fans is that they are loud! When gameplay is on, the fans treat the game with intensity, focusing on the play. However, between plays and at key moments, the noise level in the Palais is really high! What makes the Phoenix a feel-good story in the QMJHL is that the fans seem to understand what they have lost in the past, and both the Sherbrooke fans and the management of the Phoenix are not going to let another team leave Sherbrooke. Access 3 Getting to the Palais is not that difficult. Not being a huge city, navigating to the Palais from the Autoroute in Sherbrooke is no problem. There is plenty of parking in the general vicinity, around the complex, and there is no charge for it. If public transit is your option, there are a number of bus stops just outside of the doors of the Palais. Inside the Palais is where the building shows its age. Getting around the concourses can be a real problem. The atrium was not that full, but the weather was beautiful. On a cold day, before the game, the atrium is more than likely packed. Also, people tend to stand and visit in the concourses, which makes travel even more difficult. The washrooms are below the seating bowl, and are not easily accessible. Return on Investment 5 Tickets in the QMJHL are a fantastic value. Adult tickets for the Phoenix go for $16, while children’s tickets go for a ridiculous $6! You get a high quality product for an excellent entry fee, in a great atmosphere with fantastic fans. Add to that, free parking and some decent concession prices, and the opportunity for an outing with the family for a good price is not to be missed. Extras 4 Two extra marks for the pre-game ceremony. Being the final game of the 2013 regular season, the Phoenix put on a great show for those players who would be “graduating” from the QMJHL as over-age players. It could be considered like a senior day at a university sporting event. A great job by the Phoenix, who not only honoured each player individually, but also put together a short video highlight reel for each player. An extra mark for the first intermission entertainment, which was a lovely young lady who did an amazing rendition of “Skyfall.” An extra mark for the fans of Sherbrooke who have embraced the Phoenix, and are making sure they have a long future in Sherbrooke. Final Thoughts We are in an era where teams are beginning to return to markets that had previously lost them. We have seen examples in the Winnipeg Jets, Baltimore Ravens, Cleveland Browns, and most recently, the Sherbrooke Phoenix. This will continue in the future as Ottawa will receive a new CFL team, and the North Bay Battalion will begin playing in the OHL. In all cases, what is most important, is that the fans embrace the team, and create a situation where the fans make it almost impossible for the new team to leave. This is what is happening in Sherbrooke, where the Phoenix have risen from the ashes of the Castors. If you have the opportunity, a trip to Sherbrooke will not be disappointing, and watching the Phoenix rise again will bring you to your feet! Follow Dave’s sporting adventures on twitter @profan9 .

Photos courtesy of Gregory Koch Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57 The Diamond 3001 North Blvd Richmond, VA 23230 VCU Rams website The Diamond website Year Opened: 1985 Capacity: 12,134 The Ram’s Diamond Virginia Commonwealth University, known as VCU for short, is located in Richmond, Virginia. VCU's athletic teams, the Rams, are best known for the basketball team's trip from the First Four to the Final Four in 2011. However, the baseball team has enjoyed success as well, with 13 NCAA Tournament appearances including nine since 2000, and a Super Regional appearance in 2015 after winning the Dallas Regional. The Rams play their home games off-campus at The Diamond, which is also the Richmond Flying Squirrels minor league baseball team. Food & Beverage 3 Although there are many concession stands at The Diamond, only one of them is typically open for VCU games and serves a somewhat different menu than it would for the Flying Squirrels. Hot dogs, corn dogs, burgers, chicken sandwiches, and chicken tenders are all available for meals, as are snacks such as nachos, popcorn, hot pretzels, chips, fries, and of course, peanuts and cracker jack. Water, soft drinks, and Gatorade are available to drink, as is hot chocolate on cold days. Although most college baseball stadiums do not serve alcohol, The Diamond is a professional stadium, so adult beverages are on sale here for VCU games as well. Beer is available in 25 oz and 16 oz cans, including the Flying Squirrels' own brand, Feeling Squirrely. Prices are reasonably affordable, with even the most expensive option (five chicken tenders) being under $8 and most things being much less. Atmosphere 2 The Diamond is a giant concrete monstrosity that is way too big for Flying Squirrels games, yet alone VCU games where only a few hundred fans typically attend. Fortunately, they close off the upper deck to fans when VCU is playing (although a couple fans still somehow managed to find their way up there when we attended) but even the lower level is still way bigger than it needs to be. Fans will have to walk up a large flight of steps from the entrance just to get there, although an elevator is available for those who need it. The end result is that although Rams fans pride themselves on being rowdy, the crowd is just too spread out to create much atmosphere. This stadium is a lot nicer than most college stadiums despite its age - it is a professional ballpark after all - but that winds up working against it in many ways as well. Ultimately, a cavernous and mostly empty stadium is not going to have a good atmosphere no matter how many bells and whistles it has. Neighborhood 4 There isn't much to in the immediate vicinity of The Diamond, which is right across the street from a bus station. However, it is a short drive away from the bustling Carytown neighborhood and everything it has to offer. Carytown Burgers & Fries and the Galaxy Diner are local favorites, but you can also find coffee shops, Thai, pho, and more. There are a few places closer to the stadium but we recommend heading into Carytown if you can. Fans 3 As noted above, Rams fans pride themselves on being rowdy, and the ones who show up certainly are. They cheer on VCU throughout the game, stay until the end, and love playing their cowbells during major moments in the game as well. Unfortunately, their impact is greatly diminished by the fact that The Diamond seats over10,000 fans and there are typically only a few hundred in attendance. When attendance as a percent of capacity is in the single digits, that is never a good thing. That being said, this is not really the fans' fault, and they do try their best to make things work here. Access 5 The Diamond is located just off of Interstates 64 and 95,and parking is available for free in a spacious lot right next to the stadium. It is easy to get to from the airport and right across the street from the Greyhound bus station. The parking lot will almost certainly never fill up, but there are several more lots surrounding the stadium if it does. Given the stadium was designed for much larger crowds than attend a typical VCU game, fans should have no problems getting around the concourse, and there should never be a wait for the restrooms either. Although there is a clear bag policy in effect at The Diamond for Flying Squirrels games, and signs warn fans about that as they walk up to the gates, it does not appear to be enforced for VCU games. Return on Investment 2 Tickets are $10 for adults and $7 for youth, which is on the high end for Atlantic 10 baseball. However, concessions are affordable and parking is free, which it is not for Flying Squirrels games in the same stadium, so that is a plus. A trip to The Diamond will probably cost less for a VCU game than it would for a minor league game, but the difference in cost savings isn't as much as it should be given what you are getting for your money. Extras 1 Free programs and posters are available on a table on the concourse. . Final Thoughts Although The Diamond is the home of VCU baseball, it doesn't feel like it when watching a game here. Seeing all the Flying Squirrels banners and all the shuttered concession stands selling awesome food that you can't eat, it is obvious that VCU plays second fiddle here to the main tenants. Unfortunately, with the VCU campus located in a densely populated area of downtown Richmond, it would be pretty much impossible for them to build an on-campus stadium, so this is the solution they are stuck with. It is not good for the fans, it is not good for the team, but somehow everyone manages to make the most of this unusual situation.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 EagleBank Arena 4500 Patriot Cir Fairfax, VA 22030 George Mason Patriots website EagleBank Arena website Year Opened: 1985 Capacity: 10,000 Patriot Games EagleBank Arena, home of the George Mason Patriots basketball team, is located in Fairfax, Va. in the Washington, D.C. suburbs. The 10,000-seat arena opened in 1985 and has played home to Mason ever since. George Mason’s high point came in 2006 when they made a Cinderella run to the Final Four as an 11-seed, knocking off top seed UConn along the way, but they have struggled to return to anywhere near that form ever since. George Mason was a founding member of the Colonial Athletic Association but moved to the Atlantic 10 in 2013, where they have remained ever since. Food & Beverage 5 EagleBank Arena has a wide selection of food and drinks at various stands scattered around the concourse. However, the prices are quite expensive. Basic items include chicken tenders ($15), cheeseburgers ($14, or $15 with bacon), crispy chicken sandwiches ($14), the vegetarian Beyond Burger ($16), and nachos ($9, with salsa cheese, and jalapeños). Several specialty burgers are also available for $16 each. The Southwest Burger comes with bacon, fried avocado, pepper jack cheese, lettuce, tomato, and chipotle aioli. The Wrangler comes with bacon, cheese, onion rings, and barbecue sauce. The Patty Melt comes with onion strings and cheese on Texas toast. All come with fries. There are a wide range of snacks as well, including candy, chips, cookies, brownies, mini corn dogs, and hot pretzels. Alcoholic beverages are available for those of age, with beer costing $13 and wine $12. Soda and bottled water are also available. . Atmosphere 4 Every seat in EagleBank arena is a chairback, in alternating green and gold sections reflecting the school’s colors. There is a videoboard above center court which also shows the score and time as well as team fouls and timeouts. Unfortunately, 10,000 seats is far too large for EagleBank Arena, which rarely comes close to selling out. Some seats in the corners are covered by advertising signs, but there are still many empty seats, especially in the upper rows. This is not a good look for the school and really detracts from the atmosphere. The good news is that the school makes a good effort to keep fans engaged. There is a pep band called Doc Nix and the Green Machine which is among the best in the country. They bring music and energy to the arena for the whole game. Band director Michael Nickens (aka Doc Nix) is an impressive figure known for his audacious outfits, which often include sunglasses, audaciously colored suits, and a scepter. The band not only plays music but sings with a synthesizer and the drums are encircled by green lights making it not only a sound to behold but a sight as well. There are also cheerleaders and a dance team who entertain the fans during the breaks. Mason’s mascot is known only as The Patriot and is a costumed character who dresses in traditional colonial garb, which is of course colored gold and green. The cheerleaders throw t-shirts into the crowd after every Mason three-point basket. Ultimately, the team and especially the band do their best to make this a great atmosphere, but it’s really hurt by the large size of the arena. Game Action Neighborhood 3 Fairfax is a typical suburban area about 25 miles outside Washington, D.C. There is a shopping center across campus which includes several chain places and a movie theatre. If you’re willing to drive a few miles, the 29 Diner in the City of Fairfax is a local favorite, as is Capital Ale House. While Fairfax doesn’t have the same excitement you’d get in the District, it’s still a nice suburb with plenty to do and places to eat before or after the game. Fans 3 Although Mason fans rarely come close to filling the arena, they can still make the place loud at times. After big plays, the crowd can get quite loud but there is rarely the sustained noise you see at the top arenas in the country. The cavernous nature of the arena does cut down on the sound somewhat, but this isn’t really the fans’ fault. Mason draws several thousand fans a game, but in a 10,000-seat arena, that doesn't feel like much. Mason does have a student section, but other than the band, they don’t seem that into it. This is disappointing as the students are typically among the most passionate fans at any college venue. Access 4 EagleBank Arena is located on Mason’s main campus just off Braddock Road and about six miles from the Capital Beltway (Interstate 495.) There is ample free parking in the lots surrounding the arena, including handicap parking for those who require it. Keep in mind if you’re traveling to a weeknight game, you will probably run into rush hour traffic, which is notoriously bad in this area. Be sure to allow a lot of extra time if that’s the case. Unlike the other arenas in the D.C. area, EagleBank Arena is not easily Metro-accessible. Despite having the school’s name in its title, the Vienna-Fairfax/GMU station on the Orange Line is about five miles away from George Mason. If you must go that route, you will need to either take a 15-minute taxi ride from the station or take a shuttle that will let you off in the center of campus, a 10-minute walk from the arena. Under no circumstances should you use the Virginia Square-GMU station despite the name, as it serves Mason’s Arlington satellite campus, nowhere near the arena. Getting out of the parking lot after a game can be tricky due to pedestrians seeming to walk anywhere and everywhere. Traffic can also get backed up getting onto Braddock Road, but this can be partially avoided by heading back towards the center of campus and then exiting onto one of the other side streets. Return on Investment 2 Tickets range from $10 for seats in the top few rows and some behind the basket to $50 for seats in the front few rows. This is about average for the Atlantic 10. However, tickets are sold through Ticketmaster so expect to pay far more than listed price due to fees. It’s always annoying to see seats available for $10 each and then end up paying almost twice that due to outrageous fees. Concessions can also be quite pricey and can cost more than the game ticket itself, which drives down the score here significantly. Extras 4 Doc Nix and the Green Machine deserve an extra star, as well as they, are among the best in the nation. There is a Final Four banner behind one of the baskets honoring Mason’s 2006 miracle run. Before each game, the George Mason lineup is introduced as green and gold spotlights streak across the court. This helps get the crowd hyped up for the game. A fourth and final star for the murals on the concourse honoring George Mason basketball history. Pregame light show Final Thoughts Although George Mason rose to prominence after their Final Four run in 2006, almost two decades later they have failed to regain much of their former glory. The end result is a 10,000-seat arena that is over half empty most games and a whole lot of empty seats. Although Mason has one of the best pep bands in the country, and the fans who do show up are passionate for the most part, the team ought to be doing more to encourage fans to come to games so the place isn’t as empty as it is. Ticketmaster fees and high concession prices don't help matters either. The team does seem to be on the rise the last couple of years, and hopefully that continues and George Mason basketball can return to its former glory.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 New Castle Fieldhouse 801 Parkview Dr. New Castle, IN 47362 New Castle Trojans website New Castle Fieldhouse website Year Opened: 1959 Capacity: 8,424 New Castle Fieldhouse is Number One Again A large sign is proudly on display in the south end that the New Castle Fieldhouse is the largest and finest high school gymnasium in the world. The official count was 9,325 and for the next 60 years that was the case, but something happened during the anniversary year that knocked the capacity down a couple of notches to number three on the list. A committee traveled to the biggest gyms in the state and counted each section one by one and found out that the Lloyd E. Scott Gym in Seymour was bigger than the New Castle Fieldhouse and for the next two years, the gym was ranked number 3 with a capacity of 7,829. This was due to the removable bleachers on the upper concourse being sold some time ago due to fire safety issues. In January 2021, New Castle installed 260 telescoping seats on the west concourse and installed 335 additional seats in portable bleachers, increasing its capacity to 8,424. That number surpasses Seymour’s capacity of 8,228 and once again places the New Castle Fieldhouse as the biggest high school gym in the world. The Fieldhouse is home to the New Castle High School Trojans who began playing basketball in 1917 and by 1924 moved into the 1,800-seat capacity Church Street Gym. The Trojans captured the 1932 State Title and games would routinely sell out at the “Cracker Box.” Season tickets were sold for every other game and 100 places in the standing-room-only section were separated with only a rope from the players on the court. By the late 1950s, the old gym was becoming too small and a wave of larger gymnasiums was being constructed throughout the state. The Fieldhouse was constructed through a community-formed nonprofit holding company “Gym Now” which raised funds for its completion in 1958. By the early 1950s’s many in town felt that New Castle needed a new basketball gymnasium, but after the school board did not include plans for a new gym, the populace took matters into their own hands by helping fund $875,000 through car washes, donations, jobs, and the sale of bonds. The administration even allowed students to leave school during the day to work jobs towards the building of the arena. Finally, on November 21, 1959, the New Castle Fieldhouse debuted as the largest high school arena in the world. The history of the boy’s basketball program consists of 60 sectional, 19 regional, 4 semi-state, and 2 state championships in the team’s century of high school hoops. The Fieldhouse gets large crowds from time to time, most notably during sectional contests that as recently as March 2019, saw close to 10,000 people witness semi-final games. Food & Beverage 3 Four concession stands at each corner of the main concourse offer the same menu items. The selections are common at many other high school gyms scattered across the state and the prices are affordable. Hot dogs and nachos are $3. Walking tacos, coneys, and beef nachos are $3.50. Some breadsticks sell for $4, and pizza from local proprietor Mancino’s for $2.50 a slice. The always-popular popcorn and candy cost just $1, and Pepsi products are available for $2. Having four stands open is a great way to reduce lines and expedite orders. Atmosphere 5 Unlike other high school gyms in the state, fans enter at the top of the arena on the main concourse that also serves as an indoor track for physical education classes. The parquet wooden floor is sunken 25 feet below the ground and is surrounded by 24 rows of dense weathered wooden seats, forming an octagonal shape around the basketball court. This allows a chance to breathe in the amount of basketball nostalgia perforating throughout the building or take a moment to contemplate that you are in such a vast arena. The facility feels more like a monument than a basketball arena. It’s a tourist attraction in the same vein as Yankee Stadium, Michigan Stadium, or the Sydney Cricket Ground. A basketball game here is a community event, a gathering of friends, and a chance to mingle with neighbors throughout the night. The festivities start with the pep band, dressed in tie-dye shirts playing a collection of popular songs. The student section is adjacent to the band. They stand up before and during the game. The school’s mascot rushes onto the court with the players and cheerleaders in a warm-up that rivals any level of college hoops. The cheer squad laps around the court waving banners and performing cheers finishing with leading the audience in the pledge of allegiance before the national anthem performed by the pep band. Another tradition, if the visiting school brings along its mascot, is to have them stand back to back during warm-ups. The student section turns its back when the visiting five are announced. Glancing around you will see both home and away radio announcers at the scorers’ table, fans decked in school gear, and many tuned in to the action on the parquet court. Banners hang high above the floor and there are various photos, memorabilia, and other banners from the multiple sports teams that have represented the Trojans. The original center court hangs at the north end of the arena along with a photo of the town’s favorite son, Mr. Basketball Steve Alford. The legendary player played in front of packed houses of close to 10,000 before leading Indiana University to a national championship in 1987. His name is synonymous with the city. Neighborhood 3 New Castle is a town of 18,000 and the home of the Indiana High School Hall of Fame, which is located a few yards away from the Fieldhouse offering a stunning display of memorabilia and artifacts from the history of basketball in Indiana. Admission is $6 for an adult and you can glance over old uniforms, scoreboards, and banners, and browse through videos and photographs. If you are a fan of the movie “Hoosiers” the gym where it was filmed is located 16 miles away in Knightstown, Indiana. You might even be lucky enough to take a few shots on the court. If you are looking for a bite to eat there are various chain restaurants including Applebee’s, Bob Evans, and McDonald’s. Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken is a regional chain selling fried chicken. These places are nearby and located on the main drag in the town of SR 3, but the town offers a few local places that are worth visiting before or after the game. Weenie World is an eccentric dive offering coney dogs. Mancino’s dishes out pizza and grinders (sub sandwiches). Jack’s Donut Shoppe is an iconic destination that has been serving donuts and coffee since 1961; stop by the original location of a tiger roll, whitetail, or cinnamon tail. The Ice House is recommended for the steak sandwich or pork tenderloin and Montgomery’s Steakhouse is a popular mainstay down the road in Spiceland. There are a few local lodging options in town to choose from if staying overnight. The New Castle Inn, Steve Alford All-American Inn, Raintree Inn, and Garden Inn are located within minutes of the Fieldhouse. The Steve Alford Inn has a collection of memorabilia from his days playing high school basketball. Fans 5 A collection of fans can be found throughout the Fieldhouse. There are the old-timers who have probably been to every game since the building’s inception and can share a few good stories if you lend them an ear. The student body either spends their time rooting for the Trojans or walking around the track socializing. The rest of the fan base cheers with every bucket or rebound made by the home team. Even a few people are taking a couple of laps around the track which equals a quarter of a mile. There is a definite sense of community during the game, and a chance to talk to friends, family members, and neighbors. Access 4 New Castle Fieldhouse is five miles north of Exit 123 of I-70, but there are no signs for the Fieldhouse. However, look for signs for the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame which is only a few yards away on Trojan Way. Once inside the venue, all of the concessions, bathrooms, and entrances are located on the main concourse which is 25 feet above the playing court. Return on Investment 5 Tickets for adults are only $6 and there is plenty of parking in the six-acre parking lot. Being able to watch a basketball game in the world’s largest high school gymnasium is worth the price of admission. Extras 4 One extra point for being recognized as the largest high school basketball gymnasium in the world. That is something that the community should be proud of in New Castle. Another extra point for the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame is located next door to the arena. This is not your ordinary sports hall of fame. It is a fascinating facility with equally fascinating memorabilia from some of the sports legends including Larry Bird, Oscar Robertson, John Wooden, and Bobby Knight. The students put forth a wonderful effort throughout the game. The opening festivities during warm-ups emulate a college game atmosphere with players bursting through paper posters, the band strumming a beat, cheerleaders flipping up and down, and a frenzied student section. A final extra point for being a place that hosts more than just high school basketball. The Harlem Globetrotters, Indiana Pacers, Milwaukee Bucks, Indiana University, US men’s Olympic volleyball team, US Marine Corps Band, and various concerts have been played inside the gymnasium since 1959. Final Thoughts The New Castle Fieldhouse is rather rudimentary in design, but momentous in size. It commands your attention the instant you walk through the doors. The thick, dark brown wooden bleacher seats, parquet floor, and wrap-around concourse are further impressive. I cannot imagine that much has changed since the building opened its doors in 1959. It is a sports venue on par with some of the country’s greatest. _____ 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 Bulldog Park 451 W 52nd St Indianapolis, IN 46208 Butler Bulldogs website Bulldog Park website Year Opened: 1991 Capacity: 500 Let’s Play some Bulldog Baseball Bulldog Park serves as the home to the Butler University baseball team. It is adjacent to the track and field stadium, down the hill from the Butler Bowl, and a few yards down the hill from Hinkle Fieldhouse where the basketball team plays. Originally a multipurpose field, it was converted to a baseball diamond in the 1990s with upgrades to seating, a press box, and the addition of a clubhouse and batting cages. Bulldog Park is a very small venue with just 500 seats, but you are as close to baseball as you will ever be. Food & Beverage 0 If you attend a baseball game, bring food and drink. There was once a time when a small concession stand offered chips and drinks and, on weekend games, hot dogs. However, that does not appear to be the case anymore at the ballpark. The fans in attendance had coolers and picnic baskets filled with goodies, a few even had a few cans of ice-cold beer, but probably would be frowned upon since it's a campus facility. Atmosphere 3 A game at Bulldog Park is quite relaxing if you are a baseball fan. The 500-seat stadium is suitable for college baseball at this level and with its intimacy, you might fall in love with the game again. You hear every single word from the players during the contest from the infield talking during a play, teammates from the bench yelling at their peers to take an extra base, and a few choice words if either an error or a questionable call is made. The game I attended featured the center fielder from Fordham University breaking his arm as he made a diving attempt at a fly ball. Yes, I heard the bone snap, the player’s angst, and the sound of silence that gushed through the stands. All of the seats are bleachers on each side of the working press box, but there are a few single rows of park benches in front of the home plate. These benches are somewhat odd features to the ballpark, but a nice touch nevertheless. The setting in the outfield is of the residential Kessler-Meridian Hills neighborhood and if you wanted to park your car on the street and walk up to the game, you might just be able to do that at the spur of the moment. There is an ample parking lot that is located at the front of the stadium where spots are usually available for games. Neighborhood 4 The ballpark is in one of the city’s better sections and is probably one of the better reasons to visit the ballpark. College Avenue is located within a few blocks of the campus and it is full of local restaurants and bars to satisfy any palate. The closest restaurant is on campus called Chatham Tap. It is modeled after traditional English pubs offering burgers, sandwiches, wings, and pizza. It is also the spot to watch EPL football on the weekends or other matches from around the world. Twenty Tap has an abundance of craft beers along with a vegetarian Vietnamese sandwich, deep-fried cheese curds, and burgers served on a toasted muffin. If you are looking for somewhere inexpensive, there is Yats which specializes in Cajun-creole fare, and Fat Dan’s which customizes its Chicago-style food and offers up smoked chicken wings. The Bulldog is the official hangout of the Butler students. The pub offers the usual items of chicken wings, burgers, sandwiches, salads, and pizza in a casual environment with large-screen TV. The restaurant has a self-serve wine and beer menu that is quite creative; patrons are charged by the ounce. Fans 3 The fans that are in attendance are among the faithful or friends of either players or coaches. If you are at a Butler baseball game, you are at the game solely to watch baseball. The weekend crowds usually bring out a nice collection of Bulldog supporters to the stadium, many are friends and family members of the players, but the stadium does fill up nicely during the last home schedules of the year. This makes for an enjoyable game at the small ballpark with quite a few baseball fans. Access 3 The campus is situated in a residential area and if you are from Indianapolis, you know exactly where to find it. However, for an out-of-towner, it can be a little bit tricky navigating to and from the interstate. However, with GPS systems in our smartphones, trouble accessing the stadium may be a thing of the past. There is ample parking adjacent to the stadium and if that is full for whatever reason, your next best option is street parking or the parking lot a few yards up the hill at Hinkle Fieldhouse. Return on Investment 3 It does not cost a dime to attend a Bulldogs’ baseball game and this could be a hidden gem in the sports-rich city of Indianapolis. How many people do you think would plan a day around a Butler game during the spring? It may be a nice treat for many who might want to witness college baseball at its finest within easy distance of their homes. If you like your baseball without the distraction of whacky gimmicks, loud music, people milling around the stadium, or silly promotions, you might have found a great investment. However, it would be nice to have a hot dog and soda as I watch the game. Extras 2 The Butler campus is beautiful to walk around with historic buildings and pristine gardens; also, if you want to take a nice walk along the canal, it is a close trek to make for a beautiful day outside with friends or family. A second point for the relaxed lawn seating down the right field line in front of the bubble. Some fans will sneak in alcoholic drinks or pull up a blanket or chair with a picnic basket and enjoy the vibe of the game. You might even see little furry friends on leashes in this section as well. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel . Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com