Photos by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 Haynes and Carolyn Hill Stadium at Lynn Cottrell Park 201 Barlow Rd Dahlonega, GA 30597 North Georgia Nighthawks website Haynes and Carolyn Hill Stadium at Lynn Cottrell Park website Year Opened: 2009 Capacity: 222 There’s a Softball Park in Them Thar Hills! The University of North Georgia (UNG) opened in 1873. It is in Dahlonega, GA, and has a student body of 18,046. Its’ largest areas of study are biology, psychology, and business. The University of North Georgia is one of only six senior military colleges in the U.S. Students are not required to be in the military programs at UNG, but a sizable percentage of the student body does enroll in the military sciences area of study. The athletic team at UNG are known as the Nighthawks. They participate in sports at the Division II level of the NCAA as a member of the Peach Belt Conference. This conference includes smaller schools from the states of Georgia, Florida, and South Carolina. The home of Nighthawks softball is the on-campus Haynes and Carolyn Hill Stadium, more popularly known as simply “The Hill”. It is in Lynn Cottrell Park, UNG’s Outdoor Athletic Complex. It opened in time for the 2009 season and has a seating capacity of 222, plus a terraced area beyond the outfield walls. Major improvements since its’ 2009 opening include the addition of the FieldTurf artificial turf in 2014 and the installation of a new video board in 2020. The softball team is a longtime powerhouse in Division II softball, as it has won 50 or more games per season six times since moving into The Hill. This includes seven trips to the NCAA Division II Championship round and four visits to the Division II Super Regionals. The Lady Nighthawks were the National Champions for Division II in 2015. They have won eleven Sun Belt Season Championships since the stadium opened, as well as fourteen Sun Belt Tournament Championships. The NCAA has also recognized The Hill as an excellent facility, as it served as the site for the Southeastern Regionals of Division II from 2009-2012 and 2014-2019. North Georgia University firmly believes that the stadium and its ongoing improvements have been a boon to its recruiting efforts. Food & Beverage 4 There is one concession stand located at Coleman Field House. The stand is well-staffed, and the lines move quickly. The stand serves a very basic ballpark standards menu. However, the prices at the concession stand are much lower than we find at most college venues. The menu includes hot dogs ($3.75), nachos ($3.75), pretzels ($3.50), candy ($2.25), and chips ($1.25). The stand carries Coca-Cola brand beverages ($2) and bottled water ($2). Beer is not sold on the University of North Georgia campus. Atmosphere 4 Haynes and Carolyn Hill Stadium is a great place to enjoy a Nighthawks softball game. It is a very modern facility, as it opened in only 2009. The ballpark features the blue, gold, and white team colors of UNG. The ballpark is in a valley, between several forested hills, which form a backdrop beyond the outfield walls. The grandstand is located behind home plate, and it features some very comfortable chairback seats. Fans have a great view of the action no matter where they are in the bleachers. The entire field, including the infield base paths, is made of a synthetic surface. This is due to the harsh weather conditions in February when the softball season gets underway. The Nighthawks have very few rainouts during the season. The ballpark also features a state-of-the-art electronics package. There is a large videoboard in left-center field behind the outfield wall. It was installed in 2020. The videoboard features each batter’s name and background information as they come to the plate, in addition, it also provides information on the upcoming games. The sound system at The Hill is extremely clear. Neighborhood 4 UNG is in Dahlonega, GA. Dahlonega was the site of the first Gold Rush in the U.S. in 1828. Gold in very small amounts can still be found in the area. The city of Dahlonega is located 66 miles north of Atlanta in the North Georgia mountains. The heart of Dahlonega is Courthouse Square, which is just two blocks east of the UNG campus. The square is filled with unique shops, great restaurants, and services that fill the everyday needs of both the year-round population and the UNG student body. The old courthouse in the square is now home to the Dahlonega Gold Rush State Historic Site Museum. Among the more popular businesses located on the square are the Dahlonega Brewing Company, and the iconic Smith House Inn and Restaurant. The Smith House Inn opened in 1899 and is still an active lodging site. Its’ restaurant is famous for its family-style dining, and it is packed regularly with both locals and tourists. Dahlonega hosts several festivals each year, with the biggest being Gold Rush Days in October. This festival celebrates both the town’s heritage with gold and the fall leaf colors in the North Georgia mountains. The area is also a hub for the wine industry in Georgia. There are more than 15 wineries amongst the hills surrounding the town. The surrounding mountains also draw many outdoor enthusiasts to the area for hiking, white water rafting, and mountain biking. For more information on things to do during your stay in the area, go to www.dahlonega.org . Fans 4 The fan base at Nighthawk games consists of students, parents, and family members of the players as well as the townspeople of Dahlonega. UNG and the townspeople of Dahlonega share a great town/gown relationship. UNG is the only sports game in town, other than the lone high school in the county. Fans proudly wear the UNG colors, even if they have no official link to the school. Access 4 The UNG campus and The Hill are located 66 miles north of Atlanta. They are easily reached via Highway 400 and US Highway 19. Once in Dahlonega, turn left at Morrison Parkway. Go 1.5 miles and turn left at Barlow Road. Parking and the ballpark will be on your left. Directions from Atlanta: Take Highway 400/US 19 North for 32 miles. When Highway 400 ends, continue on Highway 19 North for 8 miles. Turn left at the red light for South Chestatee Street (US 19) This will bring you up and over a steep hill that overlooks the city of Dahlonega. After you have passed the hospital, go down the hill to the next traffic light. Turn left onto Morrison Moore Parkway. Turn left on Barlow Road. The parking lot and The Hill will be on your left. You can park in any space in the lot. Gates to the ballpark open one hour before the first pitch, leaving you plenty of time to watch batting practice or visit the concession stand in Coleman Field House. Return on Investment 5 You will not break the bank when you attend a softball game at Haynes and Carolyn Hill Stadium. Parking is free anywhere within the Lynn Cottrell Athletics Park. Ticket prices are $10.00 for General Admission seats and $7.00 for Seniors/Students/Military. The items at the concession stand are priced well below the typical costs charged at most college venues. Programs for the softball games are free, as they are digital, and are available by snapping a photo of the QR code at the entrance to the ballpark. Lodging in the area can be found for less than $100 during the softball season. Extras 4 The University of North Georgia turns 150 years old in 2023. Several special observances will be held throughout the season, highlighting the athletic achievements of various Nighthawk teams over the years. Dahlonega gold covers the steeple of the Price Memorial Hall on the UNG campus and the Georgia State Capitol Dome in Atlanta. As an active Senior Military College, UNG still has military observances of Reveille, Retreat, and Taps. While only students in the military studies programs observe Reveille and Taps, all students, faculty, and staff stop when Retreat is sounded at 5 pm. They stop whatever they are doing and put their hands over their hearts and face the Drill Field while the Colors are taken down and the cannon on the field is fired. Zac Brown of the Zac Brown Band is a native of Dahlonega and he took classes at UNG. Final Thoughts Haynes and Carolyn Hill Stadium provide a better-than-average experience for small college softball fans. Its’ state-of-the-art facility offers a beautiful setting amongst the North Georgia mountains, with an electronics package that you would expect to have at a much larger school. The fan base is a model of town/gown cooperation, with everyone wearing the school colors. Finally, the town of Dahlonega offers visitors plenty of things to do before or after the game.

Photos by Chuck Utech, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Mall of Asia Arena Mall of Asia Complex Bay City, Pasay City 1309 The Philippines Barangay Ginebra San Miguel website Mall of Asia Arena website Year Opened: 2012 Capacity: 20,000 Mall of Basketball If you like your basketball to be one part rugby, one part three point shooting, and one part rock concert, then the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) is for you. Here is a quick primer. The PBA played its first game in 1975 and is the first professional basketball league in Asia, and second oldest in the world, behind the NBA. The PBA features 10 teams. Rules are a mix of NBA and international. A season is comprised of three “conferences” called the Philippine Cup, Commissioner’s Cup, and Governors’ Cup. Winning all conferences in a given season is called a “Grand Slam.” Each conference has particular roster requirements and ends in playoff with a champion. The Philippine Cup rosters are comprised of players of Filipino descent. This Cup is widely thought of as the most prestigious of the three. For the Commissioner’s Cup, the ninth and tenth place teams from the previous conference are allowed one import no taller than 6′ 11”. The remaining teams have a 6′ 9″ restriction. In Governors’ Cup play, the rule is 6′ 5″ for all teams. Barangay Ginebra San Miguel (Ginebra) has been a member of the PBA since 1979, beginning as Gilbey’s Gin. They are by far the most popular professional team in the Philippines. They have won eight championships. Unlike basketball in the United States, there are no home arenas. There are two main facilities that host PBA games, the Smart Araneta Coliseum (site of the Thrilla in Manilla) and the Mall of Asia Arena (MOA). In times where Smart Araneta and MOA are busy, Philsports Arena and Cuneta Astrodome are used instead. MOA is the crown jewel of venues in the Philippines. In addition to a regular PBA slate, it is the home of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines and served as the main venue for the 2013 FIBA Asia Championship. In 2013, the NBA played a preseason game to a capacity crowd featuring the Houston Rockets and Indiana Pacers. In just two short years it has also hosted concerts of international acts such as Taylor Swift, Bruno Mars, Lady Gaga, Nicki Minaj, Aerosmith, and the Jonas Brothers. Boosted by a nearby first class shopping experience and excellent atmosphere, a trip to MOA is highly recommended if you’re looking for a sporting event in Manila. Food & Beverage 5 Food and beverage of all types is available and easily accessible from a plethora of concession stands at Mall of Asia Arena. The main concessions popular with the local crowd feature standard arena food. Tubs of popcorn are 70 and 95 PHP (standard conversion is about 43 PHP to 1 USD). A bacon cheeseburger is 100 PHP while a hot dog wrapped in bacon served on a bun is 80 PHP. Local beer San Mig Light and San Mig Pale Pilsen is served in a 12 ounce cup for 65 PHP. Looking for something different? Try Kobe Kroquette. These are deep fried mashed potatoes with panko coating. They come in different varieties. I sampled a mix and match 3 pack for 75 PHP. I asked for the most popular and was given ham and cheese, crabstick, and seaweed, which are served with tonkatsu sauce. They are quite enjoyable. Searching for a different type of ethnic cuisine? Next down the line is Jamrock Patty Cafe and their famous Jamaican patties. These are a beef-stuffed delicacy with a pastry crust. A regular patty is 65 PHP or with cheese is 75 PHP. In addition, there are stands for pizza, tacos, chicken sandwiches and ice cream. Starbucks and Krispy Kreme also have booths. Cost is very affordable. Want a mixed drink? Tanduay Rhum has a booth and a rum and Coke is only 100 PHP. Atmosphere 5 One main gate on the south side of the complex allows inside access. There is a huge line, but security is quite efficient in moving everyone inside. There are essentially five levels for seating: Patron, lower box, suites, upper box and gallery. Patron seating includes courtside and is on the main floor. Escalators escort fans to their desired section. I recommend sitting in the box seats. The gallery seating does allow for the lowest price at 125 PHP, but is also in the 500 level. Lower box seats are 550 PHP and allow for a great view and crowd experience. Mall of Asia Arena features a large, state of the art center court hanging video board. Live action is shown as well as game statistics. Music during a regular season game is a standard instrumental beat that is usually played at all venues in The Philippines. During the playoffs, both teams have drum lines that sit on each side of the gallery and duel all game, replacing the instrumental beat. Popular music is played during breaks and intermissions. Because the PBA does not play more than a doubleheader in any night, the crew for all venues is mainly the same. Both teams are announced as “Your” team. Inside, the announcer is very well understood. He speaks English nearly throughout except when asking for everyone to rise for the National Anthem. Although fan support may be lopsided, the announcer does a great job of hyping big plays for both teams. “Japeth Aguilar for THREEEEE!” Also the voice is quite discernible for explanations such as “technical foul on the bench for disrespecting a game official.” Sound is distributed well in MOA, which is excellent, because even during roars from the crowd, the announcer can make his call. During intermissions a team of three guys appear on the court and shoot t-shirts into the crowd with a slingshot. I appreciate that they shoot those high into the cheap seats. At halftime, one of those fellas sports a harness with backboard on hoop on top and they pass around a small ball to fans to shoot. Made baskets win a prize… a two day supply of Vitamin C. In addition, they have a game where two contestants are at mid court, attached to a bungee cord. The goal is to advance to their respective hoop, dragging the other along, and make a basket. That is very entertaining. Want to challenge a friend at a three point shooting contest? On the second level is a regulation hoop and three point arc. Free of charge, one can hoist as many jumpers as they can. Two staffers grab rebounds and send balls back on a rack for continued shooting. Neighborhood 4 Located two blocks from Manila Bay, MOA sits in a shopper’s paradise. Across the street is the spacious Mall of Asia. The mall is currently the 10th largest in the world. It is estimated that 200,000 people visit the mall daily. Nearby are hotels, casinos and a business district. Fans 4 I really do not know if I have enough superlatives to describe the PBA fans. They are supportive, smart, and quite vocal. The fan experience alone is well worth the price of admission. It is very enjoyable. There are two main chants one can expect to hear at a Ginebra game. “D-Fense!” and “Ginebra!” (EE-NEH-BRAH!). When a team makes a big shot, fans from that squad will hold up a jersey or handmade banner (ranging from poster board and magic marker to a fancy, stitched felt sign) of the player. Same with a great steal or block. Most of the “super” fans are behind the respective hoops. They are quite mindful to not keep the sign up too long and impede the view of the spectator behind them. Access 3 MOA is easy to get to, whether by taxi, bus, or jeepney, but it is located on the Western side of Metro Manila. A 45-60 minute taxi ride is approximately 300 PHP. There are bus and jeepney stops as well as a railway nearby. For visitors unfamiliar with the area or travel, I recommend a taxi. There is plenty of parking outside the arena and across the street at a mammoth parking ramp. Outside parking allows for tailgating. Again, there is a long line for getting in the gate, but it moves briskly. Outside food, drink and items like strollers and umbrellas are not allowed inside. They can be checked at the entrance. Inside the arena it is very handicap accessible. There are plenty of guards and security as well as assistants to make sure getting to a seat is a breeze. The concourses are wide and also afford views of the bay and surrounding area. Smoking? The second floor has a large smoker’s lounge which also serves beer and soda. The arena and mall both feature taxi bays for a quick exit. Return on Investment 4 A PBA game at MOA is a joy. One can sit in a box seat, enjoy a variety food, drink and spend less than 1000 PHP. The entertainment level is high for the cost. Since there are hotels as well as casinos fairly close by so one staying in that district could go to a game for a significantly lower price. Extras 3 It is disappointing that there are no programs for PBA games. The tickets are generic. There is however, merchandise available. T-shirts and jerseys of the teams are available ranging from 300-650 PHP. In addition, Team Philippines hats are available for 395 PHP. Goods are still on sale from the 2013 preseason NBA game as well at a reduced cost. Restrooms in MOA are easy to access, large and sparkling clean. Views from the arena of the area are special, and even more so after dark. The environment is supportive, family-friendly and fun. Viewing a game at MOA is a definite must.

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Arnold Field 180 1st St W Sonoma, CA 95476 Arnold Field website Sonoma Stompers website Year Opened: 1949 __________________________________________________________________________________ Stompin’ Baseball The Sonoma Stompers are a relatively new addition to the wide Bay Area sports scene. Nestled blocks from downtown Sonoma, CA, the team makes their home at tiny Arnold Field. The stadium itself is a Sonoma County Regional Park named in honor of past Sonoma resident General Henry “Hap” Arnold. Arnold Field is also dedicated to supporting youth athletics in the Sonoma area, with the field being run and supported by the volunteers of the non-profit Sonoma Valley Athletic Corp. Open since 1952, the facility can see its history traced to the late 1940s when the Sonoma Valley Athletic Club looked for a new site to build a baseball field. Food & Beverage 4 There is only one concession stand at Arnold Field, but the selection is pretty solid. This mini version of the Kenwood Palooza Brewery and Gastropub has many items on the menu for various tastes – salads range from $11 to $12 with items such as various burgers ($14-$16), lobster rolls ($18), hot dogs ($12-$13), and 10” wood fired pizzas ($13) populating this impressively varied menu. Atmosphere 3 Arnold Field itself is not much more than a high school baseball field equivalent. Several rows of metal bleacher seating behind home plate are located under a tarp to shield fans from the sun, but lack backing for a more comfortable experience. Special patio seating is located in left field along the third baseline, but that is little more than a few umbrellas with patio chairs underneath them. General admission tickets get you into the outfield grandstands beyond the left outfield wall. Unfortunately, one must literally walk through the visiting team’s bullpen to get there, only to find it in need of a dusting off of the local spiders and their webs. Neighborhood 4 The town of Sonoma is steeped in history, with various National Park Service museums and historic sites around for visitors to see. Food options include the popular pizza spot Mary’s Pizza Shack as well as Plaza Grill, and Arnold Field is also just blocks away from Sonoma Plaza, where you can find plenty of local shops to satisfy your buying needs. In addition, being located in the heart of Sonoma Valley means that the wine country beckons to visitors from all around. The closest hotels to the stadium are the El Dorado Hotel, Sonoma Hotel, and the Best Western Sonoma Valley Inn. Fans 2 The fans who show up are pretty loyal for the Stompers. Unfortunately, since the field is small, the crowds are small as well. On top of that, most stay in and around home plate, with few actually venturing beyond the third base side to the outfield seating areas. Access 3 To get to Stompers games, one must take some smaller side roads. State Road 12, which runs right through Sonoma itself, is your best bet from the north and east, while Routes 116 from the west and 121 from the south offer the other main connectors to Route 12. Once in Sonoma, the stadium is located just a few blocks north of Sonoma Place off 1st Street West. Here you will find plenty of parking for free just steps from the main gate to the ballpark. Return on Investment 3 Tickets for Stompers games start at $10 for general admission, then go up to $12-$18 for grandstand seating and $20 for club level patio seating. However, with concessions prices above the average for independent and minor league baseball teams in general, you may want to watch your spending for food while at the stadium. Given the lack of a roaring sports feel in the facility, those searching for a bigger crowd atmosphere will be better off looking to the metropolitan Bay cities for Athletics and Giants games. Extras 2 The team’s mascot roams the stands during games to meet fans and take photos; the team also hosts some giveaways and theme nights throughout the year. Final Thoughts Though an enjoyable overall experience, the Sonoma Stompers are squished into an aging yet historic ballpark in Sonoma Valley. While the history is certainly there, Arnold Field lacks some of the finer touches. When compared to independent league stadiums from around the country, it is hard to put a finger on why fans should seek out the Stompers over more established teams in other cities. Nonetheless, Stompers fans still show up at games and have provided a good base from which the team can truly grow.

Photos courtesy of Gregory Koch Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 E.B. Henderson Sports Complex 4200 Connecticut Avenue NW Washington, DC 20008 UDC Firebirds website E.B. Henderson Sports Complex website Year Opened: 1977 Capacity: 1,500 Firebirds of Fury The University of the District of Columbia, known as UDC for short, is a historically black college (HBCU) and the only public university in the District of Columbia. The school was founded in 1851 and is located in the Van Ness neighborhood in Northwest Washington. The school's athletic teams are known as the Firebirds and compete in Division II of the NCAA, in the East Coast Conference. The Firebirds' basketball team plays their home games at the E.B. Henderson Sports Complex on the UDC campus. Known by the generic name Building 47 until 2022, about its number on the campus map, the arena was renamed after UDC alumnus Edwin Bancroft Henderson. Although few know his name, Henderson's contributions to the game of basketball were immense, He taught physical education in D.C.'s public schools in the early 1900s, teaching Black children at a time when the schools, and society in general, were still segregated. He is credited for introducing the game of basketball to the Black community in the Washington region, and later elsewhere in the country, at a time when Black people were forbidden from even attending games involving white players, let alone playing in them. He has been called the Father of Black Basketball for all his work behind the scenes. Food & Beverage 1 The lobby at the E.B. Henderson Sports Complex contains what appears to be a concession stand, but when Stadium Journey visited, it was closed and blocked off by yellow caution tape. It may be open for some games but was not on this occasion. There are vending machines in the lobby that sell soft drinks and bottled water, so it does get one star here. Atmosphere 4 Walking through the front doors of the E.B. Henderson Sports Complex will put you in a lobby with a trophy case, restrooms, and vending machines. Turn right to get to the arena doors, then walk through them to get into the arena itself. There are two sets of plastic bleachers, one on each side of the court. Although this is larger than many Division II gyms, you will still have a great view of the action wherever you sit. There are video boards on both baselines that also show player stats, a rarity at this level. The player stats scroll through player by player, which can be confusing until you figure out what it is showing. After a violation by UDC's opponent (traveling, double dribble, etc.) the PA announcer will often shout "You can't do that!" before declaring that UDC now has possession of the ball. There is a dance team at UDC games, but they mainly stay in the stands to do their routines rather than come out onto the court. Neighborhood 4 The UDC campus is located in the Van Ness neighborhood in Northwest Washington D.C. You will find many places to eat or drink nearby, including Sfoglina Italian and Pho 14. The Tenleytown neighborhood is about a 15-20 minute walk away heading west on Van Ness Street and offers even more options. Fans 2 UDC averages a couple hundred fans a game if that. Those who do attend are quiet for the most part but can get worked up over bad calls by the refs or bad plays by the Firebirds. They do cheer good plays as well when they occur. There does not appear to be a large student turnout at Firebirds games - it is mostly friends and family of the players plus some locals. Access 5 Getting to the UDC campus is very easy, whether you are driving or taking public transit. The Van Ness-UDC Metro stop on the Red Line is located right next to campus, an easy walk from the arena. You can also park in the campus garage a short walk away, entering off Van Ness Street. Parking in the garage is officially $8 for 1-3 hours and $12 for 3-6 hours, so depending on how early you get there and whether you are attending a doubleheader with the men's and women's teams, expect to pay somewhere in this range. That being said, when Stadium Journey visited, the parking pay machines were down and the gate was up, allowing us to park for free, so you may get similarly lucky. Restrooms are available to the left of the front doors of the building and are of a more than sufficient size for the crowds that turn up for basketball games. Return on Investment 3 Tickets are $15, which is on the high end for Division II, but certainly won't break the bank. There may be a substantial charge for parking as well. All of this means a UDC Firebirds game is merely an average value, no more, no less. Extras 5 Look for the firebird statue outside the doors to the E.B. Henderson Sports Complex, referencing UDC's unique mascot. A second star for the statue of E.B. Henderson himself nearby, honoring his significant contributions to the sport. Once you get into the lobby, look for the trophy case honoring UDC athletic achievements. Finally, when you are in the arena itself, check out the 1982 National Championship Banner and the jersey honoring former Firebird and Harlem Globetrotter Charles "Choo Choo" Smith. Rather than display a replica of his college jersey, they display a replica of his Globetrotters one. Final Thoughts UDC doesn't get nearly the attention of the Division I basketball schools in the DC area, nor is the experience comparable. Still, hoops fans in the area may want to check out a Firebirds game. Considering the men's and women's teams often play doubleheaders, it can be a fun way to spend an entire afternoon watching basketball.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Kenneth R. Gill Stadium 99 Stadium Dr Westminster, MD 21157 Green Terror website Kenneth R. Gill Stadium website Year Opened: 2012 Capacity: 1,434 Home of the Green Terror McDaniel College is a private four-year liberal arts college in Westminster, Maryland. It was established in 1867 and until 2002 was known as Western Maryland College. The name of the college did not reflect the geographic placement of the school as it is not located in the western part of the state. Instead, it was named for the Western Maryland Railroad, which shared some common board members. The new name of the college honored alumnus William Roberts McDaniel and his 65-year association with the school. Westminster is located 30 miles northwest of Baltimore and is a far suburb of that city. Over 160,000 people live in the area and the surrounding area of Carroll County, Maryland. The football team at the college has had a long history. It was back in 1891 when the first game was played against rival Gettysburg College. The Green Terror was a powerhouse in college football from 1925 to 1934. During this decade the Terror Squad had three undefeated seasons. The Green Terror was nationally ranked and beat schools such as Boston College, Bucknell University, University of Maryland College Park, Georgetown University, and Temple University. Baltimore’s Memorial Stadium was a second home for many of the school’s games. Another historic moment for the school’s program was in 1992 when McDaniel became the first college football team to play in Russia. Against an all-Europe team, The Green Terror won 47 to 4. The unique Green Terror’s name stems from how teams would describe the Western Maryland players as “Terrors” on the field. The name stuck and since 1923 they have been known as the Green Terror. McDaniel College plays as a member of the Division III Centennial Conference against schools such as Johns Hopkins University, Ursinus College, and Franklin & Marshall College. The current stadium grounds have been the home to the Green Terror for most of the program’s history, much of that as Hoffa Field. In 2012 McDaniel opened the new Kenneth R. Gill Stadium during halftime ceremonies of that year’s Homecoming football game. The new stadium includes new seating, concessions, press box, coaches’ rooms, observation boxes, plus the Sydney Albrittain Hospitality Suite. The fields of McDaniel College/Western Maryland College were also the summer training camp of the Baltimore Ravens until the 2011 season when the team chose to relocate spring training to their main Owings Mills, Maryland facility. The old Baltimore Colts had also used the college as a training ground for many years. Food & Beverage 3 There is one single concession stand located behind the new grandstand. It is a simple affair, but it is a great place for cheap hot dogs, hamburgers, and the general basics. Nothing costs more than $5. It is basic, but a place for a quick bite and nothing more. Atmosphere 4 The atmosphere is very good at the game, but it is a bit divided. Tailgating is such a big deal here at McDaniel, so most of the fans gather in that area east of the football field. They can watch the game all while enjoying their party. This has been a longstanding tradition here. But it does mean that the fans in the main grandstand, oddly enough, seem to be away from the main part of the action. Tailgating at Gill Stadium, Photo by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey The new stands are very nice. There are some seats with seatbacks, but the rest are simple bench-type seating, although there is a large amount of legroom, which is nice. There is a small concourse under the grandstands which houses the small concession stand and some history of the school and its athletic programs. The only other issue is that the track that surrounds the football field does keep the fans a bit away from the game action. There is a nice scoreboard on the south end of the field. The school also has the requisite cheerleader squad to help in the game atmosphere. Neighborhood 4 Westminster, being a far suburb of Baltimore, is in a pretty traditional suburban setting. Baugher’s Restaurant and Farm Market is located nearby to campus and is one of the best family-type restaurants around and offers no better place to buy fresh produce. Downtown Westminster is also not far away. Here you can find some good choices such as O’Lordan’s Irish Pub and Restaurant and Maggie’s. Fans 4 The tailgate setting here at this small college is one of the strongest around. In 2011, McDaniel was ranked 6th in the country for best tailgating by The Weather Channel, due to the ability for fans to park their cars practically on the field and actually grill & drink, a tradition that dates to the 1920s. McDaniel College was also ranked in Southern Living Magazine for the top 20 of the “South’s Best Tailgates.” These are great football fans. McDaniel can have an average attendance of over 5,000 and highs as much as 7,200, although the actual stadium itself holds dramatically less than those figures. The stadium grandstands themselves seem to offer a great deal less in the terms of fan atmosphere. The fans over on this side tend to be a bit quieter than the tailgating ones. Access 4 The parking can be a bit tight as it is a small college and there are only so many places to park. Parking is free, although you can choose to pay $10 for close parking, as well as pay for tailgate spots. Westminster is a small town so large crowds can easily overwhelm the streets around the school. Plan and it won’t be a large issue. Route 140 is the main route from the Baltimore area towards Westminster and it stems from the end of Baltimore’s I-795. Access to Baltimore, Washington D.C., and central Pennsylvania is fairly easy. Return on Investment 4 Attending a Green Terror game is free. That is incredible that for absolutely nothing you can attend a game with such a good atmosphere. Even if you do end up paying for parking the value here is strong. Extras 3 The tailgate scene alone deserves some attention. Being able to watch the football game while still attending your tailgate event is a nice twist. Stop by some of the parties and make some new friends. The Western Maryland Railroad caboose is located next to the playing field and in the heart of the tailgate zone. The iconic piece of memorabilia just looks cool and can be a great meeting place for friends. The school also uses it as a home to game-time merchandise sales. Also, make sure to take some time to view the plaques about the school’s athletic history located in the stadium concourse. Final Thoughts McDaniel College is a great place to watch a game, tailgate with some friends, and soak in some local athletic history all in the same great location.

Photos by Joe Molski, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Hayden Field 3701 Victory Pkwy Cincinnati, OH 45207 Xavier Muskateers website Hayden Field website Year Opened: 1935 Capacity: 500 Xavier's Hayden Field Hayden Field has been home to the Xavier University baseball team since the team started playing there in the 1920s. There were many renovations to get it to its current dimensions (left field: 310 ft, center field: 380 ft, right field: 310 ft). The major work took place in 2010 when a new playing surface, brick backstop, and dugouts were added to the home of the Musketeers. The stadium is named after J. Page Hayden after a donation was made to its construction. It has a capacity of 500 spectators. The Cincinnati Steam also plays home games during the summer in the Great Lakes Summer Collegiate League since 2006. Food & Beverage 3 Due to Covid-19, there was a limited selection of food and drink at Hayden Field. If you saw Subway, McDonald’s, or Starbucks in the stands, it was brought from the outside, which is allowed. The small concession cart carried Pepsi products, along with bagged chips and Gatorade. Those 21 and older could enjoy alcoholic beverages like Budweiser and WhiteClaw. Atmosphere 3 As my first ever college baseball game, I loved the rowdiness from the fans and the dugouts. The shouting after a strikeout or the benches-clearing after a home run was awesome, and it added an element missing from the professional level. The limited fans there would have been the most passionate, as only players on Xavier got tickets to give away. Students sat on the hill across a noisy parkway, so their impact was limited. The view of the Xavier campus brightens the somewhat vapid ballpark along with lush green colors of a nearby lawn and trees that serve as the batter’s eye in dead center field. A campus building is directly behind the right-field wall where championship banners are proudly displayed. A simple scoreboard is also located near this area of the field. Neighborhood 4 Hayden Field sits directly across from the Xavier main campus on Victory Parkway in Cincinnati, Ohio. Right near Dana Ave and I-71, the neighborhood around the campus has been transformed in the past few months. Right in between Avondale and Evanston, you can enjoy a walk around before the game. Fans 3 With a limited amount of tickets to be given out, there were only friends and family at this game. Still, the limited sets of fans provided plenty of noise. Students sat on the hill across busy Victory Parkway, with an occasional chirp or jeer heard between breaks in traffic. Access 4 Easy access from I-71 and Dana Avenue makes this field and the campus very easy to get to from any highway or part of town. Sitting right next to the university’s soccer field, a nice parking lot, and parking in the university across the street, make a game very easy to attend. Return on Investment 5 An adult ticket is $5, a youth ticket is $3, and a student gets in free with ID (I did not test my University of Cincinnati ID card). And you can bring your food, getting to see Division 1 games for almost for free can not be beaten. . Extras 2 There is a fence beyond the left field line protecting the busy street, which is Victory Parkway. I wonder how many times that has been hit in a game? An extended warning track has a little incline in the final feet to the wall. It seems like an unnecessary hazard to have in left field, but nothing like a little home-field advantage. Final Thoughts There was a collision between the shortstop and second baseman chasing a pop-up and pausing the game for some time in the first inning. The benches were yelling at each other after every strikeout or an extra-base hit. Some Xavier players signed a baseball and gave it to one of their professors in the stands. This game had all of it. Hayden Field is the perfect college baseball stadium. The sound of the bats and the yells from the dugouts will have me coming back for more baseball soon.

Photo by Andrei Ojeda, Stadium Journey As the Los Angeles Clippers  play out their final season at Crypto.com Arena, excitement is building toward their move to the Intuit Dome  come Fall of this year. With the Clippers strongly competing for the top spot in the Western Conference, along with the excitement of this year’s team and the anticipation of the opening of their new home, the Clippers wasted no time in rebranding their look with a new logo along with new uniforms for the 2024-25 season .  https://twitter.com/LAClippers/status/1762138370116055305 https://twitter.com/LAClippers/status/1762244028140237067 With construction still ongoing the Clippers aren’t the only ones wasting any time in anticipation for the opening of the Intuit Dome.  Two teenagers, likely juveniles, snuck inside the unfinished construction site of the new Clippers arena, adding to the recent news of the graffiti-plastered Oceanwide Plaza  project across Crypto.com Arena.  A video of their mischief was uploaded to TikTok earlier this week. It shows the two boys hopping a wall and entering Intuit Dome where they shot baskets, deployed a fire extinguisher on a practice court, and appeared to climb onto the roof and the rafters above the main court. This isn’t the first time a TikToker has broken into a local venue or construction site as Dodger Stadium  and nearby SoFi Stadium  have also been featured in TikToker videos.  Unbeknownst my knowledge of the events that took place inside the unfinished venue, on the day I had a chance to pass by and snap some shots (No pun intended) outside the future home of the Clippers, I later happened to cross paths on Prairie Avenue with a media member, one of several in the vicinity covering the headline, and she expressed the potential danger of trespassing in the construction site, as explained by one of the construction workers via KTLA. “It’s unfortunate. They’re doing it as a thrill. But they’re putting their lives at risk,” Walter Zuniga, an Intuit Dome construction worker, said. “If you haven’t been trained … especially at night… not knowing what’s behind you, you could fall into a trench. It could even cost your life.” Inglewood Mayor James T. Butts has said he plans to contact the teens involved and their parents. Because of their juvenile status, their names cannot be released. ---- Follow and view all of Andrei’s journeys on Instagram @thestadiumjourneyman  and @dreiinla  to view his journeys throughout Los Angeles.

Photos by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Hank Aaron Stadium 755 Bolling Brothers Blvd Mobile, AL 36606 Year Opened: 1997 Capacity: 6,000 Getting By On The BayBear Necessities Mobile has a long and proud history with baseball, as five Baseball Hall of Famers (Hank Aaron, Willie McCovey, Satchel Paige, Ozzie Smith and Billy Williams) were born and grew up in this Gulf Coast port city. The Mobile BayBears minor league franchise has sent more than 130 players to the major leagues in the 20-plus years of the franchise’s existence. These include such present-day stars as Justin Upton, Jason Bay, Jake Peavy and Max Scherzer. In 20 years, the BayBears have brought home four Southern League Championships and five Division Championships. There is no doubt Mobile is a great baseball town. The team annually puts a competitive team on the field at Hank Aaron Stadium. However, the stadium itself has become the weak link in the franchise’s operation. Built in 1997, the stadium has suffered from less than adequate maintenance, in some cases not meeting league standards (field lighting), while also losing more home dates to weather than any other Southern League field due to inadequate drainage. It also suffers in comparison to new Southern League stadiums in Biloxi, Pensacola and Birmingham. The attendance in the 6,000-seat stadium now averages 1,700 people per game, the league’s lowest average attendance. Hank Aaron Stadium is now the oldest stadium in the Southern League. The issue has become a tug of war between the franchise, which has not paid rent to the city for its usage of the city-owned stadium in several years, and the City of Mobile, which under the lease is committed to keeping the stadium in good shape. The real losers in this situation are the wonderful fans of Mobile, who are caught in the middle. Unfortunately the BayBears’ parent team, the Los Angeles Angels, has no say in the matter. Food & Beverage 4 The concession stands are numerous enough that you will not encounter any lines. A sampling of the baseball food menu includes hot dogs ($3.50), hamburgers ($5.50), cheeseburgers ($6), chicken tenders ($5), and corn dogs ($4). Drink selections include domestic beers ($4.50) and sodas ($4), and bottled water ($3.50). In addition to the normal baseball fare, some locally-produced items are also on the menu. These include Conecuh sausage dogs produced in Evergreen, Alabama, and they are available as a combo meal with a 20-ounce soda and chips or fries for $11. Fairhope Brewing Company, another local vendor, provides its brewing best for $5.75 for a 16-ounce draft. A new concessionaire manager has dramatically expanded the menu to highlight many of the culinary specialties of the Gulf Coast region. One game each month includes an Eat Alabama Seafood Show-Off, featuring local restaurants. Fans get to sample the various dishes, and the item voted the tastiest that night is added to the concession menu for the rest of the month. Categories include gumbo, shrimp, oysters and a Best of Seafood competition at the end of the season to determine which item will be permanently added to the concession menu. The partnership with Eat Alabama Seafood extends to the mascot race held at each ballgame, with the featured contestants being a fish, a shrimp and an oyster. The race is a fan favorite. Atmosphere 2 The first impression you have of Hank Aaron Stadium is the exterior, and that impression is “dated.” The entry area is constructed of low brick, which leads you into what appears to be a concrete seating bowl. Once through the gates, you enter a wide concourse, which contains the various concession stands. Also, the concession stands’ locations in the concourse do not allow for any view of the action on the field while you are in line. As you enter the seating area of the stadium, you will notice the seating areas are the reverse of what you what you would find in a typical stadium. The luxury suites are located at the field level, rather than atop the stadium. As a result, the front row of seats behind home plate is much further away from the field than in most stadiums. The closest seats to the field itself are located beyond the dugouts along the first and third baselines, which provide less than great angles to see the field of play. The stadium also has two seating levels, but not in the traditional upper and lower deck design. The level break is actually an inner concourse which circles the field. The problem is that this concourse constantly has people circulating through it, so if you are in the first 3-4 rows above it, your view is obstructed for much of the game. One suggestion concerning seat selection — if you are not utilizing one of the 24 air conditioned suites at field level, consider the grandstand/general admission level. In addition to saving you money, the seats in this section are covered by a roof to protect you from the heat of the summer sun or shield you from the frequent showers that pass through this area of the Gulf Coast. You will get somewhat of a retro feel when looking out on the field of play, as every inch of the outfield wall is covered with advertising from Mobile area merchants. There is some berm seating behind the outfield walls, but the nearest services (restrooms, etc.) will be found along the third base line in the BayBear Beach area. The beach area has activities for the kids, as well as some picnic tables for families/groups to sit together. Neighborhood 3 There is no neighborhood, so to speak, in the immediate vicinity of Hank Aaron Stadium, as it is located immediately off the I-65 interstate. However, the city of Mobile offers a wide variety of attractions, due to its location along the Gulf Coast and its historical beginnings going back to 1702. Among the most popular attractions are the USS Alabama, moored in Mobile Bay, the beautiful Bellingrath Gardens and Home, and its numerous historic districts. Mobile also claims the title of holding the first Mardi Gras celebration, dating back to 1703. Across Mobile Bay is the small town of Fairhope, which is noted for its arts community and its many antique stores. Mobile is also a foodie’s delight, with cuisine derived from Creole, Cajun, French, Spanish and African-American origins. Among the most popular restaurants to choose from are Mama’s on Dauphin, Wintzell’s Oyster House and Dreamland Bar-B-Que. For dessert, try a Mobile Moonpie in flavors and dishes you never dreamed of. There are numerous lodging selections within a two-mile radius of Hank Aaron Stadium along the I-65 corridor. These include the Homewood Suites by Hilton, the Hampton Inn I-65/Airport and the Mobile Marriott. Fans 3 The fans in Mobile are among the most loyal in the Southern League. For a majority of the 20 years the BayBears have existed, they have led the league in attendance. They are well aware that one of the BayBears of today may become the next Max Scherzer or Justin Upton in the big leagues. It is only in recent years that their numbers have dwindled due to issues with the stadium. For the past several years, the team has been last in attendance in the Southern League. Each night of the week features something special for the fans: Funday Sunday allows the kids to run the bases and throw the ball around at the game’s conclusion and is also Bark in the Park day. Monday Matters is a night where charitable giving is promoted, as fans bringing in donations of food, clothing or books receive free tickets. Two-for-One Tuesday offers half price on all tickets, and Thirsty Thursdays are set aside for half-price drinks for designated products. Fireworks Fridays round out each week with a bang. Access 4 Hank Aaron Stadium is easily accessed via the Government Avenue exit off of I-65. This is the first exit north of the I-10/I-65 interchange. Once you exit, you simply take Bolling Brothers Boulevard directly to the stadium. This is only a two-lane access road, so it does become congested at the end of the game. Once in the park, the stadium is easily navigated via wide concourses. There are adequate concession facilities and restrooms, so you should not encounter any major lines. Return on Investment 4 The BayBears offer an entertaining night of baseball at family friendly prices. Tickets are offered at the following levels: Field Level ($16), Club Level ($13), Center Box ($10), Baseline Box ($9) or Grandstand/General Admission ($8). Children under the ages of 12, seniors (60 years and older) and military members get a $2 discount on each price level. Parking at BayBears games is $3 (there are no alternate lots nearby). The concession prices are in line with the typical baseball fare offered, and the new Gulf Coast Seafood entrees are a big addition. Extras 3 The BayBears’ front office is doing an admirable job in providing the best possible experience for the fans, despite the stadium’s structural issues. They have done a great job in highlighting Mobile’s proud baseball heritage in a number of ways. The most obvious symbol of this heritage is the relocation and placement of Hank Aaron’s boyhood home in front of the stadium. In addition to its heritage status historically, its insides have been converted into a museum highlighting Hank Aaron’s career from the playgrounds of Mobile to a minor league stop in Eau Claire, then on to his major league career with the Milwaukee/Atlanta Braves, where he hit 755 home runs. The museum is open 9-5 Monday-Friday and all home game evenings. There is a $5 admission charge, but it is well worth it. Another extra is the placement of a plaque honoring the five Mobile natives who have been inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame (Hank Aaron, Willie McCovey, Satchel Paige, Ozzie Smith and Billy Williams). BayBear Beach is a unique play/picnic area for families attending the games.

Photos by Lance Sutehall, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Caesars Superdome 1500 Sugar Bowl Dr New Orleans, LA 70112 New Orleans Bowl website Caesars Superdome website Year Opened: 1975 Capacity: 73,208 New Orleans Bowl One of the first bowl games to be played every bowl season is the R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl. The game is traditionally a matchup between programs from Conference USA and the Sun Belt Conference. Hosted at the Caesars Superdome, the New Orleans Bowl has seen great games and electric atmospheres, particularly if local teams such as the Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns are playing (they have played seven times). Food & Beverage 4 You may have a hard time deciding what to eat while you are at the Caesars Superdome given that you have a lot of options to choose from. Keep in mind the concession stands are cashless. Local options such as jambalaya ($14), sausage po-boys ($14), shrimp pasta ($16), and a Creole crawfish pie ($10.50) are on the menu. The standard stadium foods include hot dogs ($6.50), pizza ($10), wings ($14), nachos ($10), double cheeseburgers ($14), chicken tenders ($13) and pretzels ($8). You can wash down your food with bottled water ($5), coke products ($6) and sweet tea ($6). If you want alcohol, be prepared to drop some dollars as Budweiser or Coors products are going to cost you $10.50 for small beers or $14.50 if you want a larger beer. You can also buy wine ($11) or cocktails ($17). There are several options in the Caesars Superdome but for a real New Orleans food experience I recommend eating at a restaurant pregame or postgame. Atmosphere 3 One drawback of the New Orleans Bowl is that the Caesars Superdome’s capacity is significantly larger than the game’s attendance in recent years. The bowl has not seen a crowd of over 25,000 fans since 2016. However, being in a dome makes smaller crowds louder and typically there will be at least one team that’s close to New Orleans bringing an excited contingent of fans. Neighborhood 5 If you are only coming to New Orleans just to see the Caesars Superdome you are doing New Orleans completely wrong! No matter if you are a single adult looking for a good time or you want to visit some attractions with your family you can find plenty of things to do in the Big Easy. For those looking for family-friendly activities, the Audubon Aquarium is right next to the Mississippi River at Woldenberg Park, the Audubon Zoo is 5 miles away from the Caesars Superdome, and there are several museums including the National WWII Museum. Of course, New Orleans is famous for its nightlife, especially in the French Quarter. There are a plethora of restaurants for you to enjoy a night on the town. For po-boy’s try out the Voodoo Tavern, stop by the Cajun Dragon Grill for your Cajun cravings, or hit up Cafe Du Monde for a beignet. The French Quarter also has plenty of bars if that is what you are looking for. Fans 4 While the fans do not fill the Caesars Superdome to the brim the supporters that do show up get behind their teams. Fans of all ages paint their chests, get loud, chant their team's chants, and get excited when a big play happens. 15,000 fans at the New Orleans Bowl can sound like 50,000 fans at another game. Access 5 If you are coming to New Orleans from far away the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport is only 13 miles away from the Caesars Superdome. Getting to the Caesars Superdome is a breeze because there are two exits off Interstate 10. There are seven parking garages and two surface lots at the Superdome but parking there is going to cost you $35. You can secure a spot in a parking garage for under $10 within a mile of the Superdome if you plan. If you are staying in the French Quarter I would recommend leaving your car and either walk to the Superdome or take a taxi. Once inside the Caesars Superdome, the concourses are easy to navigate and there are plenty of restrooms. Return on Investment 3 The ticket prices for the New Orleans Bowl are higher than comparable bowls around the region. They are $60 for corner seats and $80 if you want to sit closer to midfield. If you buy a $60 ticket, drop the $35 for onsite parking, have a po'boy, and wash it down with a small beer you would spend $120 by yourself, $200 for a hangout or date, and $360 for a family of four. This price is on the high side for a bowl game featuring C-USA and Sun Belt teams. However, not many bowl game venues are the caliber of the Caesars Superdome. Extras 4 New Orleans is one of the most unique cities in the United States and is worth checking out at least once in your life. There is a yoga session at 7:30 am the morning of the game on the turf of the Caesars Superdome. If you register and participate you get a complimentary ticket to the New Orleans Bowl. The Caesars Superdome is scheduled to host Super Bowl LIX in 2025. The Caesars Superdome shares a complex with the Smoothie King Center, the home for the NBA’s Pelicans and a popular concert venue. Final Thoughts The New Orleans Bowl may not be a Super Bowl, CFP National Championship, or a Sugar Bowl. But to the teams playing in the game, it’s a chance to play in a historic NFL stadium with their families and fans cheering them on. For fans, it's an opportunity to see one of the most unique and historic sports venues in the United States.

Photos by Talladega Superspeedway and Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Talladega Superspeedway 3366 Speedway Boulevard Lincoln, AL 35096 Talladega Superspeedway website Year Opened: 1969 Capacity: 78,000 The Need For Speed Talladega Speedway opened in 1969 as Alabama International Motor Speedway, a name it kept until 1989. The Speedway is located on the site of a former military airfield, which was chosen due to its proximity to I-20 and its location between two of the South’s largest cities (Atlanta, GA, and Birmingham, AL). Talladega Motor Speedway is often referred to as the “Big One” due to it having the largest oval track at 2.66 miles and its seating capacity for more than 80,000 fans. It has also had the reputation as one of the fastest and wildest tracks in the NASCAR circuit, as it sees racing at speeds in excess of 200 mph and is also known for its spectacular accidents. The Superspeedway is one of the busiest racetracks in NASCAR, holding races at all levels of competition throughout the year. Its main two races are the GEICO 500 held in the spring and the YellaWood 500 held in the fall. Food & Beverage 3 Unlike most sports, Talladega does allow food and beverages to be brought into the Speedway. Walk in fans can bring in food if it is in a sealed and prepackaged container. Drinks must also be sealed, with no glass bottles allowed. Coolers must be soft-sided and no larger than 14” X 14” X 14”. RV’s and campers in the track infield face no limits in what they bring in… resulting in some amazing spreads of food over race weekend. Most of the food options available at Talladega will be of the standard sports event variety (i.e., hamburgers, hot dogs, nachos, corn dogs, BBQ sandwiches, biscuits, and Coca-Cola soft drinks.) The concession stands are equally spread out on the concourses underneath the stands and in the infield. However, there are a couple of strictly Talladega creations. The “Big One” meatball sandwich is a one-pound meatball, and it includes mozzarella and pepper jack cheese, pork BBQ sauce with a wrapping of ground beef. It is served with spaghetti or simply as its own dish. The second specialty item is the Talla-Mento Dogwich. This entrée consists of a hot dog, split in two, on a bed of buffalo cheese sauce and topped with pimento cheese. There are some major food stands serving a more diverse menu. These include Big Bill’s, the Garage Grill and the Pit Road Grill. The Bama Bier Garden offers both Budweiser and Miller brand options, along with the local Back Forty craft beer. Fans in the Garage Experience option are eligible for the value pricing of concession offerings. This includes $2 hot dogs and 20-ounce soft drinks, $3 16-ounce beers, hamburgers, BBQ sandwiches, nachos and pretzels, or $4 to supersize any of the above foods. Atmosphere 4 Talladega Superspeedway has the longest track in the NASCAR circuit. This means the stands overlooking the track are not as high vertically, as they extend horizontally the length of the straightway. This results in the fans being much closer to the action than at other tracks. Fans have several options and price points to choose from on seating at the track. Tower seating atop the stands ranges from $105 - $145, and seats at the concourse level are priced at $97- $129. Grandstand seats run $65 - $95. Car parking ranges from free to $20 a day. The price of parking depends on how far the parking space is from the track. Remote lots feature tram transportation to the track. Many fans prefer to make a weekend out of the race and enjoy infield camping. These packages range from $120-$625 with variables including the number of days at the track and other add-on amenities. One popular option is the YellaWood Pit Road Club. This is an elevated area overlooking the pit row action. This costs $470 and includes the Talladega Garage Experience. Talladega Superspeedway conducted a three-year upgrade fan experience project known as the “Transformation”. This project had the goals of creating a package of activities for fans to enjoy, increasing the number of RV spaces in the infield, and the construction of the Pit Road Club. This project resulted in the creation of the Talladega Garage Experience. This package includes the opportunity to watch the pit crews prepping the cars in the garage before the race, access to the pre-race ceremonies, access to special food offerings with a value-priced menu, and access to Iron Alley, which is an area featuring the history of the Talladega Superspeedway. The Talladega Garage Experience costs $89 per day. Neighborhood 4 The sprawling Talladega Superspeedway complex is “the neighborhood” for most race fans. It offers its own temporary lodging options, food services, bathing facilities, and entertainment options. Many race fans will not leave the Superspeedway property between Friday through Sunday night of race weekend. The area outside of the raceway property and along I-20 mostly consists of fast-food restaurants. One seated food option we highly recommend is Rick’s Crossroads Grille located just north of I-20. The food is great, and the prices are quite reasonable. There are two lodging options located at the exits that lead you to the track. They are the Comfort Inn Talladega and the Days Inn Lincoln. The actual city of Talladega is 8 miles south of the track. It is a town of 15,000 people. Most of the food options are of the fast-food variety and lodging options are limited, as there simply is not a demand for lodging except on race weekends. We do recommend a visit to the Davey Allison Memorial Park, which is discussed in the Extras section of this review. Fans 5 A vast majority of the fans who come to the Talladega Superspeedway are there strictly for the racing experience. However, others treat the weekend like a festival or a state fair experience. For those fans, there is nothing that beats the “Big One on the Boulevard”. This event takes place on the Friday night prior to the races. It includes a concert, a parade, jello wrestling, fan participation activities with various sponsors booths, and all kinds of food and adult drinks. We can best sum up this event by saying “What happens at the Big One… Stays at the Big One”! First-time fans should bring their cameras, a good set of earphones/ear plugs as well as sunscreen and a hat. The Speedway action is quite noisy, and the southern sun can bake you on a daylong event. Access 4 The Speedway is easy to get to from I-20, as it is located just south of I-20, midway between Atlanta and Birmingham. From Atlanta: Take I-20 West to Exit 173 in Alabama. Turn left at the exit and proceed two miles. From Birmingham: Take I-20 East to Exit 168 in Alabama. Turn right and proceed 4 miles. Parking lots are located on both sides of the road. Camping sites are in grass fields on land in between the street and I-20. Free trams will transport fans from the more distant parking areas and the track. Parking is also located on the track perimeter as well as in the infield. Parking fees will depend on how close the lots are to the racetrack. The fees also are determined by the number of days the fans are staying at the Speedway, as many fans come as early as the Friday before the race, while others choose to attend only on Sunday, the day of the race. Entry lanes for the Speedway are arranged by the parking area, making the traffic flow run very smoothly. Return on Investment 4 It is impossible to estimate a value on the cost of attending a race at Talladega Superspeedway, as 1) there are so many variables involved, including the number of days at the track, the location of your seats, whether you are seated in the stands or watching from the infield 2) it will depend on what add -on’s you may have purchased. Some of these costs are covered in the appropriate section of this review, while others appear below. Many race fans choose to rent scanners to enhance their race day experience. They are available at the track for a fee of $47.95. The scanners allow the fans to hear the communications between the drivers and their pit crews in the infield. The scanners also provide some protection from the noise generated by the cars on the track. For many race fans, price is not a consideration, as race weekend at Talladega is a family tradition passed down through the generations. In addition to the family reunions, fans look forward to seeing friends at the event on an annual basis. These memories and experiences are priceless. The Talladega Superspeedway operates on a cashless basis. Extras 4 Several movies have been made about the Speedway. They include Stroker Ace and Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby. The International Motorsports Hall of Fame is located just to the right of the Speedway entrance. It is open year-round and has a huge collection of racing memorabilia and exhibits from all types of motorsports. Track tours also leave from this site. Prices for museum tours are $15 for adults, $12 for seniors, and $7 for children. There is a separate fee for the tours. The tours are $15 for adults and $9 for children. The town of Talladega is several miles south of the Speedway. It does play an important role in the NASCAR world as it is the home of the Davey Allison Memorial Park and the Texaco Racing Hall of Fame. Allison was seen as the future of the sport when he died in a helicopter crash in the Speedway infield in 1993. The Walk of Fame features plaques depicting racing’s top drivers and their career records in a lovely park-like setting just south of the town square. Each year Talladega Superspeedway opens its track to the public. For a $50 donation, you can take 2 laps around the track in your own vehicle. Proceeds from the Track Laps for Charity event go to the Boy’s and Girl’s Clubs of Alabama. Final Thoughts Along with Daytona, the Talladega Superspeedway is one of the longest and most popular tracks in the NASCAR circuit. It is famous for petal to the metal racing, resulting in spectacular wrecks and furious sprints to the checkered flag.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 McMullen Hockey Arena 64 Greenbury Point Road Annapolis, MD 21402 Navy Midshipmen hockey website McMullen Hockey Arena website Year Opened: 2007 Capacity: 695 Blue and Gold McMullen Pretty much all sports fans know about Navy football, and most are aware of at least some of the Navy’s other varsity sports. The lacrosse team has been successful in recent years, and the basketball team produced NBA legend, David Robinson. However, few people know that the Navy also has a college hockey team. The Midshipmen don’t play hockey at an NCAA level – rather, they play club hockey in the ACHA. Navy’s premier and best-known club team compete in Division 1, the highest level of the league, although they have a D2 team as well that attracts significantly less attention. For this review, we attended a D1 game, as that is the Navy’s top-level team and the one that gets the primary focus. Navy plays their home games at McMullen Hockey Arena, which forms part of the Brigade Sports Complex. The BSC is also home to the Navy’s tennis teams and contains a fitness center. It contains enough seating for 695 fans, but with standing room, it can hold over 2,500. Food & Beverage 1 There are a few vending machines in the lobby of the arena which sell snacks as well as hot and cold beverages. However, there is no concession stand or snack bar here. We recommend you eat before or after the game. Atmosphere 4 Although McMullen Hockey Arena is not an NCAA rink, it is nice enough to be. Once you head from the lobby through the glass doors into the ice rink, you will walk around the ice itself and up a set of bleachers. All seats are benches with backs and provide an excellent view of the action. A center-hung scoreboard provides information on the score, time, and penalties for fans to keep track of. As this is club hockey rather than NCAA or professional, there are no extended breaks in the action for the team to do anything except for intermission or if one of the teams calls a timeout. As a result, you will not see some of the things you might see at a different venue. Nonetheless, the Midshipmen do keep fans engaged by playing music to pump up the crowd during stoppages in play, and it seems to work. It can get loud in McMullen at times, especially late during close games or when the Navy scores a goal. Neighborhood 5 Annapolis is a small-sized city of about 40,000 people, but that doesn’t mean there’s nothing to do. There’s a shopping center located across from the arena with a few basic restaurants, but you can find far better food a short drive away. Annapolis is located on the Chesapeake Bay, there are plenty of great seafood restaurants nearby, including Buddy’s Crabs & Ribs, The Boatyard Bar & Grill, and the Sailor Oyster Bar, all located within a couple of miles of the arena. If you want an authentic sweet treat after your meal, The Boatyard sells the official state dessert of Maryland, Smith Island Cake, which is made fresh on Smith Island daily and brought up by ferry. The real attraction, though, is the U.S. Naval Academy itself. The grounds are beautiful, and there’s so much history, so be sure to take a tour while you’re in town. Keep in mind, however, that driving onto Academy grounds is prohibited without proper military clearance. There is a shuttle available from the football stadium or you can park downtown and walk onto the post. Fans 4 Navy draws remarkably well for a club hockey team, with most games having a standing room-only crowd. While typically the only game that completely sells out is the one against the rival Army, the building will be mostly full night in and night out. The fans who show up are passionate and cheer the Mids on for the duration of the game. Many regulars go to just about every game, but there are also families and other fans who show up to just one or two games a year. Regardless, the fans are passionate and it can get quite loud in here. Access 4 Although getting onto Academy grounds is extremely difficult, the BSC is not actually on the post. Therefore, you should have no problem just driving up to the arena and parking in the parking lot nearby. The main route into town is U.S. Route 50, and once you get off via one of several exits, it is only a short drive to the rink. There are bathrooms in the lobby which are spacious and clean, and fans should have no problems walking around the rink itself. Return on Investment 4 Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for children, and free for Midshipmen. Considering the intimate setting and the fact that the atmosphere here is comparable to an NCAA rink, this is a good deal. Extras 3 Several banners are hanging on the walls honoring great Navy hockey teams as well as the annual Crab Pot Tournament. The Crab Pot is Maryland’s version of the Beanpot , and usually (though not always) features four in-state ACHA schools. In the lobby of the BSC, you will find several additional displays honoring Navy hockey, featuring photographs and old newspapers that show the history of this program. A third and final star for the fact that McMullen Hockey Arena has several open skates a week for the general public, giving kids and families a chance to skate on the same ice as the players. Depending on the timing, one of these sessions may wind up being immediately before or after the Navy game, meaning fans can experience both in one trip. Final Thoughts Although Navy hockey is not at an NCAA level, you wouldn’t know it from walking inside the McMullen Hockey Arena. This is a remarkable facility with great fans and a great atmosphere. While there are undoubtedly some naysayers who will insist this isn’t “real” college hockey, the Navy has done a good job of proving them wrong.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Lloyd E. Scott Gymnasium 1350 W. 2nd St. Seymour, IN 47274 Seymour High School Fighting Owls website Lloyd E. Scott Gymnasium website Year Opened: 1970 Capacity: 8,228 Pretty Big Things in Seymour, Indiana Hours before the game, fans brave chilly conditions in long lines that snake around the massive gymnasium. They pass the time bundled up, checking their phones, or perhaps enjoying a hot cup of coffee or hot chocolate. The tension builds as tonight’s winner advances to semi-states. As the sunlight fades and dusks settle upon the crowd, the doors open up and fans quickly rush through many of the various entrances into the building. Ushers feverishly tear off tickets with fans rushing to their seats. The lights of the cars now shine through the dark skies lining up the streets and looking for an elusive parking spot. The lines have dissipated outside of the gym by now, and the seating bowl quickly fills up with fans from both visiting high schools. Students, alumni, and hometown fans are now engulfed in Hoosier Hysteria. Lloyd E. Scott Gymnasium in Seymour, Indiana, holds a whopping 8,228 people and is home to the Seymour High School Fighting Owls. Dedicated in 1970, it was renamed in honor of Scott 1998, who coached the boys’ basketball team from 1961-1974. In March 2019, the building became the largest high school gym in the nation after an independent study was conducted by members of the Indiana High School Basketball Historical Society. They counted every seat meticulously and Seymour became the new king of the gyms over the New Castle Fieldhouse . Seymour’s actual capacity of 8,228 was more than New Castle’s actual count of 7,829. That would change in January of 2021 when New Castle officials added seats to boost its capacity to 8,424 to claim the title of the largest gym in the nation, and probably the planet. We may see another tilt sometime in the future. The Owls were 233-99, won 11 sectionals, 6 regionals, and 5 times were semi-state finalists during his tenure. His 1969-70 squad went 29-1 and Scott was instrumental in building the new gym for the Owls. He was inducted into the Indiana High School Hall of Fame in 1981 and served as its president from 1983-1987. During the regular season, it is home to the Owls basketball program, but it’s also home to regionals, sectionals, and semi-state games during high school tournament time in Indiana. Its strategic location in between the major cities of Indianapolis and Louisville, Kentucky, off of I-65, makes it the ideal location for various teams in this portion of the state. Before the gym opened up, the Owls played at Shields Memorial Gymnasium from 1941 to 1970. The old building was then used by the middle school, and a bible college, and is now privately owned. It is now privately owned and in squalid conditions. There had been numerous ideas for repurposing the old building but none have been either feasible or practical. Food & Beverage 3 Seymour follows a standard blueprint of concessions that exist in many gyms across the state. There are multiple concession stands on the upper and lower concourse offering some of the lowest menu prices around. Available items include Papa John's pizza slices (regular or pepperoni), Chick-Fil-A sandwiches (regular or spicy), popcorn, candy, and Orange Leaf frozen yogurt. Pepsi products are available by bottle. Atmosphere 5 When you have a building that can seat 8,100 fans the atmosphere will be intense and thrilling. It is even more exciting when you have dedicated fanbases that travel to the game and make the gym their home away from home. New Albany High School is located about an hour south of Seymour on the Ohio River and can routinely fill the gym up with its fans. The seating section is broken into an upper and lower level with a wrap-around section on top. Seats are of the pullout bleacher mold and the gym does not feature a standard scoreboard directly over the center court. Instead, there are four separate scoreboards in each corner of the lower level and two more above each backboard. The large gym features banners for the home school Owls and an oversized team logo at the center court. There is also a collection of accolades, team photographs of all championship sports teams, and memorabilia in the exterior hall of the building. However, the interior of the gym is absent of banners from the school’s history dating back 100 years. The majority of the atmosphere comes from the teams and their supporters. The student sections are lively through every point scored during the game. The cheerleaders provide plenty of school spirit as they lead the cavalry at crucial moments. Songs played over the loudspeaker are echoed throughout the building, and it is not uncommon to hear the students sing along in unison. Neighborhood 3 Seymour is a town of 17,503 people located in southern Indiana. The picturesque town offers rolling hills and beautiful homes as you head to the game off the interstate. There is plenty of regional and national food chains in and around the interstate exits, but check out the various local establishments that offer some fine food and drink. Larrison’s Diner for some great home-cooked food. The building has been serving delicacies since the 1940s and its appearance looks like it has not been changed for some time; recommendations include bison burgers, ribeye sandwiches, pork tenderloins, shakes and malts, and breakfast items. El Nopal is considered the best Mexican food in town. Schwätzer's German Restaurant and Rails Craft Brew & Eatery are two other options in town for great food. There are also a collection of places for a pint. Rails Craft Brew & Eatery offers pub food, steaks, sandwiches, and pasta dishes. Chateau de Pique Winery and Brewery are highly recommended for a tasting or two. The Seymour Brewing Company offers great pints and houses the Brooklyn Pizza Company where one can also get a stromboli and a calzone. Fans 5 As indicated earlier, when the gymnasium is filled to a standing room only the atmosphere is electrifying. This also means that the fans create much of that electricity well before the opening tip-off. Jennings County Panthers fans, from nearby North Vernon, encompassed close to 90 percent of the gym’s capacity. Their opponent was from a little further away in Evansville. Access 4 Seymour High School is located off of I-65. Take Exit 55 (IN-11) towards Seymour/Jonesville and proceed a little over 4 miles towards town, turn right onto East 6th St/IN-258, and make a left about a mile later onto Community Dr. The high school will be on your right. There are multiple entrances to the building, bathrooms are located in the exterior walls of the gym, and it can be quite crowded moving in and out of your seats during highly attendant games. Return on Investment 4 Tickets for regular-season games are $6, while sectionals, regional, and semi-state games are $7 to $12 for single games. These prices are in line with the rest of the state's high school programs. The gym’s size is impressive, but when it is full, it’s amazing to look around and watch the fans get into the action on the court. Concession prices are extremely affordable and parking is plenty but does get crowded, around the facility. Extras 4 One star for the affordable concession prices; one dollar for a hot dog. Two stars for the old Shields Gym that served as home for the Owls from 1941-1970. The 4,000-seat arena still possesses its original wooden permanent bleachers, but it is in disarray. You cannot enter the gym, but you can take pictures from the outside. The third fourth and final point is for its location and an ideal spot for sectional, regional, and semi-state games during tournament time. If you want to know the definition of Hoosier Hysteria, see a game at the Scott Gym in March. Final Thoughts Lloyd E. Scott Gymnasium is one of the many great places to be during tournament time in Indiana. Dedicated fan bases, frantic crowds, and future collegiate stars are all that make Hoosier Hysteria come alive every March. Located a little over an hour away from Louisville and Indianapolis, it is recommended to take in a high school basketball when in Indiana. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel . Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Goldring Centre for High Performance Sport 100 Devonshire Place Toronto, ON M5S 2C9 Toronto Varsity Blues website Goldring Centre for High Performance Sport website Year Opened: 2014 Capacity: 2,000 The Gold(ring) Standard Along with McGill and Queen’s, the University of Toronto formed what would become USports in 1906. The Varsity Blues would take the court for their first basketball season in 1907 and the rest is, as they say, history. Or is it? A team that has not been blessed with a tremendous amount of success as compared to other Toronto programs, the basketball team is entering new territory in the OUA (Ontario conference of USports) through technology and their facility. Toronto has surprisingly never brought home a National Championship in basketball, but has brought home the Wilson Cup as Conference Champions in 1995. For the balance of their existence, the Varsity Blues called the Athletic Centre on Harbord Street home. Slightly removed from their other athletic facilities in Varsity Centre, the University of Toronto was prepared to bring Varsity Blues basketball back home in a sparkling new athletic facility. With a very significant donation from the Goldring Family, the Goldring Centre for High Performance Sport was born, just across the street from Varsity Centre. Former Varsity Blues basketball player Ron Kimel added a donation of his own and part of the Goldring Centre was the Kimel Family Field House. In 2014, the Kimel Family Field House at Goldring Centre for High Performance Sport opened to the Varsity Blues basketball program and the over 88,000 students enrolled at UofT. A unique design and using technology like no other program in the province, the Varsity Blues now have the Gold(ring) standard when it comes to basketball facilities. Food & Beverage 2 Concession options at the Goldring Centre are not massive. Pizza, hot dogs, popcorn, candy, chips, chocolate bars and protein bars are the totality of the food menu. Soda, water, coffee, tea and hot chocolate are the options for beverages. Coca-Cola products are available for soda options. What the Goldring Center lacks in variety, is made up for with value. There is nothing over $5 on the menu and most items fall below the $3 mark. Soda is sold for a cool $1.50. The concession stand is below the main atrium, outside Kimel Field House and also sells some Varsity Blues swag. Atmosphere 4 Directly across the street from Varsity Centre, the Goldring Centre for High Performance Sport is sleek and clean. A huge recreation facility that also houses University of Toronto fitness facilities, the exterior has huge windows and lots of natural light pours into the upper atrium. The fitness centre can be seen from outside and the shades of greys and blacks are carried throughout the building. Tickets are scanned in the atrium and fans are directed to the Kimel Family Field House, which is two levels below. Just outside of the Field House, the stark colours and creative use of light continue and the sleek, modern look is not lost. A table with attendant is ready to greet fans with programs and other promotional materials. The attendant actually gets up and greets, welcoming fans, which is a very pleasant surprise compared to many other experiences, both professional and amateur. Entering the Kimel Family Field House, fans are struck with the most unique of basketball venues. Toronto keeps with the sleek and modern look, and technology that is ahead of the curve in the OUA is present. Black is the predominant colour around the court. The walls of the Field House and the entirety of the upper levels are all dark black. The court runs from south to north with the east grandstand the spot to be for the perfect picture. The seating area consists of twelve sections of folding bleachers that surround the court. Most games see a few sections that remain folded. The centre court sections feature comfortable, folding, plastic stadium seats with the remaking seats being moulded plastic buckets. An upper level is available for media, production and special groups. Current championship banners from various sports hang over the balconies but none are for sports that actually play in the Field House. Considering the vast history of Toronto basketball, a nod to Wilson Cups that the Varsity Blues have captured over the years would be a welcome addition. At the north end of the court is a modern video board which Toronto uses very well in a modern fashion. The south end of the court also features a ribbon board on the fascia of the balcony. The game day production for the Varsity Blues is fairly simple. The player entrances and introductions are done with the house lights off and aided by spotlights. The Blues’ mascot, True Blue brings a giant UofT flag to centre court for the opening video and introductions. The Toronto Pom team performs during breaks and aids in the pregame festivities. Music played is a mix of modern rock and hip-hop, which is to be expected. Neighbourhood 5 The neighbourhood surrounding the Goldring Centre is excellent. The Goldring Centre is on the University of Toronto’s St. George Campus in the University neighbourhood of downtown Toronto. It sits in the shadows of Toronto’s iconic CN Tower, which can be seen across the stadium from Bloor Street. There are plenty of spots along Bloor for pre and post game food and libations. The Duke of York, Bedford Academy, Hemingway’s, the Museum Tavern and Proof are all options within a two minute walk. Possibly the best option would be Gabby’s, a laid back spot with great food. Favorites like Tim Hortons and Starbucks are also right there among other chains. Among the other university buildings, the Royal Conservatory of Music is right next door to Varsity Centre and the Royal Ontario Museum is on the same block. Queen’s Park and the Ontario Legislature are not far off and heading toward the lake will bring patrons through Toronto’s theatre district. The iconic Eaton Centre is not far off for shoppers and Harbourfront has a plethora of other entertainment options. Not to be missed would be the Hockey Hall of Fame. For fans looking for other sporting options, there are a multitude. The Toronto Varsity Blues field a full range of athletic teams and football is found right in Varsity Centre at Varsity Stadium. Varsity Centre is also the home to Varsity Arena, home of Toronto Varsity Blues hockey. A twenty minute walk will bring fans to the Mattamy Athletic Centre which is the home of the Ryerson Rams and the former Maple Leaf Gardens. Rams basketball is played inside at Coca-Cola Court while hockey is played above at Mattamy Home Ice. Toronto’s third university, York University is located at the north end of Toronto. York Stadium is home for York Lions football, the Tait McKenzie Centre is home for basketball and Canlan Ice Sports York is the home for hockey. There are, of course, a multitude of professional sports options in Toronto also. The Scotiabank Arena is home for the Toronto Maple Leafs, Toronto Raptors and Toronto Rock. The Rogers Centre is home to the Toronto Blue Jays. Over at Exhibition Place, BMO Field is shared by the Toronto Argonauts and Toronto FC, while across the parking lot, the Coca-Cola Coliseum is home for the Toronto Marlies. There are also a ton of accommodation options for fans wishing to stay in Toronto. Some of the closest to Varsity Centre include the InterContinental Toronto Yorkville and The Windsor Arms Hotel. Fans 3 It is difficult to assess the fan situation at OUA basketball experiences. In most cases, attendance figures are not reported so comparing average attendances for different teams is nearly impossible. Also, OUA basketball fans are measured in hundreds and not thousands. That being said, the game that was reviewed probably had a couple hundred fans in attendance, which is not out of line for this league. The fans in attendance were engaged and supportive of the Varsity Blues. A small group of student supporters led the fans with their drum. Access 4 The St. George Campus of the University of Toronto is located in the university neighbourhood of downtown Toronto. It is north of the Gardiner Expressway, west of the Don Valley Parkway and quite significantly south of Highway 401. Getting to this part of Toronto by car can be a little tricky. Traffic is always an issue. There are a number of surface lots that surround the university and parking can be found at a reasonable rate. Probably the best way to get to this part of Toronto would be the subway. There are two subway stops within a block of Goldring Centre and they are connected to both main subway lines. Buses and streetcars are also not too far away from Goldring Centre. Fans interested in public transit can check out the Toronto Transit Commission website for maps, schedules and fares. The ticketing window is on Devonshire Place, on the outside of Goldring Centre. Lineups are not an issue, which is a good thing because lining up outside in the Toronto cold can be cumbersome. Getting around the Goldring Centre is pretty easy, however fans will have to traverse a few staircases. Washrooms are on the same level as Kimel Family Field House and heading to the washroom is not much of a hindrance. Return on Investment 4 USports basketball remains a fantastic value for the entertainment dollar. The Toronto Varsity Blues are no exception. Adult tickets for a Varsity game run $8. Staff, seniors, youth and students are a mere $5. Children under 9 get the big discount and are free. Although getting to Goldring Centre can be a little pricey compared to other USports basketball experiences, Toronto basketball does provide a solid return for the investment. Extras 3 An extra mark for the Varsity Blues’ rivalries with the Ryerson Rams and York Lions. The rivalry with Ryerson is getting stronger with Ryerson seeing improvements on the court to coincide with their own new athletic facility. An extra mark for the deep history of the University of Toronto and their place as a founding member of USports. An extra mark for the University of Toronto pushing the envelope and creating a basketball venue that rivals any in the country. Final Thoughts There is absolutely no comparison between the Goldring Centre and the old Athletic Centre. Toronto now has one of the top basketball facilities in the country. It will be interesting going forward to see if Toronto can capitalize on their facility and translate that into better recruiting classes and stronger teams on the court. However, it is undeniable that the Goldring Centre and Kimel Family Field House have given Toronto a new gold standard. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on Twitter @profan9 and on Instagram.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57 Edward Leede Arena 6 South Park St Hanover, NH 03755 Dartmouth Big Green basketball website Edward Leede Arena website Year Opened: 1987 Capacity: 2,100 Big Green Hoops The Edward Leede Arena is home of Dartmouth’s basketball and volleyball teams. It is named in honor of the class of 1949 alumnus, who was captain of Dartmouth’s basketball squad and one of the school’s leading all-time scorers. Leede Arena is located within the John W. Berry Sports Center, which also contains squash and racquetball courts along with locker rooms, offices and suites. The Berry Sports Center was dedicated in honor of John Berry, whose $5 million donation to Dartmouth athletics was the largest to the program at the time. The Berry Center was built to replace the old Alumni Gym, which still stands next door. It was built on the site of the old Davis Rink, the home of the hockey team from 1929 to 1975.   Dartmouth adopted a shade of forest green as its official color in 1866. Starting in the 1920s the school’s athletic teams were referred to as the “Indians” until the nickname came under criticism in the 1970s. The nickname “Big Green” refers to the Dartmouth Green in the center of campus.   Despite qualifying for seven NCAA Tournaments and appearing in a pair of Final Fours (1942 and 1944), The Big Green have not played in the Big Dance since 1959. This is the longest active tournament appearance drought in Division One, and the second longest in history. Since 1959, Dartmouth has only had ten winning seasons, most recently in 1999. Six Dartmouth alumni have played in the NBA.   Food & Beverage 2    There are a pair of concession stands located in the first-floor lobby. These stands feature a very basic menu, with hot dogs, pretzels, popcorn, ice cream novelties as well as assorted snacks comprising the menu. Bottles of Coca-Cola products are sold here. There is no alcohol allowed inside the Berry Sports Center.   What the concession stands lack in variety, they more than make up for in value. No items here cost more than five dollars.   Atmosphere 2   As you might expect at a small gymnasium at an Ivy League school, the gameday atmosphere at Dartmouth has a very old-school feel to it. The pep band, cheerleaders and dance squad provide noise and entertainment throughout the game, and the arena’s DJ provides music during play breaks without being overly loud.   Simple scoreboards on either end of the gym provide basic game information while the PA announcer keeps fans updated without being too intrusive or over the top. There is not a great turnout from the student body, and those students in attendance don’t make a lot of noise or add a lot of energy to the proceedings.   The fans at Leede Arena are supportive of the Big Green, but are not overly loud or enthusiastic. They will let their displeasure be known to the referees on occasion. The youth groups in attendance bring a certain energy to the gym. This is a place where you can feel very comfortable bringing the whole family.   Neighborhood 5   The village of Hanover, New Hampshire boasts a population of about 9,000 citizens, not much larger than Dartmouth College’s enrollment of 6,350 students. As you would expect, there is a great small-town feel to Hanover. The Dartmouth Green acts as a focal point for all town activities and the campus is worth a stroll to experience its classic Georgian architecture.   Located just a five-minute walk from Leede Arena, Main Street features a bunch of shops and restaurants and is a great place to explore during your visit. Highlights include the Dartmouth Co-Op, where you can pick up some Big Green gear, Lou’s Restaurant and Bakery for a snack, and Murphy’s on the Green for a traditional pub experience. There are a good dozen eateries located within a few blocks here on Main Street.   Should you wish to stay in Hanover, there are lodging options located in this area as well, including the Hanover Inn and Six South Street Hotel. Visitors looking for other things to do in the area will find a wealth of outdoor options, including the Appalachian Trail, which runs right through Hanover. In the snowy winter months of the basketball season, several ski resorts are located just a short drive away.   For a unique and quintessential small-town New England experience, cross the Connecticut River into Vermont and visit the Norwich Inn. It’s said to be the inspiration for the television series Newhart. The Inn features a quaint, small pub that seats about 25. Despite its small size, the Inn brews their own beers and features an excellent pub menu.   Fans 2   Basketball clearly plays second fiddle in the Dartmouth winter sports scene to hockey. An average hoops crowd at Leede Arena numbers around 700 fans, which is well below the Ivy League average.   Even though the Dartmouth student body shows in small numbers, there is a good turnout from locals, who are friendly to visitors and will gladly tell you about the trials and tribulations of the Dartmouth athletic program in recent years. Fans are into the action on the court and will voice their displeasure with the results when appropriate.   Access 3   Dartmouth College and the small town of Hanover, New Hampshire may be well off the beaten path, but that doesn’t mean it’s difficult to get to. Located just a few miles from the intersection of Interstates 89 and 91, Leede Aena is located near the school’s other athletic facilities, including Memorial Field , Red Rolfe Field at Biondi Park , Thompson Arena  and Scully-Fahey Field .   Driving is easily the most efficient method to arrive in Hanover, but there are bus and car services that run from Manchester, located an hour to the southeast, and to Logan Airport in Boston. Also, Amtrak has a train station just across the Connecticut River in White River Junction, Vermont.   There is ample on-street parking in the immediate vicinity of Leede Arena, as well as a large parking lot adjacent to nearby Thompson Arena which features free parking. If you happen to park at the Thompson or Dewey lots, shuttle busses run between Dartmouth’s athletic facilities. These can be very convenient if you visit Hanover on a frigid winter day.   Fans will enter through a nondescript entrance into the Berry Center’s ground floor. Ticket booths are located just inside this entrance. Visiting fans will find a pair of small concession stands, the basketball lounge and restrooms on this level. To get to the seating area, stairs will lead fans to the second floor, where Dartmouth’s 15 squash and racquetball courts along with the entrances to Leede Arena are located. Sections 1-4 are located on the west side of the basketball court, with sections 5-8 located on the east. To access the opposite side of the gym, one must leave Leede Arena, pass through the squash courts, and enter onto the opposite walkway.   Fans enter Leede Arena on either side of the basketball court onto a walkway located atop the seating bowl. Fans walk down to their seats, although some fans choose to take in the action from this aisle. Most of the seating consists of wooden bleachers without backs that are sold as general admission seating. Sections 2 and 3 are reserved seating consisting of individual folding stadium seats. With Leede Arena’s cozy confines, all seats provide excellent views of the action.   Return on Investment 3   Ticket prices for Big Green basketball games may run a little higher than you would expect. Chairback seats cost $22, while general admission bleacher seats are priced at $17. Youths aged 14 and under receive a five-dollar discount on general admission seating. Should you wish to splurge for a courtside seat, it will cost you $60.   Parking is free in the Thompson Arena lot located about a quarter mile from the Berry Sports Complex. There is plenty of on-street parking in the neighborhood, just be aware of when meters are in effect.   Concessions are affordably priced, with no items costing more than five dollars. Free roster sheets are available to all fans.   Extras 1   Dartmouth honors its basketball history throughout Leede Arena. In the main lobby are displays honoring the history of both the men’s and women’s programs. Inside the gym banners hang from the rafters honoring conference championships and tournament appearances for both programs.   Final Thoughts   Dartmouth basketball fans may pine for the “good old days,” but they continue to show up at Leede Arena to support the Big Green. This old-school gym will never be confused with big-time basketball, but if you bring your squash racquet, you may be able to squeeze in a game at halftime. At how many Division One gymnasiums can you say that?   Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter  and Instagram  @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Indiana is known for its high school basketball game with fieldhouses and gyms among the biggest on the planet. Crowds of over 7,000 are the norm, but the state also proves it could attract similar crowds for its high school football games during the school year. The Mudsock Game is the football game between the Fishers High School Tigers and the Hamilton Southeastern Royals. The rivalry game between the two schools in Fishers, Indiana, has been an annual event since the 2007-08 school year when Fishers High School began operations. The heated contest brings out an atmosphere like any other in the Indianapolis area. The Mudsock Award was created as a traveling all-sports trophy for the 19 combined varsity sports; it’s awarded to the high school that wins the most games throughout the year. Each team wins a plaque if they win against the opposing school.  A blue “H” or a red “F” is attached to the trophy to commemorate each winning year.  VIP Seating with food, tables, and extra bleachers are brought in for the big game, Photo by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey. This year’s game took place at HSE. Special VIP sections with catered food, bleachers, and tables were set up behind the goalpost at $75 a ticket. Additional bleachers were also brought in for the game, attracting crowds between 8,000 to 10,000. It is quite the spectacle for a high school football game in September. As day turned into night, the evening cooled off slightly with the colors of Fishers red and HSE blue on each side of the gridiron. Banners, smoke machines, and students with painted faces were seen and heard, along with alumni who packed the aluminum bleachers to watch a thrilling game between the in-town rivals. The atmosphere was better than some college football and minor league baseball games I visited this past year. The concession areas were filled with fans waiting in line and students enjoying the last days of summer. The two schools have an enrollment of over 7,000, and it felt as if the entire student body was in the stadium tonight. The student section swings their cell phone flashlights back and forth after each touchdown. Fishers blow off red smoke after a Tiger’s score. The two sides go back and forth with chants and friendly banter that rival the college football game between nearby DePauw and Wabash in the Monon Bell contest. However, where does the Mudsock name originate from? It is such a peculiar name and one that would make an excellent name for a summer collegiate baseball team if the city ever builds a ballpark to complement the new area it will have for minor league hockey, indoor football, and professional volleyball, but what is a mudsock?  Fishers was founded as a town in 1872, but due to the swampy nature of the soil that covered people’s socks, the community acquired the nickname “Mudsock.” This is one of the theories behind the nickname, but the town would make national headlines less than a decade later on November 19, 1881. The name comes from an infamous brawl in 1881. The 24-hour raucous made national headlines and became known as the “Battle of Mudsock”. Fishers was a lawless town at the time and there were two rival saloons, one owned by Hampton West and the other by the Farrell brothers. Each establishment had its loyal followers. At 4 pm on a Saturday, a group of men walked into West’s saloon and got into an argument with another group playing pool. A gentleman by the name of George McCoy tossed his hat at the face of Adam Lynn, resulting in Lynn knocking him out. McCoy was quickly thrown out of the bar and everyone continued drinking and getting riled up. The Fishers Student section shows their pride during the game, Photo by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey. An hour later, McCoy returned with reinforcements and the fisticuffs broke out again. Benjamin Fouch brought brass knuckles to the fight and everything from knives, beer faucets, and pool balls were used that soon traveled to the Farrell brothers saloon across the railroad tracks. After a night’s rest, fighting started again at 10 AM at West’s saloon, but a few folks brought in guns to chase away attackers. The sheriff and his posse soon came to break up the mele and restore order. In the end, Fouch was dead,  32 other people were injured, one of the saloons burned to the ground, and another one closed for good.  However, the 'Mud Sock’ name was not taken too kindly by the residents, and to shed its rough reputation, a newspaper article in 1907 announced that it was not an appropriate name. Hamilton Southeastern shows off their colors and support for the Royals, Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey. Fast forward over a century later, and the Mudsock name lives on between the two high schools in town. This year’s contest was won thrillingly by Fishers, 37-35. The Royals led 27-7 at halftime before staging a 3rd quarter rally. After the game, the Fishers's student section stormed the field to surround their football heroes.  The students and fans cheered on long after the game underneath the dark skies. Red fireworks went off in the distance, and HSE players walked back to their locker rooms. It was another battle, but one that was settled on the football field. There will be more Mudsock games from now until spring, but tonight, this was the place to be for Friday Night Football in Indiana. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter   and his YouTube channel .  Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Alumni Coliseum 521 Lancaster Ave Richmond, KY 40475 Eastern Kentucky Colonels website Alumni Coliseum website Year Opened: 1963 Capacity: 6,500 Ballin’ in Richmond Alumni Coliseum, otherwise known as Paul S. McBrayer Arena, is located in Richmond, Kentucky, and opened in 1963. The venue has a capacity of 6,500, and is currently home to Eastern Kentucky University’s men’s and women’s basketball teams, as well as EKU’s women’s volleyball team. The court itself is named after Paul McBrayer, a former EKU basketball coach. The venue is unique, in that its ceiling is made entirely of wooden beams, and is believed to be the largest such ceiling in existence. Food & Beverage 3 While Alumni Coliseum does not offer a ton of choices at its concessions stands, there is more than enough variety to suit most tastes. Food options include chicken sandwiches, tacos, burgers, hot dogs, brats, and pizza; these items range in price from $3.50 to $4.75. Snack options include popcorn, chips, candy, nachos, soft pretzels, peanuts, cookies, and Dippin’ Dots, which cost between $1 and $4. The food quality is actually fairly good for a sports stadium, especially the burgers (simple, but tasty). Drinks available at Alumni Coliseum include all of the basics, such as bottled soda (Pepsi products), bottled water, Gatorade, coffee, and hot cocoa, all of which cost $2.50 to $3. No alcohol is sold here, as the venue is located on a college campus. There are two types of concessions stands at Alumni Coliseum – the main ones are permanent, and the others are just plastic tables set up in the concourse. The tables only take cash, so if you specifically want a burger, cookies, or Dippin’ Dots, make sure you bring some cash. But all of the other items can be purchased from the main stands, which take cards. Atmosphere 3 Alumni Coliseum is a decent basketball venue, with a good crowd, and some nice features. Alumni Coliseum appears very imposing from the outside, but seems a little smaller once you get inside. The basketball court itself only has seating on three sides (along both sidelines and behind one backboard), but the video screen is located behind the opposite backboard, so is easy for all fans to see, even though it is not that big. See a video of the layout here: One nice feature of Alumni Coliseum is that the walls in the concourse are lined with trophy cases and plaques showcasing different teams’ accomplishments, as well as commemorating notable players and coaches. There are also flags outside on the plaza, and massive posters for both the men’s and women’s basketball teams adorning the wall outside the front entrance. Most of the seats are wooden bleachers, but there are three sections of metal chair backs (lower level along both sidelines, and upper level on one sideline). The lower-level chair backs are reserved for donors, but the upper-level chair backs are definitely worth the extra $2 they cost, since they are more comfortable than the bleachers. Neighborhood 2 There is not a lot to do in the small town of Richmond, besides visit the university. However, there are several decent restaurants near Alumni Coliseum, and the town has a little Civil War history, as well. About a mile from the stadium, near I-75 on your way into town, there is a Hooters and a Logan’s Roadhouse, either of which would make a fine hangout for before or after the game. But if you are looking for something more local, check out Madison Garden on Main St (northeast of Alumni Coliseum) – Madison Garden offers pretty standard bar fare, including wings and burgers that they are well-known for, but the real draw is that they serve over 175 different beers. Richmond was the site of one of the bloodiest battles in the Civil War, and there are a couple of monuments in town memorializing the battle, including the Visitor’s Center and Battlefield Park. There are a number of hotels about a mile from Alumni Coliseum, ranging from Holiday Inn to Comfort Suites. Most of them are located off I-75 to the west of the venue, but there are also a couple on the northeast side of campus. Fans 3 The fans at Alumni Coliseum are very loud and supportive of their team, and the venue draws a pretty good crowd. During a typical game in a good year, a men’s basketball game will draw between 4,000 and 5,000 fans, or about two-thirds full. Most of the fans wear team colors, and stay fairly loud throughout the game. The student section is clearly marked, but the students do not seem any louder than the rest of the fans, if not less so. Regardless, the concourse is absolutely deserted while the game is going on, so that definitely shows how engaged the fans are. Access 4 Alumni Coliseum is easy enough to find in the daytime, since it is located on a hill and is thus very visible. However, at night, it is a different story – the venue is surrounded by other campus buildings, so the only way you can really get there is from the main drag. Parking is free right outside the Coliseum’s main entrance (on the south side), so that is a major plus. Most fans enter on that side, and there are two ticket booths there, one of which only takes cash. Since the crowd is small, the concourse is rarely crowded and there is plenty of room to move around. There are more than enough bathrooms to accommodate everyone, and the lines at concessions are almost non-existent since there are multiple stands you can buy from. Once you get into the arena itself, there is a walkway that divides the upper and lower seating areas so you can still watch the game as you make your way to and from your seat. Return on Investment 3 Tickets to EKU basketball games are very cheap and concession prices are very reasonable. The atmosphere is not over the top, though, so unless you just want to see a game, there are other venues nearby which provide a lot more energy. Ticket prices are $10 for general admission, and $12 for upper-level chair backs ($8 for youth). Nothing at the concessions stands is over $5, and parking is free. Extras 2 Alumni Coliseum has some great architectural features, some of which are more easily seen during the day, such as the impressive entrance and the plaza outside, but the wooden ceiling is also notable. Having the trophy cases and plaques on display inside is also a nice touch, instead of having them hidden away in some museum far away. Final Thoughts Alumni Coliseum has some nice features but the crowd, while decent, is on the small side and probably won’t blow you away. That said, if you live nearby, it may be worth a visit to take in a game here, but it may not be a venue to travel very far for.

Photos by Paul Swaney, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57 Ralph McKinzie Field 1425 W Lincoln Hwy Dekalb, IL 60115 Northern Illinois Huskies website Ralph McKinzie Field website Year Opened: 1965 Capacity: 1,500 Home of the Huskies Ralph McKinzie is a legend in Dekalb, Illinois. He was a star athlete in football, basketball, and baseball at Northern Illinois University. He coached the NIU basketball team from 1940-1948, and also the baseball team in 1945 and from 1949-1956. His most significant coaching seasons came in 1950 and 1951 when he led the Huskies baseball squad to Illinois Intercollegiate Athletic Conference titles. Historically, Ralph McKinzie is probably best known as future U.S. President Ronald Reagan’s football coach at Eureka College. In 1993, Northern Illinois dedicated its baseball field to McKinzie, three years after his death at age 96. It is a simple structure, with 15 rows of metal bleachers behind home plate. Cedar trees are visible past the outfield wall, and Huskie Stadium rises past the left field foul pole. It’s a simple, straightforward game day presentation, enjoyable for those fans who enjoy the simplicity of the pastoral game. The history of Northern Illinois baseball dates back to 1901. In that time, they made only two appearances in the NCAA Tournament (1972 and 1996). The team has competed in the Mid-American Conference since 1974, although they took a hiatus from 1982-1990 when the program was disbanded, and rejoined the MAC in 1998. Food & Beverage 2 There is one single concession cart offering some basics to get you through a Huskies game. The selection includes cheeseburgers ($4), hot dogs ($3), pretzels ($3), nachos ($3.50), and popcorn ($3). Snacks include candy ($2), potato chips ($1), and peanuts ($1). The drink selection consists of cans of Pepsi products ($1), bottled water ($2.50), Gatorade ($3), and hot chocolate ($2). While there is nothing to get excited about, there’s enough to get you and your stomach through the ball game, and the prices are reasonable for the most part. Atmosphere 3 In this day and age of turf fields beginning to be seen more and more in college baseball, it’s nice to watch a game on a field that is just dirt and grass. Most fans sit behind home plate on the metal bleachers, but some stand down the lines along the green picket fence which extends to the outfield. It’s a short home run down the left field line, but overall the playing field is fairly spacious with plenty of room in foul territory. From left to right the outfield dimensions are 314-370-400-370-323. The NIU staff does a good job with the sound effects after a strike out, a walk, the foul ball into the parking lot, etc. I’m not sure if the 2014 team is just an eclectic bunch, but they have some of the strangest selections of walk-up music for the home batters. The selections during my most recent visit included the Oompa Loompa song, the Spice Girls with “Wannabe,” and Abba’s Dancing Queen.” Northern Illinois occupies the first base dugout, but fans of both teams seem mixed within the small stands. The scoreboard is found in the left-center field and displays the basic line score, balls, strikes, outs, hits, runs, and errors, as well as the number of the at-bat player. If you like to keep score, or just learn a bit more about the participants, there are scorecards found in a plastic box right behind home plate in the stands. The scorecard is a simple four-page publication with information about the Huskies team, along with an insert for the visiting team’s line-up, as well as a box score for the most recently played NIU game. Neighborhood 2 There isn’t much in the immediate neighborhood to add to the experience. During the football season, the tailgating helps to improve the experience, but with baseball there is really none of that. There are a few restaurants that are a short drive, or even walkable, along Lincoln Highway. My recommendation is Fatty’s. They have good burgers and sandwiches, along with 110 beers available. If you would rather have Mexican, then try Eduardo’s, which has been in operation in the area for over 30 years. Fans 2 Most of the fans at an NIU baseball game show only mild interest. There is a collection of friends, family, and students who watch the action in a fairly laid-back way. It’s a friendly place to just sit back and watch baseball. Access 3 Parking is free along Stadium Avenue, just behind the cedar trees would be a good place. Some fans choose to park their cars behind the seating area, but that’s a good way to catch a souvenir in the worst possible way (in your windshield). If you have trouble finding the field, just look for the football stadium. There are no restrooms available at McKinzie Field, so plan accordingly. There are a couple of Port-a-potties on the grounds if necessary. Return on Investment 4 There’s no admission to attend an NIU baseball game. Parking is free. Concessions are reasonably priced. Overall, there is nothing to complain about when it comes to getting your money’s worth. If you’re in the area and need to get your baseball fixed, then this is an affordable experience. Extras 2 One extra point for the trivia games offered to fans. It’s nice that a small program like this, charging no admission, still has a couple of giveaways during the contest. One additional extra point for the bizarre choice of walk-up songs for the home team. It wouldn’t be my choice if I was batting, but the strange selection certainly adds to the entertainment value. Final Thoughts There may not be any bells or whistles to entice fans to make the trip to Dekalb to see Northern Illinois baseball, but once you arrive, you’ll find a laid-back atmosphere and a pleasant place to enjoy MAC baseball action.

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Watkins Glen International 2790 County Route 16 Watkins Glen, NY 14891 Sahlen’s Six Hours of The Glen website Watkins Glen International website Year Opened: 1956 Capacity: 38,900 The 6 Hours of Excitement The Wakins Glen 6 Hours began in 1948 at the famed road course in the finger lakes region of New York. Since then, the race has attracted some of the greatest racers in all of motorsports, across a wide variety of manufacturers. Now, the race is a staple of the 4th of July weekend, a beacon for race fans in New England who want to spend their summers immersed in the sound and spectacle of speed. Food & Beverage 4 Watkins Glen International has a lot of food vendors, with most of them located in the main paddock and fan zones near the front stretch. Those fans looking to visit the outer parts of the track may have slimmer pickings than those watching the finish line. That said, the choices in the fan zone are pretty varied, ranging from BBQ to burgers and hot dogs, with other options like gyros and tacos also available. Food trucks also line up inside the paddock area. Atmosphere 5 Watkins Glen International is located in New York’s finger lakes region, making the facility a beautifully located sports venue. The area is full of beautiful trees, meaning fans can find some shade in the hot summer sun. In addition, the track is laid out to be one of the fastest road courses in North America, if not the world, making the on-track action some of the most exciting in all of sportscar racing. For a raceway filled with history (the track regularly hosts NASCAR, SRO World Challenge, and Trans-Am, and has also hosted the likes of IndyCar, Formula 1, and others in the past), you cannot help but feel like you’re witnessing yet another chapter when you attend the 6 Hours of the Glen. Neighborhood 3 The track itself is about 5 minutes south of the town of Watkins Glen, nestled on the southern shores of Seneca Lake. The town is beautiful and quaint, but lacks proper hotels and popular chain restaurants. Nonetheless, there is plenty to do and see here. For those willing to drive, the town of Ithaca is just a half hour east, where you can find hotels, restaurants, and shopping in the same town that is home to Cornell University. For lodging, the historic Seneca Lodge and the Falls Motel are two of your closest options, and for food, Seneca Harbor Station and Nickel’s Pit BBQ are two popular destinations. In addition, sightseers routinely flock to Watkins Glen State Park for stunning hiking through a canyon of waterfalls, as well as Lakeside Park to watch the stars rise over the waters of Seneca Lake. Fans 4 The fans at Watkins Glen International are once again a cross-section of sportscar racing diehards. The 6 Hours is a race of endurance and skill, and most of the fans on site have been coming since they were kids. New York racing fans are among the best in the country, and know how to throw a great party – the camping grounds are full all weekend long, and the fans know who to cheer for when the race is on the line. Access 2 The biggest downside in getting to Watkins Glen International is its relatively isolated location – the nearest major highway is I-86 to the south and west, at least a 40-minute drive. Traffic can back up, as the roadways in and around the track are all one lane each way. During heavy race days, however, the traffic is opened up to be one way only heading in or out of the track. Once at the track, parking is plentiful all around, and navigating the track’s tunnels, bridges, and walkways can be daunting, as the facility is rather large. Track maps are placed throughout the venue, though, making getting from place to place a little easier. Return on Investment 5 The Watkins Glen 6 Hour race is a hallmark of the sportscar racing world. One of the four North American Endurance Championship races, winning this race is a big deal in the sport. The weekend also features several warm-up races before the big event, which means fans will have plenty of time to see some great action on track throughout the weekend. This is the perfect weekend summer racing getaway for the whole family if you want to mix the great outdoors, camping, and exciting summer sports. Extras 4 There are always several autograph sessions throughout the weekend for fans to meet their favorite drivers in each respective series. The track also has several fan zones to get you up close and personal with show cars, as well as to pick up some free giveaways. Fans can also wander the paddock area for free, giving you a great look at the teams working away at their machines. Final Thoughts The Watkins Glen 6 Hour race is one of the best racing traditions in North America, if not the world, and being held at historic Watkins Glen International is no doubt a part of what makes the race so great – the track is fast, the fans pack in the facility, and the action is top notch. This is a must-see race on any sports car racing fans’ bucket list.

Photos by Jarred Townsend, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center 1 Civic Center Plaza Mankato, MN 56001 Minnesota State Mavericks men’s hockey website Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center website Year Opened: 1995 Capacity: 5,280 Experiencing Mankato Hockey at Verizon Wireless Center Since opening its doors in 1995, Verizon Wireless Center in Mankato, Minnesota has served as home to the Minnesota State Mavericks hockey team (both men’s and women’s). The 5,280-seat venue located downtown replaced All Seasons Arena, a much smaller venue built in 1973 on the Minnesota State University Mankato Campus. Today All Seasons Arena serves as the team’s practice facility. Over the past 20 years, Verizon Wireless Center has seen its fair share of name changes because of altering sponsorships – having previously been known at different times as Mankato Civic Center (95-98), Midwest Wireless Center (98-07), and Alltel Wireless Center (07-09). Needless to say, if the arena’s walls could talk, they’d tell you the quintessential story of Midwest hockey: devoted fans who have over the years, watched the Mavericks battle against opponents in the Western Collegiate Hockey Association (WCHA) conference. In recent years, the team has experienced a renewed amount of success, earning conference tournament championships in both 2014 and 2015. Note: In 2019, the venue name changed from Verizon Center to Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center. Food & Beverage 4 While Verizon Wireless Center may not have as many food options as some other hockey arenas, it serves up quality. The Lonestar Brat is a highlight, featuring a coney bun with BBQ pulled pork, jalapenos, and shredded cheese ($4.75). Another great choice is the Pulled Pork Nachos ($5.50), and if you wish, you can add jalapenos, onions, and additional BBQ sauce. Other interesting highlights include the Chicken Bacon Ranch Quesadilla ($4), the Buffalo Chicken Wrap (5.50), the Black Bean Quesadilla ($4), and the Caesar Chicken Wrap ($5.50). Meanwhile, your more basic options are as follows: Hot dog ($3.75), chicken strips with either ranch, honey mustard, or blue cheese ($5), cheese curds ($5.50), nachos ($3.50), popcorn ($3), potato chips ($1.50). Pizza fans need not despair, Pizza Ranch serves by the slice ($3 to $4), with options including Pepperoni, Sausage, Cheese, and Roundup. Being located off campus has its benefits, as Verizon Wireless Center is allowed to sell alcohol and thus, features a full bar. 16 oz cans of beer cost between just $5 and 6 dollars. $5 options include Bud Light, Budweiser, Coors Light, and Golden Light, while $6 options include Stella Artois, Organ Grinder, and Stella Artois Cider. Meanwhile, on tap (all $5), you’ll find Organ Grinder and Mad Butcher IPA. Another interesting bar option: is wines from Chankaska Creek Ranch, a winery located in Kasota, Minnesota. And what would a hockey experience be without dessert? Frozen custard from Culver’s is a favorite, especially for kids attending the games. Overall, food and beverage pricing is very affordable, and the food is superb. Atmosphere 3 As with most collegiate hockey venues, Verizon Wireless Center’s atmosphere comes to life thanks to the fans and the action on the ice. The view of the rink is spectacular and there’s hardly a bad seat in the house. No matter where you are, you feel close to the action. The arena’s corridors, however, are a bit narrow and not the most visually appealing (concrete flooring and brick walls for the most part, albeit the floor, does feature some interesting painted designs here and there). Otherwise, the atmosphere is great in the stands, yet is a much larger letdown elsewhere in the arena. Neighborhood 5 Verizon Wireless Center is located in a great part of the downtown area and within walking distance of many other Mankato hotspots – many of which you can also access by parking in the ramp of the Civic Center Plaza (where the arena is located within). Popular restaurants in the area include Olives Restaurant (Mediterranean), Number 4 America Bar & Kitchen (an upscale bistro & bar), the Bicker Inn (popular Irish pub), Rounders Sports Bar & Grill, Pub 500 (bar with live music), New Bohemia (features great tap options). Aside from the hockey arena, Civic Center Plaza also features reception and banquet halls, a conference center, hotels, and other amenities. Overall, it’s a great part of town that’s kept up well. There’s plenty to explore in the area. Fans 4 Fans are loyal, engaged, and quick to participate verbally in matches. You can expect them to know the players by name, and cheer them on accordingly. After experiencing a considerable amount of success during the 70s and 80s, Mankato hockey has recently returned to success under head coach Mike Hastings. During both the 2014-2015 and 2015-2016 seasons, the Maverick’s men’s team has claimed conference tournament championships. Meanwhile, Coach Hastings has won over 60% of his games since taking over in 2012. The games seem to be decently attended, albeit there were a noticeable number of empty seats when I went. However, the fans who did attend seem highly devoted and most are probably regulars on a game-to-game basis. Access 5 Access is great. There are a couple of nearby parking garages and if spots are available, one of the nearest garages within Civic Center Plaza provides free parking during the games. The only drawback, however, is that the ramp can perhaps fill up fast and if you arrive late, you’ll want to find another lot or park on the street. Otherwise, there are a couple of other lots in the area where you can expect to pay no more than $5 for parking. No matter where you park, however, you really shouldn’t expect to walk more than 2 to 3 blocks to get to the arena’s main entrance. Return on Investment 4 On average, tickets cost around $16, and no matter what section you’re in, you’re bound to have a good seat in the house. Once you get in, it’s a good idea to take advantage of the affordable concession prices – whether it’s a beverage (i.e. beer) or one of the amazing food items. Overall, the whole experience is reasonably priced and your enthusiasm for what happens on the ice will likely determine the level of satisfaction you leave Verizon Wireless Center with. It’s not particularly the most impressive arena (the corridors can be bland), but it gets the job done. Extras 2 Walking around the narrow corridors of the arena, you’re likely to notice some wall wraps sporting imagery of Mavericks hockey players on the brick surface. It adds an interesting touch to otherwise, somewhat uninteresting parts of the arena. Another interesting tidbit about recent Mavericks history is the fact that they’ve remained in the WCHA, even after 2/3rds of the conference’s member teams jetted either for the National Collegiate Hockey Conference or the Big 10 in 2011. Meanwhile, as other teams including Bowling Green State University and North Michigan settled into the division, the Mavericks remained resilient throughout – in recent years, reaching new heights of success under current head coach Mike Hastings. For that, they deserve much credit. Final Thoughts Verizon Wireless Center isn’t as flashy as more modern hockey arenas, but the point is, it gets the job done. Whether it’s the game ticket ($16) or the concessions (all very affordable), you can have an enjoyable experience among the great fans at this arena without having to worry about spending too much.

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Ocean Speedway Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds 2601 E Lake Ave Watsonville, CA 95076 Ocean Speedway website Year Opened: 1960 Capacity: 2,200 Short Track, Cali Style Ocean Speedway is a little-known gem in the California racing circuit, known to diehards and locals alike. Well-hidden off the PCH, this corner of California speed has been the home to future NASCAR stars like Kyle Larson as they worked their way up through the short track ranks. Only a minor drive north of Weather Tech Laguna Seca , this track is the perfect side-stop for fans visiting in town for races farther south, or venturing along the Pacific Coast Highway. Food & Beverage 3 While the selection at Ocean Speedway is limited to the traditional sports fare, the quality here is top notch – everything is made or grilled fresh. Hot dogs and corn dogs run you $4.75, while a chili dog costs $7. The most expensive item on the menu is worth every penny (Tri-Tip Sandwich at $9.75), with two other alternatives costing $8.75 each (Polish Sandwich or Linguisa Sandwich). Burgers run from $5.50 to $6.75, with a side of fries costing anywhere from $5.75 for regular fries to $8 for chili cheese fries. Drinks include water ($2.50-$3.50), soda ($2.75-$3.75), and coffee/hot cocoa ($3). Snacks include peanuts, Cracker Jack, or sunflowers seeds for $2.75, or candy (including Red Vines) for $3. Atmosphere 4 Located at the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds, Ocean Speedway is outside the town of Watsonville, meaning you have that true small-town feel when driving to the track. To the east are mountains, and to the west is the Pacific Ocean and its beautiful beaches. The track is a high banked dirt track, which means the mud will be flying with every race on the track, so bring goggles just in case. The seating area at Ocean Speedway is a bit old and weathered looking, but that gives you the feeling that you’re at an old, history-filled house of speed. Neighborhood 4 The area around Ocean Speedway is beautiful California coastal towns – an hour north is the San Francisco area, and an hour south is the Monterey coastline. The beach is just a few minutes west, while the forests are just a few minutes to the east. For lodging, fans can pick from numerous hotels and motels, with Best Western Rose Garden Inn and Holiday Inn Express & Suites Watsonville being two of your closest options to the track. Straw Hat Pizza and Erik’s DeliCafe are two local favorites for food, and for visitors, the Forest of Nisene Marks State Park and Natural Bridges State Beach offer quintessential California nature and sights, just a short drive to the north along the PCH. Fans 4 The fans at the track are mostly locals, and they know their racing. Drivers, stats, and history are all topics that the fans in the stands know in great detail. The fans are welcoming to visitors as well, and are happy to help flesh out the latest points standings, which create the biggest drama on the track. Access 2 Getting to the track, you will have to abandon the major highways of California for some winding local roads. Located off East Lake Drive, drivers on the 101 Highway will have to exit and cross through Hecker Pass, which winds through the coastal hills and mountains. Alternatively, if you’re taking the Pacific Coast Highway, turning off on Main Street will get you on your way east to Ocean Speedway. Return on Investment 4 Parking and tickets are just a few bucks for fans, and all seating is general admission, meaning the cost for taking the kids and family out to the races isn’t going to be anywhere as high as other bigger races. Aside from the drive over to Ocean Speedway if you aren’t local, getting in won’t break your bank, or your stress level. Extras 2 Ocean Speedway offers handicap seating at specific grandstands at the track, for those in wheelchairs to be able to catch the action. Pit passes are also available for fans who want an up-close view of the racing action behind the scenes. Final Thoughts For a hidden California racing gem, Ocean Speedway is a great option, especially when adding it to an already scheduled sports trip through the Golden State. The racing is exciting, the prices are low, and the value offered is high.

Photos by University of North Alabama Athletics and Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Braly Municipal Stadium 521 N. Royal Ave. Florence, AL 35632 North Alabama Lions website Braly Municipal Stadium website Year Opened: 1949 Capacity: 14,215 The Pride Of North Alabama The University of North Alabama (UNA) was founded in 1830. It is Alabama’s oldest public university. Today it has a student body of 9,500 students enrolled in more than 300 lines of study. Its largest majors include Nursing/ Health Professions, Music, Business, Computers/IT, Education, and Social Services. These programs are held on the 130-acre main campus in Florence, Alabama. The athletic teams at the university are known as the Lions. The football program at UNA has a very distinguished record during its more than 110 years of existence. It was a powerhouse in the Division II level of competition. It made it to the Division II playoffs 21 times and won three Division II National Championships (1993,1994, 1995). The Lions were the only Division II Championship team to ever visit the White House. In 2018, the school voted to move up to the FCS level of competition. They played the 2018 season as an independent. In 2019 the university joined the Big South Conference in football only. The other sports at UNA play in the Atlantic Sun Conference. The football program became eligible for conference championships as of the 2022 football season. The home of the Lions is the 14,215-seat Braly Municipal Stadium. It opened in 1949. The stadium is named for Thomas Braly, a local coach and school administrator in the area for many years. The stadium is located just a few blocks from the University of North Alabama. The stadium is owned and managed by the Florence, Alabama City School District. The stadium is used by both the UNA Lions and the Florence Falcons High School football programs. Food & Beverage 2 The concession stands at Braly Stadium are located on the concourse beneath the grandstands on both sides of the field. No alcohol can be sold in the stadium as the facility is run by the school system. The offerings are what you would expect in a stadium run by the school board. In other words, your typical stadium basics. They have hot dogs, nachos, candy, popcorn, and pretzels. Bottled water and Coca-Cola brand sodas are also on the menu. Atmosphere 3 Braly Stadium is a functional stadium that will not overwhelm you. It was designed in an era when the “extras” were not even dreamed of. World War II had just ended and just going to a college or high school football game was considered a luxury. The stadium has seating on either side of the field, with the home side being much taller and having much more capacity than the visitor’s side. For the most part, it is bench seating. Both the band and the student body members are sitting in the lower seats, with the alumni and Lions Athletic Club members sitting in the prime seatbacks along the fifty-yard line. There is a very impressive three-level press box atop the home seating area. It houses both the electronic and newspaper media. We can understand how this stadium kept the Division II Championship Game for so long, as it was one of the nicest press boxes we have seen. The press box also houses a hospitality room for members of the Lions Athletic Club. The field is used by multiple teams during the week since it is run by the local school system. Because of the heavy wear and tear, the school system has invested in a very state-of-the-art artificial turf surface. The stadium also has a very nice video board/scoreboard behind one of the end zones. Neighborhood 5 The University of North Alabama and Braly Stadium are located in Florence, Alabama. Florence is a city of 40,000 residents. It is located in an area known as “the Shoals.” The Shoals are a group of four small cities along the Tennessee River. Florence is the largest of these four cities and offers the most in the way of lodging, attractions, and restaurants. The Shoals were made famous by the music industry and what is called the “Muscle Shoals Sound.” This refers to the many recording studios that worked with many of the top singers in the music industry. Alabama, the Rolling Stones, Aretha Franklin, and others all traveled to this small city to be a part of that sound. The Music Tour of the Shoals offers visits to the FAME Studio and the Muscle Shoals Sound studios. Another popular attraction is the W.C. Handy Birthplace and Museum/Library. He was known as the “King of the Blues.” The Helen Keller home is also open for visitors in nearby Tuscumbia. There are a surprising number of hotel choices in Florence. The closest ones to the stadium are the Hampton Inn Midtown and the Holiday Inn Express. Dining choices are also plentiful. The Marriott Shoals 360 Degree Grille offers a 360-degree view of the Tennessee River and the surrounding area from its perch atop the local Marriott Hotel. Barbeque is a way of life in these parts. We found Bunyan’s BBQ had us licking our fingers after we finished our ribs. Birdy’s Sports Grille is a great place to catch some of the late games on their multiple sets of TVs. Fans 5 The University of North Alabama has been blessed with one of the most loyal fan bases in the country. The Lions have an average attendance of 9,500. The team earned their loyalty long ago with the string of appearances in the Division II playoffs and National Championships. Now that the team has upped its game in the FCS level of play, the fans are even more enthused about the program. The Lion Athletic Club has seen its membership increase which helps with the expenses of playing at the FCS level, as there is a much greater expense due to travel. We also have to take our hats off to the cheer team, the ROAR dance team, and the UNA Pride of the Lions Band for keeping the energy going during the action and for providing a great pregame and halftime show. The University of North Alabama has some great athletic traditions. The first is Leo III, the live lion who lives in the George L. Carroll Lion Habitat on the UNA campus. His habitat includes rocks, a pond, and a stream with running water. Leo III has been recognized as the #1 Best Real Animal Mascot in College Football on several occasions. He is open for visitors from 8am-5pm on a daily basis. Another tradition is the Lion’s Pride Rock. This is a granite rock with the pawprint of Leo III impressed into it. The rock is placed in the end zone before each game so the team members can touch it for good luck in the game that follows. There are also several sets of lion statues on the UNA campus. The most impressive is the Pride of the Lions, which features an adult male and female lion with their cubs. One last tradition is the Victory Flame. It is on the UNA campus. After a Lions win, everybody goes over to the campus to watch the Flame be lit. Access 3 One of the main issues as far as access to Braly Stadium is its distance from almost any major city. UNA and Florence, Alabama are located in the northwest corner of the state of Alabama. It is quite a distance from any interstates as well. Florence is 118 miles from Birmingham, 76 miles from Huntsville, and 127 miles from Nashville. The best route from I-65 is as follows: From Birmingham: Take I-65 North to exit 310. Go right on AL-157. Turn right at Huntsville Road (County Road 32). At the roundabout take the first exit for Royal Avenue. Stay on Royal Avenue until you reach Stadium Drive and Braly Stadium. Parking near Braly Stadium can also be difficult on game days. You can prepay for a space, but getting to it can be an issue. We strongly urge fans to park at the UNA campus and take the free shuttle bus to the game. The buses run continuously throughout the game, so you should not have a long wait for the next bus. Parking is free and plentiful on the campus. Return on Investment 3 Braly Stadium offers tickets at several price points depending on where you want to sit at the stadium. The visitors stand's seats are all priced as General Admission, which is $12 on both sides of the field. The home side of the field has a much larger grandstand and charges by location. The Outer Bench seats are along the 20-yard lines at the bottom of the grandstand and are $20. The Prime Bench seats are along the 40-yard lines are low in the grandstand and cost $25. The most expensive seats are designated for Lion Athletic Club members and cost $50. The $50 also covers perks like seatbacks rather than bench seating, preferred parking near the stadium, and access to the Grady Liles Hospitality Room at Braly Stadium. Parking at Braly Stadium is $12. We strongly urge you to prepay to get a spot anywhere close to the stadium. Better yet, park at the UNA campus for free and ride the free shuttle to the games. The concession stand prices at Braly Stadium are very reasonable. However, the number of menu items is very limited. Extras 4 George “Goober” Lindsey from the Andy Griffith TV show played quarterback for the University of North Alabama. He is now a member of the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame. The University of North Alabama has begun raising funds to build a new, on-campus stadium. This project is known as the Bank Independent Stadium project. This project is very important for the school, as Braly Stadium is 74 years old and lacks many of the amenities found in modern stadiums. The new stadium would also be managed by the university rather than the school board, giving the college much more flexibility in scheduling events and offering more perks to major donors to the school. The design phase for the new stadium got underway in 2023 and the school hopes to be in a new facility by the 2026-2027 school year. Braly Stadium hosted the Division III National Championship football game from 1986 to 2013. This allowed the Lions to win all three of their National Football Championships on their home field. Harlon Hill was a star football player for the Lions. He went on to a long career in the NFL, where he was the NFL Rookie of the Year and the MVP, while he played for the Chicago Bears. The Harlon Hill Trophy is awarded to the top player in the Division II level of competition each year. It is the equivalent of the Heisman Trophy that is given at the FBS level of play. The University of North Alabama football program was the first school in Alabama to integrate its team in 1968. Final Thoughts The University of North Alabama is thrilled to be an FCS-level school, as they were a dominant program at the Division II level. For now, their longtime home at Braly Stadium provides an adequate facility. However, the future for Lions football is bright, as a new on-campus stadium is in the design phase of planning.

Photos by Michael Davis, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Mountain America Stadium 500 E Veterans Way Tempe, AZ 85281 Arizona State Sun Devils website Mountain America Stadium website Year Opened: 1958 Capacity: 53,600 Arizona State Football Mountain America Stadium, formerly known as Sun Devil Stadium, is the home of the Arizona State University Sun Devils football team. Arizona State is one of the Big 12 Conference’s newest members after formerly being a member of the PAC-12 Conference. Mountain America Stadium was built in 1958, with a seating capacity of 30,000. Over the years, the stadium reached its peak capacity of 74,865 when the National Football League’s Arizona Cardinals shared the stadium. The stadium’s current capacity of 53,600 is due to the five-year, $304-million renovation that was completed in August 2019 – the renovations were completed in five phases and included having sections of the upper deck removed, a new structure built behind the south end zone, the east and west side of the lower bowl and loge level rebuilt, installation of a new video board, and the completion of club areas. Besides previously housing the Arizona Cardinals , the stadium was also the original home of college football’s Fiesta Bowl  game, as well as hosting other college bowl games. Super Bowl XXX, which featured the Dallas Cowboys  and Pittsburgh Steelers in front of 76,347 spectators, was also played at Mountain America Stadium – this was the first time the Super Bowl was played in Arizona, which has now hosted the NFL showcase three more times in the Cardinals new home, State Farm Stadium.   Food & Beverage   4 Mountain America Stadium offers a wide variety of food options – there are the basic food items for fans, the outside food vendors, and, starting this season, a game-by-game food item. The basic food items covered on the Fork’em menu include hot dogs, Italian sausage, nachos, popcorn, peanuts, and candy, with costs for these items ranging from $4 to $7 dollars. Alternatively, the outside food vendors include Venezia’s for pizza lovers, Chick-fil-A, Authentic Burros for Tex-Mex, and Pardon my Cheesesteak – all of these latter vendors have higher priced items than the basic stands, but the quality and taste are more consistent, and the portion sizes are more filling. The game-by-game food item can be found on the Arizona State website before each game; at the most recent game I attended, it was Alligator po’boys, consisting of fried alligator on a hoagie bun with coleslaw and spicy sauce. The cost was $15, but it is a good marketing idea and worth a try. The concessions serve Coca-Cola products here; a souvenir soda is $8, but they also offer a refillable soda for $30, which, if you get small cups from the free water tubs, would be a good option for a family. Frozen lemonade is $7.50, while Dasani bottled water is $5. The alcohol sales offer plenty as well, as there are numerous options for beer, both domestic and local breweries, as well as hard seltzer and wine. For beer lovers, I would suggest stopping by Pitchfork Draft House to find a draft of your liking during the game. Overall, the food and beverages at Mountain America Stadium have improved over the past years, moving the concessions here to above average compared to other stadiums.   Atmosphere   3 Throughout college football, the atmosphere begins well before gates open – Arizona State’s tailgate scene is impressive and stretches for several blocks around Mountain America Stadium. Before the gates open, there is the Devil Walk, as the team approaches the stadium accompanied by the spirit squads and the ASU Sun Devil Marching Band, known as "The Pride of the Southwest." The team comes onto the field along with opening fireworks and the band playing, as the excitement hits an incredible vibe. The view of the field is also excellent throughout the stadium, even though most of the seating is just metal benches with backs. There are chairback seats on the ASU sideline in the lower bowl, in the 200 sections, however, as well as on the visitor side between the 25-yard lines. The Arizona State Gameday crew does a great job during the game. However, the student section in the Inferno leads the excitement throughout the game. Fireworks and Sparky, the two ASU mascots, can also be seen doing push-ups after each Arizona State score. Overall, the atmosphere is what fans expect when it comes to watching Power 4 football; Arizona State is a great addition to the other Big 12 Conference venues.   Neighborhood   5 Arizona State University is in Tempe, Arizona. The city of Tempe has grown to 185,950 (as of 2022), and the university is the heart of the city. Phoenix, Mesa, and Scottsdale are a short distance from the campus. The main pre-game activities are on Mill Avenue, just a few blocks from Mountain America Stadium, and there are numerous places nearby to meet up before the game. The Sunbar, Fat Tuesday, Varsity Tavern, and Pedal Haus are all options, but my choice is Varsity Tavern, which offers plenty of large TV screens to watch other games on during the day. For Brewery seekers, there is also the Four Peaks Brewing Company nearby. Tempe has many attractions nearby, the biggest being the Phoenix Zoo, the Desert Botanical Gardens in Papago Park, and Tempe Beach Park along the Salt River. For shopping and other restaurants, there is the Tempe Marketplace on E Rio Salado Parkway, an open-air shopping center with restaurants including Thirsty Lion, Portillo’s Tempe, and Spinato’s Pizzeria and Family Kitchen. The lodging near the stadium is abundant, as near the venue, you can find AC Hotel Phoenix Tempe/Downtown, Graduate Tempe on East Apache, and Hyatt Place Tempe/Phoenix. There is also easy access from the airport hotels using the light rail – one of my favorites is Crowne Plaza on Washington Street, walkable from the airport, or a light rail ride from Arizona State University.   Fans   3 The Arizona State Sun Devils have filled about 90% of the stadium over the past 5 years. The Sun Devils have a large fan base that is strong and shows up even in the desert heat – the heat and loud fan base give Mountain America Stadium a real home-field advantage. The loudest noise here comes from the ASU student section; Arizona State has one of the largest undergraduate student bodies in the country, and when they show up, the atmosphere changes to another level.  The students sing the fight song, shake their keys during kickoffs, and yell throughout the game. This season, the student section is even breaking records with their attendance.   Access   4 Mountain America Stadium is on the campus of Arizona State University, located just off University Drive, which you can get to from various highways around the Phoenix metro area. There is also Phoenix’s Valley Metro light rail system that can drop you off in front of the stadium – the light rail is the best option both financially and in terms of time, but there is plenty of parking at the stadium if you decide to drive. The closest parking is for season ticket holders; these lots are filled with tailgaters before the game. However, other parking lots nearby cost $20 to $40, depending on the location. One recommendation has been to use the app called ParkWhiz to find cheaper parking, while another cheap option is Orbit. Fans in the Tempe area can take Orbit free of charge until 10 pm on weekdays, Saturdays, and until 8 pm on Sundays. If you are not a Tempe resident, you can park at the Tempe Library Complex on the southwest corner of Southern Avenue and Rural Road and catch the Orbit from there. Mountain America Stadium’s gates open 90 minutes before kickoff, and all areas in the facility can be accessed from any gate. The entrance process into the facility, however, is the only reason the score for this section is not a 5 – having to go up some stairs to enter the stadium, going through rapid metal detectors, and having mobile tickets scanned at kiosks is a workout. Once at the top of the stairs, though, you are above the lower bowl, and there is easy access from there with good signage throughout the stadium. Arizona State athletics uses the clear bag policy – to enter the venue bags must be clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC and not exceed 12″ x 6″ x 12″, such as one-gallon clear plastic freezer bags (Ziploc or similar), small clutch bags (no larger than 4.5″ x 6.5″) with or without a handle or strap, or seat cushions & seat cushions with a back (no pockets, 18″ or less in width). Overall, Mountain America is an easy adventure to get to, whether you are local or from outside the Phoenix/Tempe area.   Return on Investment   4 Sun Devil football tickets range from $9 to $175 per person depending on your seat selection, which at present could be the lowest in the Big 12 Conference. In their inaugural year in the Big 12, the Sun Devils won’t play a true rival, as the Territorial Cup matchup with Arizona  is in Tucson.   Extras   3 The legacy of the late, great Pat Tillman is alive and strong in the Arizona State University football program – a statue erected in honor of the former Sun Devil, who lost his life serving in the US Army, greets the team as they enter the field from their tunnel. A unique experience while in Tempe is to Hike ‘A’ Mountain (Hayden Butte); once at the top, there are spectacular views of Tempe, the ASU campus, and the surrounding area. The upgrades to Mountain America Stadium help Arizona State University keep up with modern times and provide a top-class football facility for fans. ASU also has one of the coolest mascots in college sports, namely Sparky the Sun Devil.   Final Thoughts Mountain America Stadium is a wonderful venue to watch college football. The local area is also great to visit, with wonderful weather in the later part of the season. The facility and team are not usually thought of as among the big programs in the country by fans, but they definitely should be. If you are ever in the Phoenix area during college football season, I highly recommend taking a game at Mountain America Stadium.

Photos by Matt Colville, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Library Field Ave of The Oaks Mobile, AL 36608 Spring Hill College Badgers website Library Field website Year Opened: 1981 Soccer Under the Oaks Spring Hill College is a small Jesuit College located in Mobile, Alabama. The College opened its doors in 1830 with an enrollment of only 30 students. Today the College has about 1,400 students and is the oldest college in the State of Alabama. It is one of the oldest colleges in the South and the fifth oldest Catholic college in the U.S. Nicknamed the Badgers, during the 2014-15 school year the school moved up to D2 and joined the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) after competing in NAIA since 1981. The Badgers currently sponsor 18 NCAA sponsored sports, all in the SIAC, except men’s and women’s soccer which are in the Gulf South Conference. Since joining the GSC the men’s soccer team has had some success advancing to the Gulf South Conference tournament three times (2018, 2019, & 2021). The best season for the Badger’s men’s team was in 2018 when they won the GSC and advanced to the D2 NCAA tournament for the first time ever. Heading into the 2022 season the men’s team has a 54-59-1 record since joining the NCAA. The women’s team on the other hand hasn’t had as much success – since joining the GSC the women have only won 10 games in 7 seasons. The Badgers soccer clubs compete on campus at the beautiful Library Field. Nestled among hundred-year oaks and azalea bushes, the field is an excellent place to take in a soccer match just for its scenic surroundings alone. Coming to a soccer match here, or just coming to the Spring Hill campus in general, it’s easy to see why this college has been voted by Southern Living Magazine as the number one most beautiful college in the South. Beautiful Avenue Entrance to Spring Hill College Campus, Photo by Matt Colville, Stadium Journey Food & Beverage 1 Library Field is basically just a giant open field so there are no permanent or temporary concessions here on site. As the soccer match just takes place in a big open field you are free to come and go as you please, and you are allowed to bring food and drinks. There are also several picnic benches scattered around the pitch with people sitting down having a bite to eat. But my recommendation as it could be a hot day would be bring some water, as they do not sell any and none of the campus buildings were open on my most recent visit, to get to a water fountain. Atmosphere 4 Spring Hill College is known for its sprawling and scenic campus. From the over 100-year-old buildings to the many azalea and rose gardens, walking around the campus can be quite breathtaking. At almost 200 years old the college has remained virtually unchanged since the Battle of Mobile Bay during the Civil War. The whole campus sits on a big hill overlooking the city, and the views can be quite stunning as you pull up and see the beautiful St. Michael’s Cathedral overlooking Mobile. But the most awe-inspiring part of the Spring Hill campus has to be Avenue of the Oaks. If you come into campus on the north side you drive right down this road; this quarter mile stretch of road has been deemed one of the top photographed spots in the state, and even the South for that matter. Thousands of giant hundred-year-old oak trees cover both sides of the road, providing a canopy over the road blocking almost all sunlight. At the end of the road sits the giant Stewartfield House, which was built in 1849 and now serves as a wedding venue. Avenue of the Oaks runs north and south on campus, and there are giant fields on both sides of the road – these are Library Field to the east and Dorn Field to the west. Library Field is a huge rectangle-shaped field where the Badgers’ men’s and women’s soccer programs play. The pitch has a beautiful backdrop with Avenue of the Oaks providing the view on the west side, while three historic school buildings provide the backdrop on the east side. The school’s library is the biggest of the three and the one that stands out the most – perhaps that’s how the field got its name. On the north side of the field sits a small scoreboard and a small four-foot wall with ivy wrapped around it. On the south side is a small parking lot as well as the Badgers beach volleyball facility. The team benches are located on the west side with the teams sitting under the giant oaks. The east side features one set of small metal bleachers, which end up getting packed out with fans so it is kind of crammed. There is additional seating on some picnic benches scattered around the field, or you can go sit on the steps of the Byrne Library which I saw many people doing. You are also free to bring chairs and tents to the game which I saw people doing as well. Neighborhood 3 Spring Hill College is located in a residential area of Mobile, but this is also one of Mobile’s oldest neighborhoods. The campus is located on Dauphin Street just west of downtown Mobile. Along the way on Dauphin Street are many beautiful antebellum homes, many of which are available for touring. The campus is located in a residential neighborhood so there isn’t much in terms of things to do. However, you are only a few miles west of downtown Mobile, and downtown has plenty restaurants and nightlife options worth checking out. Just take Dauphin Street a few miles east and you’ll run right into downtown Mobile – that far end of Dauphin Street is filled with plenty of restaurants and bars. Fans 4 Spring Hill College is a very small private college where many of the students live on campus. This works out great for the Badgers sports teams, as they have large student support and often get a lot of student turnout for all their teams. The school hasn’t fielded a football team since 1941, so students make up for lack of a football program by showing up in great numbers for all the other sporting events on campus. Because people can come and go it’s hard to get a count on attendance, but I would say at any given time there are a couple hundred people in the vicinity. When the men’s soccer team is playing expect to see almost the entire women’s soccer team in attendance watching, and when the women’s soccer team is playing, almost the entire men’s team is there as well. At the most recent game I was at, school had just started so I saw many students and a few baseball players looking on. Many of the soccer players at Spring Hill are from other countries, so one thing I liked was that they bring their own customs and traditions over. You’ll find many fans with flags from their home country or favorite European team. Many fans will engage in different chants, and they always get rowdy when the Badgers score – this definitely makes up for the lack of a PA announcer and music, as there aren’t any at Library Field. Access 3 Finding Spring Hill College shouldn’t be a problem as the campus sits just off I-65. If traveling north and south the interstate will be your best bet. There are two main entrances into the campus, one from the north and one from the south. The south entrance is the faster entrance into campus – you can take Exit 4 at Dauphin Ave and the road to campus is right there. You’ll have to travel through the golf course, but you arrive where all the main buildings are. For the scenic entrance you can take Exit 5A at Spring Hill Road, and then get on Old Shell Road and the north side of campus is right there. The Avenue of the Oaks entrance is at Old Shell Road. There is plenty of free parking on campus. If you come from the south side there is a main lot right there by the baseball field; there is also a lot on the south side of Library Field, near the Beach Volleyball Court. Return on Investment 3 Tickets are free, parking is free, and just by coming here you are on one of the most gorgeous college campuses in the South. You won’t be blown away by the action on the field, but the scenic setting more than makes up for it. Also, all the different fans who are in attendance make it a great experience and something different than I was expecting. I was pleasantly surprised to see European soccer fans chanting and flags flying from different countries at a D2 soccer match. Extras 3 Spring Hill has a number of historic athletic facilities on campus as well. The Badger Baseball team plays on the south side of campus at historic Stan Galle Field . Nicknamed “The Pit”, the ballpark officially opened in 1889, but baseball is believed to have been played on the field dating back to the 1860s, making it the oldest continuously used ballpark in the country. Stan Galle Field, Photo by Matt Colville, Stadium Journey The Pit has played host to multiple MLB exhibition games and has welcomed the likes of Hank Aaron, Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, Satchel Paige, and Billy Williams – all have all played on Spring Hill’s campus over the years. The Pit is about a 5-minute walk from Avenue of the Oaks and I definitely recommend a walk over the historic field if you are on campus. The gate to the field was open on the day I last visited, so I was able to walk out on the field and get some pics. The backdrop of the field is gorgeous with the historic Lucy Administration Building providing the view. The Badgers also have a historic football program as well. From 1901 to 1941 the Badgers played at Dorn Field, which is the other field located along Avenue of the Oaks. They competed in the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Association and the Dixie Conference. Dorn Field played host to some early versions of the big-time college football programs we see today – Alabama, Auburn, LSU, Mississippi State, and Southern Miss all visited the Spring Hill campus during the 1920s and 30s. The Spring Hill Club Rugby team uses the field now, but there is a small section of wooden bleachers still left over from when the Badgers had a football program. Another extra just for the beauty that is Spring Hill College – from Avenue of the Oaks to the Stewartfield Mansion, to the beautiful St. Michael’s Cathedral and Southern architecture, Spring Hill College is something straight out of a William Faulkner novel.

Photos by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Jackson Field 1850 6th Ave Greeley, CO 80639 Northern Colorado Bears website Jackson Field website Year Opened: 1927 Capacity: 1,500 Greeley Baseball - University of Northern Colorado Jackson Field is a part of the UNC Jackson Field Sports Complex which also contains the women’s soccer field – Jackson Stadium. The field is named after Charles N. Jackson, a UNC trustee who helped purchase the land in 1927. It has been the site for Bears baseball since the late 1920s. In the fall of 2004, the venue got a new infield surface and improvements were made to the outfield. The field has real grass and real dirt. No lights are at this ball field so all games are played during the day. There’s nothing better than a Sunday spring afternoon baseball game and the UNC (University of Northern Colorado) Bears do a fine job at providing a pure baseball-only experience. The Bears play in the WAC (Western Athletic Conference) as an affiliate member. Most sports of UNC are in the Big Sky Conference, but the Big Sky doesn’t have baseball so UNC baseball joined the WAC in 2014. The UNC Bears have been to the College World Series ten times but not since 1974. For baseball purists, a pleasant time can be had at a UNC Bears baseball game as it is about the game, the players, and the team(s). Food & Beverage 1 One lone concession truck is behind the home plate area. It offers the minimal standard fare. Hot dogs and nachos are $3.75, soft drinks (Pepsi) are $3, Gatorade, water, and hot cocoa are $3. Popcorn, chips, candy, peanuts, and dill pickles range from $1.50 – $3. Alcoholic beverages are not offered at a Bears game. Save that for the many breweries in Greeley. Recommendation: Bring a bottle or two of water and your own snacks to hold you and the family over during the game. Then visit the many dining choices Greeley has to offer. Atmosphere 3 Beyond the left field fence are colorful new town homes. Beyond center field is a nice set of trees. Over the right field fence is a ropes course. All quite picturesque in their own right and it makes for a nice backdrop variety when watching the game. Seating is general admission and is first come, first served. There is no charge for tickets. Ten rows of aluminum benches are on the first and the third base sides; the third base seating area is half the width of the first base side as the third base is the visiting team’s side. Some aluminum seats with backs are above the home plate / press box area. Handrails are not provided. All of the benches in the stadium are in the direct sun. A few folks are clever and stand/sit underneath the bleachers behind home plate. Recommendation: Bring a seat cushion or seat back as well as some sun screen. A net surrounds the entire seating/viewing area with zero places to watch the game net free (unless, of course, you are one of the players, coaches, or umpires). No lights are at the stadium so all games are played during the day. This is especially nice later in the April/May time frame as spring approaches and the temperatures are warmer. It is all about the baseball game here. Music is played between innings with the volume level perfect as one can still converse with other fans in the seating area. The PA announcer has a clear voice and records the player’s at bat, player changes, and summarizes inning activity coherently. Perfect for those who keep score. The standard scoreboard is perched just behind the right center field wall with balls, strikes, outs and a tally per inning for runs displayed for each team. It fits well with the basic game day experience but is a tad difficult to read as the bottom line is faded. It does not appear there is a grounds crew as many of the players/coaches groom the field prior to the game. Neighborhood 4 Greeley is the 12th largest city in Colorado and it is very much a college town. It is a little over an hour drive northeast of Denver, CO; about an hour southeast of Cheyenne, WY. The stadium is in a quaint residential area about two blocks from the central campus. Plenty of places are available to eat/drink before or after a game with Chipotle and Cheba Hut within walking distance (1/2 mile). A bit further in the downtown area (about a mile and a half from the stadium) are The Mad Cow Saloon & Eatery, Rio Grande (Mexican), Roma Restaurant (pizza and beer). A different place to check out for breakfast or lunch is Barnstormer’s Restaurant located in the small general aviation Greeley-Weld County Airport about four miles from the stadium. Click here for the Downtown Greeley Restaurant & Nightlife Guide for even more options. For those who enjoy a good craft beer or two, Greeley has several breweries: Brix Brewery & Taphouse, WeldWerks Brewery, Crabtree Brewing, Wiley Roots Brewing, and more. For other tourist activities when in town, check out the Centennial Village, a living historical museum of life in Colorado over 100 years ago. One can also visit the Colorado Model Railroad Museum. Other sports in the area include UNC basketball at the Bank of Colorado Arena , and one may be able to catch a double header with the nearby Colorado Eagles (AHL) in the early part of the season. Most hotels are about a mile from Jackson Field, the closest brand name hotel is the Clarion Hotel downtown, which is near many of the eateries and tourist attractions. A Doubletree by Hilton is located at Lincoln Park (also near the downtown area) about a mile and a half from the field. It is a very safe neighborhood in which to walk and visit. Fans 3 The Bears fans show up and they stay till the very end of the game. Fans are parents, girlfriends, fellow students and a mix of neighboring residents. The biggest supporters seem to be the ballplayers themselves. All are encouraging and supportive of each other and the players. The first base side is the Bears’ home side and most of the cheering is heard from that section. Most fans are clean as they deposit their garbage in provided containers and do not place them on the flooring below the bleachers. Nice job! Access 5 Jackson Field is located at the corner of 18th St and 6th Ave in Greeley, CO just two blocks from the Central Campus of the University of Northern Colorado. Getting to the arena from out of town is okay. Greeley is not located right off any interstate and one must travel ten or more miles from any interstate on four-lane state highways. Once in Greeley getting to the ball field is relatively easy as it is a small town. There is no noticeable local or public transportation options, though the field is walking distance from the main campus area. Otherwise, driving is the recommended method to get to the stadium. When arriving at the facility, I’d recommend parking your vehicle in the farther parts of the parking lot; not near the entrance because of the short distance to the field and potential foul balls. Another decent option is parking a distance down 6th Ave. Street parking close to the stadium (especially behind the third base area) is also prime foul ball territory and is not recommended. The closest airport to Greeley is DIA (Denver International Airport) which is a little over 50 miles away. Not close but not too far when traveling to the Rocky Mountains. And there are plenty of flights in and out of the airport. Restrooms are surprisingly ample and clean before, during, and after the game and no lines are apparent. The concourse is behind the seating area (the bleachers) and is plenty wide for traversing between innings. Return on Investment 5 Free parking, no charge to get into the game, concession prices at an adequate rate (and one can bring outside food and drinks) all makes this a perfect return on money spent. And being able to watch just a game without all the other frills and entertainment makes it a perfect destination for the baseball purist. Extras 3 Be sure to pick up a roster sheet placed on a table just to the left of the entrance. Having a ropes course behind the right field wall has got to be a unique feature around a ballpark. Although not uncommon in mid to low-major conferences, seeing the coaches and players groom the playing field is different. Not stadium related but a unique incident occurred at the game of this review. A bat was broken (NCAA uses aluminum bats) and half the barrel flew down the third baseline. Final Thoughts Greeley is a nice college town. Jackson Field is a nice ballpark. If you’re heading to or live in northern Colorado, I’d recommend catching a game one weekend day in the spring. Would I go again?Absolutely.

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Elliott T. Bowers Stadium 620 Bowers Blvd Huntsville, TX 77340 Sam Houston State Bearkats website Elliott T. Bowers Stadium website Year Opened: 1986 Capacity: 14,000 New Orange in the FBS Fresh off their FCS National Championship in 2020, the Sam Houston Bearkats have now leaped to the big time, joining the FBS for the 2023 season. Though smaller than many D1 football venues, Bowers Stadium offers a great atmosphere for college football, with an almost blinding amount of Bearkats orange on hand. Food & Beverage 3 Bowers Stadium has fairly basic concessions at stands in the middle on each side of the field – hot dogs, burgers, nachos, and Frito pie are available, as well as snacks such as peanuts, chips, and candy, plus soda, bottled water, and beer. There are also satellite stands along the walkway around the concourse which sell drinks and a few snack items. The secret item, though, and the best value by far at the facility, is the brisket nachos sold in the Bearkat Pavilion – the deck in the southwest corner. Tasty and filling, these nachos only cost $9, compared to $8 for most of the other main dishes. Atmosphere 3 The Bearkats have tailgating outside in the parking area, a great student section, a large band and spirit squad, and lots of orange – including the mascot. On the home side, the upper half of the seats are all bright orange chairbacks, all with cupholders, while the lower half are bleacher benches. There is a grass berm next to both sets of stands which is used by a few fans, as well as the best seats in the house, the aforementioned Bearkat Pavilion. Surprisingly not many fans sit up there, which is odd as they are certainly the most comfortable chairs you can find, and only steps away from their own concessions stand. Neighborhood 3 Bowers Stadium is located about an hour north of Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Huntsville, TX. The on-campus stadium is surrounded by parking lots, Sam Houston’s other athletic fields, and campus buildings. There are a few fast food restaurants nearby, as well as a Buffalo Wild Wings about three miles away. Huntsville is home to about 45,000 people and is most well-known as the home of Sam Houston, who led the Texian army in the decisive victory at the Battle of San Jacinto, and later became the first president of the Republic of Texas. The university is of course named after him, and there is a giant statue of him along I-45, a few miles south of Bowers Stadium. Fans 3 Sam Houston has great fans, and most of them show up in orange – the student section is formally known as the Bearkat Student Fan Zone, and they sit in the Kat Kage on the visiting side of the field. The student section may seem a little empty at kickoff, but tons of students will fill in during the first quarter, so it will be pretty full during the second and third quarters. Unfortunately, a lot of the students also tend to leave early, even during a close game. Overall Bowers Stadium will not sell out for most games, making it a little easier to move around, and letting you sit wherever you want. As their transition to the FBS continues, I expect the fan base to grow. Access 3 Bowers Stadium has metal detectors at all entrances (hand wanding, not walk-through scanners) – most home fans enter on the north or west sides, while those on the visitor side/in the student section enter on the north or south. If you enter on the north side, you can walk either to the east or west stands, but if you enter on the south side there are two separate entrances, so you can only go to one or the other. There is no re-entry offered at the venue, so if you want to change sides during the game, you have to walk around the pathway to the north end, as the south end (where the athletics building is) does not connect. If you come toward Bowers Stadium from the east, the roads and parking lots are all blocked off for those with passes, so you will be routed away from the stadium and will have to loop back around. The better option is to approach from the west or north, and the best place to park is in the tailgating lot right behind the scoreboard. The cost to park here is only $25 (you can pay at the gate, you don’t need to pre-pay) and if you drive around that lot a little you can park a few steps from the gate. Return on Investment 4 Tickets to Sam Houston football games are only $10 for general admission, and again you can pay at the door and get a paper ticket (if you don’t buy in advance). This is probably the cheapest ticket you can get in the FBS, and for the atmosphere, I think this is a good return on investment. The concessions may seem a trifle on the high side but are pretty standard for this level of college football, and they are cheaper than you will find at many college football venues nowadays. Extras 3 They fire off a cannon (courtesy of the ROTC) every time the Kats score, and there is a Bearkats Hall of Fame in the athletics building next to the field. Final Thoughts While this may be not the biggest and worst college football experience in the state of Texas, attending a game at Sam Houston State University is a fun time, and well worth the trip if you are in the Houston or Huntsville area.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 1.57 Memorial Field 100 Fruit St Concord, NH 03301 Year Opened: 1936 Capacity: 2,000 Where the Wild Things Aren’t In 1997 the Watertown Indians of the New York-Penn League were looking for a new home and scouted out several facilities throughout the northeast. One of the cities they looked at was Concord, New Hampshire, the Granite State’s capital. The Indians played a three-game series at Warren H. Doane Diamond at Memorial Field, which turned into five games when a couple of makeup games were added. The series was well-enough attended that it led to a renovation of the stadium. While no pro team came calling (the Indians franchise was transferred to Staten Island in 1999), the Concord Quarry Dogs of the New England Collegiate baseball league did call the field home from 2001-2007. The team led the league in attendance their inaugural year and the Dogs made the postseason in both 2002 and 2003, but attendance took a sharp nosedive in 2004 with the arrival of the Double-A New Hampshire FisherCats 20 miles down the road. The club would relocate to Holyoke, Massachusetts. The New Hampshire Wild are one of the founding members of the Empire Professional Baseball League, an independent league that began play in 2016. It is a low-budget league meant to give players recently graduated from college or with little professional experience an opportunity at staying in shape and providing them the chance at being signed to higher level league contracts. The field was built in 1936 and was mainly used as a high school and amateur baseball field. It is named after former Concord High School and amateur baseball coach, Warren Doane. When the Wild are not occupying the facility, Concord High School and the Concord American Legion baseball team can be found on its diamond. The Wild played its first season at Arthur and Martha Pappas Field on the campus of Franklin Pierce University in Rindge, before sitting out the 2017 campaign in search of a new home. Memorial Field has a seating capacity of 2,000 and finally, after over two decades, pro baseball of some sort finally arrived at the stadium. Food & Beverage 0 There is no food or drink available at Memorial Field. There are two soda machines by the building that houses the restrooms and maintenance shed, but they do not work. Luckily, fans are welcome to bring in their own food and beverages to enjoy during the game. Atmosphere 1 When the crowd at a ballgame numbers around a dozen, there’s not a whole lot of noise that they can generate. On the plus side, when the crowd is this small, fans in attendance are able to hear the chatter in the infield, coaches barking instruction to their players and all the noises that go along with a baseball game. The Wild gameday staff does what they can to create a typical minor league ballpark experience. Players stride to the plate with individualized songs, and music is played between innings. In a humorous twist, the versions played at Memorial Field are often covers of popular songs. For example, “Nothin’ But A Good Time” is not played by Poison, “Rock and Roll All Night” is not played by Kiss, and in the ultimate travesty, “Centerfield” is not played by John Fogerty. Since we are firmly in Red Sox Country, “Sweet Caroline” by Neil Diamond makes the cut. Neighborhood 3 Memorial Field is located on the south side of Concord, New Hampshire just off Interstate 93 near Concord High School and New Hampshire Hospital. Downtown Concord is a couple of miles away, and most of the capital city’s attractions can be found here. New Hampshire is a popular summer destination for New England residents, and the White Mountain tourist attractions are located about a half hour to an hour’s drive north of Concord. New Hampshire’s largest city, Manchester, is located twenty minutes south of Memorial Field. Fans 1 The Empire League does not release attendance figures, and with good reason. The Wild average between 10-20 fans per game at Memorial Field. You read that right, and I did not leave off a zero. Those fans who do attend Wild games are obviously passionate about the team and are into the action on the field. This is not a place where fans will get loud and rowdy, as it would just attract a lot of unwanted attention from everyone in the ballpark. Access 3 Memorial Field is part of a larger 36-acre community park in southern Concord. Also located here is a football stadium, tennis courts, basketball courts, and soccer fields. There is ample parking at the facility, but the ballpark is set back a ways from the lot, necessitating a short walk across a field to arrive. Memorial Field is a simple park, consisting of metal bleachers without backs that stretch around the field from third to first base. There are breaks in the stands behind the two dugouts. All seats offer good views of the field, and with the tiny crowds present, fans can sit wherever they want. Lining the outfield are a row of pine trees, which seems to be a common feature in many New Hampshire ballparks. There are restrooms a short walk from the ballpark in the maintenance building. Return on Investment 3 Admission to a Wild game will cost you five dollars. Parking is free of charge in the lot a short ways from the ballpark. Attending a Wild game will certainly not break the bank. Extras 0 The gameday presentation at a New Hampshire Wild game is about as bare-bones as it gets. There is nothing here that can be considered extra. Final Thoughts The Empire League bills itself as a league for those players who aren’t ready to give up on their professional dreams and some players have indeed parlayed their stints in the circuit into contracts with higher-level pro leagues. The presentation is decidedly bare-bones, with little promotion or fanfare. While there is nothing particularly wrong with Memorial Field, A trip to see the Wild would be a worthwhile one only for the most dedicated of ballpark chasers. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Eric Hasman, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 TD Ballpark 373 Douglas Ave Dunedin, FL 34698 Dunedin Blue Jays website TD Ballpark website Year Opened: 1990 Capacity: 5,509 Canada in Florida TD Ballpark opened in 1990. It is the home of the Single-A Dunedin Blue Jays and the spring training home of the Toronto Blue Jays since 1977. The ballpark is built on the site of Grant Field, which was the original home of the Jays. The city of Dunedin and this location are the only home that the Blue Jays have ever had since their inception as a franchise in 1977. While many teams have shifted spring training venues over the decades and in some cases moved back and forth between Florida and Arizona, Toronto’s relationship with Dunedin has been a constant and the Blue Jays are synonymous with this suburban bedroom community on the outskirts of St.Petersburg/Clearwater. In November 2019, the Jays announced that TD Bank had acquired naming rights for the renovated stadium, which would be renamed TD Ballpark Food & Beverage 3 The food choices are your basic minor league items including pizza ($4.75 for pepperoni less for cheese), hamburger ($5.75), hot dogs ($3), chicken strip with fries ($7.50), nachos ($4.75), and pulled pork sandwiches ($6.50). Coke products are $3-$5, and draft Budweisers are also $5.25. Additionally there are cans of Labatt, Corona, and Landshark available ($5.75). There are a few items that are interesting like frozen Minute Maid ($4.50) or a veggie burger ($5.50). What is also appreciated is the nod toward the team’s Canadian fans. There is poutine (fries covered with gravy and cheese) for $6.00, and maple/bacon flavored potato chips. Atmosphere 2 This ballpark is like many of the Florida League stadiums. It is rather bland. Nothing really stands out. But the place could use some renovations. The scoreboard is like a high school facility with no video. The seats are fixed, they don’t fold up/down and they face straight ahead and not turned toward the mound. The bullpens for both teams are way down the lines or in the outfield. It is very difficult to see who is warming up. One nice aspect of this ballpark is that there is plenty of cover for those sunny day games. There is nothing for the kids to do. The Jays should get a bouncy house or playground to help entertain the youngsters that have trouble sitting in a seat for nine innings. Neighborhood 4 TD Ballpark is located within a residential neighborhood and adjacent to the Jays’ spring training practice facility. There are a couple of bars within a couple of blocks of the stadium. The bars are typical neighborhood bars and not tourist traps. Approximately a mile away from the park is downtown Dunedin. This area is bustling with shops, restaurants, and bars. It is a very nice area and parking is easy too. Fans 2 The fans that show up and have a good time. You’ll find several fans with a scorebook intently watching the game and keeping track of every pitch. The fans know their team and are very friendly. Unfortunately, there just aren’t enough fans to create much of an atmosphere at the typical game. Access 5 Getting to the park is easy. It is located on Douglas Avenue about a mile west of US-19. The stadium is well served with easily drivable boulevards to get you in and out. Public transportation is not an option. Parking is available on the stadium grounds but there isn’t a lot of it. Parking on the grounds is free so that is a good thing. During spring training when the crowds are much larger, some of the homes surrounding the ballpark property sell spaces on their front lawns. Return on Investment 3 The price of a ticket is $7 and you are able to move all over the ballpark to view the game from different areas since there are no reserved seats. This place is for the old school baseball people. If you are looking for all the modern entertainment options found at many ballparks today, then this is not the place for you. Extras 3 The Canadian tilt that can be found at the ballpark is really enjoyable. Even the Canadian flag was next to the American Flag. Sadly though, they do not play O Canada before the game. During my visit, before the game they played Robin Sparkles-Let’s Go To The Mall (from the TV show How I Met Your Mother – Robin is from Canada and a former teen pop star). The distances on the fences are in feet and meters. Also, they play the Toronto Blue Jays’ anthem and fight song, “OK Blue Jays” during the 7th inning stretch. The “Canadian” food, poutine and the maple/bacon potato chips are a nice touch. Final Thoughts The ballpark could be better with just a few tweaks (sans any renovations). Have some Canadian beers, more Canadian foods or maybe some fresh fish options (they are in Florida) and step up the condiments, at least add hot peppers. Try some more between innings contests or entertainment or something in the concourse area. Also, maybe conduct some renovation to allow some seating / viewing from the outfield area since you can’t currently do this.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Shentel Stadium 1122 Ralph Shockey Drive Winchester, VA 22601 Shenandoah Hornets website Shentel Stadium website Year Opened: 2001 Capacity: 3,000 Oh, Shenandoah! Shenandoah University is located in scenic Winchester, Virginia, in the Shenandoah Valley. The university has an enrollment of about 2,100 students, and its athletic programs, known as the Hornets, compete in the Old Dominion Athletic Conference in the NCAA’s Division III. Shentel Stadium is home to the Hornets’ football team as well as its field hockey, soccer, and lacrosse programs. It opened in 2001 and has been renovated several times since then. Food & Beverage 4 There are several different food and beverage options located at tents and tables behind the home bleachers. The main tent features hot dogs ($5), bratwurst with peppers and onions ($6), and cheeseburgers ($4), all of which are grilled fresh right there. Snacks include nachos ($4), popcorn ($5), and candy ($2 for regular size or $1 for small size candy bars made right on campus). Soda is $1 for a small can, while Gatorade, sweet tea, and bottled water are available for $3 at this stand. On cold days, you can get hot chocolate for $3 and coffee for $2. Another table sells slices of pizza from a local pizzeria and a third sells freshly made kettle corn that you can watch them make. Oddly enough, the prices of drinks are different here than at the main stand – bottled water costs $1.50 at the pizza table and $1 at the kettle corn table, despite being the same size and brand as the $3 water at the main tent. The main tent accepts credit cards but the other two tables do not so bring cash if you want pizza or kettle corn. Atmosphere 4 Shentel Stadium is located in a beautiful setting, in the scenic Shenandoah Valley, and that alone can add value to the atmosphere. All seats are bleachers without backs except for a few sections of reserved chair backs at midfield on the home side. There is a scoreboard behind one end zone that can also show video, although it seldom does. Shenandoah also has a band, cheerleaders, and a dance team that keeps the crowd engaged and promotes a lively atmosphere. All in all, Shentel Stadium has an impressive atmosphere for Division III. Neighborhood 3 Winchester is a small city located in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley. There are several restaurants located near campus, ranging from sports bars to barbecue to homemade ice cream. Since Shentel Stadium is located right off the highway, pretty much everything in Winchester is right there. While Winchester certainly isn’t a bustling city, it does have that small-town charm. History buffs may also want to visit the many Civil War sites in and around Winchester, which played a major role in the conflict. The city changed hands 72 times during the war and was known as the Shuttlecock of the Confederacy. Fans 3 Shentel Stadium seats 3,000 fans, and on average the Hornets draw between 1,000 and 2,000 to each game. Although this is not a huge crowd, those who attend are passionate about the Hornets and knowledgeable of their team and the game. They’ll cheer loud for all four quarters and aren’t afraid to get on the case of the referees if calls aren’t going their way. This is Division III, the lowest level of the NCAA, and the crowds reflect that, but those who do show up are loyal to their team and contribute to the atmosphere here. Access 4 Shentel Stadium is located right off Interstate 81 – you can see the back of the scoreboard from the highway and cars driving past from inside the stadium. If coming from the east or west, you will likely need to take State Route 7 or U.S. Route 50 at least part of the way – although they’re not interstates, you can usually make good time on these roads. Once you get off the highway, you can park in the lot next to the Wilkins Athletic Center for $5 or lots or garages further away for free. Keep in mind the lots right next to the stadium are reserved for pass holders – you need to park on the other side of the Athletic Center, not the side closest to the stadium. Staff is on hand to direct you to the right place. Return on Investment 5 Tickets start at $5 for general admission bleacher seats, which is a great deal. If you want a reserved chair back at midfield, this will cost you $12 in advance or $15 the day of the game. Tickets cannot be ordered online, only by phone or in person, and general admission seats cannot be ordered in advance at all. However, games rarely if ever sell out so you should be fine waiting. There is not a bad seat in the stadium, so if comfort is not a concern, we suggest buying the bleacher seats. Extras 3 There is a giant hornet statue located between the stadium and the Wilkins Center representing the team’s mascot. Programs are for sale for just $1 and contain rosters, photos, and other information on the Hornets and their opponent. A third and final star for the staff at Shentel Stadium, who are extremely polite, friendly, and helpful throughout our visit. Final Thoughts Although a trip to Shentel Stadium is a far cry from Division I football, that is not necessarily a bad thing. This is a quaint but beautiful facility where you can watch college football at an affordable price. While the quality of play may not be what you see at Division I, the fans don’t seem to care, and a visit to a Shenandoah football game can be an enjoyable way to spend a Saturday afternoon in the Shenandoah Valley.

Photos by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Gas South Arena 6400 Sugarloaf Pkwy Duluth, GA 30097 Atlanta Gladiators website Gas South Arena website Year Opened: 2003 Capacity: 11,500 Atlanta’s Gladiators Return To Their Coliseum The Atlanta Gladiators have returned to their home ice at the Gas South Arena after going on hiatus during the 2020-2021 season during the pandemic. They are anxious to regain their status as one of the top teams in the ECHL’s South Division of the Eastern Conference. They have been successful, where their predecessors, the Flames and the Thrashers, failed…. at the box office. Gas South Arena seats 13,000 for hockey and the team often sells out its games. In addition to the lower bowl, the arena offers 30 corporate suites, two party suites, and a separate, more upscale set of concessionaires on the club level. Founded in 2003, the Gladiators have sent more than 20 players on to play in the NHL. Food & Beverage 5 The Gas South Arena offers a wide variety of food concessions at reasonable prices. The concessions stands are arranged in a food court format, allowing fans to eat at tables before returning to their seats. Una Fettina offers pizzas ($6 per slice), and subs ($6 for a meatball or Italian sausage) at its stand. Arena Dogs and Deli serves regular ($6) and specialty dogs ($8) at its stand, along with BBQ nachos ($6). The Georgian Grille serves everything grilled. This includes hamburgers ($15), chicken sandwiches ($9), and chicken tenders ($10). Sides and snacks include popcorn ($6), peanuts ($5), pretzels ($4), and candy ($4). The concession areas sell Coca-Cola brand products, including bottled water ($5), and Coca-Cola brand sodas ($5). Alcoholic drinks are sold at the Terrapin Tap Room and the Slow Pour stands. Terrapin carries the following IPA: Hopsecutioner, Los Bravos High, and Hazy for $11. Imports and drafts include Blue Moon, Dos Equis, Heineken, and Luau Krunckles for $9. Slow Pours features the following IPA: Nostalgia, Southernality, Queen Lotus Hazy Cocktail Royale and You Are My Density for $11. Atmosphere 4 Gladiator games are decidedly family-friendly affairs. Many of the games take place on Fridays or weekends, with several matinee games. A typical weeknight game starts at 7 pm to ensure it will not cut into the sleep time for children. This plan comes from a concerted effort by the Gladiators to reach families and youth. Youth hockey is extremely popular in the metro Atlanta area, and it is not unusual to see a large group sitting together in their respective team jerseys. The team also does a great deal of charity work and outreach in conjunction with the local school system, which is the largest in the state. Every game honors a school in the system and the parents, teachers, and students from that school turn out in force. They are thrilled when Maximus the Lion, the team’s mascot, comes into the stands to have his picture taken with the group. The team also attracts fans with its theme games with the Gladiators donning special jerseys. Examples of this are Star Wars Night, Halloween, Movie Nights, etc. Fans are encouraged to dress similarly. After the games, the player’s jerseys are auctioned off with proceeds going to charity. Neighborhood 4 The Gas South Arena is the anchor facility for the Gas South District, Gwinnett County’s primary convention/sports and theatre complex. The complex includes the Gas South Arena, a Performing Arts Center, a special events center, and an exhibition hall. The Gas South District is in Duluth, GA. The District has a wide range of restaurants, hotels, and shopping malls to choose from before or after a game. They are listed in our links section. Fans 4 The Gladiators fan base consists of fans who followed Atlanta’s two failed NHL franchises, the Flames, and the Thrashers. These fans are savvy about the intricacies of the game and are the most hardcore and loyal fans the team has. They make up a significant percentage of the season ticket base, as they never miss a game. Many of the fans are transplants from the North who either grew up playing hockey or watching the game. Access 3 Gas South Arena is located just a few short blocks off exit 108 from I-85 in Duluth, GA, a northeastern suburb of Atlanta. It is hard to miss the exit, as the Gas District has a massive electronic message board along the expressway advertising its upcoming events. Parking at the arena is spacious and plentiful, but there are only two main entrances and exits out of the lots, so after the games, the traffic can back up. If you arrive early, try to get a spot near the exits. There is no public transportation servicing the Gas South District. Return on Investment 4 The Gladiators provide a high-quality product on the ice that is very affordable for the family. Tickets range from $25 – $35, depending on seat location, with discounts given for season tickets or four-game packages. General Admission seating is available to groups at the ends of the rink for $11. Food and beverage items are priced to fit family budgets. Parking at the Gas South Arena is $5 per car. If you are coming in from out of town there are restaurants and lodging options at all price points within a three-mile radius of the Gas South District. Extras 3 Over time, the Gladiators have been affiliated with the Chicago Blackhawks, the Columbus Blue Jackets, the Phoenix Coyotes, and the Boston Bruins. They are currently an affiliate of the Ottawa Senators. The Gas South Arena also serves as the home of the Georgia Swarm of the National Lacrosse League The nearby Sugarloaf Mills Outlet Mall is the largest outlet center in Georgia. It includes a Bass Pro Shop, a Medieval Times Dinner Theatre, and outlet versions of Nieman-Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Eddie Bauer. Final Thoughts Hockey fans are happy to see the Gladiators return after their pandemic hiatus. The stands are starting to fill up again as we enter the busy holiday season. A night out with the Gladiators is great entertainment at a reasonable price.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Gary West Side Gym W 9th Ave & Gerry St. Gary, IN 46406 West Side Leadership Academy Cougars website Gary West Side Gym website Year Opened: 1969 Capacity: 7,217 Gary’s West Side Cougar Den Gary West Side High is nicknamed the Cougar Den and when it opened in 1969 it was recognized as the largest box gym in the world. It houses 7,216 seats and that season hosted its first regional game. Today, the gym seats 6,402 people due to water-damaged balcony bleachers on one side that were replaced with plastic molded seating. The West Side Leadership Academy was founded in 1968 as West Side High School. When it opened it had an enrollment of 3,000 students, the largest high school in the state. Today, enrollment is 900 and the school is now a college preparatory high school that offers dual credit, and advanced placement courses. Food & Beverage 3 A nice-sized concession stand is located in the main concourse area outside the gymnasium offering the basic standards of items found at other Indiana high schools. Fans can choose from hot dogs, popcorn, nachos, candy, and soda pop. The prices are reasonable and cost between $1 to $3 per item. The options make for a nice snack but if hungry, it is advised to visit somewhere else before or after the game. Atmosphere 3 The gym offers seats on two levels of seating with the upper rows of bleachers accessible via staircases on each side. The bleacher seats pull in and out on the top level depending on the crowd and the event taking place at the school. There are two basic scoreboards on each wall of the gym. The gym features life-sized photos of past championship teams and coaches that are displayed on one side of the wall along with championship banners. The PA announcer does a nice job getting the crowd into the game and the Cougar cheerleaders add to the soundtrack of the game with multiple cheers and dance routines. Neighborhood 2 The ballpark suffers from being in a neighborhood where most visitors go out to venture after the game. The stadium is near the exit and entrance ramp to I-90 and most visitors will look elsewhere for after-game options in the neighboring cities or perhaps somewhere closer to Chicago. Gary was the home to the 18th Street Brewery and Taproom which is regarded among the state’s craft beer and is now located a few miles down the road in Hammond. Also in the area in Munster, Three Floyds Brewpub is the state’s most recognizable craft brewery. The brewery and restaurant is a busy spot, but fans flock here for year-round selections of Alpha King, Yum Yum, Gumballhead, Jinx Proof, and Lazersnake. Michael Jackson’s boyhood home is located at 2300 Jackson Street. Fans of the King of Pop can take photos of the old home and also, during daylight hours only, venture to Broadway to the closed Palace Theater that permanently displays the Jackson Five playing “tonite.” Gary is near the Indiana Dunes National Park which offers trails for hiking and sandy beaches for cooling off during the summer. Michigan City Outlet Mall offers a few hours to search for deals, and Chicago is less than a half-hour away by car. Fans 2 The crowd is energetic during the game and everyone is focused on the action on the court. After the game, a few fans talk about some of their favorite memories and how the crowds used to be only a few short seasons ago. Games against nearby rival Gary Roosevelt are the best bet to see the old-fashioned school spirit. Access 4 The school is located two miles north of I-80 and the gym and school offer a large parking lot. The gym itself is situated in the back of the high school and the main road. The gymnasium offers a main concourse with a concession stand and bathrooms and fans will have easy access to moving around the gym. Return on Investment 2 The ticket prices are $6 which is common with other gymnasiums in the counting. The concession prices are fairly inexpensive and the crowd is always up for a night of basketball. Gary is not far off the beaten path of other facilities in Chicago and nearby high school gyms in East Chicago and Michigan City, Indiana. Extras 2 The gym has two old-fashioned ticket booths near the main entrance of the venue. The two ticket booths add a nice touch to the facility. The gym earns a second point for the wall art and murals in the outer concourse. There are also jerseys of former athletes from the school who made their way to the professional ranks. Final Thoughts The Cougar Den is in the top ten of high school basketball gyms and is worth a visit if you are in the vicinity. It does not stand out like other facilities in the area but its size and history are well worth a visit if you are a fan of Hoosier Temples.