Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Coleman Coliseum 323 Paul W. Bryant Drive Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 Alabama Crimson Tide website Coleman Coliseum website Year Opened: 1968 Capacity: 15,383 Yeah, Alabama! You will never mistake the pecking order of the athletic programs at the University of Alabama. However, this doesn’t mean that playing in the shadow of Alabama football takes away from the passion fans show for the university’s other athletic programs – on the contrary, it might help drive the passion for all things Crimson Tide. Basketball has been played at Alabama since 1912, when the team suited up as college basketball independents. They soon experienced a short stint as members of the Southern Conference, before finding their home in the SEC, where they have played since 1932. Coleman Coliseum opened in 1969, replacing Foster Auditorium, Alabama’s home court since the late '30s. Since its opening, the coliseum has been home to Alabama’s basketball programs, along with its gymnastics squad. Food & Beverage   3 Concessions at Coleman Coliseum are rather run of the mill; the menus at each of the stands are high on snack foods and a bit light on more filling options. Much of the menu includes chips, candy, peanuts, popcorn, and soft pretzels. The only options of substance are hot dogs or the B-Ball Banger sausage. Previous seasons saw a more expansive menu, but prices were substantially higher for those options. Possibly the most impressive menu here now is at the Rita Italian ice stand, which beyond the standard frozen treat serves custard cookie sandwiches, milk shakes, and frozen drinks. Soft drinks here are from the Coca-Cola family, including Powerade and Dasani bottled water. Alcoholic beverages include domestic and premium beers, hard seltzers, pre-mixed cocktails, and individual servings of boxed wine.   Atmosphere   3 From the outside, Coleman Coliseum bears a partial resemblance to the Roman-referenced coliseum, with a series of large columns framing the expansive glass windows of the main entrance, offset with brick structures and siding. The arena's large arching roof stands out, foreshadowing its grandeur beyond the doors. Upon passing through the front doors and into the lobby, the main ramp leads into the arena, revealing a sea of crimson seats set off by a light-finished court framed in crimson, with the trademark Alabama “A” superimposed over an outline of the state of Alabama. A small four-sided scoreboard hangs over center court, while halo screens encircle the top and bottom of the replay boards, providing real-time game statistics and advertisements. Installed in 2009, it appears that not much has been done to upgrade the scoreboard, but individual player statistical boards, as well as video replay boards, hang high from the rafters at each end of the ceiling. Despite some of the arena's physical shortcomings, there are several factors that enhance the game experience.    An impressive lighting package surrounds the scoreboard and is utilized throughout the game  to turn the arena a deep red, while  flames shoot up from pyrotechnic boxes during player introductions. Also, throughout the game there's a nice balance of the pep band, spirit squads, in-game host, and popular music. When looking at seating, try to avoid the extremes of any of the sections – t he highest reaches of the baseline seating at the visiting end of the floor have obstructed views of the scoreboards and action along the baseline. Similar challenges persist with seating in the corners of the lower levels of the seating bowl, as the wall supported seating at the ends of the floor, along with the basket stanchion, blocks the view of play in the opposite corner of the floor. The best option would be any of the seating along the sidelines. Overall, the arena atmosphere at Coleman Coliseum provides a highly engaging fan experience, in line with what would be expected for college basketball, for a highly competitive program frequently vying for top billing in the SEC.   Neighborhood   5 Coleman Coliseum, located toward the southeastern corner of Alabama’s campus and neighbored by Alabama baseball’s Sewell-Thomas Stadium , is a bit separated from the main concentration of extracurricular activities in Tuscaloosa. The surrounding area is heavily populated with off-campus student housing, along with chain and international restaurants. The Druid City Brewing Company Tasting Room is also just a short distance from the backside of the arena. The primary entertainment district of Tuscaloosa, known as “The Strip”, is just over a mile from the southeast athletics neighborhood. This area is full of Alabama apparel shops, restaurants, bars, and nightlife. Or, for those who might prefer a more subdued experience, downtown Tuscaloosa, across Queen City Avenue, offers a more mature vibe with watering holes, restaurants, boutique shops, and several hotels. About a 5-minute drive from downtown, just off the junction of I-20 and I-359, is another cluster of hotels and several chain restaurants. Tuscaloosa is a classic college town, where the university drives much of the heartbeat of the community. Visitors would be hard-pressed to find locals who are not somehow tied to the school, or who are not ardent supporters of at least one of the Alabama athletic programs – these ties go a long way in developing a sense of pride that permeates throughout the Tuscaloosa community.   Fans   4 The term “Roll Tide” is used around Tuscaloosa much like “Aloha” is used in Hawaii; fans commonly greet each other or end conversations with the phrase. This pride in all things Alabama runs deep throughout Crimson Tide County. While alumni and Alabama fans bring a great deal of passion to Coleman Coliseum, much of the credit needs to go to the Alabama student section, the Crimson Chaos. It's not just that the students of the Crimson Chaos stand the entire game, but their cheering, jeering, and otherwise doing everything a student section should do to create a home-court advantage adds a lot to the atmosphere here. Access   3 Interstate-20 and two US highways feed into Tuscaloosa, making Coleman Coliseum conveniently accessible for fans traveling from any direction. There is plenty free parking  in the area, the most convenient located in the Capstone parking garage along Paul Bryant Drive. Shuttle buses are also available to bring fans back and forth from the parking lots a bit further out from Coleman Coliseum. The Coliseum has entry points on all four sides, but most fans enter through either the main front lobby, or via the entry on the 2nd Avenue side of the building, where there is also a large pre-paid parking area. Narrow concourses contend with security screening and ticket scanning, making things a bit of a challenge to navigate. The concourse runs completely around the arena, and not in view of the court. The massiveness of the seating is broken up intermittently with crossways, but given the size of the seating sections, especially for seating at the end of the floor, it does not seem to be nearly enough.   Return on Investment   4 Ticket prices start at $30 for seats in the upper reaches of the seating area, which might initially seem a bit high. However, when considering there is free parking available, the $30 does seem to be a bit more palatable. Concession prices are typical of sports stadiums, so the inflated prices should not come as much of a surprise. Overall, basic ticket prices start at a rather reasonable rate when factoring in typical costs. However, make sure to check out the secondary market, because even after fees, those prices can still save you $10 on an individual ticket.   Extras   4 Even before heading into Coleman Coliseum, the Sarah Patterson Champions Plaza recognizes the founding of each of Alabama’s varsity athletic programs, with a brief history and recognition of the conference and national championships won by each program. Along the lines of points of interest even before entering Coleman Coliseum, the Paul “Bear” Bryant statue, located at the end of Coliseum Drive, primarily showcases the history of Alabama’s most cherished program throughout the years. Inside the concourse, fans are reminded of the legends of Coleman Coliseum with displays of past Crimson Tide stars, including Latrell Sprewell and Robert Horry, among several others. Also included are biographies of the careers of the current head coach, Nate Oates, along with legendary coaches C.M. Newton and Wimp Sanderson, found on the wall of the concourse not far from the main entry point. Each large photo is accompanied by a synopsis of the careers of each coach. Lastly, Alabama mascot Big Al is an ever-present part of the game presentation during timeouts and for halftime entertainment.   Final Thoughts The current state of basketball facilities has been a story of unfulfilled dreams – formal proposals for either major upgrades to Coleman, or a completely new arena, began to be made public in 2018, but any tangible progress has yet to become reality. Coleman Coliseum is at a point where real progress needs to be made for the sake of the future of Alabama basketball. Initially, thought was given to gutting the inside of the facility and rebuilding from the inside out, but that was in 2018, and those plans never came to fruition. More recently, plans have come together to completely replace Coleman Coliseum with what is currently referred to as “Competition Arena”; while plans for the new arena have been released, there is no projected date for when construction might begin. In its current state, Coleman Coliseum leaves much to be desired. Its saving grace is that fans do fill the arena with a great deal of excitement, and Alabama typically has a highly competitive team in the SEC. Given the upgrades many other athletic facilities have seen in recent years, however, the time has come to invest in the future of basketball at Alabama with a new (or at least improved) facility.

Photos by Gail, Dan, and Steve Ohnsman, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 Estadio Yldefonso Sola Morales 36-50 Calle Jupiter Caguas, Puerto Rico 00725 Criollos de Caguas website Year Opened: 1974 Capacity: 10,000 Estadio Yldefonso Sola Morales Some people claim “baseball is life.” In  Puerto Rico, that phrase is still true.  Named after a state senator,  Estadio Yldefonso Sola Morales  is located in a residential area one-half mile south of the center of Caguas (pronounced caw-gwas) and opened in 1974.  In 2017, Hurricane Maria decimated Puerto Rico, dumping 35.9 inches on Caguas. This interview with Pudge Rodriguez tells the poignant story: CAGUAS CRIOLLOS BASEBALL STADIUM | Good All Over.  Reggaeton music duo, Wisin & Yandel, purchased the Puerto Rican Baseball League team, the Criollos de Caguas, in 2022.  $2.8 million of FEMA funds led to a complete renovation of the stadium and field, including artificial turf, new lights/seats/restrooms.  The new owners had the artificial turf replaced with natural grass.   In the Caguas area, the word “Criollos” typically translates to “locals” or “natives.” Food & Beverage 4 Traditional “criollo” food is offered in several food stands:  assorted styles of fried chicken, empanadas, and fried dough.  Hot dogs have traditional toppings but are finished with potato sticks on top.   Ice cold Michelob Ultra beer is (sadly) the only beer offered at $4, and $5 Pina coladas are very popular.  Coke products are sold at this venue. In most cases, food prices are not posted. Atmosphere 4 We attended the league final championship series which likely affected the experience.  Most seats are plastic with comfortable backs, without cupholders, all located under a roof. Down the right field line, the last section has gray folding chairs.  The outfield background views are beautiful with gorgeous sunsets painting the skies in the evenings. All announcements are in rapid, loud Spanish. The music is loud. The fans all bring noise-making instruments and use them to the fullest! The mascot is very popular. He roars around on a golf cart and entertains the crowd between innings. The scoreboard is a bit disappointing as it only shows the line score and the at bat player's name and photo. Neighborhood 3 Set in a mostly residential area with very good street lighting, there are a few alternatives for a drink or a meal. Popular restaurants within walking distance include Raices for traditional meals, the Jungle Burger and Grill, Winker’s Sports Bar and Grill, and PYP Restaurant.  Located on the north side of town, the Caguas Food Park  is an excellent alternative for pre-game meals.  The Four Points Hotel and Casino by Sheraton is south of the stadium. Fans 5 Caguas fans are passionate, loyal and VERY loud!  Music is played loudly throughout the game accompanied by fans with their bam-bams, cowbells, airhorns and whistles.  During the championship series, the stadium was full each night and it was VIBRANT!  The fans are knowledgeable and fully engaged with each pitch.  Several songs played on the PA system elicited fan chants.  No programs are offered – they would be very helpful to fans with limited Spanish knowledge. Access 3 The nearest airport is located in San Juan SJU Official – Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport Puerto Rico and is a 45-minute drive to the stadium. Traffic flow before and after games can be slow; fans can park in an adjacent lot south ($4) of the stadium but we recommend getting there a little early to park on the streets.    In the stadium, a relatively narrow walkway between the box seats and general admission seats can get quite crowded.  Fans stop to talk with friends, bands wander while playing their music, so it is slow going.  Updated restrooms are relatively clean but lines form later in the game.  Security is quite efficient, though security staff do a quick body “pat down” at the gate.  Return on Investment 5 Puerto Rico has a long history of honoring senior citizens who can purchase tickets at half-price, even for championship series!  All food and beverages are quite reasonably priced.  Attending a game, especially a league championship game, is well worth the price in this baseball-crazed island. Extras 5 One point for the photos/descriptions of past players on the outside of the stadium and along the walkways.  Another point goes to the passionate fans.  Reasonable ticket, parking and food/beverage prices earn a point.  The recent renovation is a big plus. Finally, the beautiful views behind the outfield fence all contribute to a great experience. Final Thoughts We were very fortunate to attend all four games of the 2024 league championship series. The Criollos emerged victorious in 2024, going 5-3 in the best-of-9 finals. We arrived early so we could sit in general admission seats behind home plate.  We got to know a few local (criollo) fans and had a great time.  Due to the noise making devices, loud PA system and music, along with fan excitement, it was very loud, but certainly less than Carolina's stadium.  Half price senior tickets are a bonus.  If you are a baseball fan who visits Puerto Rico during the Liga PR league season, be sure to head to Caguas!

Photos by Gail, Dan, and Steve Ohnsman, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 Estadio Yldefonso Sola Morales 36-50 Calle Jupiter Caguas, Puerto Rico 00725 Criollos de Caguas website Year Opened / Año abierto:  1974 Capacity / Capacidad:  10,000 Estadio Yldefonso Sola Morales Algunas personas afirman que "el béisbol es vida". En Puerto Rico, esa frase sigue siendo cierta. El Estadio Yldefonso Sola Morales, que lleva el nombre de un senador estatal, está ubicado en una zona residencial a media milla al sur del centro de Caguas (pronunciado caw-gwas) y se inauguró en 1974. En 2017, el huracán María diezmó a Puerto Rico, arrojando 35,9 pulgadas sobre Caguas. Esta entrevista con Pudge Rodríguez cuenta la conmovedora historia: CAGUAS CRIOLLOS BASEBALL STADIUM | Good All Over.  El dúo de música reggaeton, Wisin & Yandel, compró el equipo de la Liga Puertorriqueña de Béisbol, los Criollos de Caguas, en 2022. $2.8 millones de fondos de FEMA llevaron a una renovación completa del estadio y el campo, con  césped artificial, nuevas luces, asientos y baños. Los nuevos propietarios sustituyeron el césped artificial por césped natural. En el área de Caguas, la palabra "criollos" generalmente se traduce como "locales" o "nativos". Food & Beverage / Bebida y Alimenticia 4 En varios puestos de comida se ofrece comida tradicional “criolla”: estilos variados de pollo frito, empanadas y masa frita. Los hot dogs tienen aderezos tradicionales pero están terminados con palitos de papa encima. La cerveza helada Michelob Ultra es (lamentablemente) la única cerveza que se ofrece a $4, y las piñas coladas a $5 son muy populares. En este local se venden productos de Coca-Cola. En la mayoría de los casos, los precios de los alimentos no se publican. Atmosphere / Atmósfera 4 Asistimos a la final de la liga, lo que probablemente afectó la experiencia. La mayoría de los asientos son de plástico con respaldos cómod os, sin portavasos, ubicados bajo un techo. A lo largo de la línea del jardín derecho, la última sección tiene sillas plegables grises. Las vistas de fondo de los jardines son hermosas, con hermosas puestas de sol que pintan el cielo por las noches. Todos los anuncios están en español rápido y fuerte. La música está alta. ¡Todos los fanáticos traen instrumentos que hacen ruido y los usan al máximo! La mascota es muy popular. Conduce alrededor en un carrito de golf y entretiene a la multitud entre entradas. El marcador es un poco decepcionante ya que sólo mue stra el resultado,  y el nombre y la foto del jugador al bate. Neighborhood / Barrio 3 Ubicado en una zo na principalmente residencial con muy buen alumbrado público, existen algunas alternativas para beber o comer. Los restaurantes populares a poca distancia incluyen Raices para comidas tradicionales, Jungle Burger and Grill, Winker's Sports Bar and Grill y PYP Restaurant. Ubicado en el lado norte de la ciudad, el Caguas Food Park es una excelente alternativa para las comidas pre-juego. El Four Points Hotel and Casino by Sheraton está al sur del estadio. Fans / Aficionados 5 ¡Los fanáticos de Caguas son apasionados, leales y MUY ruidosos! La música se reproduce a volumen alto durante todo el partido acompañada por los aficionados con sus bam-bams, cencerros, bocinas y silbatos. Durante la serie de campeonato, el estadio estaba lleno cada noche y ¡era VIBRANTE! Los aficionados están bien informados y totalmente enfocados con cada lanzamiento. Varias canciones reproducidas en el sistema de megafonía provocaron cánticos de los fans. No se ofrecen programas; serían de gran ayuda para los fanáticos con conocimientos limitados de español. Access / Acceso 3 El aeropuerto más cercano está ubicado en San Juan SJU Official – Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport Puerto Rico  y está a 45 minutos en coche del estadio. El flujo de tráfico antes y después de los juegos puede ser lento. Los fanáticos pueden estacionar en un lote adyacente al sur del estadio ($4), pero recomendamos llegar un poco temprano para estacionar en las calles. En el estadio, un pasillo relativamente estrecho entre los palcos y los asientos de admisión general puede estar bastante concurrido. Los fans se detienen para hablar con amigos, las bandas deambulan mientras tocan su música, por lo q ue el movimiento de la multitud es lento. Los baños actualizados están relativamente limpios, pero se forman lineas más adelante en el juego. La seguridad es bastante eficiente, aunque el personal de seguridad realiza un rápido cacheo corporal en la puerta. Return on Investment / Retorno de la Inversión 5 Puerto Rico tiene una larga historia de honrar a las personas mayores que pueden comprar boletos a mitad de precio, ¡incluso para series de campeonato! Todos los alimentos y bebidas tienen precios bastante razonables. Asistir a un partido, especialmente a un partido de campeonato de liga, bien vale el precio e n una isla enloquecida por el béisbol. Extras 5 Un punto por las fotos/descripc iones de los jugadores anteriores en el exterior del estadio y a lo largo de los pasillos. Otro punto es para los aficionados apasionados. Lo s precios r azonables de boletos, estacionamiento y alimentos/bebidas ganan un punto. La reciente renovación es una gran ventaja. Finalmente, las hermosas vistas detrás de la cerca del jardín contribuyen a una gran experiencia. Final Thoughts / Pensamientos finales Tuvimos mucha suerte de as istir a cuatro partidos del campeonato de liga de 2024. Llegamos temprano para poder sentarnos en los asientos de admisión general detrás del base del bateador. Conocimos a algunos fanáticos locales (criollos) y la pasamos muy bien. Debido a los dispositivos que hacían ruido, el alto sistema de megafonía y la música, junto con el entusiasmo de los fanáticos, era muy ruidoso, pero ciertamente menos que el estadio de Carolina. Los boletos para personas mayores a mitad de precio son una ventaja. Si eres un fanático del béisbol que visita Puerto Rico durante la temporada de la Liga PR, ¡asegúrate de dirigirte a Caguas!   Muchas gracias a Jim Minard por su ayuda con la traducción.

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.86 Streets of St. Petersburg 100 2nd Ave N Ste 340 St. Petersburg, FL 33701 Grand Prix of St. Petersburg website Year Opened: 1985 20 Years of Bayside Speed What more can be said about the Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, that hasn’t been said already? This really is the race that has it all – location, action and excitement, ease of access for fans, and now 20 years’ worth of history to lean on. Add to this the number of races you actually get to see over the weekend, and you have one of the most jam-packed race weekend schedules around. Perhaps the most impressive thing about this race weekend are the small touches that the event and its staff make seem like pedestrian occurrences at a traditional speedway. If you go to this race, you will want to come back. Without a doubt, this event has become a mainstay on the IndyCar schedule, and it has no real plans of going anywhere anytime soon. Food & Beverage   5 Fun fact: St. Pete is a foodie’s heaven hidden away in beautiful Western-Central Florida. The race itself has some of the most amazing smells and greatest-tasting food vendors at any sports event in the country – the sound of sizzling peppers and beef on the griddle mixes with the scent of fresh seafood as one walks the concourses and sidewalks of the downtown circuit. If you’re looking for something to eat, you will find it at the Grand Prix of St. Pete. There is a wide variety of traditional American stadium fare mixed with everything from Latin, seafood, European, and Asian food options. Freshly made gyros that cost less than $10? Yes please! In addition, the track whizzes past some brilliant food options just steps away in downtown St. Petersburg. In addition, even chain restaurants like Chicken Salad Chick have pop up food tents in the fan zone to satisfy your cravings. Another often overlooked thing that makes this race a must-see is that the vendors are spread out evenly throughout the track. No matter if you are in the RV parking area, resting along the waterfront, wandering the main grandstand behind pit road, or are deep in downtown’s Pioneer Park, there is food available all over the place. Add to that the wandering beverage sellers on golf carts that have everything from water to cold beer, and you are guaranteed to not have to look far to satisfy your palette. Atmosphere   5 The fans in St. Pete know their racing. When drivers were introduced during the most recent IndyCar race, they cheered and booed with the best of them. The races are also action-packed and easy to follow, thanks to the well thought-out layout of the track, which incorporates easy to access locations from both the inside and outside of the course, giving fans the best vantage point, no matter where you want to see the race from. In addition, the quality of the racing on track is right there with the best of them, as the big names of the IndyCar Series take the track, along with drivers in lower divisions craving the opportunity to show the world what they can do. Neighborhood   5 St. Petersburg is a growing city on the rise – it is a mix of vacationers, college students (USF has a campus literally steps away from the track), and professionals mixing with both city and suburban folks. In addition, the neighborhood around the track is evolving into a high quality of life location that features some of the best hole-in-the-wall eateries you can imagine, with traditional shopping and dining (CVS, Publix, and others are there to help meet your shopping needs). Hotels and resorts vary from motels a few blocks away to the beautiful Hilton in the heart of downtown, which puts you steps away from the main gate; there is also a SpringHill Suites and a Hampton Inn right next to the raceway. Fair warning though to all fans looking to book a room for the coming race: book them ASAP! Rooms go very fast, and the prices rise the closer you get to the event, for all locations near the course. From northern Tampa to Bradenton to the south, it is hard to find a room unless you have set it up over six months in advance. Not to be forgotten, the people here are gracious, kind, and welcoming, making even the most travel-weary fan at the races feel like he or she is right at home. Also, with the course situated right on the beautiful waters of the Gulf of Mexico, the beach is right next door to the track, just a short drive away. Often rated among the greatest beaches in the country, relaxation under the sun is easier here than ever. Fans   5 Rude fans won’t frequently be found here – this is easily one of the most family-friendly racing crowds anyone can find. Not only that, but they’re also series-intelligent; they know all the drivers, all the teams, and why each one is better or worse than the next. They also cheer at the top of their lungs, applaud close racing and impressive moves, and oooh and aaah throughout the weekend. Nobody cuts in line when waiting to cross the pedestrian bridges or when getting their favorite driver’s autograph either; as far as sports fans go, the crowds at St. Pete are among the best there is. Access   4 Access is the ONLY complaint one may have about the Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, but even with the limited parking, it isn’t hard to find a place to park on race day. This is helped by the large contingent of fans who arrive at the track via bike, as evidenced by the massive bicycle parking racks at the entrances, which are completely full by the time the main event begins on Sunday. Getting to the track is as easy as possible, with I-175 and I-375 branching off I-275, and literally ending on the street in downtown St. Pete that leads to the main entrance. How much easier could the location be to find than that? And if you don’t have a parking pass, there are plenty of local parking lots, garages, and metered spots that you can access; prices range from $10 to $40 depending on how close you want to be, but even the spaces right by the entrances average $20, which is shockingly low for a big event like this. Traffic may be the only deterrent here, as construction zones are constantly popping up around the downtown area as new buildings rise into the sky. Another incredibly cool way to get to the course is the free water taxi from the St. Petersburg Sailing Club – this short ride on a pontoon boat takes you from Demen’s Landing to the floating docks outside of the floating trackside bar. Once you arrive you can walk past the large yachts to another track entrance, and from there, a walk over the bridge drops you off right in the fan zone by the main pits. Return on Investment   5 Let’s analyze what you get for the price of admission (which can range from $50 to upwards of $100, depending on your ticket choice): You get some of the best racing in the business between six racing series (with multiple classes in the Pirelli World Challenge split into four total races over the weekend), and each series often includes more than one race over the event’s schedule. You also get to see the season opener for the IndyCar Series, the nation’s premiere open-wheel racing series. In addition, you get to watch this all in one of the most underrated beautiful cities in the country; how can you say no? Extras   5 Remember the small touches? This is what really impresses me at this race – when walking into the venue you are greeted by smiling track staff and volunteers who offer you colorful beads, a pack of sunscreen, a track and race guide, and a hand-held fan, all free! None of this is free at any other sports event you will go to. In addition, your ticket offers you free admission to the garage and paddock area for the Indy NXT, IMSA VP Challenge, USF Pro2000, and others, offering you up-close access to the drivers, cars, and teams. Also, the weekend features several autograph sessions for all the series, giving fans the chance to see their idols up close. Another awesome bonus is the myriad displays at the track – from the IndyCar Series fan zone to the various vendor activations, there is no shortage of fun things to do at the track. Perhaps one of the neater aspects of the race is the party patio on the water in the middle of the marina. A short walk over a pedestrian bridge and down onto a floating platform, this bar on the water floats along and is free to all fans in attendance. One of the best places to party, however, is the RV lot, located along the front straight at the airport. Yes, you read that right…airport; part of the course and garage area takes over a portion of an airport in St. Pete. Even cooler still, one of the runways remains open during the weekend, with everything from helicopters (you can buy rides in them during the race weekend), small private prop planes, and Coast Guard Blackhawks taking off and landing during the races. Also new for this year is a big concert on Saturday night – 2024 featured Brett Michaels on a stage in front of the fan patio near the Dali Museum, bringing with it a stellar end to a packed day full of racing. Final Thoughts The Grand Prix of St. Petersburg is still one of the best sporting events for fans in all of America, let alone just in racing circles. It is hard to beat the city, time of year, the product in front of you, and the fan access this event gives. In addition, it is also hard to find a race track with a better fan experience than the Grand Prix of St. Petersburg. This yearly event signals the start of the season for four racing series and the continuation of two others, all while fans watch under the warm sun and the sea breezes that St. Pete offers. Whether you’re watching from the balcony of a high-rise, the grandstands along the track, the walkway next to the Dali Museum, or the party platform on the water, you will be hard-pressed to find a better place to watch quality racing.

Photos by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 EAC Baseball Field 615 N Stadium Ave Thatcher, AZ 85552 Map It Eastern Arizona Gila Monsters website EAC Baseball Field website Year Opened: 1963 Capacity: 100+ Gila Valley Baseball The Eastern Arizona College (EAC) Gila Monster’s baseball team is an NJCAA – Arizona Community College Athletics Conference (ACCAC) member.  The team plays their home games at the school’s Thatc her campus in the Gila Valley of Eastern Arizona, nestled amongst attractive farms, ranches, hills, and Mount Graham.  The baseball team bega n play in the 1909-10 season.  They paused between 1927-33, and the team didn’t play during WWII.  The school discontinued the baseball program from 1982-96.  The college has played baseball continuously since the 1996-97 season.   The Monsters have not yet made it to any NJCAA championship rounds. So far, one player, Chris Mabeu, has made it to the MLB.  Chris played one game for the Milwaukee Brewers in 2006.  MLB has drafted thirteen other Monster players. Food & Beverage 2 EAC Baseball Field has a small concession stand that also services the adjacent softball and soccer stadiums.  It sells basic snacks at extremely affordable prices.  Fresh cooked hot dogs and nachos cost $3 ;  popcorn and candy are $2.  A pickle is $1.  For drinks, Pepsi products, water, and Gatorade run $2.  Fans can bring in their own food and drinks.  We recommend bringing several bottles of water as it can get hot on the stadium bleachers.  Atmosphere 3 The Monsters provide an enjoyable, relaxed game day experience.  EAC Baseball Field was completed in the fall of 1963.  The school replaced the bleachers within the last three years.  The seating is two sets of bleachers behind home plate, five rows high, with a handrail on one side of each bleacher set.  The bleachers sit far back from the backstop.  They do not provide any shade, so bring an umbrella.  Many fans bring their own chairs and set up shop in the shade, under the pine trees, on the third base side.  The backstop and dugouts are painted in vibrant purple (purple and gold are the team’s colors).  A new, sturdy, thin net protects spectators and hangs from dugout to dugout.  The scoreboard is a basic dot matrix structure in right field which shows the line score.  It can be a tad difficult to read when the bright AZ sun is shining full force. A PA announcer calls the starting lineups and announces players when they come to bat.  Not all ACCAC baseball fields have announcers, so it is a nice feature.  A container near the home plate  backstop provides roster she ets (for both home and away teams).  EAC Baseball Field Rosters, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Music is only played between innings, as it should be.  The volume is acceptable; fans can converse with their neighbor without yelling to be heard.  All nicely done.  Like all ACCAC ball clubs, the players groom the field after batting practice.  The field is a nice plush green made of winter rye grass.  The baselines have dirt.  Pine trees line the outer right field wall.  The majestic snowcapped Mount Graham provides a dramatic view beyond first base.  The stadium does not have lights, so the team only plays day games; seven-inning doubleheaders are common, with the first game starting at noon. Mount Graham, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Neighborhood 2 The town boasts a population of over 5,000.  Nearby hotels include Springhill Suites and Comfort Inn .  Several other familiar chains are three to four miles away. For places to eat, try Eagles Roost ( hearty breakfast and lunch choices), Kainoas Hawaiian Grill (authentic Hawaiian cuisine), or Gila Hank’s Café (on-site campus restaurant),     The best place for a beer or adult beverage is JD’s Corner Sports Bar & Grill. Nearby activities include Roper Lake State Park (natural mineral water hot springs, camping, and fishing) and Mt. Graham Municipal Golf Course.  Eastern Arizona College offers a variety of events, from theater to other sports matches.  Fans 2 Visitors at  the Monsters baseball games are mostly families and friends.   Several of the school’s other athletes stop by to support the ball club.  All are welcoming and friendly and cheer the team on well.  Gila Monster Fans Cooling Off Under the Trees, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Access 2 Thatcher, AZ is about a three-hour drive east of Phoenix, a little over two hours from Tucson, in the Gila Valley.  The closest airport to Thatcher is Tucson Airport (TUS) which is 86 miles away.   The best way to get to the venue is via automobile off US 70.  The baseball field is on the south edge of campus after the soccer field on Stadium Ave.  Plenty of free parking in a gravel lot is available on the first base side.  We recommend parking closer to the soccer field as spots nearer to the baseball field may be foul ball targets. The stadium has clean restrooms next to the concessions area.  Return on Investment 5 EAC Monsters do not offer a fee for watching a baseball game.  Concessions are inexpensive.  Rosters are available for no charge.   Watching America’s future take the time to play the game, support their teammates, and put forth a good effort on the diamond is a fantastic way to spend an afternoon in Eastern Arizona. . Extras 3 Eastern Arizona College is   Arizona’s first community college, founded in 1888.  No other community college west of the Mississippi goes back to 1910 for baseball. Having printed rosters and an announcer calling the game deserves additional mention.  Extra kudos goes to the helpful staff, athletic department, and marketing individuals. Final Thoughts Yes, it’s a bit of a drive from the Phoenix metro and even the Tucson metro area.  But if you’re looking for a few hours of unpretentious baseball with a community-oriented fan base, pack your sunscreen, water, and umbrella.  Then take a scenic drive to Arizona’s Gila Valley to watch the Gila Monsters.

Photo by Michael Davis, Stadium Journey It should come as no surprise to even the most casual of fans, but the Dallas Cowboys  are really popular. In virtually every corner of the country, and in a lot of places outside the U.S. borders, you’ll find die-hard fans of ‘Dem Boys – and now we have some quantifiable proof of this popularity. New data studied by online betting site CSGOLuck  revealed that the five-time Super Bowl Champion Cowboys were the most searched for team outside of the state of Texas. Researchers analyzed the Google keyword searches for NFL teams outside of their home state for all 50 states over the past year. Data that was utilized included individual searches for all 32 NFL teams, as well as searches for each team name along with the word “tickets” next to it. The Cowboys were far and away the most searched team, averaging close to 21,000 searches outside of Texas each month. Unsurprisingly, Oklahoma had the most fans, averaging 2,032 searches per month, followed by California – longtime home of the Cowboys training camp – with 1,938 searches. The team that came in second in this popularity poll was the Arizona Cardinals . Located in Glendale, Arizona, the Cardinals averaged just under 16,000 searches per month, with Missouri – former home to the Cards – being the state where they had the most fans, followed by Illinois. “The fandom for an NFL club is not limited within states but is widespread,” a spokesperson for CSGOLuck said in a news release. “Fans can develop an affinity for a particular team due to several reasons such as family ties, team success, player allegiance or a team's culture or style of play. Also, with increasing technology and media coverage, it is now easier than ever for fans to watch and support their favorite NFL teams regardless of where they live.” Coming in last in terms of popularity were the Indianapolis Colts ; the two-time Super Bowl champions averaged just over 1,600 searches per month. The nearby states of Illinois and Ohio produce the most Colts fans outside of Indy. Research results courtesy of CSGOLuck ----- Follow Eric Moreno’s Stadium Journey on Twitter at @EricMoreno6477 . Visit Eric Moreno’s writer’s portfolio site at ericmoreno.contently.com .

Photo by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey The NBA is the second-most popular sports league in the United States in virtually every measurable metric, trailing only the juggernaut that is the NFL. The NBA has become a global sport with millions of fans in virtually every corner of the globe. However, with that rise has come an exponential rise in cost for said fans. The experts at Fadeaway World  analyzed all 30 NBA teams to determine the most and least affordable teams for fans to follow. They determined their rankings by looking at the combined costs for tickets to a home game along with a team jersey, a 16-ounce beer, and a hot dog. When the numbers were tallied, the Memphis Grizzlies  came out on top as the most affordable team in the NBA, with games at FedExForum costing fans an average of $159.74 per game. The second most affordable was the Atlanta Hawks , with their games at State Farm Arena costing fans $164.38 on average. Rounding out the top five most affordable teams were the New Orleans Pelicans  ($166.62), Detroit Pistons  ($182.38), and Portland Trailblazers ($184.87).   “It is interesting to see how drastically the average cost differs for fans of different NBA teams,” said Nemanja Vukasinovic, CEO of Fadeaway World. “By calculating the average cost of a home game ticket, a unisex jersey, and the cost of a beer and hot dog at each stadium, we can identify which team’s supporters can expect to shell out the most money this season.”   On the other end of the proverbial spectrum, the New York Knicks  proved to be the most expensive team for fans to follow; games at Madison Square Garden cost fans an average of $334.74 to attend. The Golden State Warriors  were second, with games at Chase Center costing $332.50. The Boston Celtics  ($318.36), Los Angeles Lakers ($300.37), and Dallas Mavericks  ($269.74) rounded out the top five for most expensive. Photo by Brian O'Sullivan, Stadium Journey “The Boston Celtics are currently at the top in the latest Power Rankings, reflecting their high cost to attend their games, whereas the Memphis Grizzlies are currently 27th, hence their lower cost for supporting fans,” explained Vukasnovic. “It would be fascinating to observe any changes in these current prices as a result of teams moving up or down in the Power Rankings.”  ----- Follow Eric Moreno’s Stadium Journey on Twitter at @EricMoreno6477 . Visit Eric Moreno’s writer’s portfolio site at ericmoreno.contently.com .

Photos by Michael Davis, Stadium Journey The NCAA Men’s College Basketball Tournament, better known as March Madness, returned to Dallas, Texas in March 2024. The games were played at the American Airlines Center, home of the Dallas Mavericks and Dallas Stars . The American Airlines Center is not new to the NCAA basketball tournament, as just last season, the NCAA Women’s Final Four was played at the site. This year, the Dallas venue hosted the Sweet Sixteen and Elite Eight portions of the South Regional. The Sweet Sixteen portion was played on Friday, March 29th, where a single ticket allowed you to watch both games. The first game that night was the # 2 seeded Marquette Golden Eagles , from the Big East, versus a Cinderella story in the making, in the # 11 seeded North Carolina State Wolfpack , representing the Atlantic Coast Conference – the Wolfpack entered this season’s tournament on an unforeseen run by winning the ACC championship. Although the attendance for this match up was announced at 18,751, the crowd was more like 9,000, with a lot of the seats empty for most of the game. The Marquette and NC State fans, however, filled their portions of the arena, and were loud and kept the energy in the building. NC State started fast and was up 20-10 at one point, though Marquette keep fighting back to make the game interesting, but never did take a lead in the game; the Wolfpack advanced to the Elite Eight for the first time since 1986, by knocking off # 2 Marquette 67-58. The nightcap featured the # 1 seed Houston Cougars , from the host Big 12 conference, versus the # 4 seed Duke Blue Devils , and the American Airlines Center filled up to capacity for this matchup. The Houston fans traveled 4 hours along I-45 in hopes that this would be their year, with their Houston Cougars returning to the Final Four. Meanwhile the Duke fans came from all over, as Duke is one of the most popular teams in college basketball. Houston started out with an 8-0 run, and looked dominant, until an unfortunate 4-degree ankle sprain injury to Houston’s All-American point guard Jamal Snead, in the first half with 6:38 remaining, with Houston leading 16-10 at the time. After Snead left, the Duke Blue Devils saw and took the opportunity – Duke went into halftime with a 1-point lead. Houston’s defense kept the game close in the second half but looked lost at times without Snead on the floor, the result being a Duke 54-51 victory. The evening’s results set up an all-ACC Elite Eight game on Easter Sunday, March 31st. Houston’s loss had me wondering how the atmosphere and attendance would be for the Elite Eight game. Usually the higher seed fans, such as Houston in this case, leave town after the loss, meaning a less than filled arena for the next game. However, the NC State fans returned, the Duke fans multiplied, and other fans who just wanted to see a great matchup showed up; all three groups combined to come out and fill the arena. In fact, according to one source this game was the most watched Elite Eight game in the past 5 years. The teams put on a display of talent and heart during the game. Duke took the first half lead 27-21, after keeping NC State’s DJ Burns on the bench with early foul trouble. The second half was the DJ Burns, DJ Horne, and Wolfpack show, however, as the Wolfpack offense seemed to score at will, while the defense made stop after stop and forced Duke’s star Kyle Filipowski to foul out of the game. NC State’s Cinderella story thus continued, as NC State knocked off Duke 76-64. NC State’s storied run in this year’s tournament is drawing comparisons to one their own greatest March Madness runs, when the 1983 NC State Wolfpack won the National Championship against Houston’s Clyde Drexler and Hakeem Olajuwon’s phi slamma jamma squad, which is the last time an NC State team has gone to the Final Four. The road ends this weekend in Phoenix’s State Farm Stadium ; the Dallas winner is scheduled to play the Midwest region top seed Purdue Boilermakers from the Big Ten Conference, while the other game will be top ranked Connecticut  vs Alabama . Will NC State’s Cinderella story continue? I, myself, can only hope after watching them in Dallas – the odds are against them, but then again, the NCAA tournament is called March Madness for a reason.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.29 Gainbridge Fieldhouse 125 S Pennsylvania St. Indianapolis, IN 46204 Indiana Pacers website Gainbridge Fieldhouse website Year Opened: 1999 Capacity: 18,165 Indiana Boys Basketball State Championship The IHSAA Boys Basketball State Championship Tournament is one the nation’s most prestigious and highly attended high school tournaments that creates the fame Hoosier Hysteria annually. The first tournament was held in 1911 in Bloomington but has been a mainstay in Indianapolis for most of its history, and Gainbridge Fieldhouse since the dawn of the century in 2000. Since 1997, the tournament has been broken into four seeds (A, 2A, 3A, and 4A based on school size) which has created a heated debate on whether or not the state should return to one seed. There are pros and cons for both sides, but every March four high schools in the state are crowned champions with the same pomp and circumstance that other state champions preceded. The tournament is still one of the most highly anticipated interscholastic boys' basketball tournaments in the United States and perhaps the planet and records\ attendance figures continue to pack the BLF to cheer on their hometown team to victory. It is an experience that is headed and above other state basketball tournaments in the other 49. Food & Beverage 4 The food and beverage options have been updated at the fieldhouse and include new and familiar options. The Warehouse District BBQ and Three Point Taqueria are two options that offer fans something different at the game. The Indiana Kitchen offers lemon pepper and honey glazed chicken wings, short rib poutine, and maple bourbon sticks. If you are looking for familiar options then Fieldhouse Favorites has you covered. Hot dogs, nachos, chicken tenders, pizza, burgers, pretzels, and Pepsi products are all available. There is a value menu that features $4 hot dogs, $3 popcorn, and $8 PBR and Coors Banquet cans. A unique sweet treat is served at the Steak 'n Shake Milkshake Bar which offers cotton candy, mega M&M, and crazy chocolate brownie flavors. The Fast Break Market sells grab-and-go beverages and snacks. A nacho cart offers an array of toppings and Ben's Pretzels has long lines for freshly, made baked pretzels. The Crossroads Eats sells gourmet hot dogs. The Yuengling Flight Deck and the Jim Beam Bar offer beers, wine, and cocktails. It also has various TV screens and views of the playing court. Atmosphere 4 A state tournament game in Indiana is quite unlike any other experience you'll find in the 49 other states. With that being said, it can be a little bit daunting in an NBA-size arena to host a state championship, but surprisingly it works well, attendance figures are usually around 15,000 fans per game and most of the lower bowl seating area is full, especially for the last game of the night which pits the two largest schools in the state in terms of size and enrollment. There is a lot of unity at both ends of the seating Bowl with team colors being the norm for both participants. If it's a back-and-forth game you are bound to hear quite a bit of cheering, but if one team is searching for a late-game comeback that noise can be somewhat deafening from its fans. There is usually a student section that provides its brand of cheering throughout the contest. Bankers Life Fieldhouse itself is an exceptional place to watch a professional game as much as it is to watch a Collegiate and interscholastic game as well. The IHSAA logo is proudly displayed at Center Court and after each victory, a Podium is quickly set up we're both second place, and first-place medals are presented to each member of the team. This all cultivates with the presentation of the championship trophy to the victors. Neighborhood 5 The fieldhouse is in the heart of downtown Indianapolis and even closer to retail and restaurants than Lucas Oil Stadium down the street. The only problem is choosing which place to grab a drink or eat before or after the game. Located near the arena is the local favorite Kilroy’s Bar and Grill offers 40 flat-screen televisions, shuffleboard, video games, and their famous pepperoni stuffed breadsticks. Another fan favorite, Brother’s Bar & Grill, is a short walk and is another popular destination before or after the game. A few more favorite spots after the game that are near the fieldhouse are District Tap, Tequila Street Cantina, and Pier 48 Fish House & Oyster Bar. If you have some time in town I would recommend visiting the neighborhoods of Mass Ave. and Fountain Square where one can enjoy live music, craft beer, fine dining, and a little shopping at local retail shops. Mass Ave. is also home to the Bottlework District which recently opened and houses The Garage where multiple food and drink vendors offer an array of culinary treasures. Downtown Indy is also safe, clean, and easy to get around by car, foot, or mass transit. Local museums include The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, the NCAA Hall of Champions, the Indiana State Museum, and the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site. The riverwalk canal is also a nice spot for a stroll on a warm spring day. Fans 4 Fans far and wide travel to Indianapolis annually to root for their hometown team and it doesn't matter that they have to trek through snowy conditions, such as was the day of this final, or soggy weather. Even the smallest of schools make their presence felt, especially from the southern portion of the state where basketball is still a way of life. Fans usually congregate on opposite sides of the court and are loyal to school colors sharing every single point, south, or timeout made throughout the game with both cheers and jeers. The student sections themselves widely differ for each game, but still, lend their presence in the building. Access 4 The arena is easily accessible from the major interstates of 70, 65, and 465 with parking abundant throughout the downtown vicinity. After the game, leaving these facilities takes a little know-how of the one-way streets of Indianapolis, but signs are posted that direct customers to their desired route back home. Traffic moves smoothly during this time as well, as there are officers who are stationed to keep cars moving. The same can be said for moving around the building during the game. Bathrooms, entrances, and seating areas are well-marked. Return on Investment 5 Tickets to the state championship games are only $15 per person. The concession prices are varied and in line with venues of its kind. If your alma mater is playing for the state's grand prize, there is nothing like being there in person to root for these young heroes on the court. Alumni, student cheer blocks, cheerleaders, and mascots all up the ante during the games. You might even see a few major college coaches checking out future Divison I stars. Parking ranges from $10-$20 the closer you arrive to the fieldhouse. There are multiple parking lots and garages within a few blocks of the building. Meters in the heart of the downtown area operate from 7 am to 9 pm and charge $1.50 per hour. If you are somewhat frugal like me, there is free street parking in the Fountain Square District 15-20 minute walk to the arena. Extras 4 There is nothing quite like watching basketball in a small high school gymnasium, but the game works surprisingly well in the much larger, modern facility that is the Bankers Life Fieldhouse. The building itself provides wonderful aesthetics that begin in the main lobby and continue with vintage advertisements painted on brick walls. The collection of memorabilia showcases the building as a basketball-first facility. There is an impressive array of items from former professional clubs from the city, local high schools, and the major universities and colleges in the state. A great location near many bars, restaurants, and a few shops. The area is well-lit, clean, and safe. If you enjoy walking, explore downtown on foot. Final Thoughts Following the high school state tournament in Indiana can be quite the experience beginning with regional play, followed by sectional action, moving on to semi-state games, and then finally the state championships in Indianapolis. It is one of the oldest and still one of the best high school tournaments in the country; it's safe to say that Hoosier Hysteria is alive and well and still going strong. —— Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel . Email at marc.viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Foley Field 1 Rutherford St Athens, GA 30602 Georgia Bulldogs website Foley Field website Year Opened: 1966 Capacity: 3,291 Glory, Glory to Old Georgia Established in 1886, baseball holds the distinction of being the oldest sport played at the University of Georgia, the country’s oldest public university. Initially games took place at Herty Field situated along Lumpkin Street on the western edge of the campus, but before the university joined the Southeastern Conference, Georgia baseball relocated to Samford Field, the focal point of university athletics, where they shared the space with football , who called the field home in the fall. The baseball Bulldogs remained at Samford Field for 31 years before transitioning through various fields in the Ag Hill area of campus. In 1966, however, the Diamond Dogs would finally find a permanent home at Foley Field, named in honor of Judge Frank Foley, who was a member of the 1908 Southern Conference championship team and a lifelong supporter of UGA athletics. As a founding member of the SEC, the Bulldogs have clinched seven SEC championships, including the conference’s inaugural baseball title. They also boast 15 NCAA tournament appearances, with five trips to the College World Series in Omaha and an NCAA championship title in 1990. In many southern states, college baseball might rank second only to football in popularity among men’s sports. However, despite well-rounded support for all of Georgia’s athletic programs, the Diamond Dogs do get a large amount of support from the UGA faithful.   Food & Beverage   4 Concessions at Foley Field may not offer an extensive array of options, but they provide a variety of items at very reasonable prices. You will find the usual baseball game fare, such as popcorn, hot dogs, pretzels, nachos, and personal-sized pizzas, but can also find combo meals featuring burgers or chicken sandwiches. Given Coca-Cola's presence in Atlanta, it's no surprise that Coke products are the soft drink provider on Georgia’s campus, although for a unique Southern treat, boiled peanuts are also on offer. Recently, BBQ sandwiches from Georgia-based Williamson Bros. have been added to the menu. The main concession stands operate on a grab-and-go basis, eliminating the need to place orders; simply grab what you want and take it to the cashier. In addition to domestic beers, the concession stands at Foley Field offer premium craft beers from Athens local brewery, Creature Comforts, along with High Noon seltzers.   Atmosphere   3 Foley Field underwent significant renovations before the 2015 season, including enhancements to the front entry point, press box, upper and field level suites, and right field seating. The upgrades also gave the exterior a rather modern feel with the use of large, curved windows and a metallic-type finish. The exterior of Foley Field also nicely complements the nearby Stegman Coliseum . The stadium feels like it is part of the surrounding neighborhood, so much so that the limbs of the trees outside Foley Field creep over the upper rows of seats down the right field line, providing just a bit of shade for the uncovered seating area – this is a welcome relief since the stadium does not have much of an overhang to provide shade. When it comes to seating there are several different options; Foley Field’s seating ranges from club and suite seating to reserved and general admission seats in the grandstand. Note that the Garden Club Terrace seats in right field get fans into the stadium, but lack access to much of what the rest of the stadium has to offer – fans with tickets in these seats are sequestered in right field, unable to access the grandstand. In what seems to be becoming more of a rarity in college baseball, Foley Field boasts a fully grass playing surface, including the home plate halo, which is typically synthetic in college baseball. The natural grass is complemented by evergreen trees beyond the outfield wall. The main scoreboard at Foley Field provides fans with more than just the score; the HD-scoreboard displays a full rundown of both hitter and pitcher statistics, team lineups, and pitch speeds and exit velocities. For those seated in the right field pavilion, a basic scoreboard attached perpendicularly to the main scoreboard offers run, inning, and ball-strike-out information. Throughout the game, the UGA baseball marketing crew hosts games between innings, consistent with what one might see at typical minor league baseball games. Among the crowd favorites is a race featuring a milkshake, peach, peanut, and baseball. While the atmosphere at Foley Field is lively, given its full capacity, one might expect a more constant buzz in the air.   Neighborhood   5 Foley Field is situated on the outskirts of Georgia’s campus, bordered by residential housing, an elementary school off-campus, and several other UGA athletic facilities. Across East Rutherford Street from Foley Field are Butts-Mehre Heritage Hall, housing the football  command center, and Payne Indoor Athletic Facility – in the backdrop behind center field sits Dan Magill Tennis Complex, while Stegman Coliseum , home to Georgia basketball and gymnastics, can be seen beyond the left field fence. The bar and entertainment district on Broad Street in Athens is located just over a mile from Foley Field. With its high concentration of bars and restaurants downtown, along with the charm of the area, Athens is commonly recognized as one of the top college towns in America. A bit closer to Foley Field, Lumpkin Street has its own cluster of restaurants within walking distance – Cuban eatery Cali & Tito’s is worth a visit if looking for a bite to eat before heading to the game.   Fans   4 Georgia sports fans are known for their unwavering dedication to the Dawgs, regardless of the sport; if it involves UGA in any capacity, Georgia fans will rally behind it. However, while this fervor is deeply rooted in their passion for football , evident from the multitude of Georgia football jerseys and t-shirts seen at baseball games, it extends to all sports. Fans are responsive to calls to make noise and engage in each pitch of a crucial at-bat, "oooh" and "ahhh" for each swing and check swing from their big bats, and voice their displeasure at close calls not favoring the Dawgs, much like any devoted fan base would. However, where Georgia fans truly shine is in their embrace of the songs and traditions synonymous with Bulldog fandom. Fans of the Georgia Bulldogs are known for their passionate embrace of traditions and cheers. Much as Alabama  fans use “Roll Tide” as a greeting, the same is true for Georgia fans and their use of “Go Dawgs!”, ether the iconic chants of " Goooooo Georgia Bulldogs ! " or synchronized clapping to " Glory, Glory ". In addition, one of the newest traditions, occurring between the 8th and 9th innings, involves fans illuminating Foley Field with their phone flashlights during the " Krypton Fanfare " as the game moves to the final inning. Despite Foley Field being the smallest stadium in the SEC, Dawgs fans consistently fill the seats, creating a lively atmosphere; most SEC conference games are sold out or have limited seating options. Fan support for baseball also extends beyond the stadium to the houses atop the hill just beyond the right field fence, affectionately known as “Kudzu Hill”. These houses serve as gathering points for students and alumni, offering a unique game experience. Among them "The Green House" stands out, notorious for making things difficult for the visiting team's right fielder and creating a lively college atmosphere. Foley Field, though, does seem to lack the energetic atmosphere one would expect from its large student attendance. While students make up a significant part of the crowd, their impact on the game's atmosphere is somewhat subdued – the most supportive group of students, "The Spike Squad", recognizable by the spiked shoulder armor often seen at Georgia football  games, adds to the college game experience by trying to rally the Dawgs to victory. Despite occasional ups-and-downs with on-field performance, Foley Field consistently draws fervent fans eager to support their Bulldogs.   Access   3 Getting to Athens from the Metro Atlanta area on a weekday can be quite a test of patience; despite the relatively short 70-mile distance, the journey for a Tuesday or Friday game can take close to two-and-a-half hours for those coming from Atlanta. The most direct route is Interstate-85 to Georgia 316, which leads directly to Athens, while those coming from the north on I-85 may encounter slightly less traffic passing through Jefferson – accessing Athens from the east is most convenient via I-20 to US-441N. Parking for Foley Field is primarily located in the lot and parking deck behind the left field wall. While this surface lot is decently sized, it tends to fill up quickly. The Carlton Street parking garage is billed as free parking, but make sure to check signs for any parking restrictions. Be forewarned, however, that while parking spots behind left field might appear attractive, they are in a batting practice danger zone, as many home run balls find their way into the parking lot on the fly. Foley Field has three main entry points: the home plate gates and a gate along the third baseline provide access to the grandstand, while a right field gate leads to a small section of bleacher seating in the Garden Club Terrace. Remember that fans with tickets for outfield seats may find themselves sequestered in that area, which can be restrictive. Additionally, navigating the main concourse can be challenging, as the entry points to the field concourse only extend to the home plate side of each dugout, leading to congestion when accessing seats behind the dugouts or down the left field line. Overall, while getting to and around Foley Field is not overly difficult, it is just a bit more challenging than might be expected.   Return on Investment   4 Tickets to games at Foley Field offer reasonable pricing – tickets in the right field pavilion start at $5 for non-conference games and $8 for conference games and matchups against rivals like Georgia Tech  and Clemson , while seats along the left field line are priced at $20 for conference games. However, grandstand tickets are not readily available directly through UGA, unless purchased as soon as they go on sale in February. The best option for purchasing grandstand tickets would be through the secondary market, but they can be fairly pricey. Due to the seating limitations at Foley Field, tickets tend to sell out quickly, leaving sections in right field or down the left field line as the only options from the athletic department, if your visit is not planned well in advance.   Extras   3 Georgia does a good job at keeping the traditions of college athletics as the focal point of the experience – while the chants, cheers, and songs are kept at the forefront during all of UGA’s athletic competitions, baseball is no exception. In doing so, this creates a baseball experience that is unique to the college game. The outfield wall recognizes the on-field success of the Bulldogs throughout the years – included are the Dawgs’ seven SEC championships, six College World Series appearances, and their 1990 National Championship. In addition, the internal concourse looks at the individuals who helped write the history of University of Georgia baseball, from the stories of James “Big Jim” Wheatley and Spurgeon Chandler to the courageous stories of Jonathan Taylor and Chance Veazey.   Final Thoughts It can be difficult to compare Georgia’s baseball experience to some of the heavyweights of college baseball, simply because the gameday experience at those schools is nearly off the charts. What Georgia lacks when it comes to some of the fan amenities and spaces, however, it makes up for in the beloved traditions of the university that make it so special for alumni and others from around the state. By the start of the 2025 season, Foley Field’s grandstand will see upgrades along the left field line to include player development facilities, coaches' offices, premium seating, and a revamped entry point – these upgrades should go a long way in helping Georgia baseball catch up with the rest of the conference, which should also help in securing UGA’s spot in national college baseball relevance. Rendering courtesy of the University of Georgia Athletics

Photos by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 RGCU Field at Isotopes Park 1601 Avenida Cesar Chavez SE Albuquerque, NM 87106 Map It Albuquerque Isotopes website RGCU Field at Isotopes Park website Year Opened: 2003 Capacity: 13,279 Duke City Baseball Disclaimer: This is NOT a review of the Springfield Isotopes at Duff Stadium. For that, check this link. Albuquerque, NM (nicknamed the Duke City) has a long history of basebal l, beginning as far back as 1880, with teams playing in various B, C, and D leagues until the mid-1950s.  Most teams were known as ‘The Dukes . '  In 1964, the Los Angeles Dodgers purchased the existing team and moved them from the aging Tingley Field to the Albuquerque Sports Stadium.  The team remained the Dodgers affiliate until the end of the 2000 season. In May 2001, city voters approved a $25 million renovation of the existing stadium.  Construction crews razed and completely rebuilt Albuquerque Sports Stadium on the same site.  Business individuals purchased the floundering Calgary Cannons and moved that team to Albuquerque for the 2003 season as the Albuquerque Isotopes (affiliates of the Miami Marlins).  The owners named the new venue Isotopes Park.  The Isotopes again became affiliates of the Dodgers from 2009 – 2014.  In 2015, the team became the AAA affiliate of the Colorado Rockies when that team moved from Colorado Springs, CO. They are a member of the Pacific Coast League (PCL). Isotopes Park, officially known as Rio Grande Credit Union Field at Isotopes Park (RGCU Field), is nicknamed ‘The Lab,’ as an isotope is a science-related term.  It is a top-notch stadium to watch minor league baseball. Food & Beverage 4 The ballpark offers a decent variety of food.  Permanent concession stands and carts line the inner concourse.  Fans can carry one sealed bottle of water into the stadium. Permanent concession stands are: Batter Up! (burgers, chicken baskets, fries, nachos, flatbread, etc.) Pecos River Café (a variety of hot dog choices, Frito pie, etc.) Dions Pizza (pizza, salad, and more) Sante Fe Trail (green and red chile offerings, Hawaiian turkey leg, elotes, etc.) The Sweet Spot (ice cream, milkshakes, sundaes, etc.) Black Angus – Perico’s (New Mexican fare)  All kinds of kiosks line the concourse offering Dippin’ Dots, pickles, snow cones, green chili and Philly, Bananas Foster, wild game sausages, noodles, beer, mixed drinks, and vodka lemonade.  Most stands offer domestic beers and Pepsi brand sodas (beer $13.50 - $14.25, soda $6.50).  Craft Corner is a beer garden near the right field foul pole that sells several local New Mexico brews on tap. The concourse provides some drink rails to pause and watch the game.  The stadium could use a few  more of them for those who like to wander. Atmosphere 4 The Isotopes organization does most things extremely well, starting with their friendly, helpful staff, the gorgeous mountain view beyond right field , and th e superb public address announcer.  Green fold-down seats run from foul pole to foul pole, with berm seating in right field and a picnic pavilion in left field.  The sea ts in the high rows behind home and third base get the shade first for day games.  The first base side seating does not get any shade and is in the sun for the entirety of da y games. The Isotope dugout is on the third base side.  Nets run all the way down to just before the foul poles and are relatively easy to see through.  The only place to watch the game net-free is the berm in right field or the group picnic pavilion above the bullpens in left field.  The team installed a new scoreboard in late 2022, which measures nearly 35 feet high by 110 feet wide and features a 15HD pixel layout.  It’s one of the largest in the Pacific Coast League.  It portrays a wide variety of statistics:  the lineup for the team at bat, player at bat and photo, player season stats and previous innings results, pitcher information, time, temperature, and plenty of advertisements.  Sadly, I didn’t notice any closed captioning, which the previous scoreboard offered. For the 2024 season, the team purchased two new LED auxiliary scoreboards which are situated along the Club level façade on both the first and third base sides of the ballpark.  TV monitors, just inside the first and third base entrances, list the starting lineups. The announcer’s voice is clear and loud, and it is especially helpful that music is not played over her calls.  The team game day operation does a really nice job with that.  More team organizations should take notice of how the Isotopes do it here.  The batter’s eye is unusual – a cluster of live pine trees - rather than the traditional green wall.  Prior to the 2023 season, the organization had to remove the iconic center field ‘hill.’  The Isotopes did this at the request of Major League Baseball and the Colorado Rockies. Isotopes Park with Hill, Without Hill, Photos by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey The one thing that could improve the atmosphere is reducing the annoying noise snippets or songs between each and every single pitc h when the Isotopes are at bat.  I t’s not loud, but it’s certainly irritating.  It is more of a pleasure watching the visiting team bat because that doesn’t happen.  Neighborhood 4 The ballpark sits adjacent to Central New Mexico College and the University of New Mexico (UNM) and across the street from The Pit and other UNM Lobo sports venues.   It is a mile from the Nob Hill neighborhood, a vibrant area full of brewpubs, eateries, taquerias, pizzerias, local boutiques, and small art galleries.  Sounds from music bars fill the late-night air in this neighborhood.  For breakfast, try Frontier.  A hidden gem for Korean food is Soo Bak Seoul Bowl.  For authentic, tasty New Mexico flare, visit Cocina Azul – even the rice and beans are yummy.  Unbeknownst to the rest of the country, Albuquerque is a hopping local brewery town.   Recommended breweries close to Isotopes Park (though not necessarily within walking distance)  are 377 Brewing, Gravity Bound Brewing, and Marble Brewery.  But there are plenty more to visit. Things to see and do while in Albuquerque include Sandia Peak Tramway, Old Town Albuquerque, Petroglyph National Monument, ABQ Zoo and Botanical Gardens, and, of course, a ride in a hot air balloon. For places to stay when in town, plenty of hotels are available at the intersection of Gibson Blvd and Yale Blvd (about a mile from the park), ranging from La Quinta to Marriott brands to Holiday Inns, many with shuttles to and from the airport.  During baseball season, other sports in the area include New Mexico United (USL-C), and NM Lobos baseball and softball. Fans 3 Fans continue to come out in droves to visit Isotopes Park, especially on promotion days.  The Mariachis de Nuevo México promotion days g et near-sellout  crowds.  In 2023, the cumulative attendance total of 521,521 was the fifth most in all minor league baseball.  Because of the history with the Dodgers, attend when the team plays the OKC Dodgers , and you’ll see many Dodger fans in attendance.   Fans enjoy the game and the festivities at the ballpark. Access 4 Approaching and traversing Isotopes Park is relatively easy.  It is just a block off I-25 with plenty of nearby parking ($7) across the intersection.  Visitors or residents of Albuquerque may find it just as easy to get to via side streets versus getting on the interstate. Bus Route 16 drops fans off at the ballpark.  An Amtrak Station is about 2 miles from Isotopes Park.   The closest airport is the Albuquerque Sunport Airport, about a 5-minute drive to the ballpark.   The gates open an hour before the first pitch.   Three entrances are available, with the one behind home used only for those with club or VIP tickets.   Fans are required to use clear plastic bags, no backpacks.  The concourse gets quite crowded behind home plate but opens up nicely down the lines.  Patrons can walk the entire concourse circumference.   Fans must cross a small bridge to complete the circle (fans afraid of heights and such things may find this difficult). Re-entry is not permitted. Local law officials do a fantastic job moving cars out of the parking lots after the game.  All restrooms have baby changing tables.  The stadium has family restrooms on the first base and third base concourse and the Club level. Return on Investment 5 Ticket prices vary : Club level $28 - $33, Box level $18 - $23, Reserved level $16 - $21, Berm $10 - $13 (sold on game day only).  Save $4 and purchase tickets in advance.  Kids (ages 2 to 12), seniors (65+), and military get $2 off.  Add an additional $5 for Cinco de Mayo game day tickets.  These prices are lower than some AAA teams and higher than others.   Buying tickets in advance and attending on weekdays wil l get you l ower prices.  Concession prices are about average as well.  And, if attending on a promotion day, fans may leave with a little goodie or see fireworks or mariachi.  It’s a fun time here.   Attending a game is a great sports entertainment investment. Extras 4 Some other items are worth noting.  A Hall of Fame is inside the entry to the Club level.  It displays plaques and trophies of notable Albuquerque sports individuals.  Unfortunately, it is only available for those w ith Club level tickets. The remarkable Sandia Mountain view is one your eyes will be drawn to throughout the game.  The history of the team’s name is unique.   It comes from the TV series The Simpsons in which Homer Simpson attempts to foil the fictional “Springfield Isotopes” baseball team’s plan to move to Albuquerque.  The concourse at Isotopes Park features four of The Simpson’s  characters to tie in the theme. The Isotopes installed a new LED lighting system for the 2024 season.  The lights strobe white and red after an Isotopes player hits a home run.   It’s pretty cool.  New murals have been painted along the concourse wall and include several references to Albuquerque and New Mexico.  Final Thoughts Isotopes Park is an amazing venue to take in a ballgame. The view is spectacular, the prices are reasonable, and the entertainment is enjoyable.  It’s close to the airport, so if in the Southwest, make a special trip to Isotopes Park.

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.43 Mercedes-Benz Stadium 1 AMB Drive Atlanta, GA 30313 SheBelieves Cup website Mercedes-Benz Stadium website Year Opened: 2017 Capacity: 42,500 Mercedes-Benz Stadium – SheBelieves Cup The SheBelieves movement was launched in the months leading up to the United States Women’s National Team’s (USWNT) 2015 World Cup victory, a team that may have cemented U.S. women’s soccer as the elite team in international play. It was this team that many feel launched the USWNT into prominence as the face of female empowerment  in the world of sports. The goal of the SheBelieves movement is to “inspire new generations of young girls and women to be better and strive for better”. It also strives to encourage “young girls to carve their own path” and “empower girls to reach their dreams”. United States Women’s National Team veteran forward Alex Morgan calls herself fortunate to play in the SheBelieves Cup, where she can empower the next generation. Those comments were also reflected by National Team newcomer Jaedyn Shaw, who recollects being inspired by the US team at the 2020 SheBelieves Cup in her hometown of Frisco, Texas. Considered an international friendly, the SheBelieves Cup results have the least impact on a country’s FIFA world ranking.   Food & Beverage   5 When Mercedes-Benz Stadium initially opened, a priority was put on providing fans with a wide variety of concessions at the lowest prices possible. $20 can get fans all the following: a chicken tender basket with fries, a hot dog, a slice of pizza, pretzel, bag of popcorn, nachos with cheese, and a refillable Coca-Cola product. Wanting a bit more? Getting just a beer and hot dog will only set you back $7. Mercedes-Benz Stadium also gives fans what seems like an endless selection of high-end food options – there are nearly 35 different concession stands, and more than 25 bars throughout; choices run the gamut from Asian, BBQ, Jamaican, specialty burgers, pizza, and even vegan options, just to name a few. In addition, fans have the chance to experience several local and regional eateries all in one place – this includes Southern-Korean-Mexican infusion dishes at SO:KO:ME, Williamson Brothers BBQ, burgers from the legendary Holman & Finch and Farm Burger, and Papi’s Cuban Grill. Mercedes-Benz Stadium also recently partnered with Atlanta brewery Sweet Water Brewing Company, not just to sell Sweet Water products but also to establish two bars around the stadium, one located at the 100 entry level and a second on the upper 300 level. In addition, as part of the branding of the SheBelieves Cup, US Soccer has partnered with Truly hard seltzer for their product to be sold in SheBelieves Cup-designed cans. It would be difficult to ask for more when it comes to stadium concessions; Mercedes-Benz Stadium delivers on both by providing a wide variety of options at extremely reasonable prices.   Atmosphere   4 With the popularity of soccer and the United States Women’s National Team being at an all-time high, the ability to fill a venue the size of Mercedes-Benz Stadium creates an exquisite atmosphere for an international event such as the Shebelieves Cup. Mercedes-Benz Stadium uses a series of overlapping triangles to create a modern feel, while complementing the eight-panel roof that can rotate open to become an open-air stadium (although the roof typically remains closed). Within the roof structure, the facing of its opening is used for the halo board that serves at the stadium’s scoreboard, and also provides an in-match video feed of the game that highlights fans and add other bits of entertainment around the concourse. Stadium architect HOK designed the stadium with a 16-story front window that serves as a “window into the city”, putting Atlanta’s skyline prominently on display, and the glass construction does just that – the eastern side of the building serves as the front door to the facility and gives fans amazing views of the area. As prescribed by international soccer standards, natural grass is installed for the SheBelieves Cup rather than playing on the synthetic sport turf that is standard in Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The nature and flow of a soccer match doesn’t really lend itself to mid-match entertainment, but during half time and in the time between matches, the in-house DJ plays popular hits as fans, mostly the younger fans in attendance, dance on the “dance cam” of the halo board. The time is also used to feature pieces highlighting the SheBelieves Cup’s mission of inspiring young girls to envision their greatest imaginable life goals, and dream of realizing them. One of the issues with hosting two matches at this cup is that attendance takes a significant hit during the match which doesn’t involve the United States – it does seem rather counter-intuitive to have the US team play first, making the first match sort of the main event, leaving the stadium virtually empty for the second match. Despite the second match in such a large stadium having much of the energy sucked out of it, supporters of the remaining international teams are still every bit as passionate in cheering for the soccer heroes and legends of their home nation.   Neighborhood   5 Mercedes-Benz Stadium, in the heart of downtown Atlanta, sits just to the west of State Farm Arena . The area is thriving with points of interest and entertainment; a short walk from the facility’s front entrance are Centennial Olympic Park and the Georgia Aquarium, the largest aquarium in the United States. Directly across from the aquarium is the World of Coca-Cola, a museum dedicated to telling the history the Atlanta founded soft-drink company. Given Atlanta’s role in the fight for civil rights, several points around the city pay honor to the struggle – the National Museum of Civil and Human Rights is on the northernmost edge of the park. Also, in the nearby Sweet Auburn neighborhood visitors can find the Martin Luther King, Jr. Center, Dr. King’s birthplace, and the Ebenezer Street Baptist Church. The area just outside the gates of Mercedes-Benz Stadium is currently undergoing a makeover, as the area known as “The Gultch” is being transformed into the $5 billion development known as “Centennial Yards”. With a projected completion date of 2028, two-thirds of the buildings will be ready in time for when the World Cup comes to Atlanta in 2026, and the rest will be under construction by that time   Fans   5 When it comes to supporting your country, there is a level of pride and collectivism that brings communities together. The pride in our country, and the Women’s National Team that represents it, comes with an elevated sense of fandom. Soccer fans might be some of the most diverse and inclusionary of any of the major sports. What tends to be refreshing about fans of the USWNT is they are extremely supportive of team members, with a great deal of that support coming from the demographic that is the future of women’s soccer in the United States. A stadium with more than 50,000 fans holds their collective breath as the ball enters the penalty area, waiting to exhale and react depending on the outcome of the try. Fans also release a stadium-wide gasp for a ball that sails just wide of the goal, or erupt into celebration when the ball finds the back of the net. The United States National Team supporters, dubbed the “ American Outlaws ”, definitely are a supportive bunch, often starting up and leading many of the chants throughout the match. Their chants and drum beating throughout helps to add to the festive atmosphere of international soccer. The attendance of 50,644 for the 2024 semi-finals of the SheBelives Cup set a record for the largest attendance for a US women’s soccer friendly on US soil in history – Atlanta has proven that the American version of football is not the only one of interest in the city and its surrounding communities. Access 4 With Mercedes-Benz Stadium’s location in downtown Atlanta, it can create some hurdles getting to the area. In a city of this size, events here can be just one of several events happening around Atlanta that day.  Also, adding to the challenge is that there is only so much parking available at the stadium, and it can get expensive. Given these challenges, using Atlanta’s subway system, MARTA, might make the most sense - the availability of MARTA at Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson Airport even gives fans flying to Atlanta the flexibility of not needing a vehicle to enjoy the attractions in Downtown Atlanta. Bottom line is when bringing so many people to one location, inevitably it will create some headaches that require a bit of patience to deal with.   Return on Investment   3 Tickets for the semi-finals give fans access to two matches and start at $40, but once Ticketmaster fees are applied the base ticket price jumps to nearly $60. For two matches this is a good deal, but it is disappointing that ticket prices get so inflated with fees. The best bet might be to look on the secondary market, where prices tend to be slightly lower than the face value. Parking in the area can get a bit pricy, adding to the cost. General lots around the stadium can run as much as $60 per car, with some discounted to $30. If you are willing to walk a bit, spaces around Centennial Olympic Park can be had for closer to $20, however. One source of financial relief can be found at the concession stands, which have a designated menu of highly affordable options. Each fan can probably have enough food to keep them full for under $20.   Extras   5 In the weeks following the SheBelieves Cup finals, the USWNT hosts the SheBelieves Summit , which is designed to provide college students and young professionals with both networking opportunities and access to panel discussions, to help positively shape their careers. The importance of what the SheBelieves Cup represents for the youngest fans of the USWNT is not lost on the players. Many players discuss the impact the event has in encouraging young women and girls to reach their dreams, athletic or otherwise. The concourse at Mercedes-Benz Stadium does a good job of establishing a stadium feel that doesn’t make it feel like soccer is just being shoehorned into a football stadium  – a series of soccer-specific displays and promotional features give fans the feeling that soccer has a home in this facility. The excitement created by the American Outlaws goes a long way in creating a fun, international soccer atmosphere throughout the stadium. In December of 2023, the United States Soccer Federation announced they would be moving  U.S. Soccer’s training center to the community of Fayetteville, just south of Atlanta. In doing so, US Soccer is establishing roots in metropolitan Atlanta that will reach further than just the south Atlanta metropolitan area; an official groundbreaking occurred in April 2024, with the completion of Arthur M. Blank U.S. Soccer National Training Center slated for 2026, in time for the World Cup coming to the city.   Final Thoughts The chance for fans young and old to cheer on long time USWNT heroes Alex Morgan, Mallory (Pugh) Swanson, and Lindsey Horan, as well as the heroes of tomorrow in Jaedyn Shaw, Olivia Moultrie, and Sophia Smith, is an opportunity that can create everlasting memories for the youngest of fans. In addition, the experience of witnessing some of the top athletes in the word, while representing the soil on which they play, is an extremely special experience that can be difficult to turn down, even for the casual soccer fan.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57 Lady Pirates Softball Stadium Emancipation Drive Hampton, VA 23669 Hampton Pirates website Lady Pirates Softball Stadium website Year Opened: 1988 Capacity: approx. 500 All Ahoy for Pirate Softball! Hampton University is a historically black college (HBCU) located in Hampton, Virginia, in the southeast portion of the state. The school was founded in 1868 and is considered one of the Black Ivies. Hampton’s athletic teams, the Pirates and Lady Pirates, previously competed in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference MEAC) along with many other HBCUs. However, in 2018, the school moved to the Big South Conference. before moving to the Coastal Athletic Conference (CAA) in 2022. Hampton's softball team plays at the appropriately named Lady Pirates Softball Stadium. This turf field on the Hampton campus is a small, intimate environment. Originally a grass field, it was later converted to artificial turf. Food & Beverage 0 There is no food or drink for sale at the Lady Pirates Softball Stadium. Fans are free to bring their own, and many do. Atmosphere 3 Walking into the Lady Pirates Softball Stadium will put you on a concourse of sorts, although there is not much here other than restrooms and some storage areas. From there, you will walk up steps or a ramp to the seating area. Several sets of bleachers are arranged around home plate. As there are only a few rows, you will have an excellent view of the action anywhere you sit, though you will be watching from behind a net due to the proximity to home plate and speed of the balls off the bat. A scoreboard in the outfield also shows the linescore for up to ten innings, even though softball is typically only seven notwithstanding extra innings. Music is played during breaks in the action, although not intrusively. There is energy from the crowd and the players in the dugouts, but in terms of what the team provides, this is a pretty standard experience. Neighborhood 3 Lady Pirates Softball Stadium is located on the Hampton University campus, so you will have to travel at least a little bit to find much of anything. The campus is bounded by a highway on one side and water on the others, so there is not much nearby other than a small strip mall with a few places to grab a quick bite. Your best option is to drive a few miles to the Coliseum area. In addition to the Hampton Coliseum itself, you will find many hotels and restaurants. The Coliseum neighborhood is nice enough, but its distance from campus is a downside in this category. The City of Hampton Hampton is at the tip of the Virginia Peninsula, sometimes known as the Lower Peninsula to avoid confusion with Virginia's Middle and Upper Peninsulas, but most often known locally as simply "The Peninsula". It is part of the Hampton Roads area, which can refer to both the region as a whole and the harbor that divides it. Across the harbor, you will find Norfolk, and beyond that, Virginia Beach. If you go to a game late in the season, you can drive about 40 minutes down I-64 to the beach and make a weekend getaway out of it, but early in the season, the weather and water temperature will not be desirable. Fans 3 The Hampton Lady Pirates typically draw a couple hundred fans a game, although in the small stadium, it can feel quite full. While they are small in number, Hampton fans bring the passion, constantly shouting and cheering the team and individual players. Many of them are friends and family of the players, but there are some locals as well. At big moments such as after Hampton RBIs, it can get quite loud in here with all the fans cheering wildly. Expect Lady Pirates fans to bring the passion for the full seven innings here. Access 4 Getting onto the Hampton campus is extremely easy. Take Exit 267 off Interstate 64, head straight through the light at the end of the exit ramp, and you’re already on campus. Parking is available in a large lot near the Convocation Center across the street from the stadium. There is a small lot right next door that some GPS apps will try to direct you to, but this is reserved for gameday personnel such as umpires and you are not allowed to park there. The Convocation Center lot has more than enough spaces, however, and it is clearly signed where softball fans should park. Once inside, it is easy to move around up and down the aisles and stairs, and there are wheelchair-accessible seats at the bottom of the bleachers. Restrooms are on the concourse and are of a more than sufficient size from the crowd. Return on Investment 5 Admission to Hampton softball games is free, and there are no other costs associated with attending beyond parking. As a result, a game here is a great value. Extras 0 There are no real extras here. It is a pretty basic experience. . Final Thoughts Hampton softball may not have the fanciest stadium, although it is certainly fancier than some. However, where the experience excels is in the Lady Pirates' loyal, passionate fans. They are not the largest in number, but they are mighty and passionate. Softball fans in the Hampton Roads area may want to head to the Peninsula to check out the Lady Pirates Softball Stadium.

Photos by Richard Smith Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Beldon Field 1021 Dulaney Valley Rd. Towson, MD 21286 Goucher Gophers website Beldon Field website Year Opened: 2009 Capacity: 1,000 Home Of The Gophers Goucher College is a former all-women’s college located in Towson, Maryland, a northern suburb of Baltimore. The college opened in 1885 as the Women’s College of Baltimore City changed its name to its current name in 1910 and went coed in 1986. Goucher moved to its present suburban location northeast of the county seat of Towson in Baltimore County in 1953. The college is named in honor of its founding member, John Goucher, and his wife, Mary Fisher Goucher. Goucher College is a private co-educational liberal arts college. It was originally affiliated with the Baltimore Conference of Methodist Episcopal Church but currently has no real church affiliation. The college has approximately 1,480 undergraduate students studying in 33 majors and 1,200 students studying in graduate programs. Notable alumni include Rear Admiral, U.S. Navy, Chaplain of the United States Marine Corps Margaret G. Kibben, Maryland State Delegate John A. Olszewski, Jr., and frequent John Waters actress Mary Vivian Pearce. Goucher athletic teams are known as the Gophers. The college competes in NCAA Division III as part of the Landmark Conference. Beldon Field opened in 2009. It is the home of men’s and women’s soccer, men’s and women’s lacrosse, and field hockey. This review is for the women's lacrosse team. Food & Beverage 0 There is no permanent food stand at Beldon Field. Fans should make certain to eat before or after the game as this arena is not a good place for food concessions. Atmosphere 4 There is a pleasant, simple grandstand at Beldon Field. Additional seating is along the hills surrounding the venue. You will find a variety of seating options. The field is in a little bowl or meadow, and sound travels extremely well within the area. This creates a lovely little atmosphere so that even small crowds sound rather lively. Neighborhood 4 The Goucher College campus has been used for a few scenes in the Netflix series House of Cards, so expect to recognize the stone buildings from a few scenes there. Towson is a semi-urban environment with a large shopping mall and numerous restaurants in the area. Try the Charles Village Pub in the heart of downtown Towson for good food and drinks. Some other great options are The Crease, Glory Days Grill, Sushi Hana, and Zia’s. Baltimore is also a quick drive away. Check out the Federal Hill neighborhood, south of the Inner Harbor. There are a few fun restaurants and bars here. Abbey Burger Bistro is one great choice. The beer selection is good, and they offer a dizzying array of burger choices, which are all likely to satisfy. Fans 3 Most of the fans are friends and family of the players with a few scattered students attending. Access 4 Goucher is located right off the Baltimore Beltway/I-695. The only negative is that Towson is a busy area and traffic can be bad at some times. The college itself is pretty and quite suburban. You will find plenty of parking close to the arena, although a night game may mean that parking could get tight at times. Return on Investment 5 The games are free to attend. So, although the level of play is quite low, the free parking and admission make this a fantastic value for sports fans. Extras 2 Goucher College has a little athletics hall of fame located in the Decker Sports & Recreation Center Arena lobby. The pretty little campus is a nice extra in itself. Final Thoughts Beldon Field is a pretty basic, low-level sports field located in a nice suburban setting near Baltimore. It is not worth making a trip just for a Goucher Gophers game, but if you are in the area, you will enjoy the game for its low level of investment.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.43 Dover International Speedway 1131 N Dupont Hwy Dover, DE 19901 Dover International Speedway website Year Opened: 1969 Capacity: 95,500 Monster Racing Dover International Speedway (formerly Dover Downs International Speedway) opened in 1969. The track features one layout, a 1 mile (1.6 km) concrete oval, with 24° banking in the turns and 9° banking on the straights. The speedway is owned and operated by Dover Motorsports. It is a a multi-purpose facility, as it also hosts a harness race track in the speedway’s infield, as well as the Dover Downs Hotel & Casino. The harness horse racing is a .625-mile gravel track, while the NASCAR racing surface is a 1 mile concrete surface. The racing surface is known as being fast, tight and extremely brutal on cars and drivers. Dover Motorsports, Inc. is a company that also owns Gateway International Raceway in Madison, IL, Memphis Motorsports Park in Millington, TN and Nashville Superspeedway in Lebanon, TN. Dover Downs Gaming & Entertainment is a separate company that owns the harness race track and the gaming facility, although they were all one company at one time. The track, nicknamed “The Monster Mile,” had its first race on July 6, 1969, when the Mason-Dixon 300, was won by Richard Petty. The most wins at the track were by Jimmie Johnson with 10, but Mark Martin has been the most consistent driver in track history with 24 Top 5 finishes and 33 Top 10s. Food & Beverage 5 The normal food stands within the race track are standard event food: hot dogs, burgers, chicken nuggets. And there are plenty of beer options. The prices are not super high, but not cheap enough to gorge yourself. But these stands do not tell the whole story. Around Victory Plaza and the whole fan experience area there are numerous food trucks and food tents offering a large variety of food options, often at great values. Grotto Pizza, the DelMarVa Peninsula’s famous pizza option has a truck selling pizzas by the slice. I have never personally cared for the offerings of Grotto, but the long lines will say that I am in the minority. If you do not like one option keep moving as there are quite a few others. Italian sausage is always a winner for me and the options are quite delicious. Dover International Speedway - Grotto Truck, Photo by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey You can also bring your own food into the track. They have to be in a NASCAR approved cooler. Check with the track’s website pre-race to make sure what you try to bring in meets the requirements. Bringing in a personal 6-pack is tradition for a day of racing at Dover. Atmosphere 5 NASCAR races are extremely loud. Did I say LOUD? Yes, they are loud, so bring good ear protection as you will need it. The seating areas are not especially exciting. Expect to be on large metal bleachers that sit far and high from the track. The amount of seating will astound you although there has been some lowering in numbers recently because of some dips in attendance. The atmosphere surrounding race weekend is almost like no other. You will become immersed in a culture and event that you may have never witnessed before. Fans love their drivers and their car manufacturers. The fervor is amazing. Check the track’s website as there are pre-race concerts, events and autograph sessions galore. The Fan experience area has interactive booths and demonstrations from various vendors and sponsors. Expect to be offered free barbecue ribs from one booth while being offered chewing tobacco at the next. It is like a state fair on some kind of weird steroids. Make sure to soak in this atmosphere as this is just as important as the race to many fans. The speedway’s mascot is called “Miles the Monster.” Miles is featured on the winner’s trophy, the track’s tickets, memorabilia, website, and his own 46-foot Monster Monument in Victory Plaza. Neighborhood 3 There is no real neighborhood per se around the speedway. Dover Speedway sits off the very busy DuPont Highway. The area is good if you need food and sustenance before or after the game. Legendary local chain Grotto Pizza has a sports bar located across the street at 1159 N DuPont Highway. They have never been a favorite of mine but fans of them will flock there. Other great choices include Capriotti’s Sandwich Shop on Gateway S Blvd, Restaurant 55 at 2461 S State St, La Tolteca Restaurant at 859 N Dupont Hwy and 33 West Ale House & Grill at 33 W Loockerman Street. The Fire and Ice Bar at Dover Downs Casino is another choice for a drink after the game. Fans 5 NASCAR fans take their love to whole new levels of passion. Nearly every fan will wear and support their favorite driver or drivers. If not a specific driver, then expect to see Ford, Chevy or Toyota emblazoned wears. That passion is evident the moment you even get close to the town of Dover. Access 4 The speedway is right off of a major road in DuPont Highway. A toll road, Route 1, which takes you most of the way north to Wilmington, is also nearby. Dover is about a one-and-a-half-hour trip from Philadelphia or Baltimore, and at least two hours from Washington DC. It seems close by on a map but is isolated at the center of the Delmarva Peninsula. If venturing to a shore destination such as Ocean City, Maryland or Rehoboth, Delaware, then Dover may make a quick, enjoyable stop, but as a destination it is not the easiest location to travel to. There may also be tolls unless you are already on the eastern shore or Delmarva region. If travelling from the DC and Annapolis area you will have to pay tolls across the Chesapeake Bay Bridge. If going around the top of the bay from Baltimore, you will have to pay very hefty tolls on either Route 40 or I-95. And coming from Norfolk you will need to pay for the Bay Bridge Tunnel. Parking can be pricey depending on where you decide to park. I usually opt for parking at nearby Delaware State University since parking fees go to whatever college organization is running the process. There are also shuttle options from around the Dover area, as well as from Wilmington. Please check the Dover website for specifics on those options. Return on Investment 4 Prices are not cheap. There are a variety of ticketing and package options. But expect to pay more than you would to attend even an NFL game. And many fans pay for whole weekend packages, plus accommodations, etc. So, although the NASCAR race is not cheap, the value is still very high. It is a BIG event and you must go in expecting to pay BIG prices. It is still very fair for the value extracted. Extras 5 Miles the Monster, and his large statue is such a destination and meeting spot that it is one of the best things the track has done. It sets the tone for the fan experience and Victory Plaza areas outside the track. The fan experience area, near Miles, is also quite an experience. It is fun to wander around here and see what the various sponsors of the sport are trying to give out and sell. There is a great kids area, although you will have to register ahead of time for that area. The Monster Bridge is a seating area that is 29 feet above the track at the entrance to Turn 3. Only seating 56 seats, if one can arrange to sit in these seats they will have a view and experience of the track unlike no other. The seats are not for sale and are used by track sponsors and partners, usually for contests and giveaways. Dover International Speedway - Monster Bridge, Photo by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Check the schedule for autograph sessions. Usually Friday afternoon is a good time to see if one of the Sprint Cup drivers are signing and visiting with fans at one of their many sponsors. Check out the massive fan store tent where you can buy the goods from nearly every driver on both the Sprint Cup and Xfinity Series. Final Thoughts Dover is a highly accessible track that offers race fans, both serious and casual, a fun place to watch and experience stock car racing.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.43 Weinberg-Fine Stadium 3440 Associated Way Owings Mills, MD 21117 Notre Dame Gators website Weinberg-Fine Stadium website Year Opened: 2008 Capacity: 275 Gators Outside Of Baltimore Notre Dame of Maryland University is a Catholic liberal arts college located in Baltimore, Maryland. It was founded in 1873. It is right next door to the “Evergreen” campus of Loyola University Maryland (which shares a library facility). It was formerly an all-woman’s college, but that ended in 2023 as it is now co-ed. The university has over 3000 students. The original name of the school was the Notre Dame of Maryland Preparatory School and Collegiate Institute. It also spent many years with the College of Notre Dame of Maryland name. In 2011, the school attained university status with the addition of several graduate-level programs. Notre Dame’s athletic teams are members of Division III of the NCAA. All sports but swimming compete within the United East Conference. Although the swim team does not compete within a conference, it participates in the yearly Old Dominion Athletic Conference swim championships. The university’s sports teams are known as the Gators. Weinberg-Fine Stadium is the home of the Gator's softball team and is located 15 miles away from the college's Baltimore location and instead located on the grounds of the Rosenbloom Campus of the Jewish Community Center of Greater Baltimore. The stadium was formerly the home of Stevenson University softball, which has now moved just a couple miles down the road to a new complex. Food & Beverage 0 There is no permanent food stand at Weinberg-Fine Stadium. There is a concession stand located at the nearby sports fields but hours seem erratic and we would assume it is open very seldom. There also may be snack machines located within the community center building. Atmosphere 3 There is not much to the Weinberg-Fine Stadium. There are two nice, brick stands on each side of the plate. You can also bring a lawn chair to watch the game further down one of the lines. There is not much else in terms of atmosphere as it is a low-level Division III softball game. The team does have a PA announcer and plays walkup music for players. Neighborhood 3 Owings Mills is a suburb of Baltimore, so there are plenty of shopping centers and restaurants in the area. The best options for places to go for food are Edo Mae Sushi (10995 Owings Mills Blvd), Five Guys Burgers and Fries (10902 Boulevard Circle), and Courtney’s Bagel Cafe and Deli (11000 Owings Mills Blvd). Fans 2 The fan atmosphere will depend on the game. Unfortunately, the students do not tend to come to many games. The campus is located far from the field so do not expect to see many students attending games. Access 3 Owings Mills Boulevard has an exit off of nearby Interstate 795. You may also find the stadium by way of Park Heights Avenue or Greenspring Avenue and not directly through Owings Mills. The stadium is a pretty quick trip from I-795. I worried about traffic in an area that is pretty busy even on normal days, but the traffic was no problem. The Jewish community center has plenty of parking in the area and there are no issues here. Parking is free. Return on Investment 5 You are not going to be watching the highest level of softball competition, but the cost is about the best you can find. That’s right, there is no admission cost. Combine that with free parking, and you have a pretty great night out. . Extras 1 Weinberg-Fine Stadium is located within the Irvin Levinson Baseball Center at the Jewish Community Center, but we do not see any baseball fields here. Maybe they play lower-level youth games at the softball field but we could not find any information about this. It is a curious little extra. Final Thoughts There is not too much to see at a Notre Dame of Maryland University softball game, but the stadium is still a pleasant place to see some intercollegiate action.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Owings Mills East Softball Field 11005 Owings Mills Blvd Owings Mills, MD 21117 Stevenson Mustangs website Owings Mills East website Year Opened: 2022 Capacity: 250 A History of Horses Stevenson University was originally known as Villa Julie College. It has always been a bit of a quirky place. Originally located in the Greenspring Valley of Baltimore County and its Stevenson neighborhood, the college was an all-girls school until 1972 and did not even offer bachelor degrees until 1984. It also was entirely non-residential. Eventually, the college desired to add housing and more of just about everything, so a new campus was added in Owings Mills. This expansion dramatically increased the college’s offerings and student population. In 2008, they decided they needed a new identity and changed their name to Stevenson University. This main Owings Mills campus just happened to be right next door to the old Baltimore Colts training facility. The new Owings Mills East Campus is located on the grounds of the former Rosewood State Hospital, a now-closed institution for people with developmental disabilities. There are some still abandoned buildings to the south of the campus. The Owings Mills East Campus, besides the softball field, has a track, an artificial turf field for field hockey, the baseball field, soccer and lacrosse multi-purpose fields, as well as cross country courses. The Stevenson Mustangs softball team plays in the D3 MAC (Middle Atlantic Conference). Food & Beverage 1 There is no permanent concession stand but at some games, there will be a small table with simple food offerings. There also may be other food available at other fields depending on the activities going on. Atmosphere 3 The softball field is a simple affair, with one small stand behind home plate. The view of the field is pretty good as there is just netting only around most of the backstop. It almost seems to be so unique in that there is no chain or other backing, just a net. Neighborhood 4 Owings Mills is a suburb of Baltimore, so there are plenty of shopping centers and restaurants in the area. The best options for places to go for food are Edo Mae Sushi (10995 Owings Mills Blvd), Five Guys Burgers and Fries (10902 Boulevard Circle), and Courtney’s Bagel Cafe and Deli (11000 Owings Mills Blvd). The Owings Mills station of the Baltimore Metro subway system is located about a mile away from campus. Fans 3 The fan atmosphere will depend on the game but unfortunately, the students do not tend to come to many games. The school is largely a commuter school. Access 4 Owings Mills Boulevard has an exit off of nearby Interstate 795. The stadium is a pretty quick one-mile trip from the highway. I worried about traffic in an area that is pretty busy even on normal days, but the traffic was no problem. Parking is free but could be hard to come by if many other games are going on at the same time at the complex. Return on Investment 5 Games are free to attend and parking is free as well. Extras 2 The former home of three professional football teams (Baltimore Colts, Baltimore Stallions, and Baltimore Ravens), the Caves Sports and Wellness Center is worth a quick trip back to the main Owings Mills campus. Try to remember 1984 and the pain and struggle that local football fans went through for years after the Colts moved away on a snowy night from this very location. The whole Owings Mills East campus is so nice and well-designed. You may be able to see another sporting event at the same time as softball. Final Thoughts Stevenson has a nice, new softball facility that is easy to get to and cheap to attend. If you are in the area, this would be a venue we could easily recommend.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Lois T. Murray Field 1700 E Cold Spring Ln Baltimore, MD 21251 Morgan State Bears website Lois T. Murray Field website Year Opened: 2017 Capacity: 150 Home of the Bears Morgan State University was founded in 1867 as the Centenary Biblical Institute, a Methodist Episcopal seminary. Later it changed its name to Morgan College. The name changed once again in 1939 to Morgan State College when it became a public university. The school was granted university status in 1975, thus becoming Morgan State University. Morgan State is not a part of the University System of Maryland; the school opted out and possesses its own governing Board of Regents. Morgan is a well-known Historically Black College and University (HBCU). Famous alumni include actress Mo’Nique, singer Deniece Williams, former Mayor of Baltimore Catherine Pugh, and Kweisi Mfume, former President of the NAACP and current U.S. Congressman. Athletically the school competes in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC). MEAC members are HBCU schools located in the Southeastern and the Mid-Atlantic United States. After more than a decade of talks and planning for an upgraded on-campus softball facility, the dream became a reality, when Morgan State debuted its newly refurbished home field on Saturday, April 1, 2017. Lois T. Murray Field is named for the former elementary school located that was located on this site. Lois T. Murray Elementary/Middle School is now located about a mile away in a new building. Food & Beverage 0 There is no permanent food stand at the field. Atmosphere 4 Lois T. Murray Field is a simple facility with a nice atmosphere. After the school moved to its new home the dugouts were built, as well as a new backstop and fence around the playing surface were installed and topped off with a windscreen along the entire outfield fence. Before this, it was likely a standard school playfield. There are two bleachers at the field. Many fans will watch from other places around the field as the bleachers hold a small amount of fans. Neighborhood 3 The area right around Morgan State is essentially residential. It is not a bad area, but neither is it overwhelmingly welcoming. You will probably want to venture away from campus for food, lodging, and entertainment. A personal favorite for food is Miss Shirley’s at 513 West Cold Spring Lane. They are known for their great breakfast and down-home food. Venturing further from campus, one may want to try out the suburb of Towson with its variety of shops and restaurants. Try the Charles Village Pub in the heart of downtown Towson for good food and drinks. Some other great options are Glory Days Grill, Sushi Hana, and Zia’s. For slightly more upscale cuisine a visit to the 1100-1200 blocks of North Charles Street where The Brewer’s Art and Sammy’s Trattoria offer good food at decent prices. Baltimore is home to many tourist attractions such as Harborplace, Fells Point, and Fort McHenry. The American Visionary Art Museum on Key Highway is located on the way to Fort McHenry and should not be missed, although its unique collection will not be for everyone. Fans 4 The fan atmosphere will depend on the game. As with many college softball games, the bulk of the fans tend to be family or friends of both teams. Student attendance at games seems to be pretty low, although it is higher when Coppin, Howard, and Delaware State come to town. Access 3 Morgan is not too hard to find. If on the Baltimore Beltway, I-695, one can take exit 30A (Perring Parkway/MD-41S) south until it becomes Hillen Road. Lois T. Murray Field is located at the corner of Hillen Road and Arlington Avenue. Limited spectator parking is located at Lois T. Murray Field next to the playing field. You can also park on a few of the streets around the stadium but depending on the crowd it could be difficult to find a spot. Return on Investment 5 You are not going to be watching the highest level of softball competition, but the cost is about the best you can find. That’s right, there is no admission cost. Combine that with free parking, and you have a pretty great night out. Extras 1 The location alone is a nice extra. They took an unused plot of land, close to campus, and turned it into a nice softball field that has a great atmosphere. Final Thoughts Lois T. Murray Field is a nice little facility that has its small seating capacity as its only real downpoint.

Photos by Matt Colville, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Southern Miss Beach Volleyball Complex Hattiesburg, MS 39406 Southern Mississippi Sand Eagles website Year Opened: 2019 Capacity: 300 Sandy Eagles to the Top Beach volleyball is the NCAA's newest officially sanctioned sport, with the first year of sponsorship beginning during the Spring 2016 season – as of the 2024 season there are 68 NCAA Division 1 schools that sponsor beach volleyball. Southern Miss is one of these teams, with their first year of the sport on campus beginning in 2019. Entering the 2024 season the Sand Eagles haven't had that much success, with only an overall record of 112-198 after five seasons. For the first four seasons the Sand Eagles competed in C-USA, but in 2022 Southern Miss began the transition to move all sports to the Sun Belt Conference.   Food and Beverage   2 There is one small snack stand on the far end of the complex, which just offers the basics, as there is no grill or anything to cook hamburgers and hot dogs on, hence you are stuck with the basics of candy, peanuts, and popcorn. Bottled Coca-Cola products are available as well, but the score is higher for this section because alcohol is available at Southern Miss Beach Volleyball Complex – Miller Lite, Coors Lite, and Yuengling canned beers are available for $6, while Truly and Dos Equis are offered for $8. Also make sure to try the Eagle Rush beer, available for $8; this popular Southern Miss themed beer is brewed locally in Hattiesburg by Southern Prohibition. Atmosphere   3 In between Southern Miss Wellness Center and Reed Green Coliseum lies a little beach oasis called Southern Miss Beach Volleyball Complex, which opened in 2019. Each Spring season the complex hosts the Beach Burg Invitational, a two-day, all-day tournament featuring 10-12 of some of the local college beach volleyball teams – most years these matches have been the only home contests for the Sand Eagles during the regular season. If you didn't know this place was here you would have a hard time finding it, as the complex is nestled among some huge old oak trees with a fence that wraps around the facility, with a black Southern Miss windscreen wrapping around the fence. The layout is simple but quite interesting, as they basically just added some sand and a wooden elevated plank style boardwalk overlooking the sand. There are four beach volleyball courts facing north and south, with the boardwalk taking up the south side. There are three sets of metal bleachers on the boardwalk for fans to sit in, but for the most part people just stand or sit in folding chairs. The small snack bar is located on the covered walkway at the far end of the facility, while on the east side the courts are overlooked by a huge wooden structure with a covered area, where the teams gather while the matches are underway. The Southern Miss indoor volleyball arena overlooks Southern Miss Beach Volleyball Complex from the north side, while the campus recreation center, Payne Center, provides the backdrop from the south side.   Neighborhood   3 Southern Miss Beach Volleyball Complex is located on the back side of campus, tucked away next to most of the other Southern Miss athletic venues. Hattiesburg is a medium sized college town of about 50,000 people, so you should be able to find everything you need – however, you may have to drive to get to many of the attractions and restaurants. In terms of places within walking distance, you can get on the Long Leaf Trace and walk east, and the first place you will come to is 4th Street Bar. The owner is a huge Southern Miss fan, and on the walls you can find tons of Southern Miss memorabilia; everything you can think of is on the wall, including old programs, t-shirts, banners, and signed items relating to Southern Miss. Another popular spot just down the Trace from 4th Street Bar is Colludium Brewing Company – located in an old train depot warehouse, this popular brewery has over 30 craft beers, and is a popular stop for cyclists riding the Trace. For other attractions to check out in the area, the Hattiesburg Zoo is located about a mile away, while to get a feel for beach volleyball and the beach theme you can also check out Serengeti Springs Water Park, which opened in Spring 2024 right next to the zoo. There are also a lot of restaurants and other nightlife options located downtown and along Hardy Street.     Fans   3 The Beach Burg Invitational matches usually begin early on Friday morning, and last all day and into the evening on both Friday and Saturday. From a fan perspective it can get kind of confusing watching this event, as all four courts are being used at the same time, most of the time with different schools playing on each of the courts – you kind of just have to pick a court and watch the action. There are no PA announcers, as music plays at all times, which I thought was relaxing to just watch the players while listening to music; it reminded me of being at the beach. They play a wide mix of classic rock, country, and current hits over the speakers while the matches are underway. There are also no scoreboards or video boards here; instead a scorer just sets up a table with a flip-style scoreboard like you would see at a youth or rec league volleyball match. With there only being one home tournament played on campus every year, the athletic department usually schedules the Beach Burg Invitational to coincide with the big Spring weekend for Southern Miss sports, so you can catch a baseball , softball , and spring football  game on the same weekend as the beach volleyball contests. That said, as the tournament progresses into Friday and Saturday afternoons, you'll catch a lot of people heading from the baseball game just stopping by to watch the beach volleyball action. The afternoon contests are usually pretty packed with a couple hundred fans, but it is harder to get a seat in the bleachers the later the day gets, so most fans stand.   Access   3 Hattiesburg may be one of the more accessible towns in the state of Mississippi – nicknamed the Hub City, it used to be a prominent railroad hub back in the day for people wanting to get from the coast to Hattiesburg. Conveniently located about an hour and a half from the coast, New Orleans, Jackson, Meridian, and Mobile, Hattiesburg sits right in the middle of it all. You will not miss the USM campus when coming to town, as the campus is located right on the corner of Highway 49 and Hardy Street, two of the main roads through the city. Interstate 55 runs to the west of the city, and you could take that as well, but you may run into considerable traffic on Hardy Street. Southern Miss Beach Volleyball Complex sits on the back side of campus on 4th Street, directly across the street from Pete Taylor Park , but it is nestled in such a way that you may not be able to see it from the road. During the Beach Burg Invitational, parking for beach volleyball conflicts with the baseball  game going on – many of the lots are reserved for baseball season ticket holders, so more than likely you will have to walk. There is a parking garage nearby with plenty of free parking, however, and you can also park near the Student Union and walk from there.   Return on Investment   3 Tickets are free to Southern Miss beach volleyball matches, and parking is free on campus when you attend. This is also a unique niche college sport that you can't help but want to watch if you happening to be coming for a baseball game at Pete Taylor Park , so I definitely recommend checking it out even if just for a little while.   Extras   4 Even though the Sand Eagles usually only host one home tournament per year, Southern Miss Beach Volleyball Complex still gets constant use throughout the year, as the complex is also home to the William Carey Crusaders Beach Volleyball team, an NAIA school located on the south side of Hattiesburg. In addition, the complex hosts volleyball camps and youth tournaments throughout the year. Another plus for Southern Miss beach volleyball being the only NCAA D1-sanctioned beach volleyball program in the state of Mississippi, as well as another point for the Beach Burg Invitational being scheduled the same weekend as other Southern Miss sporting events. My recommendation would be catching a little bit of the volleyball action when the gates open at 8 am, then venturing over to M. M. Roberts Stadium for the Spring football game. After that cross 4th Street and hop on the Long Leaf Trace to visit Southern Miss Softball Complex and Pete Taylor Park for some softball and baseball action, before finishing up your evening back at Southern Miss Beach Volleyball Complex. If you have a chance to come here in the Fall for an indoor volleyball match , I recommend checking out the brand-new Southern Miss Wellness Center as well, which is located right next to Southern Miss Beach Volleyball Complex – the indoor complex also opened in 2019, and is one of the finest volleyball-only facilities in the country.

Photos by David Welch and Lance Sutehall, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Pete Mathews Coliseum 775 Park Ave NW 735 Jacksonville, AL 36265 Jacksonville State Gamecocks website Pete Mathews Coliseum website Year Opened: 1974 Capacity: 2,300 Fear The Beak! Roughly halfway between Birmingham, AL, and Atlanta, GA lies the campus of Jacksonville State University, a school in northeast Alabama with an enrollment of over 9,000 students. The athletic teams are known as the Gamecocks and while football gets the most notoriety, the basketball program is also a proud program with a Division 2 national championship in 1985 as well as a couple of March Madness appearances in 2017 and 2022. The Gamecocks moved to Conference USA in 2023 after being in the Ohio Valley Conference for many years as well as a brief stint in the Atlantic Sun Conference. The Gamecocks basketball program hopes the move to C-USA will improve their prestige as well as make them more competitive. Food & Beverage 2 The food options at the Pete only include stadium basics such as hot dogs ($4), chili dogs ($5) nachos ($4), chips ($2), popcorn ($3), candy ($2), peanuts ($3), and pretzels ($4). Beverages include Coke branded 32oz. soft drinks ($4), Gold Peak sweet tea ($3), and Dasani bottled water ($3). Alcohol is not sold at the venue and the concession stand is cashless. I would recommend stopping by a local restaurant before or after the game rather than getting any concessions. Atmosphere 4 When entering the main entrance of the Pete you walk into a lobby with a wall showing a mural about the history of the Gamecocks basketball program and a trophy case containing the 2017 OVC Championship trophy. The hallways leading to the seating area have images of Gamecock players and a picture of the Gamecocks' appearance in the 2022 tournament. The seating areas by each sideline only have 16 rows total so a seat in the last row is relatively close to the court. The first 12 rows are chairback seats while the last 4 rows and each baseline section is bleacher seating. One baseline is reserved for the band and student section.  There is a lot of red in the venue due to the fact that the Gamecocks' primary color is red. The out-of-bounds area on the basketball court is red, the scoreboard that hangs over the midcourt line is red, and most of the seats are red. Two of the corners have a classic scoreboard while the other two corners have video boards.  I want to give a shout-out to the pep band for keeping the energy up throughout the game. They had chants reminiscent of European soccer matches going, their music was loud, and they gave the Pete an intimidating atmosphere. The cheerleaders also did their part and Cocky the Gamecocks mascot made sure everybody had a great time. Neighborhood 3 Jacksonville, Alabama is a very beautiful town to visit if you are looking to get a bit off the interstate. If you are in Jacksonville in the evening take a short drive up Mountain Street to the Chimney Peak Lookout Tower to see amazing views of the area. For dining in the area, I would recommend Cooter Brown’s Rib Shack, The Rocket for burgers, or Yamato Japanese Steakhouse for Hibachi. If you are staying in the area overnight Jacksonville lodging is limited and I do not recommend staying in Anniston. Instead, I would find a hotel in Oxford which is right next to the interstate and about a half hour south of Jacksonville. Fans 4 Jacksonville State fans are passionate about their Gamecocks and while it’s not the largest fanbase it is certainly an intense one. The Pep Band does an amazing job at leading the charge in making life difficult for any opponent that challenges the Gamecocks.  Access 3 From I-20 you would get off on exit 185 and drive north for about a half hour to the campus of Jacksonville State University. Turn left onto Nisbet Street and the Pete Mathews Coliseum will be on your left with a large and free parking lot. If you are coming from the north you are taking some backroads to Jacksonville State. Use a GPS to make your way to the Pete. Once inside there are enough restrooms but the concession stands are only on one side of the arena and the hallways get cramped during halftime. Return on Investment 4 Tickets start at $10 for General Admission seats by the baselines or the top rows of the sidelines. You could upgrade to a reserved seat for just $13 which I think is a great deal. With free parking and $10 for a meal combo, you are only dropping $20 for decent D1 basketball and a great Pep Band. Extras 3 In the lobby is a mural about the band Alabama (Randy Owen, the lead singer, attended JSU). They performed a concert for JSU after a tornado in 2018 ripped through the heart of the campus damaging the roof of the arena and destroying the business building.  The lobby contains murals commemorating other Gamecock sports achievements, not just basketball. There is a banner in the rafters commemorating Danny Willett’s Masters golf tournament win in 2016. Final Thoughts Jacksonville, Alabama is a beautiful college town that is a bit out of the way. Jacksonville State has come a long way on both the academic and athletic sides. I have a feeling you are going to keep healing about Jacksonville State University for a lot of years to come. Fear the beak! While Jacksonville State’s game presentation is a more traditional experience than most schools are putting on today, there are just enough of the bells and whistles to keep fans from having a feeling that the evolution of the game experience has passed them by. Anyone going to a game at The Pete will be hard-pressed to say that it isn’t an exciting college basketball experience.

Author:   Jimmie James Publisher:   Simon & Schuster Copyright: 2024 The best stories about sports are, far more often than not, deeper than the game itself. The best sports stories are those of individuals overcoming obstacles, conquering personal demons, dealing with social inequities, or finding redemption.   On its surface, Playing from the Rough  by Jimmie James is the story of a man’s Odysseus-like quest to play the top 100 golf courses in the U.S. in one year.   However, each course on James’ journey brings with it insight into himself as a black man in modern society, as well as reconciling his past growing up in poverty with a single mother in East Texas. By the end of his journey James has accomplished a goal that few not only have ever attempted, but completed, and also found some solace in his current life through the journey.   Unlike most sports biographies, James was never a professional athlete, nor a celebrity of any stature. He is an everyman, which makes what could be a very stuffy topic – playing an exclusive sport at some of the most exclusive places in the world – relatable.   You don’t find yourself rooting so much for James, who retired relatively young as an engineer and executive at a very large energy company, to complete his quest, but rather you feel as if you are a buddy on the journey with him.   It was also very interesting to see someone give their impressions of those legendary courses that most golfers will never get the chance to set foot on. Reading James describe with reverence courses such as Augusta National , Merion , and Riviera  is refreshing. His love for the sport of golf, its history, and the deep meaning that players attach to it is evident and much appreciated.   My one critique is the speed, if you will, with which James goes through some of the lesser-known courses on the list. I understand, however, that both for the length of the book and the amount of time James spent on the road going from course to course, not everything could be included. Some details might even have already been lost to memory – James grouped many of the courses on his quest by state, so we truly only get brief looks at quite a few courses.   Where the book really shines, though, is when James becomes introspective. He speaks about the shame of the poverty of his youth, about feeling like an outsider in certain work situations, and even writes lovingly about the time he first met his future wife. Throughout the book James is reminded of how much his past has shaped the man he has become. The following passages are especially poignant:   “Though I was willing to spend whatever it took on things that mattered to me, I was pretty frugal about things that didn’t. Yet when those things were pointed out to me, I’d be instantly embarrassed—not by my cheapness but by the fact that somebody had noticed. It’s an involuntary response that goes way back. In the eighth grade, my reading teacher often brought me her son’s hand-me-downs. I was grateful, but embarrassed by the fact she recognized I needed them.”   These kind of moments are deftly woven into the rounds that James plays at the 100 courses, and are the true star of this book.   Overall, I think the book is well done. While it doesn’t tread on new ground, what it does do it does very well. It won’t reach the canon of great golf books, but it is nicely done. It is relatable, easy to read, and doesn’t get bogged down in the minutiae of the sport. Fans of golf will enjoy getting a peak at these legendary courses, while non duffers will appreciate the internal battles and the personal stories.

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 TPC Sugarloaf 2595 Sugarloaf Club Dr Duluth, GA 30097 Mitsubishi Electric Classic website TPC Sugarloaf website Year Opened: 1997 Where Legends Play Located in the northeastern Atlanta suburb of Duluth, t he one-time Rollins family cattle and horse farm Sugarloaf Farms  was transformed into the Greg Norman-designed TPC Sugarloaf. The 7309-yard, par 72 Bermuda fairways and bent grass greens of TPC Sugarloaf have played host to both PGA Tour and PGA Tour Champions events since its opening in 1997, when the club hosted the Bell South Classic. The PGA Tour stop would last until 2009 when it was renamed the AT&T Classic, but then TPC Sugarloaf would go without professional golf until the PGA Tour Champions added it to their schedule in 2013, with two-time Masters champion  Bernhard Langer winning the inaugural event. The PGA Tour Champions is comprised of golf legends aged 50 and above; most tournaments on the tour are 54-hole events with no cut.   Food & Beverage   4 Starting with the first hole, concession tents are stationed every three holes and serve a full food and beverage menu  – snack tents are also set up around the course and offer a hefty selection of choices.   On course Gourmet to Go tents sell a wide variety of high-quality sandwiches, including the Georgian classic Pimento cheese, and Tuscan grilled chicken salads are also available from the tents. On course concessions also serve a wide selection of candy, chips, and other snacks. The Fan Expo area behind the 18th green offers a wider selection of foods – in addition to the standard grab-and-go set up, local pizzeria Johnny’s New York Style Pizza provides three different options, while the neighboring Snack Attack! tent serves more typical stadium type concessions such as hot dogs, pretzels, peanuts, popcorn, and nachos with cheese sauce. Another favorite during the event is Atlanta popsicle producer King of Pops, with their hand crafted, all natural popsicles, which can be found at the trademark rainbow umbrella among the vendor tents at the exposition center. When it comes to beverages there is a little bit of something for everyone; non-alcoholic beverages include Coke, Diet Coke, and Coke Zero, Sprite, PowerAde and Dasani bottled water, along with hand-squeezed lemonade. For adult beverages, attendees can choose from Michelob Ultra, Corona, and Modelo beers, with mixed drinks and wine available in the premium access areas.   Atmosphere   4 Made up of three individual 9-hole tracks, the original “Stables and Meadows” courses are used for tournament play – the courses are a nod to the history of the land upon which the community was built. The front 9, the Stables course, does have some forgiving landing areas, but the greens are well protected either by bunkers or Singleton Creek, which meanders through the front side. There is little opportunity to land a shot short and run it up close to the pin. On the other hand, precision is the name of the game on the back 9, the Meadows course. Greens here are a bit less protected, but fairways are tighter, putting a premium on keeping the ball on the short stuff. In addition, Rollins Ranch Lake, centrally located on the Sugarloaf property, comes to play on the par 3 11th hole and on the closing 18th. The palatial lake front estates across the water also provide a beautiful backdrop for the 12th hole, though the lake itself doesn’t come into play on this one. The benefit of golf tournaments is that there really is no best way to take in the action – several holes have foldable lawn chairs set up around the green, for spectators to watch approach shots or to see players putting out. Some patrons enjoy following their favorite around the course for all 18 holes, while other fans take the strategy of finding a comfortable spot on the course and watching each group pass by, before heading to the 18th hole to catch the leaders finishing up their round.  For those wanting a bit of it all, walking the course backwards will provide a look at each group as they come through the course.  The Saturday pin placement on 18 is typically just beyond the water hazard on the front of the green, and thus makes for some thrilling high risk/reward situations. If looking for the excitement of a possible hole-in-one, the 144-yard par 3 second hole is known to surrender more than its fair share. Whatever strategy is implored, just make sure to head to the 18th green toward the end of the day for the excitement of players making one last gasp to pick up a stroke on the leader.   Neighborhood   3 TPC Sugarloaf is on the backside of the Gas South District in the Sugarloaf neighborhood of Duluth, a northeastern suburb of Atlanta, about 30-minutes from downtown. Sugarloaf is a private neighborhood, so typical access to the club is restricted. The surrounding area is where commercial properties and office parks begin transitioning to residential housing and subdivisions. The area is full of additional entertainment, restaurants, and lodging. The front gate of TPC Sugarloaf is less than a quarter mile from the back access road to Gas South Arena, which is home to the Atlanta Vibe  (Pro Volleyball Federation), Georgia Swarm  (National Lacrosse League), and Atlanta Gladiators  (ECHL). The arena also hosts numerous concerts year-round, and Duluth is also just a town over from Lawrenceville, which is home to the Gwinnett Stripers , the AAA affiliate of the Atlanta Braves .   Fans   4 The Friday round is rather lightly attended, but as the tournament progresses to the weekend rounds, the gallery swells to where each grouping has a solid crowd following. By the time Sunday’s final groups are starting their rounds, the course is abuzz with excitement for the leaders heading out. With the course situated amongst private residences, a handful of homes around the course host tournament watch parties from their backyards or decks; these gatherings tend to grow in size and exuberance as the leading groups come through on Sunday’s final round. A few of the patrons do tend to get a bit overly enthusiastic in trying to score an autograph or selfie from the golfers as they exit the 18th green, to make the trip to the clubhouse to sign their scorecard. These autograph seekers end up blocking the area for players to access the green and their carts. Also, a nearly unavoidable issue with a handful of patrons are those who have been overserved on the course, who can then become a bit obnoxious on the shuttle back to the parking lot. This is mostly a case of a very minimal number who can easily ruin the experience, making it an uncomfortable ride back at the end of the day. On the whole, however, the patron involvement at the Mitsubishi Electric Classic is a supportive and respectful group. There is a bit of playful banter between the golfers and the gallery, with an occasional call of “GET IN THE HOLE!” for a tee shot on a 600-yard par 5, as well as a few screams of “BABA-BOEY!”   Access   4 With PGA Tour Champions events running Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, getting to Duluth is not as much of a challenge as it might be for midweek or evening events. Patrons park at the nearby Gas South District to be shuttled to the course, which once wheels are moving is no more than a 10-minute ride, mostly due to the 20 mph speed limits within the Sugarloaf neighborhood. The shuttle drops off just before the clubhouse, leaving patrons with just a short walk up to the 1st tee box on the Stable Course (or the 10th tee on the Meadows Course) – one of the drawbacks of the course layout is that each of the three 9-hole courses creates a loop around the outside of the property, making it difficult to join a passing gallery. The course does have a decent amount of elevation change, so patrons with mobility issues might find accessing parts of the course difficult. There are ADA carts available to assist in accessing the course, though.   Return on Investment   4 Daily grounds passes start at $20 per day, with passes for all three rounds going for $54 – Ticketmaster service fees are kept reasonable at under $4. For those wanting more comfortable amenities, clubhouse access runs $75 per round, while passes to access some of the on-course club seating options do start to get a bit expensive. Veterans and active, along with first responders, can attend the tournament free of charge. Also, in a way to grow the game, children under 15 are free with a paying adult. Parking does add an extra $10 to the cost, but considering the typical prices to park at professional sporting events, this cost does seem reasonable. Concessions around the course and in the golf expo are what might be expected at sporting events, but rates are kept a bit lower than what fans may have become accustomed to – with a menu full of items costing less than $11 each, there doesn’t seem to be the same stadium sticker shock here that fans have started to become accustomed to.   Extras   4 In a bit of a reflection of southern charm, rather than the typical “Quiet Please” signs held up by the course marshals as players address their ball, the signs have been altered to say “Hush Y’all, Please.” The Mitsubishi Electric Classic implements and sponsors several activities and initiatives that reach out to golf’s next generation, including a 9-hole miniature golf course set up at the tournament expo, giving kids an opportunity to hone their short game as part of their tournament experience. Also, the Georgia State Golf Association sponsors a junior chipping and putting skills competition on Saturday afternoon. As players exit the 18th green, an Autograph Station has been set up for the tournament’s youngest patrons to try to get a quick photo or autograph from their favorite golfer after the round; the Autograph Zone has even been designated for those under 60” in height or under 15 years of age.   Final Thoughts The Mitsubishi Electric Classis at TPC Sugarloaf serves at a wonderful backdrop for an entertaining weekend of golf for all ages, and the Tour has done a great job promoting the game to everyone, from the first timers who might only understand the game in its miniature form to those who have already found a love for the game. Golf is unique in that as players age, there is still a viable option for them to continue playing at an elite level, which few other professional sports offer – the PGA Tour Champions is a wonderful opportunity to watch and showcase the talents of the PGA Tour’s stars of the previous generation.

Photos by Matt Colville, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Dub Herring Park Poplarville, MS 39470 Pearl River Wildcats website Dub Herring Park website Year Opened: 2019 Capacity: 400 Welcome to 'The Dub' at Fabulous Pop Vegas Pearl River Community College is one of 15 schools that make up the Mississippi Association of Community Colleges Conference (MACCC) for baseball. Located in the small town of Poplarville, MS in Pearl River County, the school opened in 1911, making it the oldest community college in the state. Nicknamed the Wildcats, the baseball program has become a powerhouse in recent years, winning four MACCC State Championships since 2018 and two Region 23 Championships. Prior to 2018 the Wildcats had only won two State Championships, in 1939 and 2004, but the school's greatest feat occurred in 2022 when the Wildcats advanced to and won the NJCAA College World Series, the school's only national championship in baseball. The Wildcats play at one of the finest ballparks in all of Juco baseball, Dub Herring Ballpark. After the 2018 season the school knocked down the old ballpark and built what you see today, including a new press box and 400 chairback seats with a shaded canopy. Re-dedicated after Dub Herring, a local RV and car dealer and longtime supporter of Pearl River athletics, The Dub has a homefield advantage unlike any other, and remains one of the most intimidating places to play in all of Juco baseball. Food & Beverage   3 There is one small stand under the pavilion separating The Dub from PRCC softball stadium. The usual fare is sold here, with hamburgers, hot dogs, sausage dogs, nachos, pulled pork nachos, boiled peanuts, popcorn, chips, and candy rounding out the menu – expect small town prices here, as everything is under $5. Coca-Cola is the soft drink provider with 20 oz drinks selling for $3, and you can also purchase Pearl River baseball and softball shirts, along with hats, at the concession stand.      Atmosphere   4 Dub Herring Park is located on campus, as part of PRCC Sportsplex, which also includes Dobie Holden Stadium  and the softball facility. The Dub has a unique and interesting design, making it stand out among normal looking ballparks. The grandstand is basically concrete steps that go up, with rows of chairback seats in the Wildcats color of maroon – there are 6 rows of 400 chairbacks separated by a walkway. The exterior of the ballpark is designed with brick, including a brick press box behind home plate. As part of the second phase of the recent renovation, two luxury suites were added down the first baseline prior to the 2023 season. In addition, the great thing about The Dub is that the entire ballpark is shaded, as the first and third baselines are covered by a tin awning held up by three brick columns; the only areas in the sun are the first two rows. Pearl River also does a great job utilizing the maroon color scheme throughout the ballpark, as the entire outfield wall is made of maroon wall pads. There are also no advertisements or sponsor banners along the outfield wall; instead, banners honoring the Wildcats lone national championship, as well as banners honoring the Wildcats MACCC state championships wins cover the wall. The Dub is not a hitter's friendly ballpark due to the "Maroon Monster", an 18-foot-high part of the left field wall, similar to Fenway's  Green Monster. The centerfield batter's eye is quite high as well, making this a hard ballpark to hit it out of the park in. A state-of-the-art videoboard scoreboard sits in left center field; this is quite large for a Juco facility. An elevated party deck with two rows of chairback seats also overlooks right field, where you'll find a few of the hardcore fans grilling out and drinking a few beers. The Dub is built into a grassy hill on the first base side, and students will sometimes come and sit on the hill and watch the game. Behind the third base side is a covered pavilion with a concession stand, plus more picnic tables with bench seating. Down the left field line is the Artigues Family Clubhouse, housing the locker rooms and batting cages for the Wildcats – the clubhouse is named after former coach and current Southeastern Louisiana AD Jay Artigues. Lastly, on the outside of the clubhouse is a banner listing all the former Wildcats who have gone on to play at the professional level.   Neighborhood   3 As you enter town, you'll see signs welcoming you to Fabulous "Pop-Vegas". The small town has really worked hard in recent years trying to boost the local economy, centered on the local community college and its thriving blueberry industry. You can park on campus and walk a few blocks over to a lively and pleasant downtown area – start the morning at Popa's Donuts or Main Street Coffee for some delicious brew, and then if you want to do some shopping walk across the street to Apple Ltd, the oldest locally owned clothing store in town, open since 1968. Later, walk next door to Pearl River Drugs and sit down at the old soda fountain for some ice cream, or for other restaurants in town there is Wild West Grill, Deb's Pasta and Pizza, and Fiorella's, which sells seafood. Pop Vegas is also home to hundreds of blueberry farms, and the town is nicknamed the Blueberry Capital of Mississippi. Every June they host Blueberry Jubilee, attracting thousands of people to the small town – if in town during this weekend there are several blueberry farms which offer tours, as well as samples of some of the best blueberries in the world. In downtown there is a blueberry-themed water tower next to an old, abandoned water silo; this makes for a great photo op. Also before you leave town make sure you fill up your gas at Hall's Service Station; this vintage station is a throwback, so much so that a gas station attendant actually pumps your gas for you. There is no alcohol sold in Poplarville, as the county is a dry county. Pop Vegas also doesn't have any hotels; instead I would recommend staying about 30 minutes south in Picayune. Or, Poplarville is also about 30 minutes south of Hattiesburg and an hour north of New Orleans, where there are plenty of additional hotels and better food options.   Fans   4 With baseball powerhouses Southern Miss  and even NAIA William Carey  up the road this area of Mississippi loves their baseball, and just 30 minutes down the road it's no different here in Poplarville. Fans show up on gamedays and are quite into the game. Each game averages a couple hundred people spread out throughout the chairbacks – the Dub only has seating for 400 people so expect a sellout, but many of the fans are scattered around, which helps. You'll find fans standing under the pavilion and on the berm area down the first baseline. There isn't a whole lot to do in town at night either, so many of the local residents are ardent supporters of the Pearl River baseball program. It also helps that the baseball program is consistently ranked in the top 10 of the country, not to mention the MACCC schools have a passionate fan base when it comes to baseball, so expect a decent turnout from away fans as well.        Access   4 Getting to PRCC’s campus shouldn't be too hard; Poplarville is located right off Interstate 55 about an hour northeast of New Orleans and about 30 minutes southwest of Hattiesburg. Exit 29 to Highway 26 will be your best bet, as it is the main road that heads into town – the school is located a few minutes down 26 just north of downtown. The Dub is kind of hard to find, as it is located on the far north side of campus. If you’re having trouble finding it just go to the north side of the football stadium  and it's right there. Once inside the ballpark there are no obstructed views, and it is perfect size for a Juco facility.   Return on Investment   3 Tickets are $7 and allow you to sit anywhere you want inside the facility. PRCC has also become a Juco powerhouse in baseball in recent years, so expect a high level of competition between schools. During my most recent visit # 3 ranked Pearl River played # 5 ranked Meridian Community College – a lot of these players will sign with D1 colleges after PRCC. In fact, Pearl River had four sign with D1 baseball schools after the 2024 season, including two who signed with SEC schools.   Extras   4 One extra for the Wildcats winning the 2022 NJCAA World Series, capturing the school's first national championship in baseball. A huge banner commemorating that feat sits behind the scoreboard, and is the first thing you’ll see when you come to the ballpark. People in South Mississippi may not be familiar with the name Dub Herring, but I guarantee you they'll be familiar with Paw Paw from Paw Paw's Camper City. Dub Herring is the namesake behind Paw Paw, and since the 1970s has owned car dealerships throughout southern Mississippi. In 1992 Paw Paw entered the RV business and opened Paw Paw's Camper City in Picayune, now known as Paw Paw's Campers and Cars – for the past 30 years everybody with a television on the Gulf Coast has been greeted to the words "That's a good RV Paw Paw" coming through their TV sets. Thanks in part to his famous commercials, Dub Herring holds a special place in the pop culture of the Gulf Coast. Paw Paw did not attend Pearl River, but his grandkids did, and Herring was the one who raised the funds to build the new baseball stadium that now bears his name. Another extra for all the famous baseball players to come through here – Pearl River has had over 20 players get drafted into MLB, with four players making it to The Show. Perhaps the most successful player to ever come out of here is outfielder Wendall Magee, who had a seven-year big league career with the Phillies and Tigers, from 1996-2002. Pearl River has a few famous alumni, but perhaps the most famous alum is Jimmy Buffett, who attended for one year (1966-67). Buffett hated Poplarville, as there are no bars in town to play music in, so he resorted to playing his guitar from his Huff Hall dorm room, which is still standing at the entrance to campus. Another extra for the Wildcats Den, the official on-campus store for Pearl River athletics. Located at the main entrance to the sports complex, this bookstore rivals some of the nicest bookstores you will find at four-year colleges. You can find all the latest Wildcats merch and even some items on sale, and the baseball game is usually playing on TV for those who want to get some A/C during the game. There is also a pretty cool little history museum right across the street, honoring all the school’s past achievements and housing old memorabilia from Pearl River athletics.

Photos by Joseph Oakes, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Plumeri Park 221 Ironbound Rd Williamsburg, VA 23188 William & Mary Tribe website Plumeri Park website Year Opened: 1999 Capacity: 1,000 Baseball In the Colonial Capital Plumeri Park is the home of the William and Mary baseball team that plays in the Coastal Athletic Association (CAA) and is located in beautiful Williamsburg, VA. The facility is named after alumni Joseph J. Plumeri II who gave a generous donation to build the ballpark. The ballpark seats 1,000 and it opened on March 20, 1999, when the Tribe defeated Penn State 16-10. Food & Beverage 3 Plumeri Park offers standard concessions in its single concession stand dubbed Rosy’s Café. Food selections include cheeseburgers, hamburgers, hot dogs, and veggie burgers. Snack items include nachos, bottomless popcorn, candy, chips, peanuts, and kettle corn.  Beverage items offered are fountain Pepsi products, bottled water, Gatorade, craft/domestic beer, hard seltzer, and wine. While this is a good selection, we recommend eating before or after if you are attending a game where there is a large crowd expected. When we attended a sold-out game, the concession line was insanely long and folks around us were gone 2-3 innings before they came back with concessions. While the facility will sit 1000, the concessions are not enough to handle nearly that many! Atmosphere 3 The exterior of Plumeri Park is a nice brick façade that looks impressive from the outside. Inside the ballpark, there are two types of seats: reserved chairback seats between the dugouts and two sections of metal bleachers above each dugout. Only the top row of these bleachers has a bench back to these benches. The chairback seats are nice but be warned that they are severely obstructed due to the screen that is hard to see through and the poles holding it up. The bench seating above the dugout offers a much better view of the playing field. This area also enables you to spread out as the chairback seating is pretty tight. There is a single suite adjacent to the press box behind the plate, which also has eight private seats outside the suite. A single scoreboard is located in left field that only provides basic info such as line score, balls, strikes, and outs. The playing surface at Plumeri Park is natural grass; the word “Tribe” is painted on the artificial surface behind home plate, while CAA is painted on the natural grass surface in front of each dugout. Neighborhood 5 If you are looking for other things to do while in town for a William and Mary baseball game, there are many options in the Williamsburg area. Colonial Williamsburg has many colonial-style homes, shops, restaurants, and attractions in the downtown area. One interesting restaurant with great food is Food for Thought, which has a menu as diverse as the minds of great American thinkers. Food for Thought’s d écor features biographical pictures of inventors, scientists, and social leaders while the walls display thought-provoking quotes used to set the tone for a positive and enjoyable dining experience. Just down the street from William & Mary is Meadows Original Frozen Custard, which offers some of the best custard and concretes you can find anywhere. Also, nearby is the Jamestown, the first permanent English settlement on the east coast; and Yorktown, the site where the British surrendered and the Revolutionary War ended. There also many other resorts and attractions nearby including theme parks Busch Gardens and Water Country. Fans 3 During our visit, there was a sold-out crowd of 1000. However, this was due to playing nationally-ranked East Carolina. At least half of the crowd were cheering for the Pirates and not the hometown Tribe. For most other games the Tribe averages 400-500 fans per game. Access 3 Plumeri Park is easily accessible from US 60 is Williamsburg, and is located just off of Ironbound Road. However, you must turn right as soon as you see the sign for Plumeri Park. If you wait to you see the ballpark itself at the corner of Ironbound Road and DePue Drive, there is no access the ballpark. This can be confusing if it is your first time, so be alert. If using a GPS, use 221 Ironbound Rd. Williamsburg, VA. Parking is free but is somewhat limited. When we attended a sold-out game, it was an adventure to find a spot. There was no parking attendant and people pretty much parked wherever around the outfield wall and the neighboring soccer stadium.   There is a single entrance to Plumeri Park along the first base side that is easily noticeable by a free-standing brick-building ticket booth. Tickets can be purchased here, and just beyond the stadium gates. Entrance is easy and there is no security; they just check your ticket. There are two “concourses” at Plumeri Park: an upper one above the seating bowl and a lower one underneath the stands. Directly behind the concession stand and press box is a brick tower with steps and an elevator that goes to the upper concourse. There are also steps on either side of the stands near the dugouts. Restrooms are on the lower concourse and are spacious and clean. Handicapped seating is plenteous on the upper concourse. Return on Investment 4 Ticket prices are $10 for reserved chairback seats and $8 for general admission bleacher seats. With free parking and affordable concession prices, this is just about right as far as pricing goes for a day at the ballpark. Extras 1 An extra point for the friendly ushers who came up and told us that we could sit in the chairback seats, even with bleacher tickets on a previous visit. Final Thoughts Plumeri Park is a nice little ballpark that is perfect for a program like William and Mary. If you’re ever in the Williamsburg area and are looking to catch some good college baseball, Plumeri Park is just the place for you!

Photo courtesy of Getty Images The WNBA  recently began its 28th season in mid-May. Enthusiasm for the league is at an all-time thanks to an influx of exciting rookies, led by number one overall draft pick Caitlin Clark . Across the league, interest has been at its highest since the WNBA’s inaugural season. For fans looking to take part in the action, they are going to have to pay a price, literally – the increased excitement has brought with it a surge in season ticket and merchandise sales across the league. Along with that surge has been an increase in costs for tickets, team apparel, concessions, and more. The online wagering site Bookies.com  has calculated what the average cost for a family of four would be to attend a game for each of the league’s 12 teams. This analysis factored in the cost for the lowest-priced tickets, parking, two beers, two sodas, and four hot dogs; on average, fans can expect to spend $274.04 for a game during the 2024 season. According to Bookies.com ’s research, this cost is still far lower than the $308.64 needed for the same family of four to attend an NBA game. However, the cost for the most to least expensive WNBA team is wildly disparate. Taking the number one spot for the most expensive team would be a game in the nation’s capital, with the Washington Mystics at Entertainment and Sports Arena – the average cost was determined to be a whopping $418.20, which is somewhat surprising as the Mystics have not won a WNBA title since 2019. The Chicago Sky  and the Atlanta Dream  round out the top three in terms of most expensive teams to see, with average costs estimated at $378.40 and $356.80, respectively. Perhaps the biggest surprise turned out to be the least expensive team to see; that would be the team who drafted Clark this year and had the number one overall pick last year in Aliyah Boston , the Indiana Fever – to see a game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis the average cost is just $180.64, which is quite a bargain, but Fever fans should not expect it to stay this low for long. Image courtesy of Bookies.com ----- Follow Eric Moreno's Stadium Journey on X at @EricMoreno6477 .

Peter Kravitz has worn many hats in the sports world. He grew up a Philadelphia sports fanatic. He was the spring training bat boy for the Phillies. Then, he was a Blue Hen, a wrestler at the University of Delaware. Following graduation, he coached wrestling at Haverford College. After a stint as a sports writer, Kravitz switched gears entirely and became a high school teacher. For twenty-nine years, he taught English and coached sports teams at Wantagh High School on Long Island, where he was simply known as KRAV. Recently, Krav wrote about his experiences in his memoir,  So You Wanna Be a Teacher . He took a few moments to discuss his book and epic teaching career, as well as some of his most memorable sports adventures, including hallway wrestling.     STADIUM JOURNEY: So, what inspired you to write  So You Wanna Be a Teacher ? KRAV: I tried to write it several times while I was teaching but never got anywhere. Then, I retired and found a different starting point. I had a breakdown at 20, landed in a mental hospital, and started telling  that  story, which flowed easily into teaching.     SJ: A lot of people have preconceived notions of what it's like to be a teacher. Positives? Negatives? Would you do it all over again? KRAV: It’s a very difficult, exhausting job, not just teaching five to six classes a day but all of your interactions with the kids, colleagues, and administrators. I tried to say hello to so many of the kids and see how they were doing. You grade papers at home, eat dinner, and pass out, as you have to be up very early. But it’s also very rewarding. You feel like you’re making a difference in kids’ lives. Also, being around kids can be uplifting. They’re young, and their lives are ahead of them. Would I do it all over again? Knowing how hard and exhausting it was, I’m not sure. Journalism or broadcasting might have been interesting, but it wouldn’t have been as rewarding.    SJ: When you were teaching, how did you handle phones? How much of a problem was it? KRAV: I wasn’t a very good disciplinarian. If kids were disruptive with the phones, I’d tell them to put them away. The rules were always changing regarding whether we could confiscate them. With a bad class, however, phones were good. The obnoxious kids would get distracted with them and not disrupt the class. I’d let those kids disappear into their phones.     SJ: In addition to teaching, you coached a lot of high school teams. Which was your favorite sport to coach?  KRAV: I coached varsity wrestling, and I still coach varsity golf and middle school baseball. I enjoyed coaching high school wrestling. Frank Muzio and I built up the program at Wantagh. In Frank’s final match as coach, several years after I stepped down, a freshman named Paul Liguori won Wantagh’s first state title in over three decades at Nassau Coliseum. After Frank left coaching, national wrestling hall of Famer Paul Gillespie took over and turned the program into one of the best in New York State.   SJ: Is the Bethpage Black Course all that?   KRAV: I probably played the Black about ninety times. I first played it in the late 80’s when it was a complete mess. Once they decided to host the U.S. Open, they put a lot of money into it. It’s a great tract. There’s water in only one hole. The course’s protection is thick and rough. You can be two yards from the fairway, and all you can do is advance a wedge forty yards. The best round I ever had there from the white tees was eighty-three in April at age 49. The rough wasn’t thick and gnarly yet.   You need to be in shape to play the Black. There are no carts allowed. It’s an eight-mile, hilly trek. I remember playing with one guy who ate up the front and was even par. He said it was an easy course. You don’t let the golfing gods hear you say that. He became exhausted and shot like ten over on the back. There’s one spot on the back, this one tree on the par five 13, on the right side, where a lot of golfers have supposedly had heart attacks. I once played with a random teenager who had an albatross, a double eagle, on 13. SJ: Backtracking, you grew up in the Philadelphia area. What was your favorite stadium venue to attend as a young Krav?   KRAV:  Connie Mack Stadium was great. My grandparents had seats on the field between the third base dugout and the screen. Balls would get fouled up on the roof behind home plate, and you never knew when they’d come crashing down. Sometimes they’d make their way down five minutes later. One almost killed my grandfather. I saw Willie Mays, Hank Aaron, and Roberto Clemente play there. I was at its last game in 1970. I wanted to grab a base or something. I was 10. But   fans were ripping seats out, and my grandparents rushed me out of there before the game ended. But my best Philly sports moment came at the Vet. I was at the Vet’s first game in 1971, and we thought it was a technological wonder with its dancing fountains, big scoreboards, and Astroturf. My grandparents had another box on the field, one box away from the Phils’ dugout on the first base side. My college buddy Jeff Gowan, a New Yorker, and a Yankees fan, bugged me to ask them for tickets to Game Six of the 1980 World Series. Jeff went on to a legendary career as an NFL and MLB producer for Fox. He produced the Bartman game and the Jeter-flip game. As Tug McGraw came off the mound after escaping the eighth inning, he looked over at Jeff and me and pounded his heart. We were about ten feet from Bob Boone when he dropped a foul pop-up in the top of the ninth, and Pete Rose backed him up and snatched it before it hit the turf. That was one of the most incredible and clutch plays I’ve ever seen. And I got a foul ball at that game, which I still have. When the Phillies finally won, I thought I’d get a base, but Philadelphia mayor Frank Rizzo had cops on horseback circle the field, so there’d be no souvenirs. But my grandparents didn’t try to beat the crowd, so I witnessed a Philadelphia miracle championship win.    SJ: You wrestled for the University of Delaware. How'd you get so good and what makes wrestling different from other sports in college? KRAV: I started wrestling very late, as a high school sophomore. In Pennsylvania, the best wrestling state in the country, you don’t stand much of a chance if you don’t start young, but I was obsessed. I lifted, ran, and wrestled in summer tournaments across the state in places like Shamokin. My high school program was led by a great coach, Bill Zimmerman, and some great wrestlers like Billy Pincus, who went to nationals for William and Mary and then became the head coach there. My wrestling partner in Delaware, Don Philippi, became the winningest wrestler in Delaware history for a brief time. Wrestling him every day made me tough. You improve in wrestling when you have partners who either beat you up or battle you. We wrestled at the Delaware Fieldhouse, a huge indoor facility but never got big crowds. What makes wrestling different from other sports? It’s not about athleticism. It’s about training, repetition, and quick thinking. It’s like chess with attacks and counters. You’d think it’s about brute strength, but it’s very tactical.    SJ: So let's talk about your great contribution to Wantagh High School: hallway wrestling. Explain. What were the rules? How intense did it get? KRAV: It was probably a stupid thing to do, but I would grab a wrestler in the hallway and battle him. I would usually go after the little guys because I could tie them up. I often had a 70-pound advantage. There were no rules. They wouldn’t be able to get away from me, and I’d tell their class that I’d beaten a county or state champ. I made the mistake of going after a kid my weight at 50. He was a state champ, one of Wantagh’s all-time greats. Maybe I did it because he was my student in three classes, and he drove me a little crazy. He was great at throws, but for some dumb reason, I thought I could toss him. He hurled me into a wall. I retired from hallway wrestling after that ignominious defeat.    SJ: Favorite sports venue to attend?  KRAV: Two of my children went to Wisconsin, so I went to a bunch of college games at Camp Randall. I love college football with the bands and traditions. I saw Russell Wilson’s first Big Ten game. The Badgers battered Nebraska at Camp Randall, which is famous for its third-quarter jump around. It’s a little scary because the whole stadium shakes. The governor of Nebraska told the Nebraskans to wear black, as both teams’ colors were red. Everywhere you went, there were folks in black shirts. Most of them didn’t even go to the game. They just wanted to soak up the atmosphere.    SJ: And the most important question for last: best bagel on Long Island? KRAV: Well, I’ve tried to go all healthy in my golden years, but I still eat bagels, so I’ll go with House of Bagels in Commack. And don’t forget New York has the best pizza in the world. You can’t get bad pizza here, but my favorite is Villa Monte in Old Bethpage. I love the vodka grandma slices. Jon Hart is @manversusball

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 St. Anne's-Belfield Stadium 799 Faulconer Drive Charlottesville, VA 22903 Charlottesville Blues website St. Anne's-Belfield Stadium website Capacity: 1,800 (estimated) A Sea of Blues in Charlottesville The Charlottesville Blues are one of the newest soccer teams to join USL League Two, having been founded just this year, in 2024. USL League Two, confusingly, is the fourth division of American men's soccer and is a semi-professional league played over the summer consisting mostly of current and recently graduated college players. Pay is structured in a way that allows athletes to retain their amateur status. The Blues play their home games at the St. Anne's-Belfield School, a private boarding and day school in Charlottesville. Although their stadium is officially known as Frank G. Addonizio Field (after Howie Long's father-in-law), the Blues' marketing materials simply refer to it as St. Anne's-Belfield Stadium, so that is the name we will use as well. In addition to the League Two team, a women's team in the USL W League competes under the Blues' name. This review will focus on the League Two experience, but the two teams regularly play doubleheaders. Food & Beverage 5 There are several food and beverage options to choose from at a Charlottesville Blues game. A small concession stand is located at the top of the seating area and offers bottled water, soda, chips, candy, and other snacks, including Honey Stingers, an energy waffle that also sponsors the Blues' kits. A Honey Stinger is like a stroopwafel, only with the added "energy" of an energy bar. Pizza slices are also available here. Prices at this stand are very reasonable, with nothing costing more than a few dollars. However, there are better options, sold out of tents from local vendors (which the Blues refer to as "food trucks" even though there are no trucks.) A local barbecue place sells freshly made pulled pork, barbecued chicken, and steak and cheese sandwiches as well as homemade sides of mac and cheese and cole slaw. Another stand sells ice cream bars in unusual flavors like raspberry cheesecake. Prices here are on the higher end but not too outrageous - a meal and a side at the barbecue place will cost about $15 for a large amount of very good food. Beer is also available from local Three Notch'd Brewery for $8 a can to those of age. Atmosphere 5 Seating at a Blues game mostly consists of bleachers with backs, located underneath some trees. You will have a great view of the action from here as there are only a few rows. There are some seats on the field in what is called the "Fox Hole". These are flimsy plastic chairs that are not any more comfortable than the bleachers and, while they offer a great view, you are far removed from the energy of the stands as there is a literal brick wall in between. Therefore, we recommend you save money and just get general admission seats. That being said, a Blues game is an excellent atmosphere, which is often not the case at this level. The PA announcer is enthusiastic and entertaining without being too over the top. There is a section behind one goal known as the Fox Den which serves as a Supporters' Section. We will have more on this in the Fans section but this is where the Blues' most loyal and passionate fans stand and cheer on their team for the entire game. This is open to all fans regardless of what ticket they hold, but there are no seats, so you will be standing the entire game. Additionally, as this is a section for Blues fans, soccer etiquette dictates that if you are a fan of the visiting team, you do not go in here. There is no reason you would want to as a fan of the opponent except to cause trouble. Although soccer provides few breaks in the action, the Blues do have some on-field activities during halftime. Kids compete in contests such as bouncing a soccer ball on their feet as many times as they can for the chance to win prizes from local merchants. Neighborhood 4 Charlottesville is a beautiful college town known mostly for the University of Virginia. Once you head into town, you will find many options to choose from. Boylan Heights is a popular bar just off the UVA campus and serves up good food as well. It is just one of many places to eat, drink, or have fun along University Avenue ranging from bagel bakeries to bars to sushi restaurants. History buffs may also want to check out Monticello, the home of Thomas Jefferson. Keep in mind that many of the places near the University may offer limited hours during the summer when the Blues play, as the UVA students are not on campus. Fans 5 Although St. Anne's-Belfield Stadium isn't large by any means, the Blues have mostly filled it during their first two games. Despite being a new team, the Blues already have a large, loyal, passionate fan base who comes out to their games decked in blue and cheers on their team for 90 minutes. As mentioned above, the Supporters' Section is known as the Fox Den and consists of the Blues' most loyal, passionate fans. They stand behind one goal for the entire game, cheering, shouting, and banging upside-down buckets as improvised drums. After the Blues' goals, they set off blue smoke in celebration. The section is small in number for now, but even in the game Stadium Journey attended, it grew throughout the night as more fans decided to head down there, so it should continue to grow during this inaugural season and beyond. You don't usually see this kind of dedication down in League Two, which makes this all the more impressive. Access 2 Unfortunately, this is the one area where the experience at a Charlottesville Blues game isn't so great. To the stadium, you will take US 29 or I-64 to US 250, and the campus and stadium are a short distance away. Make sure you are setting your GPS to the Belfield campus of St. Anne's-Belfield and not the original St. Anne's campus that may come up if you just enter the St. Anne's-Belfield School. There are signs directing fans to the general vicinity of the stadium, but none directing them where to park. There is a VIP lot right next to the entry gate, but most fans will not be able to park there. Instead, you will turn down an unmarked gravel road next to the soccer stadium (this is the soccer stadium where St. Anne's-Belfield plays - the Blues play in the football stadium) and then park along the side. If this fills up, fans will park on the other side of the school and walk around. If you miss the turnoff and head to the stadium, you will then have to drive around the school as there is a one-way loop; After the game, getting out of the gravel area can be difficult with cars and pedestrians going in every direction. There is staff directing traffic at the end of the path, but they can only do so much. Fortunately, you will not need to drive around the loop to get out, as a small portion is two-way. Restrooms are located at the top of the seating area behind the concession stand, and there are also some port-a-potties at field level by the entrance. Return on Investment 5 Tickets are just $10 for general admission seats or $20 for Fox Hole seats pitchside. As mentioned above, the Fox Hole seats are not worth the extra $10, but the general admission seats are a great value. Concessions are affordable as well. With the fan experience here, a Charlottesville Blues game is an affordable way to spend an enjoyable evening watching soccer, and the return on investment is high. Extras 3 There is a merchandise stand at the top of the seating area, in the same area as the food and beer tents. A second star for the Fox Den and the energy they bring. It is rare to see any kind of Supporters Section at the League Two level, and the Fox Den is passionate and rapidly growing. A third and final star for partnering with local businesses on concessions, promotions, and giveaways. In an era where sports have become increasingly corporatized, it is good to see local vendors being given attention over multibillion-dollar corporations. Final Thoughts Despite being a low-level soccer, a Charlottesville Blues game is a great experience. Soccer fans in the Charlottesville area will want to make the trip to St. Anne's Belfield over the summer to check it out - a Blues game is fun for everyone, adults and children alike.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57 McManus Family Field at Carlo Crispino Stadium 8102 Lasalle Rd Towson, MD 21286 Putty Hill Panthers website McManus Family Field at Carlo Crispino Stadium website Year Opened: 2008 Capacity: 300 Panthers Pride The Maryland Collegiate Baseball League is a summer collegiate league with players from many colleges but mostly from regional colleges and universities, such as Towson, Maryland, Penn State, UMBC, and Mount St Mary's. The Panthers play at Carlo Crispino Stadium at Calvert Hall College High School. The school is a Catholic high school for boys, located in Towson, Maryland, and was started in 1845. Famous alumni include filmmaker John Waters, A-Team actor Dwight Shultz, and ESPN analyst Mel Kiper Jr. The field itself is named for the McManus family. Carlo Crispino was a former Calvert Hall player, and Phillies minor-leaguer, who donated money for the new stadium to be opened in 2008. The stadium has been named by the National Baseball Coaches Association as its field of the year at least twice. Food & Beverage 0 A small permanent stand is located down the first baseline but does not seem open for Panthers games. Atmosphere 3 The stadium is small and compact. This means that the fan noise will be pretty high even with a small crowd. It is also covered making visiting on hot, sunny days a pleasure. There is also a nice picnic area down the right field line. Just be careful entering the stadium as there is no net right as you come up the steps. If one was not paying attention as a player is batting it could end badly. Neighborhood 4 The ballpark is located in the busy Towson area of Baltimore County. Towson University and Goucher College are located nearby. Across the street from the field is a large big-box retail shopping center with various options. Gino's at 8600 Lasalle Road is also very close by. This local legend has some good burgers and chicken options. Try the Gino's Giant. If you wish to venture further, you are in luck as Towson is a semi-urban environment with a very large shopping mall and numerous restaurants in the area. Try the Charles Village Pub in the heart of downtown Towson for good food and drinks. Fans 2 The crowds are similar to a northeastern college baseball stadium. The fans consist of mostly family and friends of the players on both teams. The  Maryland Collegiate Baseball League gets players from colleges throughout the area so that you may have some nice variety in terms of fans at the ballpark. Access 4 Towson is the county seat of Baltimore County and always seems to be in the center of everything. It is at the crossroads of the busy Baltimore Beltway, Jones Falls Expressway, and Harrisburg Expressway. I-95 is also relatively close by. Calvert Hall College High School is also easy to find at the busy intersection of Putty Hill Avenue and Goucher Boulevard. There should be plenty of free parking in the school's lots. If you use the lots off of Lasalle Road, near the baseball stadium, watch out for the signs designating foul territory. Return on Investment 4 Games are free, and so is the parking. The level of college ball on display makes this a great value for fans. Extras 1 Walk the grounds of Calvert Hall to see how they abide by their mission of making their students "men of intellect, men of faith, and men of integrity." Final Thoughts A strong level of baseball for free makes a visit to a Putty Hill Panthers game a good way to spend a few innings.

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Rickwood Field 1137 2nd Ave W Birmingham, AL 35204 MiLB at website Rickwood Field website Year Opened: 1910 Capacity: 8,300 It’s Nice to Have You in Birmingham Professional baseball returned to Birmingham’s Rickwood Field in 2024 as part of Major League Baseball’s Tribute to the Negro Leagues. Previously the field has hosted the Rickwood Classic , an annual minor league baseball game between the Birmingham Barons and a Southern League opponent, from 1996 to 2016. After a hiatus in 2017 for stadium maintenance, the Classic resumed from 2016 to 2019. Following the cancellation of the 2020 Minor League Baseball season, Rickwood Field would not see professional baseball again until MLB announced that 2024 would feature both minor league and major league games to pay tribute to those who played in the Negro Leagues , as well as to honor the career of Willie Mays – Mays, from neighboring Fairfield, Alabama, began his professional career at Rickwood Field as a member of the Birmingham Black Barons.   Food & Beverage   5 MLB’s use of Rickwood Field to showcase minor league baseball includes a full production effort, with concessions being no exception. MiLB at Rickwood Field: A Tribute to the Negro Leagues highlights some of Birmingham’s local staples. Fans can still enjoy ballpark classics like hot dogs, burgers, and nachos, but with a local twist featuring some of Birmingham’s well-known eateries. Dreamland BBQ offers smoked pork and chicken sandwiches with classic Alabama white sauce, nachos, and smoked sausage on a stick. Eugene’s Hot Chicken provides jumbo chicken tenders with signature sauce and loaded “chix fries”. Local food truck Awww Shucks serves gourmet roasted corn on the cob in three styles. Alcoholic beverages include common national brands, along with selections from Alabama breweries Yellowhammer and Cahaba, featuring Groovy Dan’s West Coast IPA and Blonde Ale, respectively. What Rickwood has done is take the basics and simply make them not so basic any more, just by partnering with some of Birmingham’s more notable establishments to add their own touches.   Atmosphere   4 One of the most beautiful aspects of Rickwood Field is that it has retained much of its original charm. The cupola on the tiled roof remains consistent with the original design, and additions such as the fully covered grandstand reminiscent of the 1920s, and the reconfigured main entrance reminiscent of the 1930s, are very similar to their original forms. With MLB's decision to play at Rickwood, the stadium required upgrades to meet major league standards, including minor adjustments to home plate positioning, field angle, and bullpen relocation behind the outfield fence. What is a bit disappointing is with MLB’s oversight of stadium upgrades, some of the classic signage throughout the field’s confines was replaced in favor of MLB’s sponsors – gone is the Alabama Power Company mascot holding electric bolts and the “It’s Nice to Have You in Birmingham” signs, which have been replaced by current MLB advertisers.  The saving grace is the new signs were designed in a historically accurate representation, but it’s just disappointing that some of the classics are no longer there. Another casualty to the upgrades were the in-ground dugouts that you often saw players sitting on top of during the game, due to the coziness of the original dugouts. Keeping with the kitschy-ness of minor league baseball, the Rickwood game utilizes interactive games with fans throughout the stands to fill the time between innings. A temporary video screen was also installed in right-center field for the MLB game to broadcast mid-inning contests, replays, and serve as an auxiliary scoreboard alongside the manual scoreboard in left field. When choosing seats, it's tough to go wrong – seats around home plate and up the lines keep fans close to the action, while the covered right field area provides great views of the stadium. However, be mindful of the steel support beams used for the roof, as they can create obstructed views.   Neighborhood   2 Rickwood Field is located in the Rising-West Princeton neighborhood of Birmingham’s west end. The area presents a mixed impression, characterized by a combination of residential and industrial zones, but with a notable number of abandoned and decaying homes and businesses – the neighborhood may elevate visitors' situational awareness rather than create a sense of immediate intimidation. Food options in the vicinity are predominantly chain restaurants, though there are a few independently owned establishments as well. One nearby option is Southern Caribbean, which serves Jamaican cuisine and might be worth a visit. Birmingham holds significant historical importance in the civil rights movement, particularly during the 1950s and 60s. The Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, located about four miles from Rickwood Field, is in an area rich with historical landmarks – the 16th Street Baptist Church, Kelly Ingram Park, and the marked routes of protestors through the streets of Birmingham highlight the pivotal events that occurred during the city's fight for equal rights.   Fans   5 One of the beautiful aspects of Rickwood Field games is the fans who use the occasion to showcase their prized throwback jerseys of teams and players that have graced this field. And while you will find jerseys of recognizable teams and players, some represent obscure figures that only well-educated students of the game might recognize. Fans from around the South, and even the country, make a pilgrimage to see a game at the nation’s oldest stadium used for professional baseball. Rickwood games typically see a 4,000 to 5,000 bump in attendance compared to typical weekday games for the Birmingham Barons . Fans are not just there to experience the spectacle of the historic stadium; they also passionately support the Barons and show strong pride for Birmingham. Rickwood itself is also a source of great civic pride for Birmingham natives, who all seem to have a story about playing there.   Access   3 Getting to Rickwood Field is typically straightforward, with just a few turns needed off Interstate 20/59, which bisects Birmingham. However, the high demand for games here can overwhelm the area's parking capacity; as a solution, fans park at nearby Legion Field and are shuttled to the streets outside Rickwood. Accessing the stadium requires patience due to the large crowds. The main entrance along 12th Street can take time to get through, but opens up once you are past the security check. The area immediately outside the stadium serves as an external concourse, allowing visitors to navigate without contending with a crowded internal walkway. While there are limits to how much a historic stadium can be upgraded, Rickwood’s field concourse is designed to allow fans to move fairly easily in both directions, provided there are no obstructions. However, when fans stop to take photos or to simply admire the stadium, it can create significant backups. Additionally, the step up from the concourse to the upper section of seating is substantial, so care is needed when navigating the aisles.   Return on Investment   4 Tickets for games at jewel sites like Rickwood Field come at a premium price. For the last MiLB game played at Rickwood in 2019, tickets started at $10. However, with the heightened interest due to MLB's involvement and the game's tribute to the Negro Leagues, ticket prices have significantly increased – for the latest event, prices started at $30 for seating in the sections above the walkway. Although this is higher than typical minor league ticket prices, the historic nature of Rickwood Field and the unique atmosphere of the game make it a reasonable investment. Concession prices are comparable to restaurant rates for similar quality food, though serving sizes on some items could be a bit more generous. However, where prices do seem to be rather inflated are with souvenirs, such as on t-shirts starting at $35. Overall, the inflated prices for games at special locations like Rickwood Field should not come as a surprise given the unique experience and historical significance of both the stadium and the event itself.   Extras   5 Simply walking through the front entrance of the stadium and first laying your eyes upon the field is breathtaking for those who appreciate the historical importance of Rickwood Field. Not enough can be said about how special a game at Rickwood Field is. Rickwood Field itself is a museum of baseball. The thought of being in a stadium that has hosted so many greats of the game is enough to send chills down your spine. The stadium even has both clubhouses set up with lockers adorned with replica jerseys, of players who have graced Rickwood’s field in the past. Additionally, a combination gift shop and museum is located on the first base side of the exterior concourse. When professional baseball comes to Rickwood Field, there is a nod to the stadium's history in the music played before the game – music specific to the era plays over the stadium’s public address system, and is accompanied by a live organist entertaining fans during pre-game. Despite changes over the years, some historical aspects have remained; the manual scoreboard was added in 1928 and the lighting stanchions from 1936 stand out immediately. Rickwood was the first minor league stadium outfitted for night baseball, so the scoreboard and lighting towers are features that just are not seen in today’s stadiums.   Final Thoughts From its early days hosting industrial leagues near the turn of the century, to the Southern League and Southern Negro League until the 1960s, Rickwood Field has been integral to the sport's history. For baseball and stadium enthusiasts, Rickwood Field is a must-visit – it serves as a live action museum. From the moment you pass through the entryway, it is impossible not to feel the history of the stadium and imagine all the greats who once played on this field. Rickwood Field offers an experience where fans forget about the modern comforts of present day stadiums and enjoy the game as the main attraction. Unlike modern day stadiums with social gathering areas and children’s play zones, Rickwood focuses purely on the game on the field. Major League Baseball’s decision to use Rickwood Field for their tribute to the Negro Leagues put a much-deserved spotlight on this historic relic, which had begun to fall into disrepair. The upgrades the stadium received in preparation for hosting Major League Baseball should ensure that Rickwood Field continues to stand as one of the most important baseball stadiums for generations to come.

Photos by Eric Hasman, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Ozinga Field 14011 S Kenton Ave Crestwood, IL 60445 Windy City Thunderbolts website Ozinga Field website Year Opened: 1999 Capacity: 3,200 A Niche of a Ballpark in the Windy City The Windy City Thunderbolts have been playing baseball since 1995 when it began operations as the Will County Claws in the North Central League. In 1996 the team rebranded as the Cook County Cheetahs (Heartland League 1996 – 1998 and then joined the Frontier League in 1999) and in 2004 adopted the T-Bolts moniker. Its ballpark has been Standard Bank Stadium since the 1999 season. The stadium has a capacity of 3,200, which includes multiple party decks, a beer garden, and its most unique feature, an upper deck on the third base side only. This one-sided upper deck was due to the inability to add a second upper deck along the first base side due to multiple high-power lines that dominate in front of the stadium’s parking lot. The design of the ballpark creates a configuration that includes 6 rows of seating in the lower deck, and upper deck seating that hovers tightly above the concourse. There is not a bad seat in the house, and now that netting extends along the seating bowl in the lower deck you don’t have to pay attention to the game, which many don’t since they are socializing. Though pop fouls can still hit you and you can get hit in the upper deck because the netting doesn’t extend that high. This infrequently happens. The ballpark also features a few distinguishable features with bullpens situated in foul territory and within proximity to the two patio decks. The ballpark has only three skyboxes next to the press box. The stadium has seen a few renovations in the past few seasons including the installation of a 13-foot-high, 22-foot-long HD video board with full video capabilities in 2014, ProGrass synthetic turf in 2015, and a second picnic area on the first baseline in 2018. Food & Beverage 3 The food is standard fare. Prices went up over the year but where haven’t they? Hot dogs ($4.25 regular or 5.75 jumbo), chicken tenders ($8), hamburgers/cheeseburger ($5.75/$6), a slice of pizza from a local restaurant-Beggars ($5.50), nachos ($5.75) and popcorn ($3.50) are among the choices available at the concession stands. However, there are great-tasting appetizers like funnel cake fries ($8.75), french fries, ($6), and cheese curds ($9). The lines for the concession stands can be somewhat long since a few locations are closed for certain games but move fairly quickly. My favorites here are the hamburgers and funnel fries. For the kids or people who choose not to drink, there are bottled soda-Pepsi products ($4.75) or 22 oz fountain soda ($3.75), Gatorade ($5.25), water ($3.25), Root beer floats ($6.50), ice frozen lemonade ($5.50) and 12 oz hot chocolate or coffee for $3.75. There are also some candy/dessert items such as caramel apples ($3.50), caramel pretzel rods ($2.25), and boxes of M&M’s, Kit-Kats, Milky Way, Snickers, and Twix for $2.50. The beer is provided by Budweiser (Bud, Bud Light, Bud Seltzers, Michelob Ultra).  Domestic draft beer is either 16 oz cans ($6.50 domestic or $7.75 premium), 16 oz draft ($5.50) or 32 oz draft ($9).  There are also local Goose Island favorites and a few craft beers of the Midwest ($6.25) and Michelob Ultra Seltzers ($6.25).   There is also wine ($7.50) and some mixed drinks ($8.50 for 16oz.).  The mixed drinks have either Old Smoky Moonshine (Tennessee Whiskey), Tito’s Vodka, Rum (spiced or regular), or Jose Cuervo.  On Thursday nights, the prices start at $1.75 for “Retro” beers and $2.75 for domestic cans. Atmosphere 2 The T-Bolts have a niche market on the southside attracting a majority of its fan base from the local area. The size of the ballpark also lends to the atmosphere because it rarely feels empty. Inside the facility are two concourse areas on the third base side. The inside area is tight but never really a problem with access from one end to the other.  Fans can also get a good look at the field from this area. The outer area is located outside of the seating area and away from the field of play. You can’t see the field from here. Behind the first base side is a raised party area that offers sit-down picnic tables and open spacing. If this area is not rented, anyone can sit up there. The sight of fans commencing in large groups with a beer in hand and enjoying the festivities of the game is very common, especially on the weekends. In addition, there is another party area down the right field line again, anyone can sit there if the area is not rented. The kids love the mascot, Boomer; he is very accessible during the times he is not on the field for the between-inning entertainment. The between-inning entertainment is the usual minor league theatrics of quick contests (do kids know more than their parents, match game, etc.) and t-shirt tossing. After each game, kids get to run the bases. On Sundays after the game, the players are available for autographs and pictures. If you are a White Sox fan,  this season the manager of the team is former White Sox Pitcher, Bobby Jenks. He also comes out for autographs. My favorite between-inning promotion is the horse race. There are three wooden horses (yellow, red, and zebra) cutouts attached to a pole.  An intern runs with each horse outside the park from the video board behind the batter’s eye to another advertisement board. There are fans at the ballpark that bet on the race and the Thunderbolts bring kids down to the field to pick “horses” to win prizes. The Thunder Store (gift shop) is a separate building within the confines of the park. It is not very big, but they have a decent selection of hats, t-shirts, sweatpants, game-worn uniforms, and broken bats. There is a kids’ play area near the store which has a jungle gym. Neighborhood 2 The village of Crestwood is 22 miles south of downtown Chicago and is within one hour of five (5) independent and two major league clubs. The surrounding suburban neighborhood is a mix of residential and retail. A parking lot surrounds the ballpark. Around the parking lot are residential apartments, high power lines, and an elementary school with a recreational park and football field. Driving there is everything you want within five minutes; a few neighborhood-type bars and plenty of fast-food choices and chain restaurants. If you get there early enough there is Louisa’s (Italian) which was voted one of the best pizzas in the Chicagoland area. Fans 3 The fan base is friendly, and many know a lot about the team and league. The Thunderbolts average about 1,800 people a game. Of course, the weekend games are better attended than weekday games. The mix of fans is the same as any other ballpark: families, baseball purists, casual baseball fans , or others out there for a specific promotion / or outing. The Thunderbolts have a group of regulars at the ballpark who are called the “Pole Guys” because they stand in the concourse by the light pole on the first base (visitors) dugout. They have a good time and raz the umps, opposing players, and even the home team when there is a bad call or play. An example of their razzing is when there is an error you will hear “That is why you are in this league.” It should be noted that the Pole Guys do not curse and follow the strict rules of the game, but they can be loud. If you don’t like this sort of thing, sit on the third base side. At most games, some fans tailgate in the parking lot well before the gates open at the ballpark. Access 5 Qzinga Field is located to the east of the intersection of 141st (Midlothian Turnpike and S. Cicero Avenue). The ballpark is a few miles from I-294 and/or I-57. There is also bus access to the area with a short walk from Cicero Avenue if needed. However, driving will be your best option for this ballpark. Return on Investment 4 Going to a T-Bolts game is worth the price and time. The cost of a ticket is either $10 or $12 on game day (you get $2 off if you buy in advance). A bonus is that parking is free, and concession prices are reasonable. The team does have various promotional nights throughout the season. On most Thursday nights the stadium hosts professional wrestling matches by a local wrestling company on the concourse. Every Friday and Saturday are fireworks directly after the game. These games attract the largest crowds of around 2,500 or more a game during the season. Sunday is family day, you get 4 tickets, 4 dogs, 4 chips, 4 sodas/water, 4 ice cream cups, and 4 souvenirs for $45.  It’s a great day to bring the family out for the game. Extras 2 The Thunderbolts have three retired numbers: Dylan Axelrod (#23) who would make it to the majors with the Chicago White Sox and Cincinnati Reds and former manager Mike “Kash” Kashirsky (#1) who led the club to its second championship and two division titles. He is now the left-handed batter practice pitcher for the Chicago White Sox. Lastly, there is (#3) Michael Torres a Frontier League Hall of Famer. The Park gets an extra star because of the upper deck and the “horse” race. Final Thoughts This ballpark is one of the best-kept secrets on the south side of the Chicagoland area. The design of the ballpark, the local fans who tailgate, the support of the club, and the affordable pricing should make Ozinga Field a can’t miss for any baseball traveler.