Photos by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 Target Center 600 North 1st Avenue Minneapolis, MN 55403 Minnesota Lynx website Target Center website Year Opened: 1990 Capacity: 19,356 The Top Cats In The Twin Cities The Target Center has been the major indoor sports center for basketball since it opened in 1990. It is home to both the Minnesota Timberwolves of the NBA and the Minnesota Lynx of the WNBA. It has also hosted basketball tournaments at the college level as well as the state basketball championships at the high school level. The Lynx are by far the most successful basketball program at the Target Center. Since beginning play in 1999, the team has won WNBA titles four times (2011,2013,2015, and 2017) and has won Western Division titles four times (2011,2012,2013, 2015). The team has made the WNBA playoffs for ten straight seasons. Coach Cheryl Reeves has been with the Lynx since 2010 and is a three-time WNBA Coach of the Year. She is a four-time coach of the WNBA Championship team. She has also served as the coach for the West Division of the WNBA’s All-Star team on three occasions. Food & Beverage 3 The Lynx food and beverage options at the Target Center offer a diverse set of menu options. Fans can pull up the menus for each of these concession stands and order their choices on the Lynx app. It will then notify them when their items are ready, which keeps the lines at the stands short and minimizes the fan’s time away from the game. All concession stands operate on a cashless basis. Concession stands that operate at Lynx games include: The Wicked Kitchen- This stand offers items based on a plant-based menu. Its’ menu includes vegan burgers, salads, gluten-free foods, and even gluten-free ice cream. Fhima’s features Wagyu Sliders as well as Spicy Chicken Lollipops. Parlour features double burgers with Swiss American cheese on a brioche bun. Mini Donuts offers donuts either by the bucket full or the bag full. Bibigo features sweet and spicy chicken, chicken wontons, and beef mandu. Soul Bowl features a Caribbean line of food bowls featuring different spices and ingredients. Stilly offers a line of premium distilled cocktails in a can. Flavors include Cranberry/Lime, Grapefruit, and Peach. All stands offer Coca-Cola brand soft drinks and bottled water. The end zone area of the Target Center is devoted to the Budweiser Beer Garden, which sells both Bud and Bud Lite options, as well as some craft beers. Prices of the concessions at the Target Center are the same as those charged at the individual stores outside of the arena. The Warehouse District offers a wider variety of restaurants within easy walking distance of the arena. You might want to enjoy a pre- or post-game meal at one of these restaurants, and just enjoy a drink or snack inside the Target Center. Atmosphere 5 Even though the Lynx utilizes only the lower level of the Target Center seating bowl, there is an electric level of energy in the building. The team is welcomed like the sport's royalty they are as they enter the court for warmups. The introduction of players before the game rivals any level of sports, for men or women. The lights are out, but the players are in the spotlight during this phase of the pregame show. Once the game begins, each stop at the opponent’s end of the court receives a tremendous round of applause. Three-pointers by the home team receive a similar response from the crowds. The Target Center has gone through numerous renovations in its thirty years of operation, with the latest occurring in 2016. This renovation included every area of the gameday experience. It totally replaced every seat in the venue, and updated all electronics packages in the venue, covering everything from the sound system to the videoboard. The building also went through an extensive renovation of its interior, working its way up from the street-level entrance lobby to the skybridges that connect the building to most of downtown Minneapolis. Neighborhood 4 The Target Center is one of the landmark anchors in the Warehouse District just north of the downtown area. The district also includes Target Field, the home of the Minnesota Twins of the MLB. The Warehouse District is also a hub for galleries, shops, boutiques, restaurants, and nightlife in Minneapolis. Many of these stores took over the spaces formerly used by warehouses in the old days. Among the favorite spots in the district are the Loon Café, the Fulton Brewing Company, and Cowboy Jack’s Saloon. Lodging in the district is provided by the Hampton Inn and Suites Minneapolis Downtown, which is connected by skybridge to the Target Center. Fans 5 It should come as no surprise considering the team’s history of success over the years that it has a very loyal, and loud fanbase. The Lynx's average attendance is 7,168 fans per game, putting them second in the WNBA attendance, trailing only the Seattle Storm. Lynx Fanbase, Photo by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey The stands fill as quickly as the Target Center doors open, as fans do not even want to miss the warmups Be sure to look up at all the various championship banners the Lynx have earned at the Target Center over the years. It is a great way to get fired up before the game even starts. Access 4 The Target Center access is unique in that most of the fans enter the building via a network of skywalks that connect the major building in downtown Minneapolis. The skyways are very important in the Twin Cities, as they protect the natives and visitors from the sub-zero temperatures that winter brings. Fans can enter the seating bowl at the Target Center 60 minutes prior to tipoff, but fans can access the building earlier than that via these skybridges. Fans can also enter through the lobby at street level earlier than one hour for seating bowl entry. Remember the temperatures during the WNBA season are warmer than the winter months, so walking outside may be easier depending on where you are coming from. The Target Center has three parking garages labeled A, B, and C. It is important that you remember which letter your garage was, as all three are connected to the Center via separate skybridges. Parking is also available in the Mayo Clinic Square Parking deck located across the street from the Target Center. There are more than 12,000 parking spaces in the Target Center area. The Metrorail light rail system brings you very close to the Target Center. Take the Blue Line train north towards Target Field. You will exit the train at the Warehouse District Rail Center. From the Rail Center head southwest for .10 of a mile to the Target Center and enter through the street-level lobby. A 24-hour fare on Metrorail costs $5 and is good for 24 hours after purchase. Return on Investment 3 Seats in the Target Center come at three price points. Seats on the sides at midcourt go for $36. The remainder of the seats along the side of the court go for $31, and the corners at the end of the court are priced at $26. There is no seating behind the goals at Lynx games, as the space is taken up by the Budweiser Beer Garden at one end and the North End Bar at the opposite end. If you are coming via Metrorail and have a 24-hour pass, the cost will be $5. Parking at lots A, B, or C will cost you an average of $15. Concessions are priced at the same price you would see in their neighborhood operations. Extras 5 The Lynx play an active role in their community. They are very involved in the area of breast cancer. Each year the team sponsors a fund-raising walk at the Mall of America. They also salute the members of the military community with a Salute to a Homegrown Hero at each game. The team’s charitable foundation known as the Pack Gives Back supports more than 200 community organizations through both charitable donations and donating tickets to the communities they serve. The roof of the Target Center is “green”. The 2.5-acre roof is covered with plants that are typically found on the prairies of Minnesota and that are hearty enough to withstand the state’s harsh winters. The plants extend the life expectancy of the roof by over five years and conserve water by lessening the amount of rainwater that runs off into the Mississippi River. The Target Center is at the forefront of women’s sports. It hosted the 2022 NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament Finals in 2022 and will host the Big 10 Women’s Basketball Tournament in 2024. The Target Center is the leading concert venue in the Twin Cities area. Thirty-five members of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame have given concerts at the venue. Bullseye, the Target company’s mascot dog, is well represented at the Target Center. He has a statue in the street-level lobby as well as his likeness dominating the exterior of the building. There is also a live mascot Bullseye present at many games. Final Thoughts The Lynx are the top cats of the Twin Cities, as they have won multiple WNBA championships over the years. The Target Center provides a worthy home for the Lynx’s lair.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Kinsman Arena @ Kitchener Memorial Auditorium 400 East Ave Kitchener, ON N2H 1Zy Kitchener-Waterloo Lacrosse Club website Kitchener Memorial Auditorium website Year Opened: 1951 Capacity: 1,607 The Home of Brave Lacrosse In 1967, junior lacrosse was founded in Kitchener, Ontario. A hotbed for junior hockey, the Kitchener-Waterloo Braves took their place among the other lacrosse teams in Junior B. The Braves would win the Founders Cup as Junior B Champions in 1987 and 1988 and eventually move up a tier to Junior A in 1991. The rebrand of the league to become the Ontario Junior Lacrosse League in 2021 would pave the way for the modern Kitchener-Waterloo Lacrosse Club. The KW rebrand would take place in 2020 as teams across the sport would trend away from Indigenous names. The OJLL operates much like the Ontario Hockey League does, as a feeder system to professional box lacrosse leagues such as the National Lacrosse League. Box Lacrosse legends such as Colin Doyle, Dhane Smith, Aaron Wilson, Ryan Benesch and Steve “Chugger” Dietrich all played under the Braves moniker and cut their teeth in Kitchener-Waterloo. Home for the KW Lacrosse Club is the Kinsmen Arena. Part of the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium, the Kinsmen Arena offers a more intimate atmosphere with a modest capacity of just over 1,600 with some standing room availability. Although The Aud itself opened in 1950, the Kinsmen Arena is much newer and opened some time in the late eighties. Paired with the Kiwanis Arena and known locally as the “Twin Pads,” Kinsmen Arena draws its name from the local charity and part of the Kin Canada organization. Although the KW Lacrosse Club has bounced around over the years in different locations, Kinsmen offers a solid venue, the perfect size, for the local version of the fastest game on two feet. Food & Beverage 2 Concessions at Kinsmen Arena are very simple. There is a cart present at games where fans can purchase light refreshments including soda, Gatorade, water and a few different varieties of canned beer. Chocolate bars are also available. Normal concessions that would service the Aud for bigger events are not usually running during the summer months when lacrosse is happening. However, having a licenced venue that serves alcoholic beverages was a surprise Atmosphere 2 Junior A lacrosse is a bit of a hidden gem. The KWLC play at the venerable Kitchener Memorial Auditorium, which is also the home to the Kitchener Rangers of the Ontario Hockey League. Rather than playing in the iconic Dom Cardillo Arena, lacrosse is found at the Kinsmen Arena, a much newer and smaller arena in The Aud complex. The arena is not over the top and is fairly simple. Fans will enter the indoor portion of the complex from the Eugene George Way, side of the arena as opposed to the main arena off of East Avenue. The exterior of the building is attractive enough with light coloured brick and an LED ribbon to advertise events. The breezeway from this entrance leads past the main box office, which will be closed, past the memorial dedication plaque and Kraut Line display to the twin pads. Tickets for purchase are just inside the Kinsmen Arena doors at a temporary table. Home to hockey at various levels in the winter months, the ice comes out during lacrosse season and the KW Lacrosse Club finds a solid home for the summer. Kinsmen is located at the northeast portion for the complex buildings. It features a simple, low ceiling and light coloured walls, essentially lacking much in the way of colour. The floor surface runs from west to east, with all of the seating on the south side. Four sections of benches which surround a centre section of traditional arena seats make up the seating area and there is plenty of standing room in the east and west corners and behind the seating area. A simple hockey scoreboard is found hanging in the northeast corner of the arena. It would be beneficial if the Kinsmen Arena felt more like the home to the KWLC. The interior of the arena is as bland as the current branding for the team. The opportunity to showcase some of the history of the team would be great and give fans a better sense of the longevity of the team. The game differs a bit from what one would expect in the National Lacrosse League. The concrete floor, as opposed to green carpet, offers a different experience to the game. The squeaking sneakers, similar to that of a basketball game, creates a different feel and when players hit the ground, they tend to slide, unlike the game on the carpet. The gameplay also differs from the pros as music does not play throughout the play. This offers fans to hear the sounds of the game like the ball cracking off the goaltender’s pads or off of the boards, or the metal smashing of two sticks in combat. The smaller venue gives fans a closer perspective to the game and a better sense of just how fast and tough box lacrosse can really be. The gameday production is pretty simple with some basic music being played before the game and during intermissions as well as for goals. The PA announcer does a decent job of conveying information to the fans, however the PA system has much to be desired and most announcements are lost to poor speakers and poor acoustics. Neighbourhood 3 The Aud is located just east of Downtown Kitchener. For the most part, the Aud is a community arena. There are almost no pre and post game meal options within walking distance. Fans could hike up Ottawa Street to the Tim Horton's or Dairy Queen. Strykerz Kitchen and Bar in the same plaza may be an option, but it is pretty small. The best bet would be to head downtown or take the highway out to Sportsworld. Downtown, fans might want to try The Grand Trunk Saloon, TWH Social, Bobby O'Brien’s or McCabe’s. Out by Sportsworld you will definitely want to hit Moose Winooski's. For a truly genuine Kitchener experience, fans should look into eating a pre-game meal at the Concordia Club or The Metro. Kitchener celebrates the largest Bavarian festival outside of Germany in Oktoberfest. The Friday buffet at the Concordia Club is a great way to experience Kitchener’s German heritage before a lacrosse game! Other sporting options locally would have to begin with the headline Kitchener Rangers of the Ontario Hockey League, who play in the Dom Cardillo Arena on the other side of the hall. When the nicer weather hits, then the Kitchener Panthers can be found on the other side of the parking lot at Jack Couch Stadium. Other options include hopping over to Kitchener’s twin city, Waterloo to catch some local university action. The Waterloo Warriors call the PAC home to basketball, Warrior Field home to football and Columbia IceField home to hockey. The Laurier Golden Hawks play their football games at Knight-Newbrough Field at University Stadium, their hockey games at Sun Life Financial Arena at Waterloo Memorial Recreation Complex, and their basketball games at WLU Athletic Complex. Downtown, fans may also want to check out The Museum. Fans who are staying in town overnight should head downtown. The Walper Hotel and Crowne Plaza Kitchener-Waterloo are good selections. Fans 3 Junior A lacrosse has a small, but hardcore following. Assessing fan support can be difficult as attendance figures for games are not published as part of the game sheets. That being said, there were a few hundred people in attendance at the game which was reviewed supporting both home and away squads. A large percentage of those are most likely friends and family, however, the fans in attendance were loud and definitely knew the game and the team. Access 5 The Aud is located in the Auditorium District, which is east of Downtown Kitchener. Getting to The Aud is not difficult. It is immediately west of Highway 7, which is the main artery through Kitchener. There is plenty of parking on both the north and south sides of the complex, which should be entered from Ottawa Street or Stirling Avenue. For fans wishing to take public transit to the lacrosse game, there are buses that travel both Ottawa and Weber Streets. The light rail Ion train is a fair hike from the nearest station, so that may not be the best option. Fans should check out the Grand River Transit website for maps, fares and schedules. Getting around the Kinsmen Arena is no issue at all as the building is not packed and there are not a ton of concession options. Fans with mobility issues are better served in the Kinsmen Arena than the Dom Cardillo Arena as there is not the main staircase to ascend in the Kinsmen. Return on Investment 4 With the rising cost of sports at all levels, finding affordable entertainment for the sporting dollar can be a real challenge. K-W Lacrosse is very affordable at just $10 a ticket. Students and seniors can get in for $5. There are not many places that offer this kind of value. Concessions, although limited, are reasonably priced and parking is free at The Aud. The product on the floor is definitely fast-paced and hard-hitting and fans of lacrosse will enjoy the Junior A level of lacrosse. Extras 2 An extra mark for the long history of the Kitchener-Waterloo Lacrosse Club, as one of the oldest clubs in the OJLL. An extra mark for the sensational alumni that have found their way through KW and moved on to stardom in the National Lacrosse League. Final Thoughts Lacrosse will not be taking over the top spot as the favourite sport in North America anytime soon. It remains very much a niche sport. However, the fastest game on two feet is a great way to see some top notch athletes in a way that fans may not be accustomed to. The Kitchener-Waterloo Lacrosse Club provides a window into the future of the sport, profiling the athletes who will one day be professionals in the NLL and it's very affordable! Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on Twitter @profan9 and on Instagram.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Glass Bowl 3044 N Glass Bowl Drive Toledo, OH 43606 Toledo Rockets website Glass Bowl website Year Opened: 1937 Capacity: 26,248 The Rockets Blue and Gold Glare For those of you who have never experienced MACtion, you have no idea what you are missing. A great college football experience without the claustrophobia and sheer craziness of having a tenth of a million people in one spot. The MAC has provided the big conferences with some of the most legendary coaches in the game. The Toledo Rockets have been among the best MAC experiences that you can find. Establishing a team in 1917, the Rockets are one of the longest-running members of the MAC, joining in 1950, just 4 years after the conference was founded. Toledo boasts 10 conference championships including victories in the 2001 and 2004 MAC Championship games. The other titles came in 1967, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1981, 1984, 1990 and 1995. Toledo football has had its share of legends and boasts big-time college coaches Gary Pinkel, currently of Missouri, and Nick Saban, currently of Alabama among its coaching alumni. Perhaps the most significant Toledo coach, however, was Frank Lauterbur, who oversaw one of the most legendary teams in college football history. Under Coach Lauterbur and standout quarterback Chuck Ealey, the Rockets went on a 35-0 winning streak. Ealey never lost a college football game in his career. The Glass Bowl has been the home for the Rockets since 1937. The stadium remains after numerous upgrades and is one of the best examples of amalgamating original architecture with modern amenities. The Rocket faithful have stayed true to their team, especially when facing their arch-rival just 20 miles south on I-75, the Bowling Green Falcons. The “Battle of I-75” has become so significant that in 1961 the University of Toledo procured an actual rocket from the U.S. Army and positioned it in such a way that if fired, it would land on the 50-yard line in Doyt-Perry Stadium on the campus of Bowling Green State University. Food & Beverage 3 The Glass Bowl provides a fairly average culinary experience for college football. You will find what you expect to find here, and the prices are pretty reasonable. Hot dogs ($3.50), popcorn ($3.50), pizza ($4), nachos ($3.50), soda ($3.25), and beer ($6) are all available. Unlike many college football stadiums, there are alcohol sales at the Glass Bowl. Featured brands of beer include Budweiser, Bud Light, Labatt Blue, and Yuengling. If you are looking for something a bit more unique, then try the Tailgate Gourmet in the south end. They feature a sirloin burger and a quarter-pound hot dog. The quality of the food at the Tailgate Gourmet is high, but the service can be slow. Atmosphere 4 The Glass Bowl is a great place to catch a college football game. The University of Toledo has done a fantastic job of merging the old with the new. The Glass Bowl has a north-south orientation with a horseshoe seating area, opening at the north end. All seating is aluminium benches with the band and students sitting in the south end. The west grandstand features the press box and luxury boxes in a three-tier complex above the seating bowl similar to many college stadiums. The entire stadium is surrounded by a beautiful stone wall made from irregular stones with sharp vertical stones at the top. It gives the stadium a fort-like feel. The north opening also features two large, square ramparts continuing with the fort feel. The beautiful stonework features what may have at one time been windows, that are now covered with pictures of Rocket Legends. The legends include players who have had their numbers retired including Mel Long, Mel Triplett, Gene Swisk, and Chuck Ealey. Legends also include newer Rocket players including Chester Taylor and Bruce Gradkowski. On the facia of the luxury boxes, the retired numbers of the Rockets are featured, as well as the 10 conference championship years. When game time arrives, the Rocket Marching Band marches toward the stadium and enters. They perform as most bands do, forming various icons on the field while playing songs including the Toledo fight song. The team enters the stadium from the north end through smoke and cannon fire. When the Rockets score, be ready as the cannon will fire again! The in-game experience is fantastic and well worth the trip. Outside of the Glass Bowl is a Nike-Ajax Rocket which was erected on the campus in 1961. The Rocket is pointed at the top rival of the Rockets, the Bowling Green Falcons. The Sullivan Athletic Center, a few steps from the Glass Bowl, houses the main campus store as well as the Rockets Hall of Fame. Toledo has done a fantastic job of sharing their history and their points of pride with visitors, students, and alumni. Neighborhood 3 The Glass Bowl is located right in the heart of the University of Toledo. The university has a beautiful green campus just south of the Ottawa River. The university campus is west of downtown Toledo. The home of the Toledo Mud Hens of the International League, Fifth Third Field, can be found downtown, as well as the new Huntington Center, which is the home of the Toledo Walleye of the ECHL. Other Toledo athletic events are held at Savage Hall, which is just a few steps from the Glass Bowl. If you are looking for some pre or post-game libations, you probably want to head to Dorr St. There you may consider trying Jed’s on Campus or Oasis Restaurant. Fans 4 The Toledo Rockets have enjoyed solid fan support. The student section is strong and it is right beside the band. The Rockets have routinely featured attendance in the top 5 in the conference. They typically average over 18,000 fans per year. In 2013, the Rockets averaged over 18,000 fans and were 4th in the conference in attendance. The previous year the Rockets were averaging over 20,000 which was good for 3rd. Some of the fans do take their time arriving on time, missing the fun of the band performing before the game. This could be because of the solid tailgating scene that can be found on campus. Either way, Rocket fans are not afraid to make noise and love the cannon fires signifying a Rockets score. Access 3 Getting to the Glass Bowl is not too difficult. The campus of the University of Toledo is located south of I-475, west of I-75, and Highway 24. The game day crew does a great job of keeping traffic flowing through campus and helping fans find and pay for parking. Large parking garages and tailgate lots make parking on campus fairly easy. Inside the Glass Bowl, patrons do find some difficulties with older facilities. Some of the washrooms are pretty small and feature old-school troughs and sinks. Also, on the east side, the light standards are actually in front of the upper deck. Return on Investment 5 The investment in Rocket Football is not significant. Tickets are normally $25 and can rise for big games. In 2014, the Bowling Green game went for $35 and the Missouri game went for $45. The sight lines on the west side of the stadium are excellent, but you would want to be careful behind the light standards in the upper deck on the east side. Concession prices are very reasonable for college football and campus parking is not very expensive. Overall, you will have a great time in Toledo and you can easily bring a family. The return is significant with a solid college football atmosphere in a very unique stadium. Extras 3 An extra mark for the student section who throws footballs back to the game when field goals are kicked. There is no protective netting for field goals and it appears that one is not needed. An extra mark for the Rocket pointed at Doyt-Perry Stadium. A truly unique feature that revs up a solid rivalry. An extra mark for legendary Rockets quarterback Chuck Ealey who played his entire Toledo career without losing a game, leading a 35-0 streak. Final Thoughts A trip to see the uniqueness of the Glass Bowl is worth a trip to Toledo just on its own. The Rockets provide a first-class college football experience and the MAC provides some excellent #MACtion in what may be a fairly forgotten football conference otherwise. If you are a college football enthusiast, consider traveling to Northern Ohio to see the Toledo Rockets. You will not be disappointed. ---- Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on Twitter @profan9.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Dix Stadium 2227 Summit Rd. Kent, OH 44240 Kent State Golden Flashes website Dix Stadium website Year Opened: 1969 Capacity: 25,513 A Flash of Lightning In 1914, a football team was attempted at Kent State University. Unfortunately, the team was disbanded as the school decided to focus on basketball. Enter coach Paul Chandler who would push Kent State to once again field a team and in 1920 the team would take the field, this time with longevity in mind. On November 6 Kent State would host their first home football game against Bowling Green. Kent State would show resilience and would be rewarded with its first victory in 1925. Kent State University president John Edward McGilvrey had an affinity for silver foxes which he raised on his farm. As a result, the team was first known as the Kent State Silver Foxes. After his controversial firing in 1926, a name the team contested would produce the Golden Flashes name, which has no other relevance to the team. Home for the Golden Flashes since 1969 is Dix Stadium. Formerly Memorial Stadium, it was renamed in 1973 after Kent State trustee and Record-Courier publisher Robert C. Dix. In 1951, Kent State would fully adopt the MACtion, joining the Mid-American Conference where they remain today. The university-owned stadium has seen a few successful Golden Flash seasons including a 1972 MAC Championship and three bowl appearances. With a capacity of over 25,000, Dix Stadium can accommodate nearly the entire 29,000 people that live in Kent or the entire 22,000 student enrollment at Kent State University. The MAC is the perfect spot for a school like Kent State where a flash of lightning is a great time on a Saturday afternoon. Food & Beverage 3 Dix Stadium offers a fairly pedestrian concession selection. There are decent items on the menu, but nothing that will blow the doors open. Pulled pork sandwiches, hot dogs, coney dogs, brats, nachos, pretzels, popcorn, chips, candy, burgers, Italian sausage, and fries are all available. There are a couple of smaller concession stands in the gathering area just after the west entry gate as well as a large concession in the south end zone. Pepsi products are the soft drink available as well as bottled water, coffee, Gatorade, and hot chocolate. There are some beer options at Dix at various spots including some decent craft options. MadCap, Thirsty Dog, and The Brew Kettle are all available along with Bud Light. Atmosphere 3 Dix Stadium offers a decent atmosphere for some weekend MACtion. Fans who are arriving at the stadium will be drawn to the west entrance, which would have to be considered the main entrance. Fans are greeted by a large, permanent Kent State Golden Flashes logo upon approaching the west gate. Getting past security and into the stadium area has more of a feeling akin to a Western stadium where large gathering areas exist between the entry gates and the stadium proper. The west side of the stadium is for regular and visiting fans as opposed to the east side which is designated for students. Entrances to the seating bowl are delineated with signage honoring not only former Golden Flash greats but also the lineage of the Kent State football helmets over the years. Inside the seating bowl, fans will find that the best option is the west grandstand. It may be the only option. The students are segregated to the east grandstand and many visiting fans will take up residence in the north end zone stands. There are no stands in the south end but the George Jenkins and Jim Phelan Hall of Fame Plaza is a breath of fresh air for college stadiums. The west grandstand offers the best view of the fifty-yard line logo and has the only reserved seating at Dix. Reserved seating, found in the center sections of the west side, comes with backs to the bleacher seats, a feature that helps the uncomfortable seats a little and is not available in the other sections. The biggest concession stand at Dix Stadium stands under the video board in the Hall of Fame plaza, flanked by large brick towers. Off of the towers are the banners of the other MAC schools, with the curious exception of Akron. Below the MAC banners are the banners honoring the retired Golden Flash numbers of football legends. James Harrison, Josh Cribbs, Eric Wilkerson, Jim Corrigall, and Jack Lambert were all football legends at Kent State and are honored accordingly. The plaza also features high-top tables and at each table,, there are placards for KSU Hall of Fame football players. It may be the best spot to watch the game from. The north wall at field level highlights banners for the three bowl games the Golden Flashes have participated in unsuccessfully including the 2013 GoDaddy.com Bowl, the 1972 Tangerine Bowl, and the eclectic 1954 Refrigerator Bowl. The game day atmosphere in Kent is about what you would expect from a college football experience. The band enters and plays before the game and during halftime. The cheerleaders cheer the team on and perform gymnastic stunts and the dance team performs during a stoppage. Flash the Golden Eagle, the Kent State mascot is found on the field during pre-game and on the sidelines throughout. Neighborhood 2 Dix Stadium is located at the eastern edge of the City of Kent and Kent State University. There isn’t too much to be found between the main campus and Dix Stadium and there are plenty of parking lots around the stadium. This makes Dix a better spot to slap up your tailgate party as opposed to heading to a pub before the game. However, a five-minute drive into town, and there are plenty of options to be found. Mike’s Place, Bricco in Kent, Lucci’s Place, and Wild Goats Fresh and Funky Fine Dining are all good options. Downtown Kent has several options also and Belleria Pizza and Italian is a great option. Kent State is unfortunately most famous for the tragedy that happened on May 4th, 1970 and the Memorial and Visitor Center at Kent State is a somber spot to visit while on campus. The Art Gallery on campus may also be of interest. For other sports, the basketball Golden Flashes play on the main campus at the Memorial Athletic and Convocation Center. The cities of Cleveland and Akron are also close by for rounding out a sports weekend. For fans wishing to stay in Kent, the University Hotel and Conference Center and Holiday Inn Express are both good options. Fans 3 Comparing college football attendance can be dubious. The Golden Flashes usually average between 10,000 and 13,000 fans per game. Rivalry games against Akron and Bowling Green, as well as the Homecoming game, are the best-attended games. However, the Golden Flashes do not have a consistent reputation for excellence on the football field so a big bump up in attendance has not been seen in a while. Games late in the season are often sparsely attended. The fans in attendance are fairly laid back. Not over the top, but supportive of their team. Students often have difficulty sticking around for the entire game. Access 4 The City of Kent is located about four miles north of I-75. The small size of the city makes it fairly easy to maneuver through to get to Dix Stadium. There is plenty of parking around the stadium on Summit Drive. The shuttle lot offers free parking and a shuttle ride to the stadium, but fans who wish to park a little closer and walk can expect to pay a mere $5 to park. For fans who wish to take public transit, some buses head right to the stadium. Fans should check the Portage Area Regional Transportation Authority website for fares, schedules, and maps. The ticket windows, including will-call, can be found on the west side of the stadium at the Adam S. Hamilton West Entrance. There are four main pavilions in each of the corners of the stadium that serve as the washroom facilities. They are more than adequate for the stadium. Return on Investment 5 MACtion continues to be a great deal. The product on the field in the conference and at Kent State is vastly underrated. The ability to see great players at a great price is the staple of the Mid-American Conference. Tickets for the Golden Flashes go for $32 for reserved seating and $20 for General Admission. Along with $5 to park and decent concession prices and Kent State offers a combination that produces a great afternoon of football at a respectable price. Extras 3 An extra mark for the Golden Flashes rivalry games. Kent State plays Bowling Green for the Anniversary Award and they play Akron for the Wagon Wheel. An extra mark for the May 4th Memorial. An extra mark for the Hall of Fame Plaza Final Thoughts Taking in some MACtion is always a great experience and the Kent State Golden Flashes are no exception. Dix Stadium is a pretty good spot to catch some autumn entertainment and maybe even a few rays of sunshine and it won’t kill the pocketbook. Check out some MACtion at Dix Stadium soon. --- Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on Twitter @profan9 and Instagram.

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Rynearson Stadium 799 N Hewitt Rd Ypsilanti, MI 48197 Eastern Michigan Eagles website Rynearson Stadium website Year Opened: 1969 Capacity: 30,200 Move over Smurf Turf, there’s a Gray Field in Town! Affectionately known as ‘The Factory,’ Rynearson Stadium opened in 1969, and currently has a capacity of 30,200 (incidentally the same capacity as Western Michigan’s Waldo Stadium). The largest crowd ever to attend an event at Rynearson Stadium was in 2008, when 26K+ fans watched the Eastern Michigan football team triumph over Central Michigan, with a score of 56-52. The stadium underwent a major renovation project back in 1991-92, during which time about 10K seats were added, as well as the scoreboard, new bathrooms and concessions, and the team building. The most recent round of renovations occurred in 2014, with the installation of the ‘EMU Gray’ FieldTurf surface, making this only the second FBS team to play on a non-green field. Rynearson Stadium originally had a natural grass field, but the team has been playing on artificial turf since 1991 (the playing surface here has been replaced four times since the facility was built). The football field at Rynearson Stadium is surrounded by the track, so the venue is home to not only the Eastern Michigan football squad but also the track and field teams. In addition, the Convocation Center, home of EMU basketball, sits on a slight rise behind the south end zone. Food & Beverage 4 Food options at Rynearson Stadium are reasonably priced, and there is a good amount to choose from – perhaps not as many options as some other sports venues, but a very impressive list. The drink options, however, are where Rynearson Stadium excels. Food choices at the main stands include hot dogs, brats, and sandwiches with your choice of meat (BBQ pork, chicken, or beef), as well as nachos, pretzels, popcorn, chips, candy, beef jerky, ice cream, popsicles, Cracker Jack, and even hummus. In addition, the stadium brings in outside vendors such as Dominoes and Bearclaw Coffee Company. Domino’s adds pizza, boneless wings, and oven-baked sandwiches to the concessions mix, while Bearclaw offers bagels and pastries, in addition to their wide array of beverages (see below). Rynearson Stadium offers a wide range of drink options, the highlight of which may be their beer truck from Arbor Brewing Company. This truck has taps built onto the sides and is parked on the south side of the stadium, which is the only section where alcohol can be sold. Still, many college stadiums don’t even sell alcohol at all, so this is a plus. Besides Arbor Brewing Company, Rynearson Stadium also has the aforementioned Bearclaw Coffee Company, which sells a wide variety of hot and cold coffees, as well as smoothies. In addition, the main stands sell bottled and fountain sodas, bottled water, lemonade, coffee, and hot cocoa. Atmosphere 4 Even though attendance is usually very small, there is a decent bit of crowd noise at Rynearson Stadium, and the staff does lots of fun things to enhance the experience. To start, a live eagle flies over the stadium as the final bars in the National Anthem are played, which is a neat thing to watch. In addition, when the team enters the field, they run through a wall of concrete bricks, which may not seem as cool as cones spurting fire, but it is unique. There is also cannon fire after every score, and continual activity during breaks in the action – including music blaring over the loudspeakers, accompanied by fans dancing, as well as performances by the band, dance team, and cheerleaders. Rynearson Stadium is designed as a near-horseshoe, with stands on both the east and west sides that curve slightly toward the south end. The Convocation Center sits in the gap on that end and looks impressive with its glass fronting and giant lettering that spells out the word E-A-S-T-E-R-N. The south end zone is called ‘Touchdown Terrace,’ and has standing room for fans, as well as a giant ‘E’ on the grass behind the goalpost. The north end zone includes the practice facility, which is a large bubble-like structure reminiscent of the old Minnesota Vikings’ stadium. The team building is also on that side and features a very imposing photo of an angry eagle staring you down. The scoreboard is located in the north end as well, so it is in easy view of fans sitting anywhere in the stadium. The team enters on that end, and the band sits near there as well. Neighborhood 3 Rynearson Stadium is located on the western edge of Eastern Michigan’s campus, and there isn’t much in the immediate vicinity except other athletic fields and some apartment complexes. The closest restaurant is probably the family-friendly Big Boy, your classic American diner that does not serve alcohol – you could walk there from the stadium. Most of the other good restaurants in town are located near the center of campus, the best of which is The Wurst Bar, which specializes in bratwurst. The Wurst Bar is on Cross Street and has plenty of different beers on tap, plus unique brats made from interesting, uncommon meats like elk and venison. They also offer different types of buns, such as pretzels, and they even have hard-to-find appetizers like scotch eggs. Most of the hotels in town are located along Highway 23, which is on the west side of the stadium. Regent Hotel & Suites and Days Inn are over that way and are probably the closest ones to Rynearson Stadium. However, a little further away you can also find more well-known brands such as Days Inn. There is not a ton to do in the small town of Ypsilanti, but there are a couple of local attractions. The Ypsilanti Water Tower on Summit Street is listed on the national register of historic places and has some fascinating architectural features – a detailed sign in front will tell you more about it. Seeing the water tower will only take a few minutes, so if you are going to be in town for the day, you might also check out the Automotive Heritage Museum or the Michigan Firehouse Museum. Fans 3 While attendance tends to be very low at Rynearson Stadium (less than 5K per game on average), there is a surprising amount of crowd noise, especially from the student section, which is below the press box on the east side of the stadium, next to the band. The Eagle’s mascot, Swoop, usually stands in front of the student section during the game and keeps them revved up and on their feet the whole time. The students sing their fight song at the end of the game, and do their ‘I believe we will win/we won’ chant after a win – the students make a lot of noise for such a small group. Like the students, most of the other fans also sit on the east side of Rynearson Stadium, and altogether that side gets about one-quarter full. You’ll see lots of green on that side, including hats, shirts, and also light-up plastic glasses, which are given away at the gates by local companies. The stands on the west side, however, are almost completely deserted. Though not officially, that side seems reserved for visiting fans, of which there are very few. You will see lots of green on that side too, though, in the form of giant covers over most of the seats – this is done by the administration to reduce capacity, to make Rynearson Stadium appear fuller. Access 4 Ypsilanti, MI is basically a suburb of Ann Arbor, and is also not far from Detroit, so getting there is fairly easy – most fans will use either I-94 or Highway 23. Once you get to the stadium, there isn’t much traffic, so parking is a cinch and is only $5 in any of the lots right outside Rynearson Stadium, so you will have only a short walk to the gate. There are multiple gates all around the stadium, so getting in is no issue, and the concourses are wide and not at all crowded, thanks to the low attendance. Rynearson Stadium does have a clear bag policy, meaning no backpacks are allowed in, but they do sell approved bags at Gate 2 if you don’t have one. Ticket sales and will call are located inside the Convocation Center (next to Gate 1), and if you go inside take a look at the EMU Athletic Hall of Fame, which is a wall of photos and plaques that curves around the inside of the center. One other nice feature at Rynearson Stadium is that they do let you re-enter the venue if you need to leave for any reason, which is a rarity at sports stadiums nowadays. Return on Investment 4 Tickets to Rynearson Stadium are only $15 if you buy in advance, but $20 at the door, so make sure you plan. Group tickets are slightly cheaper, but buying from the box office is your only option (since the games aren’t sellouts there aren’t any re-sellers or scalpers). Even at $20, seeing a game here is worth it. The small crowd doesn’t seem like an issue because they bring so much energy, and unique features like the gray field make this a bucket list stadium in some ways. And since Eastern Michigan plays in the MAC, there is an opportunity to see games on weeknights, if your Saturdays happen to be booked. Extras 4 The gray field is worth seeing, as is the eagle flying across before the game. There is also plenty of great Eagles-themed decor, including seat covers, banners, and paint jobs on and around the field. One interesting feature at Rynearson Stadium, which is starting to crop up at stadiums across the country by the way, is four-top tables in the stands. These new ‘loge’ sections are great for small businesses, or even groups of friends who can’t afford (or fill) a full ‘box,’ and they also come with wait staff to take your order and bring your food. Final Thoughts Rynearson Stadium is a superb place to watch a college football game. Sure, you could drive a few minutes further to The Big House in Ann Arbor, and see better teams, have more amenities, and enjoy a wider selection from the concessions stands, but then you will also have to deal with heavy traffic and fight a massive crowd. Why not give small-town college football a chance instead? At a cool venue like Rynearson Stadium, it would be worth the trip.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Kelly/Shorts Stadium 10 Tower Drive Mount Pleasant, MI 48858 Central Michigan Chippewas website Kelly/Shorts Stadium website Year Opened: 1972 Capacity: 30,199 Fire Up Chips! Established in 1892, Central Michigan University is one of the key football members of the Mid-American Conference. The Chippewas have been one of the most consistent performers on the field over the last twenty years. The Chips lay claim to seven MAC championships and have a 3-6 record in their nine bowl appearances entering the 2016 season. Central Michigan joined the MAC in 1972 and in their final year in Division II football in 1974, the Chippewas won the Division II National Championship. They have also won nine IIAC conference championships. Central Michigan has an enrollment of over 28,000 students and is located in Mount Pleasant, Michigan, a quintessential college town with a smaller population than the enrollment of the school. The home for the Chippewas is Kelly/Shorts Stadium. The stadium is named after a generous alum of 1900, R. Perry Shorts, and former football coach Kenneth “Bill” Kelly. Kelly was the coach of the Chippewas from 1951 to 1966. The Chippewas have seen great success over the years and have many distinguished football alumni including Joe Staley, Dan LeFevour, Jahleel Addae, Ray Bentley, and Antonio Brown. In 2005, the NCAA placed Central Michigan on the list of schools with abusive mascot names. Central Michigan, along with the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe appealed the decision by the NCAA, which was granted and the Chippewa name remains in use to this day. The rallying cry at Central Michigan is “Fire Up Chips” a cry that even first-time fans can't help but join in on. Food & Beverage 3 Concession options at Kelly/Shorts Stadium are pretty standard. There are several regular concession stands with a few portable concession tents. The expected items are found at the main concession stands. Hot dogs, nachos, pretzels, popcorn, cookies, and candy are all available. The Grill has cheeseburgers, brats, and andouille sausage. Pizza can be found at the Domino's Pizza tents. Other items that can be found at portable tents include kettle corn, apple cider slushies, almonds, and walking tacos. There are no alcohol sales at Kelly/Shorts Stadium so fans are relegated to hot and cold soft drinks. Pepsi products are available at most stands ($3.50/$6) as well as Gatorade and water. Hot chocolate and Tim Hortons coffee are also available in a couple of different sizes including a souvenir travel mug. Atmosphere 3 Kelly/Shorts Stadium is not one of those massive, intimidating stadiums that you can find in various places in college football. It is also not one of those old classic stadiums where it is all about history. With a capacity of 30,255, Kelly/Shorts Stadium is a great venue compared to other football stadiums in the MAC. It is not fancy, but it is also not just thrown together. The exterior of the stadium is not intimidating and features smart-looking brick and wrought iron fencing around the perimeter. The stadium features a horseshoe configuration with all of the seating on aluminum benches. The field has a north-south configuration and is open at the north end. The field is below grade level which aids the feeling that Kelly/Shorts is not intimidating. Seating is a simple bowl with grandstands on the east, west, and north sides. The west side has an upper level which includes the press box and suites. The northwest corner also features the Touchdown Terrace, which is a party deck for large groups. Both the north and south ends of the stadium have scoreboards and the north side scoreboard includes a very old video board that needs replacement. Fans looking for that perfect picture of the field with the logo facing the right way, the west bleacher is the place to be. Central Michigan does a decent job washing Kelly/Shorts Stadium in maroon and gold. Where the players enter from the north end there are large murals honoring the nine IIAC championships, 1979, 1980, 1990, 1994, 2006, 2007, and 2009 MAC championships, and the 1974 Division II National Championship. College Football Hall of Fame member, Coach Herb Deromedi is honored on the murals as well as the retired number 62 of Jim Podoley. The game day experience at Kelly/Shorts Stadium is what you would expect from a good college program. The band and cheerleaders enter from the northeast corner of the stadium. The cheerleaders have their smart-looking, needs,e-game routine followed by The Marching Chippewas, complete with high-stepping drum major, flag twirling, and a full musical ensemble. The raising of the flag is a pretty big deal at the beginning of the game as the national anthem plays. A unique feature at a Chippewas game is the traditional ceremony by members of the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe of Michigan. Central Michigan has done a decent job of partnering with the tribe to help keep the Chippewa name at the university. Before the opening kickoff, the cannon in the northeast corner of the stadium fires, startling those who are not expecting it. The cannon fires on Chip's scores and the band does what it can to keep the energy up from their spot in the east grandstand. The Marching Chippewas play during halftime and do a terrific job. Neighborhood 3 Central Michigan University is a pretty significant part of Mount Pleasant. There are a few options for pre and postgame meals that are in the immediate area of Kelly/Shorts Stadium. On the opposite side of Mission St, there are a few national chain restaurant options including Olive Garden, Red Lobster, and Buffalo Wild Wings. Some more unique options, like the Mount Pleasant Brewing Company, are available but require a hop in the car to get there. Fans looking to pair a Chips football game with other sporting events may be lucky enough to catch the Chippewas playing basketball at McGuirk Arena in November. For fans coming to the game from a distance and looking for a place to stay, there are a few spots that are within walking distance of Kelly/Shorts Stadium. The Comfort Inn and Courtyard Marriott are options that are close by and reliable. Fans 3 Considering the success that the Chips have seen over time, the crowds are a bit surprising. In the 2014 season, Central Michigan attracted an average of over 16,000 fans per game to Kelly/Shorts Stadium. That average dropped to just over 15,600 for the 2015 season. The Chips draw about the conference average, which is a little surprising. The game that was reviewed in the 2016 season saw the Chippewas draw under 10,000 fans. For a program that has been as successful on the field as it has, more fans in the stands are generally expected. Of the fans in the stands it is clear that the most ardent, hardcore, and vocal fans are members of the Marching Chippewas. From their vantage point in the east grandstand, the Marching Chippewas are constantly in motion and making noise, above and beyond their musical duties. Access 5 Mount Pleasant is located northwest of Saginaw, Michigan. The town is small and Central Michigan University is not too far from the south end of the city. The campus is easily reached by Highway 127 and fans won't have to drive too much through town to get to the stadium. There are plenty of parking lots on campus so parking should not be a problem. However, a little research will go a long way, and pre-purchasing your parking from CMU is a wise idea and will make game day a little smoother. Fans interested in public transportation can catch the Isabella County, I-Ride green or red routes for transport to and from the Chips game. The main ticketing window can be found at the north end of Kelly/Shorts Stadium. There's plenty of space and no real issues with this permanent part of the stadium. Getting around the stadium is no problem, especially with less than a capacity crowd in the house. The washroom facilities are more than adequate at Kelly/Shorts Stadium. Return on Investment 5 Probably one of the best reasons to catch some MACtion, especially at Central Michigan, is the great return that the fans get on their investment. This is not one of the big, intimidating, expensive programs that can be found in the NCAA. Advance sales tickets go for $22 for adults with discounts for seniors and youth. Getting your tickets at the door will cost an extra $3. Parking can also be purchased in advance for $10, which is recommended. Combine this with reasonable concession prices, and an on-the-field product that is vastly underrated, and fans have a recipe for a fantastic evening or afternoon of entertainment, without spending a ton of money. Central Michigan football may not be a bucket list item, but at these prices, it doesn't need to be. Extras 3 An extra mark for Central Michigan University partnering with the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe of Michigan to keep the Chippewa name alive positively and respectfully. An extra mark for the underrated product of the Mid-American Conference. MACtion is pretty darn good. An extra mark for the success the Chippewas have seen on the field, and the solid teams they continue to put out there. Final Thoughts Mount Pleasant, Michigan is not exactly a holiday destination. The Central Michigan Chippewas also do not carry the luster of their brethren in Ann Arbor or East Lansing. However, a trip to see the Chips is worth it. The MAC provides a great product at a great price and Kelly/Shorts Stadium is a good facility. After not too long, fans will find themselves joining the Marching Chippewas in shouting out the Central Michigan rallying cry "FIRE UP CHIPS!"

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 UB Stadium 102 Alumni Arena Buffalo, NY 14260 Buffalo Bulls website UB Stadium website Year Opened: 1993 Capacity: 29,013 Bullish Improvement Once they were ranked 119. At the time, it was the worst ranking possible in all of Division IA football. The Sports Illustrated annual preseason ranking didn’t leave much hope for the program, either that year or too far into the future. The Buffalo Bulls were perennial NCAA Mid-American Conference doormats and it didn’t look like that was going to change any time soon. However, UB was thankful to be back in the game. Football began at Buffalo back in 1894. However, the student body of the State University of New York at Buffalo voted to stop funding the football program and in 1970 and football disappeared. The Bulls would return to football in 1977 and play at the Division III level until 1992. A commitment was made to move the team up to the top division and that journey was completed in 1999 when Buffalo joined the Mid-America Conference. Coinciding with the move up to Division I was the opening of UB Stadium. nestled neatly on the North Campus in the town of Amherst, New York, UB Stadium has been the home to football as well as other UB programs including track and field and soccer. Still, the Bulls failed to put a strong product on the field and the bottom of the MAC was practically owned by Buffalo. Key recruits in the late 2000’s including Drew Willy and James Starks along with head coach Turner Gill would turn the Bulls fortunes around. The Bulls success would culminate in their 2008 MAC Championship and a birth in the International Bowl, their first bowl appearance. Since that season the Bulls have been up and down but are no longer synonymous with the basement. Food & Beverage 3 Concession selections at UB Stadium are fairly pedestrian. There is not too much to get fans overly excited about the culinary experience. UB Stadium is made up of the main concessions along with a few mobile stands. The main stands feature pizza, burgers, hot dogs, nachos, pretzels, popcorn, sausages, and grilled chicken. Probably not the greatest selection for fans. However, for fans that require to get something at the game, a Buffalo staple, Beef on Weck is available at the Red Osier stand. Soda selections feature Pepsi selections. Other options include Gatorade, water, coffee, and hot chocolate. There is no alcohol available at regular concessions. For fans heading to UB Stadium a couple of things to keep in mind. First, only the main concession stands offer the ability to pay with debit or credit. Mobile stands, including the Red Osier stand, are cash only. Second, for fans that are not jazzed about the options inside the stadium, perhaps it is best to grab something outside the stadium. Food Truck Row is an option for fans before heading in and the selection is far better than inside the stadium. Atmosphere 3 UB Stadium is by no means the greatest football structure going. Fans will approach most likely from the southwest corner. Pre-game festivities can be found in the lot to the southwest of the stadium known as Stampede Square. A large inflatable gate welcomes fans and is about as close to a main entrance as there is at UB Stadium. The design of UB Stadium is rather disjointed. Built originally as two main grandstands along the east and west sides of the north-south oriented field, UB Stadium has been expanded with seating in the end zones. The extra seating in the end zone is unnecessary as there are nowhere near enough fans to warrant expansion. The east and west grandstands are large, concrete behemoths that seem to have more structure than seating. There is not too much to make UB stadium stand out and it is pretty plain even compared to other MAC venues. Metal Benches are throughout the stadium and the perfect picture of the logo at the fifty-yard line is going to come from the west grandstand. The field features a synthetic surface and an eight-lane track keeps the stands rather far from the field. The Football Centre entrance does feature large posters advertising the few historic moments in Bulls history. Those include their MAC Championship in 2008 and birth in the International Bowl. Their Bowl appearances are few but featured with the 2013 Famous Idaho Potato Bowl joining the International Bowl. Khalil Mack, the Bull taken highest in the NFL Draft also has a large display. A poster honouring UB legend Willie Evans and his dedication to the Bulls program during and after his tenure as a player is also exciting. Finally, Buffalo’s refusal to play in the 1958 Tangerine Bowl, a team that featured Evans, due to racial tensions is also featured outside the Football Centre. There are no featured or retired numbers within view from the grandstands save for the number 41 which is decorated on both sidelines. The number is immortalized on the field for former Bull Solomon Jackson who unexpectedly died in 2016. Buffalo does its best to offer a top-notch game day experience. The Stampede Square tailgate area is a good spot to be pregame and they even offer a concert series to bring in more fans. In the game that was reviewed, the feature act was Better Than Ezra. The Bulls mascot, Victor E. Bull makes his way around the field and throughout the stands. The Bulls’ cheerleaders do their part leading the crowd in cheers and performing gymnastic stunts. Finally, the Buffalo marching band, Thunder of the East is very good and cements that college feel to the GameDay festivities. They play throughout the game and are not forced to compete with the PA music. The Bulls enter the field through a community outreach high-five line and the highlight of defensive drives is the playing of Hell’s Bells on third downs. Neighborhood 3 UB Stadium is located on the southeast corner of the University at Buffalo North Campus in the town of Amherst. The campus is rather large and the location of the stadium itself precludes much in the way of neighborhood attractions within walking distance. As far as pre and post-game fare goes, heading just off campus is the best bet. Just west of campus, on Sweet Home Road is the Blue Bull Tavern. It features all sorts of UB paraphernalia. Other options in that immediate vicinity include Papi Grande’s Mexican Restaurant, Zetti’s Pizza and Pasta, and Santora’s Pizza Pub & Grill. Maple Street in Amherst features a ton of familiar franchise restaurants. For fans that are looking for something unique to the locale, perhaps the Anchor Bar, the birthplace of the Buffalo Wing, is the place to stop. There are not many attractions to satisfy fans in the Town of Amherst. The Boulevard Mall is not too far away and there are several nature trails close to campus. On the opposite side of Millersport Highway are the Audubon Town Park and Amherst Audubon Golf Course. As limiting as Amherst may seem, it is a very short drive into the City of Buffalo and major tourist centers in Niagara Falls, New York, and Niagara Falls, Ontario. As for sporting options, there are a ton. Right on campus, UB offers other college options, the most prominent of which is basketball at Alumni Arena. Other closeby college basketball options include Canisius Golden Griffins and the Niagara Purple Eagles. Both schools also participate in Division I hockey. A short trip to Orchard Park will bring fans to New Era Field, home of the Buffalo Bills of the NFL. Downtown Buffalo houses KeyBank Center, home of the Buffalo Sabres of the NHL and the Buffalo Bandits of the NLL. A couple blocks away from KeyBank Center is Coca-Cola Field, home of the Triple-A Buffalo Bisons. Fans 3 Buffalo Bulls fans have shown a huge improvement to coincide with the improvement of the program over the last 15 years. UB Stadium usually averages over 17,000 fans for a home game. That ranks in the bottom portion of the NCAA when compared to massive Power 5 schools. However, the number of fans that turn out to support the Bulls is not out of character for the conference. UB Stadium is too huge for the number of fans supporting the team, but the fans that show up are a hearty group and are engaged in the game day festivities. Unlike many other programs, Bulls supporters are not over the top and are more on the relaxed side. A nice feature at Buffalo is the proximity of the student section to the field. The student section is on the 50-yard line on the east grandstand and close to the field. Fans interact with the players before and after the game and players make a point of heading over to the student section. Access 4 UB Stadium is located at the southeast corner of the university’s north campus. Getting to campus is pretty easy as it is just east of the I-990 and I-290 junction and just north of I-90. Getting a parking spot is also pretty easy as there is plenty of free parking on campus, just a short walk from the stadium. There are plenty of attendants around to help direct traffic to an appropriate spot. For fans who require public transportation, some buses travel on Augspurger Road and Millersport Highway with stops close to UB Stadium. Check out the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority website for fares, maps, and schedules. Getting around the stadium can be a little bit of a challenge. Entering the west side of the stadium requires patrons to climb a fair number of stairs. Getting through the concourses is no problem given the average number of fans that attend games. The washroom facilities are also adequate about the average crowd. Return on Investment 4 Bringing the family out to a Bulls football game results in a great return on your investment. Tickets for the Bulls will usually run around $30 or less. There are plenty of available options as far as different seating goes. Parking on campus is free and concession prices are pretty decent. The tailgate concert at Stampede Square can cost an extra ticket. The beauty of Bulls football is the MAC experience, which offers a terrifically underrated product on the field. The Bulls’ improvement in recent years is testament to that. The game that was reviewed ended after seven overtime sessions. Extras 3 An extra mark for the Buffalo Bulls improvement that they have shown on the field. There is no question that the improvement on the field is directly linked to the improvement in football experience. An extra mark for the improved gameday experience including the tailgate concert series. An extra mark for the 1958 Buffalo Bulls and their ability to do the right thing in refusing to play in the Tangerine Bowl. Final Thoughts The Buffalo Bulls experience has improved over time. Coinciding with their improvement on the field, it is easy to say that the Bulls are no longer the basement of the NCAA. Their improvement has breathed new life into the program and made the experience much more enjoyable. Checking out UB Stadium and the Buffalo Bulls for some MACtion is an experience fan won’t regret. ---- Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on Twitter @profan9 and Instagram.

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

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Muzzy Field Muzzy Street Bristol, CT 06010 Bristol Blues website Muzzy Field website Year Opened: 1939 Capacity: 4,900 Muzzy Field Baseball has been played on the site of Muzzy Field since 1912, when local businessman and politician Adrian Muzzy donated a parcel of land to the city of Bristol. Used over the years for baseball, football, soccer and even rodeos, the facility’s brick grandstand was added in 1939. Even today, Muzzy Field continues to be home for several local baseball and football teams. Muzzy Field’s history goes so far back that local legend states Babe Ruth hit the first home run here in 1919. Muzzy Field was home to the Bristol Owls of the Colonial League in 1949 and 1950, and the Eastern League’s Bristol Red Sox from 1972 to 1982. Notable future Red Sox who passed through Bristol on their way to Boston include Jim Rice, Fred Lynn and Butch Hobson. The Green Bay Packers even played a game here in 1943. More recently, the Hartford Hawks played at Muzzy Field prior to opening Fiondella Field, and the Big East Conference held their annual postseason tournament at Muzzy Field from 1985 to 1995. Two New England Collegiate Baseball League teams have previously called Muzzy Field home, the Bristol Nighthawks (1994-95) and the Bristol Collegiate Baseball Club (2000). The Bristol Blues joined the Futures League as an expansion team in 2015. After experiencing some success in this circuit, including a trip to the championship round in their inaugural season, the Blues moved to the rival NECBL in 2020. Food & Beverage 3 For a smaller ballpark, Muzzy Field has a decent variety of concession options. Standard ballpark fare is sold at the park’s two concession stands, including Hummel Brothers hot dogs, burgers and pizza slices. A good assortment of snacks, including nachos, sunflower seeds, peanuts, pretzels and candy are also available. Fans can upgrade their hot dog or nachos with some chili. Thirsty Blues fans can select from a variety of Pepsi products. If an adult beverage is more your speed, the Blues have you covered with brews including Coors Light, Miller Lite, Blue Moon, Two Roads Li’l Heaven and Vizzy Hard Seltzer. Prices are most affordable, as no item (not even beer!) costs more than five dollars. Atmosphere 3 The game day atmosphere here at Muzzy Field is fairly typical of what you’ll find in other small summer college ballparks in the region. The Blues staff work hard, and the result is an enjoyable, family-friendly experience. Your typical between innings shenanigans take place throughout the game, hosted by an on-field emcee and Mojo, the team’s sunglasses-wearing mascot. The PA Announcer does a nice job without being too obtrusive while a simple scoreboard in right field displays basic game information. A highlight of the day is the mayhem race, where most of the kids in attendance race from foul line to foul line. For the adults in attendance, there are giveaways, free programs and raffles from local businesses. A 50/50 raffle is conducted, which raises money to help defray operating costs. Half the money collected goes to the team, while a lucky fan goes home with the other half. Neighborhood 2 Bristol is a small city in western Connecticut with a population of just over 60,000 residents located about 20 miles southwest of Hartford. Sports fans will recognize Bristol as the home of ESPN. While the ESPN campus does not do tours, travelers wishing to sneak a peak of the Worldwide Leader’s home will find ESPN headquarters about four miles southwest of Muzzy Field on Route 229. Visitors to Bristol will probably not stay in the city, but continue on to the nearby larger cities of Hartford, about 20 miles to the northeast or New Haven, about 40 miles to the south. The Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun casinos are located just over an hour’s drive to the east. While there are not many dining or lodging options within walking distance of Muzzy Field, visiting fans will find ample choices nearby. Route 6, which runs about a mile from the ballpark, contains the bulk of these businesses, most of which are national chains. Several hotels are located within a ten minute drive of Muzzy Field, most of them clustered around Interstate 84 and the ESPN campus. The biggest local attraction, Lake Compounce amusement park, is located 4 miles from Muzzy Field. Fans 3 The Blues draw decent crowds to Muzzy Field, generally landing in the middle of the NECBL attendance rankings. The average crowd here ranges between 1,000 and 1,500 fans, a good turnout for this level of baseball. You’ll find a good mix of young and old, casual and diehard fans taking in the action at this old ballpark. Many of the fans in attendance have a personal connection to the players on the field, and as a result are quite knowledgeable and vocal in their support. Of course, watching the younger fans run around the ballpark chasing foul balls, begging for autographs and hassling Mojo is a highlight of any game at Muzzy Field. Access 3 The city of Bristol, Connecticut is located about 20 miles southwest of Hartford. Muzzy Field is most easily accessed by car, located on Route 72 (Park Street). Interstate 84 runs in a north-south direction just a few miles away from the ballpark. Recent renovations to Muzzy Field have greatly improved flow and accessibility. Concessions and restrooms are located on the exterior side of the grandstand, which is encircled by a wide concourse. While improvements have been made, this old ballpark is not the most accessible place for persons requiring accommodations. The majority of seating in the brick grandstand is in the form of wooden bleachers with backs, which run from behind home plate down the third base line. There are aluminum bleachers on the first base line, which are raised about eight feet above the field behind the visitors’ dugout, as well as a pair of aluminum bleachers further down the left field line to handle larger crowds. Some fans will gravitate towards the picnic tables in the grove further down the right field line. The seating area is cozy, but not cramped. With the typical crowds at a Blues game, there is room to spread out. Be warned that if you are sitting anywhere in either grandstand, nets will obstruct your view of the field. In an unusual quirk, the light poles at Muzzy Field are located in front of the grandstand, meaning that some seats have obstructed views. Return on Investment 5 Taking in a game at Muzzy Field is a most affordable entertainment option for central Connecticut baseball fans. All seats are sold as general admission for only six dollars. Free parking is available in a pair of decent sized lots adjacent to the ball field, and additional free parking is available on the streets around Muzzy Field. Concessions are reasonably priced, with no item costing more than five dollars. Extras 3 A pair of extra points are awarded for the sense of baseball history present here at Muzzy Field, from the old brick grandstand with the wooden bleachers to the ring of tall pine trees that line the outfield. Many ballparks throughout New England claim “Babe Ruth played here”, much in the same way that you might see “George Washington slept here” in old hotels. Muzzy Field honors Ruth’s visit to central Connecticut with a large #3 banner on the right field fence, colored half in Yankee pinstripes and half in Red Sox colors. This design choice is fitting when you consider that Bristol sits on the dividing line between Red Sox and Yankee territory. Among the other honorees in the right field corner is a banner with Jim Rice’s number 14. A final extra point is awarded to the Blues theme, honoring one of the team’s founders, Elliot Scheiner. Mr. Scheiner is an eight-time Grammy and two-time Emmy Award winning producer and engineer. Final Thoughts Muzzy Field is an excellent example of a historic ballpark that has been given new life through the establishment of summer college baseball. Recent renovations have given this old ballpark a new feel while retaining much of its historic character. Taking in a game at a historic park with affordable prices and a modern game day presentation is certainly the best of both worlds. After a few failed tries at summer college ball, it looks like the Blues are here to stay in Bristol. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Since its inception in 1986 as the Eagle Pro Box Lacrosse League, to its current iteration as the National Lacrosse League in 1997, the NLL has been at the top level of indoor lacrosse competition in North America. Each year the NLL seems to take another step closer to the mainstream, having survived the coronavirus pandemic to signing media deals with ESPN and TSN in Canada. The 2022-2023 season saw 15 teams hit the carpet for the NLL with some independent ownership groups and some part of larger sports empires. A healthy mix of major league and minor league cities and facilities are represented also. In the end, however, box lacrosse provides an affordable sports outlet, in a world where sporting dollars do not go nearly as far as they once did. We at Stadium Journey have compiled a ranking list for the experiences of the National Lacrosse League based on the reviews of our writing staff. Enjoy! 1. Buffalo Bandits - KeyBank Center - 4.29 Dave Cottenie - The year was 1992. The Buffalo Bandits were founded in what was then the Major Indoor Lacrosse League. The fledgling league was only five years into its existence and four from being the Eagle Pro Box Lacrosse League. Of that group of seven teams from the 1992 season, only the Bandits remain, uninterrupted and undeterred. The Bandits even predate the current National Lacrosse League, which is what the MiLL would eventually become. Since then, the Buffalo Bandits have been the crown jewel of the league, which has seen plenty of change, strong years, and lean years, and looks currently to be stronger than ever. 2. Rochester KnightHawks - Blue Cross Arena - 4.00 Meg Minard - The Rochester Knighthawks are a member of the NLL (National Lacrosse League), an action-packed game of box lacrosse. This is the second Knighthawk franchise to call the Blue Cross Arena at the War Memorial in Rochester, NY its home. The first was a very successful franchise that operated from 1995 to 2019. Its owner relocated the team to Nova Scotia and rebranded them as the Thunderbirds after the 2019 season. The NLL granted an expansion franchise to Pegula Sports and Entertainment (owners of four other professional sports teams in Western New York) to begin playing the 2019-2020 season. Pegula Sports purchased the Knighthawks name to keep that name and lacrosse in Rochester. The organization hired new players and staff and designed new logos and colors for the new team. All championship records of the former team moved with them to Nova Scotia. 3. Las Vegas Desert Dogs - Michelob Ultra Arena - 3.86 Meg Minard - The Las Vegas Desert Dogs are the newest members of the NLL (National Lacrosse League), joining the league in the 2022-2023 season. The team is co-owned by several well-known sports individuals: Wayne Gretzky, Steve Nash, Dustin Johnson, and Joe Tsai. They play their home matches at the multi-purpose Michelob ULTRA Arena, attached to the Mandalay Bay Resort in Las Vegas, NV. The arena also hosts the WNBA Las Vegas Aces as well as concerts, college basketball tournaments, and other entertainment. Box lacrosse is a fabulous, non-stop action indoor sport. It’s one that even leaves fans exhausted after watching a match. 4. Toronto Rock - FirstOntario Centre - 3.86 Dave Cottenie - Beginning in 2021, the Toronto Rock is returning to Hamilton, Ontario, where it all began. The Toronto Rock date back to 1998 when their existence began as the Ontario Raiders. After one season, the future Toronto Rock was purchased by Bill Watters, Paul Beeston, Tie Domi, and Bobby Orr and moved to Maple Leaf Gardens for a rebranding. Two immensely successful seasons at the Gardens saw the Rock close down the iconic arena before moving to the Air Canada Centre, which eventually became Scotiabank Arena. The Rock was sold to Oakville, Ontario businessman Jamie Dawick in 2009. Playing third fiddle in Scotiabank Arena for significant rent became unpalatable for the Rock and the move up the Queen Elizabeth Way to Hamilton was on the menu, back to where it all started. The Rock is retaining not only the Rock moniker for 2021 but will continue to be referred to as the Toronto Rock. The new home for the Toronto Rock is the First Ontario Centre in Honour of Victor K. Copps. Built in 1985 with an NHL expansion team in mind, the former Copps Coliseum has seen several different tenants over its 35-year lifespan, with the NHL not being one of them. 5. Philadelphia Wings - Wells Fargo Center - 3.71 Dave Cottenie - For many years, the Philadelphia Wings were one of the cornerstone franchises in the National Lacrosse League. The original Wings played in the old National Lacrosse League for the two seasons that they took the floor in 1974 and 1975. When the league resurfaced as Eagle Pro Box Lacrosse League in 1986 the Wings played in one of the original games on the first day. The league would go through changes, with a period as the Major Indoor Lacrosse League before settling in as the National Lacrosse League in 1998. The Wings were part of all of those iterations. When the announcement was made that the Wings were sold to the Mohegan Tribe and moving to Connecticut to be the New England Black Wolves, it is appropriate to say that the lacrosse community was shocked. It didn’t take long for the parent company of the Philadelphia Flyers, Comcast Spectacor, to dive right into the NLL and bring an expansion team back to Broad Street. The new Wings took the floor in 2018. The original home of the Wings was the venerable Spectrum. When the Wells Fargo Center opened and the Flyers and Philadelphia 76ers moved to the new venue, the Wings joined them. Opening in 1996 as the CoreStates Center, the building is now on its fourth moniker as a result of numerous bank mergers. 6. Calgary Roughnecks - Scotiabank Saddledome - 3.71 Jim Flannery - The Calgary Roughnecks are one of the most successful franchises in the history of the National Lacrosse League. Since they started playing in November 2001, they have only missed the playoffs once (their first year) and they have won two championships (2004 and 2009). This makes them the winningest professional sports franchise in the city’s history. Needless to say, their standards for performance are high and their fan base is dedicated and enthusiastic. While the Saddledome was state of the art when it opened for business, it is starting to be a little long in the tooth more than 30 years later. Consequently, the Flames have begun talking about building a new facility in the not-too-distant future. 7. Halifax Thunderbirds - Scotiabank Centre - 3.57 Greg Johnston - Halifax, Nova Scotia has quickly become an enticing city for attracting professional sports franchises.​ Curt Styres pursued an opportunity to relocate his National Lacrosse League’s (NLL) franchise. ​The Halifax Thunderbirds commenced play at Scotiabank Centre in 2019 after twenty-five seasons competing in Rochester, New York. Formally known as the Knighthawks, the team celebrated much success on the field winning five championships (1997, 2007, 2012, 2013 & 2014) and ten division titles. In an unusual turn of events, the Knighthawks are still in existence, but now as an expansion team with new owners, players, and logo. The records and championships belong to the Thunderbird franchise. 8. Georgia Swarm - Gas South Arena - 3.57 David Welch - Lacrosse has long been popular in the mid-Atlantic, northeastern states, and throughout Canada, but the sport’s popularity in the south has just started to blossom in the last decade. The growth of lacrosse in Georgia has been helped by the addition of the Georgia Swarm of the National Lacrosse League. The NLL is a 15-team indoor lacrosse league with teams throughout the United States and Canada, playing their inaugural season in 1987. Indoor lacrosse is a combination of field lacrosse, played within a hockey rink on sports turf, with the production level of professional basketball. 9. Saskatchewan Rush - SaskTel Centre - 3.43 Jim Flannery - Until 2016 the province of Saskatchewan was home to just a single professional sports franchise: the Roughriders, playing in Regina as part of the Canadian Football League. That is no longer the case as the Saskatchewan Rush are now residing in Saskatoon. The Rush had a busy and exciting 2015. In their 10th year of operation in the National Lacrosse League, they won their division for the third straight season, went to the Champion’s Cup for the second time, and won their first championship. A few weeks later, the team announced that they were relocating from Edmonton to Saskatoon. As a result, folks in Saskatoon are not only getting their first pro sports franchise, but they’re getting to see it played at the highest level, with a top-ranked squad coming to town. The Rush now play indoor (aka ‘box’) lacrosse at SaskTel Centre. The arena has undergone several renovations, expansions, and improvements since it opened its doors in 1988, with seating capacity more than doubled in that time, such that the facility can now hold more than 15,000 people. 10. Colorado Mammoth - Ball Arena - 3.29 Meg Minard - The Mammoth put on a good show; it is all very well coordinated. The introduction includes motorcycles on the court and smoke and fire when the Mammoth players are announced. The young, pretty, athletic Wild Bunch dancers entertain the crowd during breaks in the game. And, a halftime show includes various entertainment acts. 11. San Diego Seals - Pechanga Arena - 3.14 Meg Minard - The San Diego Seals are one of the newer members in the National Lacrosse League (NLL) beginning play in the 2018-2019 season. They have been successful, making it to the West Division semi-finals in their first season. So far in this early part of the 2021-2022 season, they are continuing their winning ways. The Seals play their home games at Pechanga Arena in the Midway District of San Diego, CA. Built in 1966, the arena is set up to be functional; not the whiz-bang marvels built these days for sports facilities. It serves the Seals well from a fan perspective. 12. Albany FireWolves - MVP Arena - 3.14 Dave Cottenie - In 2021, the National Lacrosse League returned to the Capital Region. From 2000 to 2003, Albany was home to the Attack, who would relocate to San Jose, California, and eventually settle in Vancouver. Albany has been home to several minor league hockey teams, most notably the Albany River Rats. However, the departure of the Albany Devils in 2017 left the area without a professional team to call their own. The New England Black Wolves would relocate in 2021 to Albany and the team would be cleverly named the Albany FireWolves. At one time the Arena Football League’s Albany Firebirds were a popular draw and the wolves' name was kept from the Black Wolves days. The mascot of the old Attack was also a wolf. 13. New York Riptide - Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum - 3.14 Dave Cottenie - The connection between New York and the National Lacrosse League is a long and significant one. The New Jersey Saints were one of the original Eagle Pro Lacrosse League teams and won the original championship in 1988. They immediately moved to Long Island to become the New York Saints, where they continued to participate in the various iterations of the league until 2003. The New York Titans would split time between Long Island and Midtown for their three seasons before moving to Orlando in 2009. In 2018, New York would once again be awarded an expansion team in the NLL and a return to Long Island was in the cards for the newly minted New York Riptide. The return to Long Island would bring with it a return to the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum. Famously the home of the NHL’s New York Islanders during their four Stanley Cup run in the eighties, the Nassau Coliseum received a significant facelift in 2017. Originally opened in 1972, the county-owned Nassau Coliseum experienced a massive renovation which included a significant reduction in capacity, deadly for NHL hockey, but perfect for NLL lacrosse. 14. Panther City LC - Dickies Arena - 2.57 Michael Davis - Panther City lacrosse is trying to compete in a state that is very unfamiliar with lacrosse. Although lacrosse is played in high school there isn’t much of a fuss over it, especially in a football state. There is some interest, however, and the fans that show up to the games are vocal and know the game. N/A Vancouver Warriors - Rogers Arena Unfortunately, Stadium Journey does not yet have a review for the Vancouver Warriors. If you are interested in writing a review for Stadium Journey, please contact us.

Photos by Michael Davis, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 Kyle Field 756 Houston Street College Station, TX 77843 Texas A&M Aggies website Kyle Field website Year Opened: 1927 Capacity: 102,733 College Station - Home to Texas A&M football and The Spirit of Aggieland There are plenty of college campuses across the country that are in great towns and cities. All those schools have plenty of great traditions, players, and fan bases. However, in College Station it is different; there is a spirit that Texas A&M University and the surrounding communities share – that spirit is known as The Spirit of Aggieland. As you arrive on the Texas A&M campus a water tower reads: Welcome to Aggieland. Kyle Field is nestled on the campus of Texas A&M University, and has been the heart of Aggieland since September 24, 1927, and has become one of the largest sporting venues in the country. For a contest in 2014 against the visiting University of Mississippi Rebels, Kyle Field was host to a capacity crowd of 110,631, the largest in SEC and Texas history. This record will be in danger when a 13-year absent rivalry vs. the University of Texas is renewed in 2024 at Kyle Field. Food & Beverage 3 Kyle Field provides standard yet affordable fare at its concessions stands. On every level, fans can find Aggie dogs, Slovacek Garlic Pepperjack Sausage, Frito Pie, popcorn, pretzels, nachos, sodas, bottled water, and candy. The price for most items is between $5 and $10, but the concession stands also offer combos of food plus a beverage for $15 – while this doesn’t save you money, it is just an easier way to understand your total cost. Popular chain restaurants such as Walk-On’s, Freebirds World Burrito, and Chick-fil-A are available, yet the most popular stand is Wrecking Crew BBQ, serving brisket, chicken, and sausages. The concessions at Kyle Field serve Pepsi products, with the best value being the $9 regular because a souvenir soda is $20. The positive is Kyle Field has a Pepsi refill station, so refills are plenty, after that first plunge out of your wallet. My favorite food item is the recent addition of Gig 'Em Sticks – local favorite Slovacek’ s brings a Crawford Bock sausage dipped in cheese and topped with bacon, crumbled hot Cheetos, cilantro lime crema, and chipotle ranch. Sounds good? It is in Sections 134 and 213 of Kyle Field. The beer selection at Kyle Field has a World of Beer difference, which just happens to be the name of the concession stand that has the best selection – Dos Equis, Saint Arnold, Lagunitas, and Dogfish Head are a few breweries that have a beer at the concession stands. The prices range between $13 and $14 for a 19.2 oz. The food and beverages are perfect for watching a game at Kyle Field; there are enough choices for the fan that enjoys partaking in concessions during a sporting event, or you can tailgate or visit one of College Station’s fine restaurants. Atmosphere 5 There are not many college football atmospheres, if any, that can match the history and tradition that embodies Texas A&M University – Kyle Field has earned the reputation of being one of the most intimidating stadiums in all of college football. The 12th Man is more than just the 100,000 fans in attendance but also represents the spirit of all past, present, and future Aggies. Aggie fans stand for the entirety of the game, are loud, and are engaged in the game. This is in honor of their recognition of the original 12th Man, a tradition which dates to 1922, and E. King Gill, a former football player who gave it up to play basketball, but who was called out of the stands to be ready to take the field for the Aggies. The white Twelfth Man towel-waving crowd brings incredible energy to Kyle Field. It seems that everyone at Kyle Field has a Twelfth Man Towel on them, which is waved about throughout the game, adding a similar feel to the Pittsburgh Steelers Terrible Towels. The Texas A&M Aggies don’t incorporate cheerleaders or dance teams at Kyle Field; instead, the Aggies have Yell Leaders. Three senior and two junior students (historically all male) use hand signals, or “pass backs” to direct the crowd during yells. Texas A&M students practice these yells before each game during Midnight Yell Practice on the night before the game, and each yell is designed to suit that week’s opponent. The hand gestures, which are passed back by each row of fans to the row behind them, are a truly remarkable sight to witness, along with the actual yell that 100,000 Aggies shout out in unison. Texas A&M University is one of six U.S. colleges that is classified as a senior military college. The Aggie Corps of Cadets is another great tradition seen on game day at Kyle Field – the Corps is comprised of ROTC students at Texas A&M, who fire off “The Spirit of ‘02’” cannon after every A&M touchdown (“The Spirit of ‘02’” is a World War I-era artillery piece). Kyle Field is also home to the legendary Fightin’ Texas Aggie Band. The band, like every other aspect of Texas A&M life, is steeped in tradition, and since it was founded the military-style marching band has become a fixture at Kyle Field. The Fightin’ Texas Aggie Band isn’t the normal college band on Saturday – this military band marches in lockstep formation and is known for performing complex maneuvers while playing the Aggie War Hymn and the Spirit of Aggieland, which is the school’s alma mater. Another popular tradition at Texas A&M is Reveille, the Aggie mascot. This rough collie has been the mascot of the Aggies since the 1930s; currently, Reveille IX can be seen prowling the sidelines on game day. How special is Reveille to Aggies? Outside Kyle Field at the Richardson Zone Plaza there is a small cemetery – this cemetery is home to the graves of all past Reveilles. The former mascots are all buried facing the north tunnel of the field, so they can watch the Aggies score. The recent renovations blocked the view, however, so a small scoreboard was added to the gravesite for the faithful mascots. The current mascot, Reveille IX, maintains a Twitter following where she tweets about her Aggies. Neighborhood 4 Kyle Field is located on Texas A&M University’s campus in College Station, Texas. College Station is located 90 miles northwest of Houston, and 87 miles northeast of Austin, in the heart of the Brazos Valley. Texas A&M University is the area’s largest employer, which classifies the city of 120,000 as a college town. The Northgate District is the local area for the university’s student life; the Dixie Chicken has been a staple in College Station since 1974, and claims to serve the most beer per square foot of any bar in the United States. In addition, there are also many other food and beverage establishments to visit – these places begin with the numerous Texas BBQ joints around the Bryan-College Station metropolitan area. One of the most publicized, and listed in the Texas Top 50 BBQ places, is Fargo’s Pit BBQ in nearby Bryan. However, be prepared to have a backup plan, as Fargo’s only makes a certain amount of food, then closes when they run out. The better plan, if you just want a good BBQ without the overhype, is C & J Barbeque, which has three locations in Bryan and College Station. Alternatively, the Good Bull BBQ is the closest to Kyle Field and is within walking distance of the stadium. Or if BBQ isn’t your thing, then try Koppe Bridge Bar and Grill – this is a great place for a burger, fries, and a drink before the game. For those looking to do a little more than just eat in the College Station area, the George H. W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum is located on the Texas A&M campus. This library and museum are one of 13 such facilities operated by the National Archives and Records Administration. Inside the building are many of the 41st President’s papers, artifacts, and records. Or, another interesting museum in the area is the Museum of the American G.I., a military history museum that is home to one of the country’s largest collections of armored vehicles. While College Station is great for the US history buff, to truly grasp the Texas A&M game day atmosphere you must visit the Texas A&M Bonfire Memorial – this memorial truly celebrates the tradition, history, and spirit of Texas A&M University. There is plenty of lodging in the College-Bryan area, but gameday weekends could be hard to find vacancies. You may want to plan or check the Texas A&M website, as the website promotes The George, a luxury hotel near Kyle Field in the heart of Century Square, where you will find dining, shopping, and live music. Fans 5 Texas A&M’s fan base makes the game day experience something memorable. The trademark “12th Man” is owned by Texas A&M University; you’ll see it all around Aggieland on banners, concessions, and more importantly on merchandise. The Seattle Seahawks even paid Texas A&M $140,000 for limited rights to the “12th Man” trademark. Kyle Field’s 100,000-plus faithful are littered with maroon and white and are the most engaged fans of any college sport. The chants of Beat the Hell Out of (insert opponent’s name here) or “Whoop!” (one of A&M’s signature yells) can be heard all game long. There will also be plenty of hissing; Aggie fans are taught to hiss instead of booing the refs and the other team. There are a lot of traditions at Texas A&M University – one tradition is Midnight Yell Practice, which is held at Kyle Field the night before each game. Tradition is a huge part of the makeup of Texas A&M University; Aggie fans not only truly respect the traditions, but they also actively take part in Midnight Yell. Texas A&M fans are truly some of the best in all of college football, and create an incredible atmosphere – they are one of the main highlights of attending a game at Kyle Field. Access 3 College Station is located 90 miles northwest of Houston International Airport (IAH), and 87 miles northeast of Austin’s airport (AUS) – neither of these major airports serves College Station. The area’s population of 120,000 along with another 100,000-plus fans in attendance for every game can lead to some serious congestion and traffic issues. There is a rideshare and taxi service available with pick up and drop off locations by Reed Arena on Olsen Blvd; the location changes during and after the game to Lot 30E and three other locations. If you are driving, most university-sanctioned parking lots will cost $25, but Texas A&M has a wonderful shuttle service in place that will make getting to and leaving Kyle Field much easier. The shuttles are free and run for several hours before and after the game, and are a great way to navigate around game traffic. The best option for parking is to arrive early and park in the neighborhood near Kyle Field. This plan is low cost, but it does require walking approximately half a mile or three-quarters of a mile each way. There is an entry tower at each corner of Kyle Field, with ramps leading to the different levels. The stadium also has good signage for directions, and the concourse is large enough to accommodate a crowd of 100,000-plus fans. Return on Investment 4 Kyle Field’s seating capacity has increased to 102,733, yet this didn’t lower the ticket prices. The best option for lower ticket prices would be to settle for a game against a non-conference opponent, such as New Mexico, Louisiana-Monroe, or Abilene-Christian. Tickets for these games sell for about $50, while premier game tickets (usually conference opponents) cost between $80 and $125 to get a seat inside Kyle Field. This is especially true for SEC play versus Alabama or LSU; those tickets can start at $125 for seating in the 300 and 400-level areas. Of course, Kyle Field’s experience is unique in the college football landscape. The stadium has better sightlines and views since the recent renovations, and the parking can be free if you don’t mind the walk to the stadium. However, the cliché of you get what you pay for is true at Kyle Field, because the game day atmosphere is among the best in college football. Extras 5 Texas A&M is the heartland of a football-crazed state, and Kyle Field’s capacity is the largest in Texas, and the fourth largest in the country. The Aggies’ tradition and history are also unparalleled in sports – the 12th Man continues to represent all past, present, and future Aggies. A visit to Kyle Field should be on any sports fan’s bucket list. Final Thoughts Kyle Field is a must-visit for any sports fan – the pageantry and traditions will amaze any newcomer to Kyle Field. The unique spirit that presents itself during the game day atmosphere here at Texas A&M is best stated in the first verse of Texas A&M’s alma mater, The Spirit of Aggieland – “Some may boast of prowess bold, Of the school they think so grand, but there’s a spirit can ne’er be told, It’s the Spirit of Aggieland.”

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 War Memorial Stadium 1889 W Pembroke Ave Hampton, VA 23661 Peninsula Pilots website War Memorial Stadium website Year Opened: 1948 Capacity: 3,750 Baseball on Virginia's Peninsula Baseball has been played at War Memorial Stadium in Hampton, Virginia since 1948. Originally home to the Newport News Dodgers, the stadium played home to several affiliated minor league teams until 1992 when the Peninsula Pilots, then a Seattle Mariners affiliate, moved away for good. However, baseball would return to the ballpark in 2000, when a new franchise, also called the Peninsula Pilots, moved in. This incarnation of the Pilots plays in the Coastal Plain League, a summer collegiate league with teams throughout Virginia, the Carolinas, and Georgia. Since joining the CPL, the Pilots have been one of the most successful teams, winning eight division titles and two league championships. Notable alumni include legendary Washington National Ryan Zimmerman, who graduated from high school just across Hampton Roads in Virginia Beach. The "Peninsula" in the team's name refers to Hampton's location on the tip of the Virginia Peninsula, sometimes known as the "Lower Peninsula" to distinguish it from the two to the north but most often referred to simply as "The Peninsula". Food & Beverage 5 Despite being an old ballpark, there are numerous food options at War Memorial Stadium. A seafood stand sells flounder, shrimp, crab, and clam strips as well as a basket containing all four. A barbecue stand sells pulled pork, tenderloin, and pork chops on sandwiches with several homemade sauces to top it off with. The main stand sells more conventional options like burgers, hot dogs, and chicken tenders, as well as funnel cake fries for dessert. Alcohol is available for fans of age at several locations, including a tiki bar. Prices are affordable as well. One of the sandwiches at the barbecue stand costs $6, or $8 if you want chips and a drink as well. The most expensive option at the main stand is $8. So you will not pay too much for food here. Atmosphere 4 War Memorial Stadium is an old stadium, and while there are some modern amenities, it is still showing its age in places. The Pilots recently built several new party areas for groups to watch the game, but if you are not going with a large number of other people, you will have to sit in the old, wooden bleachers. There are a few box seats, but they are reserved for season ticket holders who purchased them in advance, usually as a group. While the bleachers are not the most comfortable, they do offer an excellent view of the game. The team makes a great effort to keep fans engaged. A mascot named Slyder, who is a Pelican/seagull hybrid, roams the stands and interacts with fans throughout the game. There are numerous contests on the field between innings. The fans in the stands contribute to the atmosphere here as well, making sure the stadium stays loud throughout the game. The roof over most of the seating area helps keep sounds in, but the fans create their atmosphere to some extent. During the seventh-inning stretch, Pilot's superfan Wayne Gianettino leads the crowd in "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" while standing at his usual seat at the front of the wooden bleachers. Gianettino follows in the footsteps of legendary superfan Charles "Chuck" Williams before him. Williams attended all but about 20 games in 58 years (the exact number varies by source) before passing away in 2010, and is even honored with a plaque at his former seat. While our rankings treat fans and atmosphere as two separate things, it is impossible to speak of the latter here without referring to how the energy from the former contributes to it. Neighborhood 3 As mentioned above, Hampton is located at the edge of the Virginia Peninsula in the Hampton Roads area of southeastern Virginia. Norfolk and Virginia Beach are located on the other side of the harbor, which is also called Hampton Roads, and divide the region in two. How long it will take you to get there will depend on how backed up the bridge tunnels (not a typo, the two main crossings contain both bridge and tunnel portions). On a good day, the Virginia Beach oceanfront is 40 minutes away. On a bad day, it can be two or three times that. If you want to stay in Hampton, options include Smitty's Better Burgers, St. George Brewing Company, and Park Lane Tavern. Williamsburg is about a 25-minute drive away and offers many more options, including Busch Gardens and Colonial Williamsburg. Unlike with Norfolk and Virginia Beach, getting to Williamsburg does not require crossing the harbor so traffic will probably be less of an issue. Fans 5 As mentioned above, the fans at Peninsula Pilots games are a large part of why the atmosphere here is so great. They come decked in orange, pack the ballpark to near capacity, and bring major energy throughout the game. After big hits or key defensive plays by the Pilots, it can get extremely loud between the cheering fans and the roof over the seating area that traps the noise in. Many longtime fans have been going to games for years, but also many families with young kids are in awe of their first baseball game. The Pilots have a long tradition of superfans attending almost every game. Wayne Gianettino, like Chuck Williams before him, attends almost every game and pays tribute to him by shouting "Three up, three down" to urge the Pilots to record a 1-2-3 inning, something Williams was famous for doing. However, even the fans who aren't quite as super as Wayne (which is pretty much everybody) still are deeply passionate about Pilots baseball and bring the energy for nine innings every night. These are some of the best fans in the Coastal Plain League if not all of collegiate summer ball. Access 3 War Memorial Stadium is located just off I-264, I-64, and I-664. Ample parking is available in a large lot surrounding the stadium, with more nearby if it gets full. As noted above, if coming from the other side of the harbor, be sure to allow extra time for traffic at the crossings. Even if coming from this side, you may still hit beach traffic although there are more ways around it if you use a GPS app such as Waze. The concourse behind the bleachers is more than wide enough for the crowd, but once you walk up the ramp to the seating area, the inner concourse is much more narrow. The steps to the seating area can be steep in places, and while this improves your view from them, it also makes getting up them a challenge. There are several sets of restrooms on the concourse which are of a sufficient size for the fans in attendance. A clear bag policy is in effect, which is disappointing but unfortunately becoming more and more common. Return on Investment 5 Single-game tickets for Pilots games are $8, with children under 12 getting in for just $5. Parking is free and concessions are affordable, with even more added value for certain deals. When you consider what a great atmosphere a game here is, that makes a Pilots game of outstanding value. Extras 3 There is a Kids Zone and wiffleball field down the right field line. The ticket windows at the entrance to the ballpark are shaped like lighthouses, a reference to Hampton's location on a major harbor. Look for the banners on the concourse honoring all the great players who have played here. Final Thoughts There is no doubt that War Memorial Stadium is an old ballpark. While it doesn't have all the bells and whistles of more modern facilities in the CPL and elsewhere in the area, the energy at Peninsula Pilots game is top-notch. The team and the fans both contribute to the excellent experience here. Baseball fans who find themselves in the Hampton Roads area on a summer night would do well to check out a Pilots game.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Nymeo Field at Harry Grove Stadium 21 Stadium Dr Frederick, MD 21703 Frederick Keys website Nymeo Field at Harry Grove Stadium website Year Opened: 1990 Capacity: 7,027 In the Key of Fun Oriole Park at Camden Yards sits 49 miles east of Frederick’s Harry Grove Stadium. But the two stadiums are much closer in terms of the influence that they have played on how baseball fields are designed since the early 1990s. Even as late as when Harry Grove Stadium opened in 1990, most stadiums were built with an older design aesthetic in mind. Harry Grove Stadium was different, with a concourse where fans could watch the game while buying a hot dog or a beer. Family attractions such as game activities and a carousel were unheard of before the opening of this stadium. Now the design elements, as well as the varied attractions, are the norm for minor and major league baseball stadiums. It was not the first stadium to have this design, but because of its links and physical proximity to Oriole’s stadium, it got much credit for a change in stadium design. The Frederick Keys franchise began a year earlier in 1989, playing in local ballpark McCurdy Field, which had a claim to fame that it once was the host of a regular season Washington Redskins game in 1937. It was also a popular spring training field for the major and minor leagues during the 1940s. One of the most famous games during that 1989 season at McCurdy, was the hotly anticipated first game by Orioles pitching prospect Ben McDonald, with a standing-room-only crowd in attendance. Currently, the field houses high school football, and local baseball and serves as the home of Hood College baseball. The Frederick Keys formerly played as part of the Orioles organization as part of the Class A Carolina League. Currently, the Keys are a collegiate summer baseball team of the MLB Draft League. The Keys are based in Frederick, Maryland. The franchise is named for the "Star-Spangled Banner" writer Francis Scott Key, a native of Frederick County. Food & Beverage 4 The choices are pretty sound here with food found at a variety of stands such as Bullpen BBQ, Hot Corner BBQ, and Dugout Dogs. Keys Creamery offers a good value helmet sundae. Kids will always love this treat that comes served in a take-home souvenir. There is a stand that has specialty beers as well as wine. Prices are reasonable at all stands in the stadium. Atmosphere 4 The design of the stadium is the norm now. The concourse is in full view of the field so that one can always stay engaged with the game action. This concourse is pretty small and would likely now be designed to be a bit bigger than what it is currently. It can be a tight squeeze moving around the concourse between and during innings. I-70 is in the outfield view, but you cannot see it much because of the huge amount of ads that adorn the outfield walls. This would usually be a bad thing but is a plus when compared to a view of a major interstate highway. The ads, though, can make it difficult to differentiate between a home run and a ball bouncing off of the lower wall. The Keys have a decent scoreboard in the right field and a small video board in the left field. Between the two, they do a good job of detailing all the information one needs to follow the game's action. Sound from the PA system does not travel well to the lawn seating areas. The Keys's main mascot is Keyote who does a good job of entertaining the kids. He is not obtrusive to the more serious fan. Keyote may be joined by his mascot associate Frank Key. Neighborhood 3 Nothing is close to the stadium except a cemetery, a park, and a Costco. So you will need to drive to find anything else. Luckily shopping, lodging, and restaurants are abundant at nearby Francis Scott Key Mall and its surrounding area. Downtown Frederick may offer the best choices. The surprising renaissance of downtown Frederick means that there is an ever-growing selection of restaurants and shopping in the area. The Roy Rogers fast food chain is slowly disappearing from the region when it used to be ubiquitous. But the chain is still thriving around Frederick. You must stop in and have a Double-R-Burger, Gold Rush Chicken sandwich, or Roast Beef sandwich. Just don't forget to use the Fixin's Bar and get a holster of fries. A location is nearby the stadium at 301 Ballenger Center Drive. Fans 3 The fans are probably pretty confused by the teams playing at Harry Grove Stadium. Do they support the Keys, now a college-level team, or the much higher level of the Atlantic League team? This gives the fans plenty of games to watch, but this also means it is spreading out the love a bit far. The fans that sit right behind the plate are knowledgeable. Once you get out to the fringe parts of the park you may see the more casual fan. Harry Grove Stadium seems to make both types of fans feel right at home. The Keys draw well, although the stadium is not 100% filled on most nights. Early in the season, when the weather is still cold, is the only time that the numbers will be very low. There are numerous promotion nights for the Keys so expect that a Fireworks night or a popular giveaway item will increase attendance. Access 5 I-70 is right next door to the stadium. There have been improvements to the roads nearby the stadium so accessing the park is easy and quick. Directional signs can be found on the highway. Parking is free and plentiful, even if you may have to park on the grass outside the stadium. You will not have an issue. The lot behind the right wall is usually the best option. Return on Investment 3 The prices are good for this level of baseball. Tickets for field seating, reserved seating, and general admission can all be had for less than $15. The Keys offer many other packages, special dates, and group incentives that make attending a game an even greater value. Extras 3 Francis Scott Key is buried across the street. The lawyer and poet wrote the lyrics to the United States National Anthem, "The Star-Spangled Banner." This is one of the parks that started the concourse viewable trend that is now commonplace in Minor League Baseball. So it is historic in a manner of speaking. Newer parks may have bigger concourses with even more choices, but this is the original. If you have a family, Harry Grove Stadium offers many distractions for the children so that the baseball fan can stay involved in the game action. The Fanzone, past the right field seating area, is a nice place for families with children. There is even a carousel. The nearby lawn seating is also a nice addition that makes the game seem more leisurely. Final Thoughts Both teams and their staff go out of their way to make Harry Grove Stadium a place where both casual and hardcore baseball fans can be entertained and enjoy a quality game experience.

Photos by Connor Comeau, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Stewart Stadium 3870 Stadium Way Ogden, UT 84403 Weber State Wildcats website Stewart Stadium website Year Opened: 2001 Capacity: 17,500 Wildcats of the Wasatch When you think of College Football in Utah, it’s very normal to think of the big FBS Schools first, such as BYU, Utah and Utah State. But nestled against the Wasatch Mountains between Salt Lake and Logan lies an FCS school that has enjoyed unparalleled success in recent years – the Weber State Wildcats. Being a member of the Big Sky Conference since 1963, the Wildcats have been to the FCS Playoffs five times since 2016, with a semifinals appearance in 2019. That success has been a boon for Weber State, and it’s lead to an increase in attendance at its home field, Stewart Stadium. Food & Beverage 4 One of the things Weber State does well is having local food trucks on hand at both ends of the stadium. Food choices range from Hot Dogs, Burgers, and Pizza to desserts like Churros and Snow Cones (depending on the time of year). This gives the feel of a normal college town and it’s great to see schools like Weber State help support local businesses, as they can be essential to college towns as a whole. The prices for these concessions aren’t all that different from what you would pay at a professional sporting event, and there are combos available as well that can help save money, such as Hot Dog Combos ($8) and Popcorn Combos ($7) to name a few. And all the food is cooked on-site, meaning the quality is very high and you get it fresh. Atmosphere 4 When it comes to the atmosphere at the game, it does have a family-friendly feel, which is normal for a lot of college towns. But here, it feels a lot more intimate due to the way Weber State is situated in the college football landscape. Location-wise, Stewart Stadium is nestled right against the Wasatch Mountains of northern Utah, which is a great backdrop during late summer and early fall, but even more so during the winter months with a fresh coating of snow. The stadium has recently undergone renovations, including the addition of a brand new entrance and ticket will call on the north end of the stadium, along with a new Strength and Conditioning Complex and plaza for guests. Stewart Stadium Conditioning Center & Ticket Will Call, Photo by Connor Comeau, Stadium Journey The West end of the stadium features the Sky Suites and Press Box section. Completed in 2001, this building houses 26 Suites featuring club seating and is only used by season ticket holders. The main seats in the stadium are bleacher seats, so be sure to bring something comfortable to sit on, especially during the winter months. Neighborhood 5 The stadium itself has many redeeming qualities, but one of its biggest is its location and views. The stadium is located on the eastern end of the campus, which overlooks both the campus and the city of Ogden and the surrounding valley. Getting around campus is easy, as there are many walking paths and tons of signage to help point you in the right direction. Not to mention that the stadium is located along the Wasatch Mountains, meaning it’s a haven for any outdoor enthusiasts. It’s also not far from many well-known places in Ogden, including Historic 25th Street, home to numerous shops and restaurants. Two recommended places to eat are Slackwater Pizzeria and Roosters Brewing, both of which have high reviews from locals. The football stadium is also close to Lindquist Field, home of the Ogden Raptors Baseball team. You’re close to outdoor areas where you can bike and hike during the summer, and ski and snowboard during the winter. Stewart Stadium Wasatch Mountains, Photo by Connor Comeau, Stadium Journey Fans 4 With Weber State being in the FCS, it doesn’t get as much attention as it should. But that doesn’t stop the fans and alumni from coming out, either rain, snow, or sunshine. Weber State has some of the most passionate fans in the FCS and they travel well, even when the Wildcats are out of state. When you’re there, it’s hard to miss the sea of purple and black that fills the stadium. And don’t let the small size of the stadium fool you. When it’s clutch time, the stadium gets loud. Very loud. Weber State may not have the stature of a big-name school, but don’t let the fans and alumni say that. Access 4 The city of Ogden is located directly off of I-15, meaning the city itself is fairly easy to get to. You will have to traverse some residential areas to get to the campus itself, but it’s not that difficult to find. You can get to the campus either by Interstate 15 or U.S. Highway 89, which cuts through the heart of the city. For parking, there are numerous areas to park in and around the stadium and campus, and parking areas are clearly marked on game day. If you’re taking public transit, there are four bus routes the Utah Transit Authority operates between Salt Lake City and Ogden. UTA also operates the FrontRunner commuter train, which runs between Ogden and Provo, and runs every 30 minutes. Return on Investment 4 Tickets are very cheap for Weber State Football, and there is no bad seat in the stadium. Most ticket prices fall between $10 and $20, making it very affordable if you want to take your family to a game. Concession prices are also within the normal range, so it won’t feel like you are spending too much at a game. Extras 2 One point here for the Wildcats mascot, Waldo the Wildcat. He is definitely one of the more energetic college mascots I’ve seen and does a good job keeping the crowd in the game. He seems very approachable and family-friendly as well. Another point for the location. With the stadium so close to outdoor recreation areas, it is a good school for anyone looking to take part in outdoor activities either while visiting or not in class. Final Thoughts Although not a big FBS school, visiting a Weber State football game and the town of Ogden in the fall and winter is an affordable family-friendly experience. Enjoy the spectacular view of the Wasatch Mountains and all the outdoor activities it provides when in town.

Photos by Eric Hasman, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Huskie Stadium Stadium Dr S DeKalb, IL 60115 Northern Illinois Huskies website Huskie Stadium website Year Opened: 1965 Capacity: 30,998 Brigham Field at Huskie Stadium Huskie Stadium opened in 1965 and after a few renovations, the current capacity has been decreased to 23,595. One renovation that affected seating and stadium arrangement is the Yordon Athletic Center which is in the north end zone and opened in 2007. It contains a 3,150 sq ft. football locker room with a 780 sq ft. gathering area, a 12,505 sq ft. strength and conditioning center (largest in the MAC), an academic support center, an athletic training room with rehab pools, a 150-seat meeting room, video editing room, all ten coaches' offices, football equipment room, coaches' locker room, computer classrooms for student-athletes and a couple of boxes that overlook the football field. In 2003, the field was renamed "Brigham Field" in honor of Robert J. Brigham, a former NIU player, coach, and athletic director. Seating is only on the east and west sides of the field. The south end zone is grass and only has a small amount of standing room and tent space behind the fence. The stadium's AstroTurf playing surface, pioneered in 1969, was recarpeted in 1980 and 1990 before being replaced by a FieldTurf surface in 2001. The east grandstand construction of 1995 featured 10,500 aluminum bleacher seats supported by a steel-beam superstructure and includes 54 rows of seats. Food & Beverage 1 Concessions at the stadium are lackluster and limited. There are two stands on each side of the stadium. The food items are only the basics: Polish sausage, hot dogs, nachos, soft pretzels, and Rosati’s pizza slice for the main dishes. These items are ok, I would say they are not a must-eat. As with other stadiums, of course, there is popcorn, Dippin' Dots, and a cotton candy tub. For non-alcoholic drinks, there are bottled sodas which are Pepsi products, Gatorade, and bottled water. For alcohol, there are domestic beers Coors and Miller Lite. The “Specialty” beers at the stadium are New Belgium, Sierra Nevada, and Heineken and there is an NIU brand Kolsh-style ale, Dawgma. Atmosphere 3 Before entering the stadium be sure to visit “The Yard” at Huskie Stadium. It is free and open to the public. The Yard is located on the West Lawn within, well, yards of the stadium entrances and is the official pregame tailgate for all fans. Inside the “The Yard” is live music, local vendors, and a beer garden. In addition, once in there, you can watch football action from around the country on the giant video screen while your kids check out the inflatable games in the Kids' Zone. If you get there early enough, you can meet both current and former NIU student-athletes and learn what's new at NIU and in the community. Also, the NIU cheerleaders, Mission (a live Huskie Dog), Victor E. Huskie, and the Huskie Marching Band are in the area before the game. Getting into the stadium and to your seats can be cumbersome, especially on the west side. The west side has lots of ramps and staircases going up to the seats. The entrances to each side of the stadium are separate. There is no way to get to the other side of the stadium unless you leave it. So if you decide to watch from the other side, make sure you get your hand stamped to get access. Even though there are two separate seating stands the stadium has a good buzz/college feeling going on once you walk in. There are NIU flags/banners throughout the stadium. The NIU band is constantly playing some song and of course the Northern Illinois “fight song” too. NIU students, who get in free, sit on either side of the stadium. There are ribbon boards on each seating stand with game information and other graphics during the game. In the south end zone is the video scoreboard. It is small but it is readable from anywhere in the stadium. In addition, NIU flags and statues, and /or banners are almost everywhere. NIU has one traditional “Mascot” Victor E. Huskie. In addition, NIU has Mission, a live Siberian Huskie, running across the end zone dragging his ROTC handler after every Huskie score. Neighborhood 4 I would say that DeKalb is a typical small college town. There isn’t much in town besides NIU, but there are some good restaurants downtown and near campus. Since it is a college town, pizza parlors, and fast food joints abound, but there are a few nice sports bars near campus. The “official” bar/restaurant of NIU Sports is Fatty’s Pub and Grille on Lincoln Highway which is located southeast of the stadium on Lincoln Highway. The bar has a great atmosphere, and good food, and is home to the coach’s show. A must-eat there are the Cajun potatoes which are a holdover from the former tenant of the building, a Cajun restaurant. The food at Fatty’s is really good you can’t go wrong with anything on the menu. On game days Fatty’s does get crowded but it is a great place to go. Another good place for a sit-down meal is Molly’s Eatery and Drinkery on Lincoln. The menu is more limited, but the sandwiches are good. There are the usual fast food places near the stadium, Culvers, Taco Bell, Chipotle, etc….However, a really good place to go of campus fame is Tom & Jerry’s Gyros also on Lincoln towards downtown DeKalb. The students love the food there and it is reasonably priced. In downtown DeKalb, two places I suggest are Eduardo’s for Mexicans and Lord Stanley. Eduardo’s has your basic Mexican fare and is outstanding. Lord Stanley’s is known for pizza, and beer, and is a good place to watch sports. While you are there you must try the “Willies” which are deep-fried pizza dough bites with red sauce for dipping. Many years ago, Chicago had the “Cows on Parade” downtown and DeKalb has the “Huskies on Parade.” There are many hand-painted Huskie statues all over town and campus which were commissioned by local businesses. I don’t know how many there are in total, but it could be a fun hunt to run around and try to find as many as you can. Fans 4 Attendance at Huskies games is low in my opinion especially considering the success the team has had over the past several years. When the weather is cold or rainy the stadium may be a quarter to half full, otherwise, the Huskies draw about 10,000 to 15,000 per game. The fans are loyal and loud, especially on the student side – they tend to stand the whole time, which could be annoying for some. They stay engaged throughout the game and enjoy yelling at the refs, the music, and cheering for their team, in that order. The fans on the alumni side are a bit less intense but still solid. Access 5 The stadium and surrounding area are very accessible – the crosswalks have talking speakers to tell you which street is open to cross. The stadium is on the west side of the Northern Illinois University Campus and about a 5-minute drive from the intersection of Interstate 88 and Annie Glidden Road. Huskie Stadium is very easy to get to with the parking lots being near the Convocation Center off of Lincoln Highway and lots off of Lucinda. There are several parking lots within walking distance of the stadium. However, to get close you will need a parking pass. The easiest lot, I think, is pretty far away at the Convocation Center which is west of the stadium for $15. I like this lot because is it an easy out after the game. Return on Investment 3 For mid-major football ticket prices are not bad. General admission tickets for the east side seating range from $15 to $25 and the west side is $20 to $30 depending on the game. Reserve seating on the west side range from $30 to $35 depending on the game. Of course, if you purchase season or group tickets they are discounted. If you look on the alum website or even Facebook sometimes there are discount ticket codes too. Premium seating is on the west side of the stadium and goes from approximately the 40-yard line to the 40-yard line. These seats have chairbacks or bench-back seating and are generally reserved for season ticket holders or donors. Otherwise, the rest of the stadium has bench seating. There are no assigned seats on the east side (student side, sections I-Q) so there is no reason to pay extra unless you want a bit more comfort. The stands are very close to the field so there is not a bad seat in the stadium. The cheerleaders perform in the north end zone because there isn’t enough room for them in front of the east or west stands. Extras 3 One point for the huskie statues all over town; it was a lot of fun pointing them out to each other as we drove to and from the stadium. The water tower near the football/basketball stadium has an NIU logo on it, which you can see from the field. A third point for the fireworks after each score. Yes, many teams do this but being so close they feel and sound bigger. The Huskies get an extra point for having a 1963 National Champion College Division flag on the west side of the stadium. However, there is no explanation of the Championship that I found, so -1 point. NIU gets a point for signs on the inside of the west side of the stadium, on the ramps leading to the seats, that show the bowl games that NIU was in and the NIU retired numbers. However, the signs are small and easy to miss, so -1 point. I wish this information was somewhere more visible especially one mentioning that the Huskies were the 1st mid-major to make a New Year’s Day Bowl, the Orange Bowl. Final Thoughts Huskie Stadium is not the best or biggest stadium but it is a lot of fun and a good place to see a game.

Photos Courtesy of Cal Poly Athletics Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Alex G. Spanos Stadium 1 Grand Ave San Luis Obispo, CA 93407 Cal Poly Mustangs website Alex G. Spanos Stadium website Year Opened: 1935 Capacity: 11,075 Mustang Football With less than a decade remaining until its centennial anniversary, the California Polytechnic State University football program remains the top football draw for the state’s central coast. While the basketball team plays at Mott Gymnasium and the baseball plays in the beautiful Robin Baggett Stadium, the Alex G. Spanos football stadium may be the crown jewel of Cal Poly athletics. First opened in 1935 as Mustang Stadium, the venue has been undergoing renovations since 2006 to bring the capacity to 22,000. The stadium is named after Alex G. Spanos, current owner of the San Diego Chargers. Food & Beverage 3 The concessions were surprisingly limited for what appeared to be a large crowd in the expanding venue. Some of the larger items included the tri-tip sandwich ($7), Vienna beef hot dog ($4), Johnsonville bratwurst ($4), nachos ($4), kettle corn ($6), peanuts ($3), sunflower seeds ($3), soft pretzel ($3), churro ($2), cheeseburger ($4), fries ($3 with chili and garlic add ons for an additional fee), and sweet potato fries ($4). Some of the more popular and unique items included Lucy’s chocolate covered strawberries ($5), or a Poly Pineapple (strawberries, pineapple juice, and pineapple sherbert for $5). The beverages included bottled water ($2), canned soda ($2), Monster Energy ($4), lemonade ($3), iced tea ($2), and coffee/cocoa ($2). An interesting addition was a Cal Poly food truck on site that offered some additional options. I could see this being something utilized on more and more campuses nationwide to add additional concession capacity when necessary. Atmosphere 3 Despite the state of California offering many reputable football programs, few can boast a setting as beautiful as that surrounding the stadium. Views of Bishop’s Peak and San Luis Mountain can be seen from within the stadium. Even with the serene surroundings, the inside of the stadium still provides a lot of excitement. Prior to all kickoffs, fans rise up to support their Mustangs. Musty the Mustang & the cheer team are on the sideline throughout the contest inspiring fan interaction. The loudest interaction takes place after a Cal Poly first down when the PA announcer says, “First Down,” and the fans respond “Mustangs!” Neighborhood 3 I always enjoy a visit to San Luis Obispo as there is a variety of different settings that a fan can explore. Closer to campus fans can find a Carl’s Jr, Pita Pit, Subway, The Shack and Nucci’s pizza. Both Indian and Thai restaurants are also nearby. I would recommend heading to downtown SLO if time allows. In the vibrant downtown area surrounding the San Luis Obispo creek, fans can find bars, restaurants, shops, theaters, and art galleries. If fans are willing to take a short trip north to Paso Robles, they can experience wine tours at places such as J. Lohr Vineyards or brewery tours at the popular Firestone Walker Brewery. If you cannot find something for you in San Luis Obispo, try the nearby towns of Morro Bay, San Simeon, Shell Beach, or Pismo Beach for a variety of entertainment options. Fans 4 Located halfway between Los Angeles and San Francisco, the Cal Poly football program provides local fans their pigskin fix. The recent stadium expansion should be a testament to the passion of the fan base. The student section opposite the grandstand was definitely the most animated, but it seemed that all parts of the stadium were contributing to the noise levels. As previously stated, this is the closest college football program for many fans of the central coast, so much of the fan base has been following the program for years. During the contest, I overheard many such fans reminiscing about the conference title years under previous head coaches Andre Patterson and Rich Ellerson. Access 3 Once you’ve made it to the central coast, getting to Cal Poly is a breeze. Fans will not experience the traffic problems of the Bay Area or Southern California. Parking on campus requires a pass for $6, but exercise caution in the lot you choose as some of them require a bit of a walk to get to the stadium. The restrooms were a bit on the small size for the expanding venue. There were only approximately seven stations in each restroom I visited, but perhaps these will be modified during the ongoing expansion. The stadium offers a single scoreboard at the north end of the stadium and I did notice that it is difficult to see from certain vantage points. Return on Investment 4 As many of the Cal Poly fans have been following the program for years, the season tickets are very popular. Reserved seats are available for $80 for the full season. If fans just want a single game or to attend a few, the reserved adult tickets are $20 and $15 for seniors/youth. General admission seats go for $15 for adults and $10 for seniors/youth. With parking at just $6 and concessions priced at levels fans would expect at any local eatery, the whole experience turns out to be an extremely reasonable value. Extras 3 My first extra goes for the scenery surrounding the stadium. I’ve mentioned some of the mountains that surround campus which provide the perfect backdrop. Fans can also walk up to the upper level of the west end seats for some panoramic views of the stadium. It is a bit removed from the action, but can provide some great perspective in watching the plays develop. Behind the scoreboard fans will find a small rose garden and fountain. This serene setting offers a relaxing place to get away from the action. Lastly and most importantly is the Mustang Memorial Plaza outside of the stadium. During the 1960 football season, an airplane crash took the lives of sixteen Mustang players, the team’s manager, and a football booster. The plaza was constructed in 2006, and is certain to evoke emotion from all sports fans. A mustang statue sits in the middle and is surrounded by 18 copper pillars, one for each member of the Cal Poly program affected by the crash. Final Thoughts After enjoying both the baseball and basketball programs at Cal Poly, the football program certainly did not disappoint. The campus remains one of the most beautiful in California and the fanbase makes it one of the more memorable sporting experiences in the state.

Photos by Paul Swaney, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.43 Kohl Center 601 W Dayton St Madison, WI 53715 Wisconsin Badgers men’s hockey website Kohl Center website Year Opened: 1998 Capacity: 15,325 On the Kohl Center The six-time national champion Wisconsin Badgers occupy the Kohl Center, a massive venue by college hockey standards, seating a capacity of 15,325. The arena opened in 1998 and is the home of the Wisconsin Badgers men’s and women’s basketball and hockey teams. Only two college hockey arenas are larger (Ohio State and Nebraska-Omaha), but even though it is a big arena, it is also easy to navigate and comfortable, with plenty of excitement to fill the huge space. The arena is named for United States Senator Herb Kohl, who graduated from Wisconsin in 1956. Senator Kohl donated $25 Million to the building of the Kohl Center. At the beginning of the 2012-2013 season, the ice was officially named “Bob Johnson Rink,” in honor of former Wisconsin coach Bob Johnson (known to many in the area as “Badger Bob”). It is a fitting tribute to the man who led the Badgers to three National Championships. If you are a fan of college hockey, or just a sports fan in general, then you will enjoy a Wisconsin hockey game at the Kohl Center. Food & Beverage 3 There is plenty of selection at the Kohl Center for something to eat or drink, but the prices are just a tad bit on the high side. I make it a rule to stick to cheese and encased meats whenever I see a sporting event in the state of Wisconsin, and the brats ($4.50) at the Kohl Center certainly are the way to go. Other basics are available as you walk the concourse including hot dog ($3.50), cheeseburger ($5), soft pretzel ($3.50, plus another $1 for cheese), slices of pizza ($4), nachos ($4), and Italian sausages ($4.50). Fried cheese curds used to be on the menu at Kohl Center, and I was disappointed not to find them this time around. Some slightly more unique items include the chicken Caesar wrap ($6), Qdoba chicken burrito ($6), sliders (3 for $5). Coca-Cola is the beverage provider. Fountain drinks go for $3.50-$4.50, along with bottles of water ($4). Hot beverages are available including coffee, hot chocolate, and cappuccino ($3, or $6 in a travel mug). Desserts can be picked up at the Sweet Shoppe concession, or you can grab an overpriced bag of candy ($3) like M&Ms, Skittles, Mike & Ike’s, or Snickers bar. Twizzlers go for $4. Overall, it is a pretty good selection, and the service is fast and friendly, but the prices leave something to be desired. Atmosphere 5 As you approach the well-lighted Kohl Center exterior, you immediately begin to get that feeling that you are going to be in a special place. Through the front entrance, and you find the Dale Chihuly glass sculptures, known as the Mendota Wall (representing nearby Lake Mendota). It’s a beautiful piece of art, even if you don’t know about Murano-style glass. Walking the concourse, you’ll find numerous displays, including an interesting timeline of Wisconsin sports accomplishments, which includes championship trophies for all of the Badger athletic teams. It is worth your time to arrive at least 30 minutes before the puck drops so you can walk the concourse and learn more about the history of this prestigious athletic history. When you finally leave the concourse and poke your head through the black curtain that shrouds the aisles, your eyes will glow red. Red plastic seats rise up three levels.. The center-hung scoreboard has a large screen on all four sides offering real-time game action, as well as critical replays, and fun interaction with the crowd. The band occupies the back seats of section 117. They are a major factor in the overall atmosphere, belting out current tunes as well as the familiar refrains of the fight song, “On Wisconsin.” The student section is one of the best in all of sports, stretching in the western end of the arena from sections 113-116, and up into the further reaches in the 200 level. A large sign hangs marketing the area as the home of the “Crease Creatures.” Regardless of where you choose to seat, you’ll find better than average legroom, and a comfortable chair. There are no cupholders so you’ll have to place your cup at your feet if you want to clap for the Badgers. I would recommend sitting in section 207 or 209 so you have a good view of the action on the ice, both benches, and the center logo looks right side up. Bucky the Badger is a wonderful mascot. He loves to be among the students, the young men and women of Madison obviously return the affection. Bucky also makes his presence known on the ice during breaks, and throughout other sections when he can. Neighborhood 5 Madison, Wisconsin is one of the best college towns that I have visited, and I have visited a lot. The Kohl Center is only blocks away from the main hangouts along State street and beyond, about a mile and a half from the Wisconsin State Capitol Building. If you are coming to Madison for a game, get here as early as you can. Better yet, make a weekend out of it. It is a lovely town with plenty of great restaurants and bars. If you are looking for a great bar, then the Red Shed is the place for you. Located near the corner of University and Frances, the Red Shed is one of the institutions of Madison. Famous for their Long Island Iced Teas, try one, even if you wouldn’t normally order the drink. You’ll be glad that you did. They have darts and a pool table, so this is a good place to spend a few hours. Just bring cash, as they don’t accept credit cards. Also in the neighborhood is the very popular State Street Brats, which is worth a stop for their signature encased meat and loaded toppings bar. Nitty Gritty is the closest bar, about a block from the Kohl Center. If you like locally brewed beers, then check out Vintage Brewing Company, where they also serve pretty good burgers. If you’re a bit of a foodie, then venture over by the Capitol and try Coopers Tavern. They have 28 beers on tap and some really good and elevated food. I tried the reuben and the Sconnie egg (essentially a scotch egg, but covered in Wisconsin bratwurst), and both were outstanding. Another place I can highly recommend is The Old Fashioned. Named for the classic cocktail, which has variations throughout Wisconsin, this is another foodie and drink snob paradise. I love the inexpensive snacks that can be purchased at the bar like homemade beef jerky, pickled turkey gizzards, and pickled eggs. I could have happily spent hours here. Fans 5 Wisconsin fans love their Badgers, and it begins with the very strong student section. Standing throughout the game, the students don their red and white and cheer on their team. At times, they use more profanity than many would like to see at an event that should be family-friendly, but it is hard to criticize their efforts. After a Wisconsin goal, the students will call on Phil, a long-time fan in the front row of section 111 to begin “the count”. After the second goal, for example, Phill will lead the chant “1-2- we want more!”, alternating towards the students and to the rest of the crowd. After a fourth goal, the students may chant “we want ice cream,” as local chain Culver’s gives out coupons for free ice cream when the Badgers score five goals or more. At the end of the second intermission, the fans stand with arms around each other and sing “Varsity,” the school’s alma mater, along with much of the rest of the crowd. You won’t hear jumping around like at a football game at Camp Randall, but the atmosphere is very spirited and fun. Access 5 If you time it right and come into town around 4 pm, then you may be able to find metered street parking within a couple of blocks from the Kohl Center. For the most part, this is two-hour parking ($1.75/hour) and is not monitored after 6 pm, so for $3.50 or less you may be able to find cost-effective parking, just blocks from the arena. Try Frances Street. If that doesn’t work out, then there are plenty of parking garages charging $15 for a game. Traffic can back up a bit after a game, but it’s nothing too harsh. Plan on 10-15 minutes of frustration at the worst, and you should be on your way. Inside the arena, the concourses are very roomy and clean. I witnessed several staff cleaning up as the game was going on. The restrooms seem to be large enough to accommodate the crowds and are also very clean. Return on Investment 4 Tickets range in price from $20-$24. Keep an eye out for “Family Four Pack Deals” where you can get packages of discounted tickets and food as well. Overall, you will likely be seeing a good hockey team, as the Badgers have appeared in the NCAA Tournament for the majority of seasons since moving to the Kohl Center. Parking is a little expensive but can be mitigated if you arrive early, as you should enjoy this wonderful neighborhood. Food is better than average and fairly priced. Overall, you will get what you pay for at Kohl Center. Extras 4 One extra point for the six championship banners that hang from the rafters of the Kohl Center. I like that they are focused enough on championships that they don’t hang individual “Frozen Four” banners, with just one banner commemorating their NCAA Tournament appearances and 12 Frozen Four appearances. One extra point for the combination of a great student section, pep band, and mascot. These three elements can make or break a college sports experience, and each is a major plus in this case. One extra point for the town of Madison, one of the best college towns in the United States. It’s a great place to go to school, to live, or to visit. Finally, an extra point for all of the history on display inside the Kohl Center. Make sure to give yourself some extra time to see everything on offer. Final Thoughts Time a visit in November and you may be able to see two games on your trip to Madison depending on the basketball and football schedules. College hockey fans should come to a Wisconsin game- it’s one of the finest venues in college hockey.

Photos by Steve Ohnsman, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Waldo Stadium 1903 W Michigan Ave Kalamazoo, MI 49008 Western Michigan Broncos website Waldo Stadium website Year Opened: 1939 Capacity: 30,200 The Ship Has Sailed Waldo Stadium opened its doors in 1939 for $250,000 with a 6-0 victory over Miami (Ohio) University. The home of the Western Michigan Broncos was named for the school's first President Dwight D. Waldo and over the years has been renovated and expanded to its current 30,200-seat capacity. The Broncos play in the Mid-Atlantic Conference and Eastern Michigan is their arch rivals. The football program began in 1906 and has captured MAC championships in 1966, 1988, and 2016; western division championships in 1999, 2000, 2015, and 2016; and have made seven bowl appearances. The school boasts 41 alumni who went on to play professionally in the NFL. A popular WMU slogan created by head coach P. J. Fleck during the 2013-16 football season was “Row the Boat.” Fleck took the phrase with him when he accepted the head coach position at the University of Minnesota. They now have two new phrases: “Let It Reign” and “Let's Ride” which relate to the team name Broncos and their popular tradition where a student rides a horse charging onto the field at the beginning of each home game. The crowds at the stadium never reach their capacity but do get a bump in attendance when nearby rivals pay a visit to town. There have been a few changes since our last visit a few years ago, but as Waldo enters its ninth decade it’s still a pleasurable facility to enjoy a college football game during the fall months. Food & Beverage 4 The traditional sandwiches cost $4 to $7 and snacks are offered at Waldo, along with pulled chicken sandwiches and nachos. Pepsi products along with water, coffee, Gatorade, and hot chocolate go for $3 to $4. Credit cards are accepted at the main concession stands. There are no alcoholic beverages available in the stadium. Atmosphere 3 Waldo Stadium has seating on all four sides, with gaps in each corner. There are three scoreboards, two above the northeast end zone and one above the southwest end zone, so fans sitting anywhere in the stadium can see them easily. The big one is on the southwest side, the other two are smaller. The staff does a lot of fun things to enhance the experience, the most memorable of which is having someone ride a horse onto the field before the team comes on. They also shoot off a howitzer after every score, which is located above the east corner if you want to snap a pic. Broncos-themed signage such as 'Welcome to Kalamazoo' is spelled out in front of the northwest stands. The WMU band is probably one of the most active I have ever seen, with constant motion and dancing; before the game, they spell out W-M-U facing both directions, so fans on either sideline can see it right-side up. This is cool because most college bands will only do formations one way, so half the fans see it upside down. And the activity doesn't stop there either; throughout the game, the band will dance and jump up and down in their seats, and will also do additional formations after a win. One notable tradition is their performing “I Got A Gal from Kalamazoo.” A majority of the seating is aluminum bleachers with a few plastic seats below the press box. Seat cushions are rented for additional comfort. Suites sit atop three of the seating sections. WMU mascot Buster the Bronco is a tall horse character. Neighborhood 4 Waldo Stadium is just south of the WMU main campus with many restaurants, breweries, and bars nearby. This is a great destination city to spend the weekend before or after the game. The cities of Kalamazoo and Grand Rapids appear to be battling each other for the title “Craft Beer Capital of Michigan.” Local options include One Well Brewing, Bell's Eccentric Cafe, Final Gravity, Latitude 42, and Arcadia Brewing. University Roadhouse and Waldo's Tavern are great choices, both of which are within walking distance of the stadium. University Roadhouse offers burgers, pasta, seafood, and sandwiches, as well as drink specials every day of the week. Waldo's Tavern, on the other hand, has typical bar food such as wings, burgers, and pizza, but also boasts cheap drinks. Ray Ray's Italian Beef and Sausage is located on Miller Road for great food at low prices. If the college student scene isn't your bent, a little further from the stadium you can find Eccentric Cafe and Kalamazoo Beer Exchange. Eccentric Cafe has local beers from Bell's Brewery, located right here in Kalamazoo, while Kalamazoo Beer Exchange offers darts, pinballs, and pools. Fans 3 Over the years, WMU fans have ramped up their tailgating game with large tents, grills, and tables arriving early in the nearby parking lots. This is a bit of a challenge for night games as the university staff need their parking and the fans like to start early; many lots are not available until 5 pm so the 7 pm kickoff causes a short interval for fun. Considering the student population on campus, the number of students who attend WMU football games is relatively low. The band makes up for that fact with lively, entertaining shows. A unique tradition takes place when an Amtrak train stops in Kalamazoo (on its run between Detroit and Chicago) and passes by on the north side. WMU fans wave at the train, the engineer blows the train's horn and the passengers are advised in advance when games are scheduled. Access 4 The southeast side of Waldo Stadium is built into the side of a hill and the majority of the parking is located atop that hill which means many fans must be ready for several stairs going down to the stadium and (more challenging) going up after the game. Fans with special needs are best served by entering the north side gates at the street level. There are plenty of parking lots all around Waldo Stadium, some of which are reserved for pass holders; these tend to be on the front side along Michigan Avenue. The back side is where you want to be if you are paying cash, and you can park for just $10 within a few blocks of the stadium. There are gates all around the outside, so you can enter wherever you want, but note that will call is at Gate 1, next to the southwest end zone. Once you get inside, moving around is fairly easy. There are plenty of functional bathrooms and are kept clean. There is also a walkway that connects the four sets of stands, so if your side is too crowded, or too loud, you can move around. There are no ramps into the stands that I saw, but those with special needs can sit in front of the walkway on any side, on little cutouts built for that purpose. Return on Investment 4 Tickets may be purchased online in advance, prices run $18-$30. The concession prices are quite reasonable for college events and parking is around $10. All of these prices make for a good bargain at the stadium. Extras 4 One point for the railroad track on the north side, you can sometimes see Amtrak trains going by during the game. The great tailgating, the quality of breweries and restaurants in the area, and the official band bring three more additional points. Final Thoughts Waldo Stadium is a fine stadium to visit on the weekends. The Broncos staff provide a fun experience and the game day staff makes everyone in attendance feel right at home.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Peden Stadium Richland Ave & S Green Dr Athens, OH 45701 Ohio Bobcats website Peden Stadium website Year Opened: 1929 Capacity: 24,000 The Crown Jewel of the Mid-American Conference On campus, it is referred to as “The Crown Jewel of the Mid-American Conference.” Peden Stadium, home of the Ohio Bobcats, brings a vast history to the relatively young conference. Used to host the football team since 1929, Peden Stadium is named after legendary Ohio coach Don Peden. Whether or not the claims of greatness by those associated with Ohio are accurate remains in question, however, Ohio puts together a great product in a great conference in a truly historic stadium. The Ohio program has been in operation since 1894 and is an original member of the MAC since its creation in 1946. Ohio claims eleven conference titles, including 8 from the Buckeye Athletic Conference in the thirties and MAC Championships in 1953, 1960, 1963, 1967, and 1968. The Bobcats also have a 2-7 record in Bowl games with victories in 2011 and 2012. Keep in mind that a select few teams from the MAC make it to a Bowl game at all. Under the guidance of Coach Frank Solich, the Bobcats have been a consistent contender in the conference. A trip to Peden Stadium is a trip back in time as the stadium is the oldest in the conference and although there are some challenges and some areas in which improvements can be made, Peden Stadium offers a solid venue for a great afternoon of football. Food & Beverage 3 Concession options at Peden Stadium are fairly limited, but there are a couple of options that may interest you. There are a few permanent concession stands under the east and west grandstands that offer some basic options. Hot dogs, kielbasa, bratwurst, popcorn, caramel corn, pizza, nachos, and peanuts are all available. At the Grille Stand, they have a couple of other interesting items including chicken sandwiches, gyros, cheeseburgers, and cheesesteaks. The other interesting choices are found at the Hungry Cat food truck where brisket and verde chicken are featured with either sandwiches, nachos, or platters. Soft drinks are Pepsi products and can be found in either bottles or fountain variety. Gatorade, water, and frozen lemonade are also available. Alcohol is not sold in Peden Stadium. Atmosphere 4 Peden Stadium has a pretty good atmosphere but has some spots that could use some improvements. Ohio University has a beautiful campus with some classic architecture that features a lot of red brick and arches. Peden Stadium follows suit with its architecture. Built-in 1929, Peden Stadium offers classic architecture with red brick all over the exterior with concrete arches throughout. Those arches often feature banners, which aids in the game day experience. The north side of the exterior also features the bronze Bobcat statue that fans all make a pilgrimage to and get that perfect photo with. Peden Stadium is also a historical site and the marker is right by the bronze Bobcat. Inside the stadium, fans will be greeted with some pretty narrow concourses and an urge to get to the outer walkway of the stadium, which travels three-quarters of the stadium. The artificial turf field is oriented north and south with the main grandstands on the east and west. Curved bleachers in the northeast and northwest corners of the stadium make it clear that an attempt to increase the capacity of the stadium has been made. The stadium flags are found at the north end of the stadium and the scoreboard with video board is found at the south end. The video board is significantly dated and in need of replacement. The seating area is separated from the playing field by a horseshoe of red brick. On the northeast corner of this wall, fans will find the nine signs signifying the Bowl appearances by the Bobcats. These include the 1962 Sun Bowl, 1968 Tangerine Bowl, 2007 GMAC Bowl, 2009 Little Caesars Bowl, 2010 New Orleans Bowl, 2011 Potato Bowl, and 2012 Independence Bowl. The 2011 and 2012 bowl appearances mark the only bowl victories for the Bobcats. On the opposite side of the field, Ohio curiously features three signs recognizing the 2006, 2009, and 2011 MAC East champions, years that the Bobcats did not win the Conference. The Bobcats should find a way to mark their five MAC Championships and six Buckeye Conference Championships. Seating in Peden Stadium is not overly comfortable, which is pretty much par for college football. The vast majority of the stadium seating is aluminum benches without backs. If you need a back to your bench, then you will need to find a seat in one of the premium seating areas like the club seats. The west grandstand has the best view of the logo at the 50-yard line. The east grandstand is pretty much for the students and band and the northeast bleachers are for the family zone. The game day experience at Peden Stadium is similar to many other college experiences. On a Bobcat score the cannon in the northwest corner of the stadium is fired and the cheerleaders do pushups in the end zone. Unfortunately for the cheerleaders, the game that was reviewed saw the Bobcats score 54. The team is led onto the field by the Bobcat mascot Rufus (who rides a motorcycle around the field), and then the traditional flags spelling out Ohio and the unique flag of Ohio (except done in Ohio Bobcat colors) follow. The Ohio University Marching 110 is the band and they are fantastic. Neighborhood 3 Athens, Ohio is pretty much a college town. Peden Stadium is located at the south end of the Ohio campus. There are a couple of interesting places to grab something to eat before or after the game, however, you are going to have to head off campus. If you head just north of campus, on the north side of W Union St, you will find Jackie O’s Pub and Brewery between S Court and S Congress. There are several other spots if you continue north on Court. You may also want to consider the Red Brick Sports Pub on N Court St. Athens is located due east of Cincinnati and southeast of Columbus. Being a college town, there are not a ton of other options for things to do while in Athens. That being said, Ohio has a pretty solid basketball program with a strong fan base. Ohio plays basketball at the Convocation Center. There are also a whole host of Bobcat athletic teams, hosted by the university. If you are planning on staying in Athens, there are a couple of options for accommodations that you may be interested in. The Ohio University Inn and Conference Center is conveniently located on campus. Otherwise, you may want to try the Baymont Inn and Suites or Holiday Inn Express, both conveniently located off Highway 33, northeast of campus. Fans 4 The Ohio Bobcats have a decent following. The program has been pretty strong under coach Frank Solich. As a result, they have been rewarded with a pretty solid attendance. In 2014 the Bobcats averaged over 20,500 fans per game. In 2015 the Bobcats averaged over 21,300 at the time of writing, they were averaging over 22,000 fans per game. Although these may not be numbers that are over the top compared to some of the bloated numbers that other college football programs will draw, the fact remains that the Bobcats draw close to the capacity of Peden Stadium. Compared to other programs in the MAC, the Bobcats are typically at the top of the conference with regard to average attendance. The fans in the stands are polite, intelligent, and supportive of the Bobcats. One of the curious aspects of the game that was being reviewed was how the students participated. The student section named the O-Zone, located in the east grandstand, was full. After the band played at halftime, the students disappeared for the second half and made the stadium almost half-empty. The game played was also close throughout and not a blowout at all. Access 3 The age of Peden Stadium gets in the way of patron comfort and access. Peden Stadium is located at the south end of the Ohio University Campus, pretty much in the center of Athens, just north of the Hocking River. The campus is located very close to Highway 50 and Highway 33, so getting into town will not be too difficult. Traveling through campus to find parking might be a bit more of a challenge. As with most programs, season ticket holders have most of the best parking spots pre-reserved. There are several other locations on campus to park, however, it may be a bit of a maze-like drive to find one. There are several bus stops that are near Peden Stadium and go through campus. Probably the closest stop is on Richland Ave, just west of the stadium. Check out the Athens Transit website for maps, schedules, and fares. The north tower is where you would want to head for the ticket windows, including will-call. There are several former ticket windows around the stadium that are very small but not used. Do not get frustrated with these non-functioning windows. Getting around Peden Stadium is where it can get challenging. Under the grandstands, the concourses are very small and cramped. If possible, it is easiest to travel around the stadium on the outer walkway. The washrooms in Peden Stadium are definitely in need of some sort of upgrade as they are ancient. Return on Investment 4 Ohio football is a great way to spend a Saturday afternoon. Tickets will typically run between $20 and $40. As with most programs, tickets for conference rivals are more expensive. Concession prices are decent and parking can be found for around $10. The return for the fans is good also with MACtion being some of the most underrated football in the entire country. On the day of this review, the Bobcats would go into triple overtime. A better return for the dollar would be gained with some improvements to the stadium. Extras 2 An extra mark for the North Tower, which offers some modern points necessary for competing in NCAA football. An extra mark for Ohio’s keeping of their classic, original stadium and incorporating new parts to it. Final Thoughts Whether or not Peden Stadium is “the crown jewel of the Mid-America Conference” is going to be up to the fan to figure out. The facts are that Ohio has a historic stadium that offers a lot to the football experience. Peden Stadium could also benefit from some stadium upgrades to improve the experience for fans. The Ohio University Marching 110 also adds to the game day experience in a way that may not be found with other schools in the conference. At the end of the day, a trip to Athens to figure out if their claims are true is worth it. ---- Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on Twitter @profan9 and Instagram.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Scheumann Stadium 2800 W Bethel Ave Muncie, IN 47306 Ball State Cardinals website Scheumann Stadium website Year Opened: 1967 Capacity: 22,500 Chirp! Chirp! Ball State Football Scheumann Stadium opened in 1967 and since its debut has expanded to a 22,500-seat stadium for the Ball State Cardinals football program. The stadium has undergone a few changes during the last decade that included $13.7 million in renovations that resulted in a new lighting system, concession stands, FieldTurf, an enlarged press box, and a new video board. Another improvement was enclosing the north end zone seating area that includes open grass seating. These changes have not changed the intimate atmosphere that a visitor would have when attending a football contest at Ball State. The Cardinals play in the Mid-American Conference (MAC), and depending on the weather or opponent, the cozy and relaxed atmosphere could be the perfect recipe for a wonderful Saturday afternoon in Muncie, Indiana. Food & Beverage 3 Walking around underneath the main grandstand, one would find the majority of the stadium’s concessions. The prices are fairly affordable and feature your basic stadium cuisine of pizza, hot dogs, and nachos. For a discounted price, you can purchase a combo that includes a hot dog, bag of chips, and pop or you can enjoy a brat or a barbecue pork sandwich. The jalapeno and cheddar brats are worth a visit, and like many of the other options, are cooked on an open grill. Peruse the game day program and you’ll find that the university lists other concession items that include Chick-fil-A sandwiches, corn dogs, pork tenderloins, elephant ears, and walking tacos. Atmosphere 4 The atmosphere is dictated by many factors, including the weather, the opponent, and promotion. When the stadium is packed, it is rocking, as it was for our visit during a beautiful early fall game on parents’ weekend. The parking lot was packed with alumni tailgating in their vans and cars, while the student body seemed to be having more fun at the grass parking lot hours before kickoff. It was a festive mood at Charlestown, an area hosted by the alumni association for select games, on the northwest side of the Alumni Center. A few food trucks are set up, along with craft beer taps. The Ball State marching band and cheer squad entertain a few lucky fans in the parking lot who had a front-row seat from their folding chairs. Once inside, the stadium is separated into three seating sections, plus a grass area at the back of the north end zone. The stadium features a majority of bleacher-style seating from the main concourse to the student section. All of the concessions are underneath the main concourse, along with historic photos of the program’s past and championship banners. It is a very functional stadium that offers a few aesthetics to make it stand out from other mid-sized venues of college football. The grass lawn area in the north end zone is the focal point of the venue. It features a basic but functional electronic scoreboard and the school’s iconic pillars. This area fills up during the early parts of the season when the skies are blue, and the sun is shining. During warmer weather games, a Kid’s Zone is set up with inflatable rides and face-painting tables. Charlie Cardinal is an entertaining and impressive college mascot. During the game, he can be seen on the field with the cheerleaders, leading the band after a touchdown and starting the school chant, ”The Chirp.” When the opposing team is on third down, the student section will move their hands up and down chanting “chirp, chirp, chirp.” It’s a tradition that began in 2004 and was modeled after similar ones at Purdue and Indiana University. Rituals are an important part of the college football game day, and this one is perfect for the Ball State Cardinal fan base. Neighborhood 3 Scheumann Stadium is located right off the main campus and a few miles away from the village area of town. The area can become somewhat congested at times with mall shoppers, but there are a few ideal locations to seek out before or after the game. Downtown Muncie has changed a bit in the past few years, and Elm Street Brewing Company, located in a former ice house from 1999, is worth the visit for its food and decor, but they also serve craft beer. A recommendation for lunch or dinner includes the pitmaster pie with Coca-Cola barbecue, smoked gouda, smoked chicken, house bacon, and brisket, or the Gonzo, a fried chicken breast top with spicy bacon jam, cheddar cheese, and egg on a homemade biscuit. Amazing Joe’s, Savage Ale House, and Sitara Indian Restaurants are other options in town. A cheap eat location is the B&K Drive-In which features car service and a menu that offers Spanish dogs, coneys, homemade root beer, and barbecue pork and brisket that is made on site. A few more places to grab a pint include The Guardian Brewing Company, Twin Archer Brewpub, and Heorot Pub & Draught House. You might be able to grab a bite at these places, but enjoy a couple of pints if you can; they are worth the visit when it’s a town for a Cardinals game. Fans 4 They chant “The Chirp,” but you will likely see less tailgating, barbecuing, or tossing cornhole before the game. Inside the stadium, the student section is lively, with the band performing adjacent to them during the four quarters. In this area, you can see some fans with signage, face painting, and a lot of cheers. On the other side at the main concourse, there are a few die-hard fans who do their best to cheer on the hometown Cardinals. Access 3 Scheumann Stadium is relatively simple to reach from I-69. Local police guide cars into the various lots surrounding the stadium. On busier weekends such as parent or alumni day, some of the main roads are closed to the stadium. However, there are plenty of surrounding lots that offer $5 parking and are within walking distance of the stadium. It should also be noted that lines were long for concession stands, resulting in a 30-40 minute wait for food and beverage. This could be due to the recent shortage of help in our country during the pandemic. Return on Investment 4 The price for single-game general admission tickets is $15 (advanced) / $20 (game day) for adults, and reserve tickets are $25. Kids' tickets are $10. If interested, a Kid’s Club membership is $35 and allows kids into all Ball State athletic games for free, plus many benefits for kids and their parents. A popular option is the Metazoa Ball and Brew Pack which consists of one general admission ticket and two of their beers for $20 when purchased in advance – it increases to $30 on game day. If you know of your plans ahead of time, it might be worth looking into this if a fan of craft beer or a good deal. The game day prices are comparable with other football programs in the Mid-American Conference. The parking is $10 in the purple lot, but there is $5 parking at multiple spots southeast of the stadium. There is no charge to park at the Worthen Arena and the Cardinal and Creek lot. Extras 3 Scheumann Stadium receives two additional stars for the enclosed grass seating behind the north end zone and the student section chanting “The Chirp” on third downs. The Family Zone is a fine addition on the grassy hill that includes bouncy houses and facing paint for the little fans in attendance. Final Thoughts Scheumann Stadium can be a fun outing for mid-major college football. The atmosphere in the parking lot is festive, the ticket prices affordable, and the fan participation quite energetic. True, it might depend on what time of the season you attend a Ball State game but choose wisely – you should have a good time. Chirp! Chirp! ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel. Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Blue Cross Arena 1 War Memorial Square Rochester, NY 14614 Rochester Knighthawks website Blue Cross Arena website Year Opened: 1955 Capacity: 10,662 Knighthawks Lax The Rochester Knighthawks are a member of the NLL (National Lacrosse League), an action-packed game of box lacrosse. This is the second Knighthawk franchise to call the Blue Cross Arena at the War Memorial in Rochester, NY its home. The first was a very successful franchise that operated from 1995 to 2019. Its owner relocated the team to Nova Scotia and rebranded them as the Thunderbirds after the 2019 season. The NLL granted an expansion franchise to Pegula Sports and Entertainment (owners of four other professional sports teams in Western New York) to begin playing the 2019-2020 season. Pegula Sports purchased the Knighthawks name to keep that name and lacrosse in Rochester. The organization hired new players and staff and designed new logos and colors for the new team. All championship records of the former team moved with them to Nova Scotia. The Blue Cross Arena at the War Memorial opened in 1956 and received a significant facelift in 1996. Old-time Rochester residents still simply call the venue the War Memorial, while newer Rochesterians call it Blue Cross Arena. It is also home to the AHL (American Hockey League) Rochester Americans, and hosts concerts, Disney on Ice, and other forms of entertainment. Food & Beverage 4 Plenty of food and lots of beer are available for purchase. Main concession stands are in alcoves off of main concourses. These alcoves do a nice job of minimizing the already crowded, narrow concourses. Expect lines at concessions between periods. Offerings include The Market Grab & Go where you can get cans of beer and chips. Caraglio’s Pizza sells pizza slices for $6.50 - $7. The alcoves have Fingers & Fries – chicken baskets and buckets and sandwiches ranging from $10.50 - $20 and Burgers & Dogs burgers, veggie burgers, red and white hot dogs, and baskets with fries for $6 - $13.75. Roc City Dips ice cream (floats, sundaes, cones, or dishes) is very popular, with various servings and flavors from $5 - $8. Other snacks at concession stands include peanuts, candy, funnel cake, and pretzels ($5 - $9). Soft drinks are Pepsi products, water, and Gatorade ($4 - $5.50). Beers run $11 for a large domestic draft and $12 for a large craft draft. The local Rohrbach Brewery sells five of its brews at the arena. If you like IPAs, A Different Animal is a good choice at $12/$12.75 in a can. Genesee Brewing and Labatt each have counters on the concourse. Atmosphere 4 Blue Cross Arena at the War Memorial provides a superb game day experience while also honoring our military veterans. Banners of all the military branches hang in the huge, bright entrance lobby, which is surrounded by two-story glass windows. The box office is inside the lobby. The centerpiece of the atrium has remained from the previous iteration of the Knighthawks, that being the large bronze statue of a traditional Indigenous lacrosse player entitled “For the Love of the Game.” It is a wonderful reminder of the roots of lacrosse. Lacrosse Statue at Blue Cross Arena, Photo by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey The arena’s seating sections are two levels of blue cushioned seats with a walkway between the two levels. The seats are average width and have average legroom. Suites are above the second level; a few are over the goal at one end. The first level rows go up to letter Q. Two corners have spots with a few high-top tables and chairs where fans can perch and watch the game. A perfect-sized crisp, clear video board shows time, goals, shots, penalties, and game action. No closed captioning. Oddly, the video board is not over the center line. It turns out that it needs to rise into the ceiling for concerts, and that section of the ceiling is the only structurally sound place to store it. The game day operations pump smoke out of the video board after a Knighthawks goal. Box lacrosse is a very fast-paced, high-energy game. Music is played the entire game but not so loud that you need to wear earplugs. During the introductions, players run out between neon green poles through a billow of smoke. An emcee successfully encourages fans to get involved and cheer on the team throughout the game. It’s usually a high-scoring game which seems funny to me with the teams having a huge goaltender protecting the little itty bitty goal. Rochester Knighthawks Goaltender, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey The game day staff facilitate silly, harmless games during breaks, like a hot dog race. The players circle the court after the game to show their appreciation to the fans. The arena is the perfect size for box lacrosse; it’s not too big. Neighborhood 4 Blue Cross Arena is in downtown Rochester, NY along the Genesee River. As of this writing, the city of Rochester is looking to rejuvenate the downtown area by adding a riverwalk along the river that will include green space and benches, and an enhanced walkway. I expect it to be lovely when complete. For now, though, it is a bunch of annoying construction. Recommended restaurants in the area are The Distillery (sports bar), Dinosaur B-B-Q, and The Exchange (sports bar and nightlife). Plenty of others are nearby and within walking distance. Rochester has over 20 breweries. The closest to the arena are Fifth Frame Brewery and Swiftwater Brewing. You can’t go wrong with Rohrbach Brewing or Genesee Brewing either. If you’re spending a few days around the holidays, check out Roc Holiday Village (a winter wonderland). Other notable indoor things to see are the Susan B. Anthony House and Museum, Rochester Museum and Science Center, and the Strong National Museum of Play (good for kids). Several hotels are within walking distance. The Holiday Inn is just two blocks away. Across the river are the Hyatt and the Hilton Garden Inn (both less than .5 miles from the arena). When in town, check to see if the AHL Rochester Americans are playing. Check the RIT (Rochester Institute of Technology) athletics page to see if their hockey team or other sports teams are playing. If you can drive for an hour or an hour and a half, the NHL Buffalo Sabres are a 75-mile drive away. Canisius or Niagara Universities (85+ mile drive) have some D1 sports. And heading east, the AHL Syracuse Crunch is an 87-mile drive, and Syracuse University has some D1 sports, too. Fans 4 Knighthawks fans are glad they still have lacrosse in their city. The arena generally draws 5K – 6K for each lacrosse match. You’ll see plenty of fans decked out in their new Knighthawks jerseys and gear. Several fans wave flags after each Knighthawks goal. They’re loud and proud and on their feet for each goal! Access 3 During the 2022-2023 season, plenty of road construction is nearby the arena. Rochester’s finest police officers direct traffic before and after games, helping with the vehicle and pedestrian flow. The Civic Center Parking Garage at 55 S Fitzhugh St. is .1 miles from the arena and costs $15. The website states you can get to the arena via an underground tunnel which is helpful for those chilly upper NY State winters. Outdoor parking is available at Court Street Municipal Lot 10 (corner of Court St and Exchange St). Rochester has a bus service, even from the airport. For fares and schedules, check RTS. The airport is 5 – 6 miles from Blue Cross Arena. Uber and Lyft are easily available. Once inside, fans walk through a security check (clear plastic sports bags 12” x 6” x 12” are allowed) and walk up a flight of stairs to get to the main concourse. The entrance provides an escalator as well. Return on Investment 5 Single game tickets are $15 - $35 (including Ticketmaster fees). The $15 seats are not in a great location, but it gets you in the door. The team offers Holiday Packs promotions (two tickets, two vouchers for another game, and a scarf for $55). That’s a great deal. Check their website for details. The refreshment prices are lower than major league prices. The game day experience is so enjoyable and stimulating it’s worth attending a match here. . Extras 4 Several additional features are worth noting. Game day staff hand out programs upon entry. It contains mostly ads for sponsors but has the schedule and highlights a specific player. Plan a visit to the museum and veterans memorial. A full merchandise shop is off the lobby with shirts, jerseys, hat pins, banners, pucks, stuffed animals, and trinkets. I bet if you want it, they have it. Finally, the Knighthawks players, team, and organization are highly involved in local youth lacrosse outlets and programs. Final Thoughts With the war memorial, the honoring of all military branches, the return of the Rochester Knighthawks, and the thrilling game of lacrosse, it’s worth a visit! We encourage you to see a game if you haven’t been yet.

Photos by Paul Baker and Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Cardines Field 20 America’s Cup Ave. Newport, RI 02840 Newport Gulls website Cardines Field website Year Opened: 1936 Capacity: 3,000 The Cozy Confines of Cardines Baseball has been played on the site of Cardines Field since the late 1800s. Once known as “The Basin,” this location was used as a source of water for steam locomotives serving Newport. The stagnant water drew the ire of local residents due to its odor, so it was allowed to dry out and was converted to use for baseball. A backstop was erected in 1908, but complaints from neighbors over broken windows halted the factory league that used the site. In 1919 the Sunset League, which still plays today, was founded. It’s the oldest amateur league in the United States. However, by 1936 the ballpark had fallen into disrepair and would become unusable after rainy days. Surrounded by dilapidated houses and broken fences, the ballpark was in danger of falling out of use. The city of Newport purchased the field from the railroad at this time and made massive improvements to the site through the WPA. Stone bleachers with wooden seats were constructed. Locker rooms and bathroom facilities were built, and billboards were erected to protect local houses and serve as the outfield wall. The distinctive curved grandstand was soon added, as were lights. As beloved as Cardines Field is within the local community today, it was in danger of demolition in the 1980s and 1990s. Plans were made to replace the field with a parking lot. Local groups were able to raise funds to renovate the ballpark and save it from extinction. Today the Friends of Cardines continue to make improvements to the facility. Over the years, legendary names such as Jimmy Foxx, Larry Doby and Satchel Paige have played at Cardines. The Newport Gulls arrived in Newport in 2001 after playing for three seasons in Cranston, Rhode Island. They have quickly become the flagship team of the New England Collegiate Baseball League, winning six league championships and eleven division titles. 30 former Gulls have reached the Major Leagues. Food & Beverage 3 There is a concession stand down the right field line that serves a decent variety of food for a small stand. Typical ballpark fare, including hot dogs, burgers and French fries anchor the menu. There is a wide selection of snack items available, including soft-serve ice cream. Cans of Coca-Cola beverages are sold here. No alcohol is sold at Cardines Field. For many years, one of the more unique and popular features of Cardines Field was the tavern attached to the ballpark which featured a patio overlooking the field. The facility has been converted to an event space which can be rented out for meetings, parties and the like. The signature patio is still available for rental. Atmosphere 4 At an older facility like Cardines, you would expect a more traditional gameday presentation. This is not necessarily the case here in Newport. There are many decidedly small-town touches here, and the connection between the team and the community is strong, but there is a lot going on here in the cozy confines of Cardines. With a great percentage of the crowd made up of younger fans, much of what goes on at a Gulls game is geared towards them. There are many between-inning contests and distractions to be had, from the donut eating contest and base race to the “Tag the Mascot” race. The winners bring home gift certificates from local merchants. For the adults, there is a 50/50 raffle. With so many fans jammed into a small facility, there’s a definite buzz in the stands for a Gulls game. Adding to the atmosphere is the Gulls long-time Public Address announcer, Dan O’Hanley, who delivers lineup and sponsor announcements with a mix of small-town, old-timey style and dry wit. He offers a marked contrast to the chaos going on all around him. Neighborhood 5 Cardines Field is located at the northern edge of the Brick Market, an area full of shops, restaurants, hotels and tourist attractions. From local pubs to five-star restaurants, there is something for everyone just steps from Cardines Field. Of course, in a seaside resort city like Newport, you would expect incredible seafood to highlight the local menus, and the eateries of Newport will not disappoint. Just two blocks from the ballpark is The White Horse Tavern, which is one of the oldest restaurants in the nation, in operation since 1673. The city of Newport offers much to do beyond the immediate vicinity of Cardines Field. Among the many attractions of this oceanside city are the Newport Art Museum, Fort Adams, the Gilded Age Mansions, the International Tennis Hall of Fame and Touro Synagogue. Newport also offers several wonderful white-sand beaches and spectacular ocean views at Brenton Point State Park. Visitors to Newport should be sure to check out Cliff Walk, a 3.5-mile-long trail which offers incredible views of the beaches and mansions along Belleview Avenue. Fans 5 Newport is annually among the tops of the national attendance rankings for all summer collegiate baseball teams. The Gulls annually average over 2,300 fans per game, leading the NECBL by a wide margin and good for the top ten in the nation. In Newport you’ll find fans that have been supporting the team since day one in their usual spots, an impressive feat in a place without reserved seats. You’ll see families enjoying an affordable night out in Newport (not an easy thing to do), young adults here to catch a game before heading out to the nearby clubs, and casual fans here to soak up the unique energy of Cardines Field. Even though there’s not a whole lot of room to roam, you’ll find the kids in attendance manage to stay in constant motion, helping to bring a ton of energy to the old yard. Access 2 Newport is a small city of approximately 25,000 residents located on the southern edge of Aquidneck Island. Located about 35 miles south of Providence, Newport is not served directly by any highways, meaning that you’ll have to give yourself some time to arrive in town. Once in Newport, the crush of summer tourists and narrow colonial-era streets mean that getting around the city can be difficult. When you’re talking about a century-old ballpark without any real modern conveniences, access is once again going to be an issue. The ballpark is made up of a hodge-podge of five different grandstands, built at different stages of the ballpark’s history. A walkway at the front of the seating area connects sections and is constantly clogged with fans moving around the facility. Some fans will actually leave the facility on one side and walk around the outside of the ballpark to re-enter on the other side. Believe it or not, this is the easiest way to get around Cardines Field. By going around Cardines Field. Cardines Field features recently renovated, if smallish, rest rooms on the third base side of the field. The concession stand is located at the end of the right field stands. A small souvenir stand is located outside the ballpark on the first base side. With the great amount of movement at the ballpark, it is recommended that you avoid the first couple of rows of seating. The old wooden bleachers can be difficult to climb, but the reward of the views of the field from the top rows and the breeze off the nearby ocean is worth the effort. Return on Investment 5 Tickets are sold as general admission seats priced at five dollars, with seniors (55+), members of the military and students admitted for two dollars and children twelve and under admitted for just one dollar. Parking in Newport can be quite expensive, but Gulls fans can park across the street from Cardines Field at the Newport Visitor’s Center for just two dollars with your ticket stub. There is some on-street parking available on neighborhood streets, but spots are hard to come by. Pay attention to street signs as many streets in the area are reserved for residents only. Extras 4 The physical layout of Cardines Field is such that there are many ground rules unique to this ballpark. Both dugouts are on the same side of the field. The two teams share a bullpen and on-deck circle (which are incredibly close to the batter). The outfield fence juts in and out at strange angles due to the presence of homes beyond the outfield. The height of the outfield fence varies due to tree branches that hang over the fence (any ball hitting the trees is an automatic home run). The right field foul line is a warehouse. There is a light pole that is in play out in right field. Fans in attendance are warned throughout the game that the chasing of foul balls is not allowed at Cardines Field. With the busy city streets surrounding the field, a foul ball is a risky proposition. Any fan chasing a foul ball on the streets will not be readmitted. As a result of the cozy confines of Cardines Field, you can expect to see a lot of doubles and home runs here at a Gulls game. The total lack of foul territory means no extra outs will be had, wild pitches are at a minimum, and offensive opportunities are plentiful. If you like high-scoring games, you’ll love Cardines Field. Final Thoughts They certainly don’t build them like Cardines Field anymore. This historic ballpark, filled with features not seen anywhere else, is a relic from another time. Cardines Field is frequently mentioned as one of the top places in the country to watch summer wood-bat baseball. Located in a seaside city with great restaurants, attractions and lodging options, a trip to Newport should be on the short list for any ballpark chaser. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Michael Davis, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.29 Dickies Arena 1911 Montgomery St Fort Worth, TX 76107 Panther City Lacrosse website Dickies Arena website Year Opened: 2019 Capacity: 14,000 Panther City Lacrosse The Panther City Lacrosse Club became the 14th franchise in the National Lacrosse League, and became the first professional men's lacrosse team in Fort Worth, Texas. Founded in 2020, the team plays their home games at Dickies Arena. Dickies Arena is a 14,000-seat multipurpose arena, located within the Will Rodgers Memorial Center, in the Art District of Fort Worth. In the short time it has existed, Dickies Arena has hosted the NCAA Women’s Gymnastics Championships, the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament First and Second Rounds, the American Athletic Basketball Championships, and numerous concerts. Dickies Area has many future major events in the pipeline and has become Fort Worth’s number one place for events. Food & Beverage 2 Dickies Arena has a vast number and variety of concessions, but only a few are open during lacrosse games due to the lack of fans in attendance. The concessions prices are trying to make up for the lack of attendance, and are on par with major sports teams. The choices are above the basic, but out of place for lacrosse fans. Tarrant Tex Mex sells Asada quesadillas, crispy taco baskets, chicken quesadillas, chicken flautas, Italian hero sandwiches, and turkey sandwiches for $11 to $14 each. The concessions also include the basic arena food snacks such as hot dogs, nachos, fries, pretzels, and candy from $5 to $6.50 each. Dickies Arena serves a various amount of Pepsi products at $5.50 for a 24oz fountain drink; bottled water is a little less at $4.75. The arena’s alcohol menu is acceptable, with the basic Bud, Coors Light, and Michelob Ultra ($11 to $12) – if you want to go to the next level, Karbach Brewery (Houston) has their Hopadillo and Love Street for $15 each; the wine list is extensive and ranges from $8 to $15. Atmosphere 2 The arena has two levels, but only one is used for Panther City games. The upper deck has a curtain blocking the seats to give the arena a more intimate feel. The seating and sidelines are good, as the arena itself is top notch. An LED scoreboard hangs above center court. It shows the game action video, score, shots on goal, time remaining, and quarter. The opening introduction of players has an impressive pyrotechnic opening. There is constant music being played to pump up the crowd, or at least bring noise into an otherwise dead crowd. Panther City does have dancers/cheerleaders that are on the end of the rink on a stage. Just like a second thought and weren’t really involved; out of sight, out of mind. Panther City does have a mascot named Prowler, who interacts with the crowd and is entertaining. There are events on the carpet between periods. The game itself has moments, but the lack of fans inside Dickies Arena really kills any type of atmosphere which would make someone who isn’t a lacrosse fan excited to attend a game. Neighborhood 3 The area directly surrounding Dickies Arena is Fort Worth’s Cultural District, and is located west of downtown Fort Worth. There isn’t much within walking distance for eating and drinking, and that brings this rating down, but within just one to three miles, plenty of choices for eating, drinking, and merriment are available. Seventh Street has everything from Velvet Taco, Rodeo Goat, Pei Wei Asian Kitchen, and for a dress up dinner, Eddie’s V’s Prime seafood. There are more restaurants downtown at Sundance Square, and just north of Fort Worth is the famous Fort Worth Stockyards, where there are several fabulous steakhouses to choose from, as well as a Fort Worth staple in Joe T Garcia’s Mexican restaurant. There is a lot to see in Fort Worth, and around Dickies Arena are the Fort Worth Botanic Gardens, Kimball Art Museum, and Museum of Science and History. A short distance away is the famous Fort Worth Stockyards, as mentioned, where you can see cattle run representing the Chisholm Trail bringing cattle from the Great Plains. Billy Bob’s Texas, titled ‘The World’s Largest Honky Tonk’ is also a great place to visit while in the Stockyards. In addition, the Fort Worth Zoo and Texas Christian University are within a short distance of Dickies Arena. Courtyard by Marriott Fort Worth and Extended Stay-Fort Worth are nearby for lodging, but there are also numerous other hotel options in the Fort Worth area – it just depends on availability, price, and preference to decide where you settle while in Fort Worth. Wyndham Garden Inn is across the street from Dickies Arena, while the Ramada Inn is a block and a half away. I stayed at Ramada and while basic, it is clean and safe. Many more hotels in a variety of price ranges are also in the area so you can pick your preference. Fans 2 Panther City lacrosse is trying to compete in a state that is very unfamiliar with lacrosse. Although lacrosse is played in high school there isn’t much of a fuss over it, especially in a football state. There is some interest, however, and the fans that show up to the games are vocal and know the game. The crowd consists of families, kids, and school lacrosse teams. There are a lot of lacrosse jerseys being worn by fans, but mainly for the local high school team and not Panther City, although Panther City does have very cool uniforms. The average attendance is around 2,880 per game; the arena only uses the lower half of the seating arena, but even that the fans can’t fill. Panther City is dead last compared to other teams in the NLL. Access 3 Dickies Arena’s nearest airport is Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport – the 27-mile drive with traffic can take 45 minutes to an hour depending on when you plan to arrive in the DFW area. Otherwise getting to the arena is easy, as it is right off I-30 using the Montgomery Street exit, just west of downtown Fort Worth. Plenty of parking is available in lots surrounding the venue for $20. The box office is on the north side of the building, but only the south and west entrances are open for lacrosse games, and doors open an hour before the game. Public transportation is available, but on a Friday or Saturday night, Uber/Lyft or renting a car is your best option. It is easy and painless to get through the security and scanning of your ticket, and the typical clear 12” x 6” x 12” bags are allowed. Fans can walk the entire concourse, but the upper level is off limits. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster, an online ticket provider. Fans purchasing tickets at the box office must download the AXS app on their phone to get their tickets, however. Return on Investment 2 For lacrosse fans, the return on investment may be higher, but the lowest price through Ticketmaster is $25 for general admission on the ends of the rink, while for better seats the prices can rise to $77. There are packages that offer a little discount, but with games being played only on Friday and Saturday nights, this event would be more for locals than travelers. The concessions prices seem a little high for the offerings, so I recommend visiting one of Fort Worth great restaurants instead. Parking at Dickies Arena is $20; parking in the neighborhood is not recommended, as towing signs are plentiful. You may find cheaper parking at other garages in the Art District. Extras 2 Panther City plays is an exceptional venue – Dickies Arena can compete with any arena in the country. Fort Worth is also a great city for visitors, with lots of lodging, restaurants, and tourist attractions. Final Thoughts This was my first experience with the NLL, and I see a lot of things Panther City should change to bring more fans to the games, and make going a big event instead of just being something for local lacrosse fans. There are so many things to do in Fort Worth, but the cost of going to a Panther City game discourages fans from attending, since they can go up the road to a TCU baseball game for half the cost. However, there is potential in Fort Worth, with changes in marketing and ticket prices, to bring in more fans, because really this lacrosse team is what is missing in Fort Worth, as the team is competitive in making the playoffs. The arena is exemplary – if Panther City can survive in the NLL, then Fort Worth will be a great tour stop for NLL fans.

Philadelphia features all of their major sports facilities in the same complex, a practice that is unique for major cities. Does this make sense? Should other cities consider the same plan? Grab a beer and join Paul and Dave for the latest episode of Stadium Journey's Obstructed Views. 🏒🏒 You can find Stadium Journey's review of Wells Fargo Center and the Philadelphia Flyers game day experience here.

Photo By Michael Davis, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Skelly Field at H. A. Chapman Stadium 3112 E 8th St Tulsa, OK 74104 Tulsa Golden Hurricane website Skelly Field at H. A. Chapman Stadium website Year Opened: 1930 Capacity: 30,000 Tulsa Time H. A. Chapman Stadium was built in 1930 as Skelly Field, after a donation from Oklahoma oil man William Skelly. The first game was played on October 4th vs. the Arkansas Razorbacks. In 1947, Skelly Field’s seating capacity was increased by 5,000 seats, and the venue’s name was changed to Skelly Stadium, which lasted until 2008, when the facility was renovated by J. E. Dunn Construction, and renamed H. A. Chapman Stadium – the venue is named for the H. A. and Mary K. Chapman Charitable Trust, the main benefactor of the renovation. The playing surface at H. A. Chapman Stadium is Fieldturf Revolution Cool Play, and the facility is located at 3110 East 8th Street, on the University of Tulsa’s campus; the stadium is next to the Donald W. Reynolds Center, which is the home arena for Tulsa’s basketball and volleyball teams. There have been numerous events held on the grounds of H. A. Chapman Stadium, such as Major League Baseball and American Football League exhibitions games. The venue has been home to the Tulsa University football team for over 85 years. Other teams calling H. A. Chapman Stadium home have been the United States Football League’s Oklahoma Outlaws and the North American Soccer League’s Tulsa Roughnecks. The University of Tulsa’s football program has appeared in 21 postseason bowls in their history, and has won 35 Conference Championships. H. A. Chapman Stadium and Tulane’s Yulman Stadium are the smallest venues in the American Athletic Conference, each with a maximum seating capacity of 30,000. Food & Beverage 4 The food and beverages are in two different areas; there are the older basic concessions stands that are located inside the actual infrastructure of the stadium, or the food concessions on the stadium grounds in the plaza. The four concession stands inside the structure of the stadium provide fans with basic concessions items like popcorn, hot dogs, pizza, and peanuts – these items range from $2 to $6. The stadium does sell alcoholic beverages in beer tents on the concourse, as well as in Thomas Plaza. The prices are $5 for a 16oz beer, with beer choices of Budweiser, Bud Light, Michelob Ultra, and Rolling Rock. The sale of wine for $7 is another option besides beer. The more interesting food and beverage offerings are located in Thomas Plaza on the west side of the stadium. There they have outside vendors such as Firehouse Subs, Chick-Fil-A, Twist Which, and Mazzio’s. These stands are unique in that they are located on the lower level of a housing complex, similar to the trend of having restaurants on the lower level in condos. There are also food trucks in this area offering German skillet potatoes, bratwurst, and pulled pork. The most interesting food item from a food truck is the Cajun truck serving Poboy, shrimp, lobster, crab legs, and other seafood items, with prices ranging from $10 to $16. The food at H. A. Chapman Stadium is above average when you venture into Thomas Plaza and see the out-of-the-box, stadium fare. These choices, along with the traditional stadium food, will give fans plenty of choices to enjoy throughout their time at H. A. Chapman Stadium. Atmosphere 3 H. A. Chapman Stadium is a great place to watch a game, as the intimacy of the seating brings the football action closer to the fans. The main pre-game festivities are along the north side of the stadium, near the Case Athletic Complex, and provide activities for people of all ages. In addition, there is also plenty of social gathering on Thomas Plaza – this location is inside the gates, but on the outside of the stadium’s infrastructure. As mentioned earlier, this area has plenty of food vendors, including alcoholic beverages, and also has activities for everyone, similar to the pre-game alley outside the stadium grounds. Banners of famous past Tulsa footballers adorn the concourse that goes around the stadium, and the addition of Thomas Plaza gives the stadium a spacious feel, which prevents the venue from seeming outdated for college football. During the game, the spirit squads and marching band are hard at work getting the fan base to get involved with the game. However, the band is placed in a poor spot on the visitor’s side of the field and can hardly be heard, as H. A. Chapman Stadium is an open-air stadium, so the noise from the band does not reach the far end zone by the videoboard. Besides the spirit squads, there is a short video clip of a current Tulsa football player on the jumbotron during certain moments (such as third downs) to get the crowd pumped up. The start of the fourth quarter brings out the rise of the hurricane flag, located in the end zone, which includes warning sirens to get the crowd ready for the final quarter of play. The atmosphere suffers by the lack of fans in attendance, but this doesn’t mean there aren’t moments of greatness. The atmosphere will never be that of the powerhouse programs, but if you enjoy sharing time with family and friends while watching college football, H. A. Chapman Stadium provides that type of atmosphere. A note for travelers not familiar with the unpredictable Oklahoma weather – the stadium is open-air, so a brisk fall day can be quite perfect, but as the colder winter months approach, it can be brutal, not so much because of the temperature, but because the Oklahoma wind can be brutal if you are not dressed in the proper clothing, as the stadium does not provide any protection from the weather’s elements. Neighborhood 3 H. A. Chapman Stadium is on The University of Tulsa’s campus, which is a very nice campus, but it doesn’t offer much. Near the stadium is the Lorton Performance Center and a few fast food establishments, such as Chick-fil-A, Burger King, Taco Bueno, and Jim’s Coney Island. That said, if you are looking for restaurants and other fun things to do within walking distance of the stadium, there isn’t much besides the aforementioned options. However, about 4 miles away (about a 10-minute drive) is downtown Tulsa. The city of Tulsa itself has a lot more options for things to do, especially downtown near the BOK Center or OneOK Field. These two areas provide a lot more pre-game and post-game options and lodging. The Hyatt Regency, the Doubletree, and Marriott Courtyard are a few lodging choices that are near these venues. There are also plenty of restaurants nearby, such as Boston Avenue Grill, Albert G’s Bar-B-Q, El Guapo’s Mexican restaurant, and Caz’s Chowhouse. Fans 3 H. A. Chapman Stadium’s attendance numbers are low in capacity, however, that doesn’t mean that the fans aren’t good. The fans can be vocal at times throughout the game. The student section is small, and are generally sitting near the band in the corner opposite the home team’s sideline. The crowd’s demographic consists mostly of older alumni, season ticket holders, and local fans with children. However, the fans that represent Tulsa football love their Golden Hurricane and are supportive each home game. Nevertheless, the lack of attendance in a stadium that only holds a modest crowd of 30,000 at best means there aren’t enough people to generate enough noise and excitement to last the whole game. But, if the visiting team’s section is vocal and the game is close, then the fans get into a contest as to which side is louder. Overall, the fans are polite, intelligent, and enjoy football in H. A. Chapman Stadium, but without the overbearing fan chants, as is the case with their in-state counterparts in Norman. Access 3 H. A. Chapman Stadium is located on the south side of the University of Tulsa’s campus, off 11th Street between S. Delaware Ave and S. Harvard Ave. Season tickets holders have permits to use the parking areas on campus, but for others there is a little parking available near the stadium. There is parking along the main streets such as 11th, S. Harvard, and S. Delaware, but those spaces come with a price of $5 to $20 depending on how far away the parking is from the stadium. There is the possibility of free parking throughout the nearby neighborhoods, but be careful and observe the posted signs, as there could be towing involved if you park in the wrong place. The low attendance helps in finding free parking if you decide to arrive at the stadium a couple of hours before kickoff. Furthermore, the entrances to the stadium plaza and grounds are well marked, making a fast and easy process to get inside H. A. Chapman Stadium. The facility is uniquely set up compared to other venues, in that the stadium infrastructure is only 2/3 of the stadium grounds, which allows plenty of space to walk around inside, so you don’t feel confined as you move around the concourse and aisles and walkways throughout the stadium. The seating is primarily bleacher seating, except for the middle of the home side of the stadium, which is reserved for season ticket holders, so the seats in that area are individual, and are near the elevators that lead to the box seats. The bathrooms at H. A. Chapman Stadium are outdated but easy to access. Overall, the venue is easy to move around once parking is secured for the game. Return on Investment 4 The University of Tulsa’s single game football tickets are below average when compared to their counterparts in the American Athletic Conference (AAC), and are much cheaper than prices at larger and more traditional football schools. Single ticket prices range from as low as $15 in the end zones to $50 for mid-field seating. These prices, along with cheap to free parking, the low cost at the concessions stands, and quality top tier college football makes the cost of attending a football game at H. A. Chapman Stadium an above average return on investment. Extras 2 H. A. Chapman Stadium is a venue from the past, that has sustained the age of building new stadiums, by engineering a unique setting in using more than the original infrastructure. The stadium grounds and confined seating doesn’t overwhelm fans, but provides close action to FBS college football. Final Thoughts H. A. Chapman Stadium and The Tulsa Golden Hurricane can’t compare to the state schools in Stillwater or Norman. The football program doesn’t have the deep talented players, the tradition, the facilities, or the donors that would enable them to compete with the Oklahoma State Cowboys or the Oklahoma Sooners. However, Tulsa does a wonderful job in competing with other schools in the FBS and in the American Athletic Conference (AAC). The return on investment here is above average, the football talent can at times be well above average, and the historic stadium continues to hold its own in providing a fun-filled college football atmosphere, such that anyone living in or traveling to Tulsa should make a visit during the football season.

Photo courtesy of Tulane Athletics Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Yulman Stadium Ben Weiner Dr New Orleans, LA 70118 Tulane Green Wave website Yulman Stadium website Year Opened: 2014 Capacity: 30,000 Waving At Yulman Stadium New Orleans has long been known as a party town, a foodie’s heaven, and a jazz lover’s nirvana. It is quickly becoming a sports town as well, with the Saints, Pelicans, and the Tulane all on the upswing. Tulane has gone to bowl games for three years straight… a first in the school’s history. Tulane is a private university located in the Uptown New Orleans neighborhood, near to the Garden District, located 3.5 miles from the French Quarter and Bourbon Street. It was founded in 1834 and today more than 14,000 students take classes on its lovely tree-lined campus. The sports teams are known as the Green Wave, made famous by a song that appeared in the Tulane student newspaper back in the 1920s. Since it is impossible to depict a wave as a mascot, Tulane has Riptide the Pelican to roam its sidelines. The pelican is the state bird for Louisiana. Tulane football games returned to the campus in 2014, after playing for 40 seasons at the Superdome. Tulane’s original on-campus football stadium was Tulane Stadium, informally known as the “Sugar Bowl,” which held more than 80,000 fans and served the school from 1925- 1974. It also served as the site for the Sugar Bowl postseason bowl game. It was torn down in 1975 and replaced by student housing. Tulane has a long history in football as it first fielded a team in 1893. Tulane’s present stadium, Yulman Stadium, opened in 2014 with a capacity of 30,000. Richard Yulman, a Tulane alumnus, donated $15 million towards its construction cost. Tom Benson, the late owner of the New Orleans Saints, also contributed $7.5 million to the building of the facility and the playing field bears his name. Tulane is a member of the American Athletic Conference, which includes teams like SMU, Memphis, UCF, and Cincinnati. Food & Beverage 5 New Orleans is very proud of its reputation as one of the gastronomic capitals of the U.S., if not the world. This is quite evident in the food available at Yulman Stadium. The Glazer Family Club has its own menu for the more monied alumnus of the school, but students and the general public are not slighted in the offerings at the Tailgate Village, Athletes Plaza, or inside the stadium. The concessions goal at Yulman Stadium is to “provide game fare, with a focus on local specialty flavors.” This means you will have an opportunity to enjoy dishes including fried chicken with Louisiana Pepper Butter Sauce, Petit Po’Boy sandwiches, red beans and sausage with white rice, and mini muffulettas or crawfish meat nachos. In addition, Yulman Stadium does allow the sale of alcoholic beverages. Choices include both domestic, craft, and international beers, as well as wine. Of course, if you want a hot dog and a Coke… that is available as well. Atmosphere 4 Yulman Stadium provides fans with a much more intimate atmosphere than was possible at either the Sugar Bowl or the Superdome. The stadium’s capacity of 30,000 was necessary as neighborhoods have replaced the open fields that existed in earlier times. In order to be a good neighbor, the stadium is designed as a low-profile structure so that it does not tower over the surrounding residential streets. Special lighting standards were followed so that the neighborhoods were not impacted by the tremendous lighting towers found at most stadiums. The venue offers several unique features designed to please the deep-pocketed alums as well as members of the public and the student body. The top of the line Glazer Family Club features 1,500 chairback seats with two club rooms that overlook the 50-yard line. Membership in this area of the stadium includes a sports bar and an enhanced menu of food on the buffet. The Westfeldt Terrace is a roof-protected open-air section with 3,000 seatbacks which provides a panoramic view of downtown New Orleans. There are also party decks that are open to anyone with a ticket. The outside of Yulman Stadium features the Athlete’s Plaza, which hosts both pre and post-game celebrations with music provided by a live jazz band. Neighborhood 4 Tulane is located in the Garden District of New Orleans. It is known for its beautiful houses, which typically have courtyards filled with beautiful gardens. Many of these homes are available for tours. Another major attraction in the Garden District is the Audubon Park and Zoo. This is the New Orleans version of Central Park and is well worth the visit. There are numerous art galleries in the area as well as many smaller restaurants. Fans 4 The return to campus has resulted in the rebirth of the Tulane football fan. It has allowed students, alumni, and parents to gather together for a day-long social celebration followed by the football game. This has resulted in increased interest in the program and a sea of green, blue, and white in the stands, instead of empty seats. Fans begin a game day more than four hours before kickoff under a sea of tents known as the Tailgate Village, The Village is located on the Newcomb and Berger Family Lawns (actually quads on the tree-covered campus). Set-ups can be as plain or as fancy as a group wants them to be. We’ve been to The Grove at Ole Miss, and take it from us, the Tulane tailgate experience is in the same league. In addition to eating, drinking, and just enjoying each other’s company, Tulane provides plenty of amenities. The Tulane band stops by to serenade you. Local jazz bands play a set, the cheer squad leads some warmup cheers to build spirit and there is a family fun zone for the kids. A team store is also on-site to provide you with whatever Green Wave spirit supplies you may need. There is usually a theme to each game (i.e., Kids day, senior day, homecoming, etc.). Access 3 Parking is quite limited on the Tulane campus, and game day parking is prohibited on the neighborhood streets around the campus. Tulane has set up a system utilizing the parking lots at surrounding schools, churches, shopping centers, and private businesses with a free shuttle service providing rides to and from the campus on game days. This serves as a fundraiser for the sites providing parking and helps maintain good relationships between the neighborhoods and the school. If you are not toting a lot of tailgating supplies with you, a great New Orleans way to get to the game is via the St. Charles Streetcar. This allows you to view the many beautiful homes in the Midtown and Garden Districts as you make the trip from downtown New Orleans to the campus. The streetcar has a stop located directly in front of the Tulane campus and costs only $1.25 (correct change only) each way. After the game, you can stay on the streetcar on your return trip to check out other New Orleans hot spots like the Riverwalk and Bourbon Street. Return on Investment 3 New Orleans is a city that is heavily dependent on tourism, and as a result, it can be an expensive place to visit. Many B&Bs in the Garden District will have much less expensive rates than a downtown hotel would charge. Use public transportation to reach most of the big tourist attractions and save a bundle on parking. Museums in New Orleans are quite unique and often are free or have lower costs than other tourist attractions. The Tulane aspects of ROI are quite reasonable. With the exception of the Yulman Club seats, tickets are not expensive. Tickets behind the end zones are $5. If you want to sit on the side at the goal line, expect to pay $10. Tickets between the 40’s on the visitor’s side go for $35. The tickets on the home side of the field are predominately for season ticket holders. However, you can find upper deck seats on that side for $50 or you can splurge and pay $200 for lower-level seats. Parking varies from $10-$25 for lots surrounding the Tulane campus. The closer to campus, the more you will pay for parking. Extras 3 During the 2021 football season, proof of vaccination and/or a negative COVID test is required for admission. Tulane has revived an old tradition in covering the end zones with a green and white checkerboard design. This was one of the original elements the old Sugar Bowl Stadium was known for. Tulane games, especially early in the season, are held in the evening in order to beat the heat. This allows you plenty of time to visit the sites around the New Orleans area. Check out the Jax Brewery, Jackson Square, Mardi Gras World across the Mississippi River and then stop off at Café du Monde for one of their fabulous beignets. Final Thoughts New Orleans is one of the most unique cities in the USA, with a decidedly European feel. A visit to a Tulane football game and the Garden District is a great way to get a feel for the sports side of the city. However, you are really cheating yourself if you come only for a game. Immerse yourself in all that New Orleans has to offer… you will feel it is money well spent.Laissez les bon temps roler!

Photos by Aaron Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.29 Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium 335 S Hollywood St Memphis, TN 38104 Memphis Tigers website Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium website Year Opened: 1965 Capacity: 61,008 Roar Of The Tiger Note: The Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium's name was changed to Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium in Fall 2022. Opened in 1965, Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium is home to the Memphis Tigers football team, as well as the annual NCAA football Liberty Bowl, and currently has a capacity of 56,862. The facility is a true bowl design, with an oval-shaped grandstand that rises to a peak in the middle of each sideline, and descends to have valleys behind each end zone. The sight lines here are truly outstanding, meaning all seats have a great view of the action, due to the fact that the grandstand is really close to the field, but also because the seats are very steep, so all of the seats are closer to the action than at comparably-sized stadiums. Food & Beverage 4 Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium has a good variety of food and beverage options available at its concessions stands, including a couple varieties of beer. The stadium is located in Memphis, so the obvious highlight here in terms of concessions is the barbecue from local favorite Hog Wild BBQ. The Hog Wild stand offers barbecue nachos and barbecue sandwiches, as well as cheese nachos and potato salad. Food choices at other stands include sub sandwiches with several different types of meat, regular and foot-long corn dogs, turkey legs, Polish sausage, burgers, pizza, fried bologna sandwiches, deluxe nachos, and barbecue chicken sandwiches. You can also find snack and dessert options such as chips, cookies, boxed candy, and funnel cake. Food items range in cost from $2 for cookies, chips, and boxed candy, $4-$9 for funnel cake and most main dishes, $12 for turkey legs and deluxe nachos, and all the way up to $30 for a whole pizza. Note that each of the concessions stands offers different items, so you may need to walk around a bit if you are looking for a specific thing. Drink offerings at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium include bottled water, Coke products in bottles, iced coffee, lemonade, sweet tea, and a couple varieties of beer. All drinks are $4, except beer, which is $8, but there is a stand near section 104 that offers $4 beers if you buy before kickoff. You can find the same drink options all over the stadium, and there is even a bar inside called Café at the 50. Atmosphere 4 Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium is a fun place to watch a game, and offers a couple of cool features that make the experience unique. The absolute best thing about seeing a game here is the live tiger that serves as one of the mascots. During the Tiger Walk, when the suit-and-tie clad players and coaches walk into the stadium before the game, TOM the tiger is with them, but you can also see him right before kickoff, pacing his cage as he is driven around the field. His cage is parked right behind one of the end zones throughout the game, so you can also catch glimpses of him while watching the action. Besides TOM, the staff does a couple other interesting things to enhance the experience, the first a FedEx plane flying over before the game. You may have seen flyovers at other stadiums, but here at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium, the plane circles the venue a couple of times, so you can actually get a really good view of it (FedEx is one of the Tigers’ sponsors). You also get to see fireworks after every Memphis touchdown (and after a win), and you will probably even hear real locomotives going by during the game, thanks to the actual railroad line right outside the stadium; you can see the tracks from the nosebleed seats. Besides the live tiger and other great features, Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium also has a cool design, with graceful curves that rise or fall depending on which side you are standing on, plus a huge fountain outside the main entrance. And the stadium looks even better at night, when both the fountain and the pillars surrounding the grandstand are lit up in blue. Once you get inside the stadium, you will see some really cool end zones, with black and blue tiger-striping serving as the backdrop for the team names painted there. There are also several giant tarps above one of the end zones, with that same tiger-striping plus the school logo, and most of the seats are painted in the team’s colors; the bulk of the seats are aluminum bleachers, but there are bucket-style chair backs in the 15-20 lowest rows along each sideline. Neighborhood 5 Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium is in a great location if you want to come for the day or weekend. Located about 5 miles east of downtown Memphis, the stadium is an easy drive from lots of popular attractions, such as Beale Street or the National Civil Rights Museum (the Lorraine Motel where Dr. Martin Luther King was killed). If you happen to be an Elvis fan, Sun Studio is also downtown, and Graceland isn’t much further; you can also drive about an hour and a half south to Tupelo to see his birthplace. There are plenty of great restaurants near downtown, especially on Beale Street, including Hard Rock Café and Hooters; many of the restaurants on Beale Street feature live music. However, if you are looking for something closer to the stadium, you might try Central BBQ or Celtic Crossing Irish Pub. Central BBQ offers Memphis-style smoked meats, and is a good option if you are looking for some local flavors, while Celtic Crossing features traditional Irish fare, and is a great spot for drinks and dancing. Most of the hotels in the Memphis area are near downtown or along the I-40/I-240 beltline; the closest ones to Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium are Best Western and Courtyard, the latter which is near the airport. Fans 4 Fans at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium are loud and loyal; at a typical game the stadium will be at least two-thirds full, and during special events like white-out games, nearly all fans wear the right gear for the occasion. You will hear lots of cheering during the game, and loud booing at bad calls, and most fans wear team gear. And as at most big-time sporting events, you will even see fans with chests painted in support of their team. Access 4 Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium is located near the center of the I-40/I-240 beltline, so you have to drive through town a little to get here, since the stadium is not right off the freeway. However, there is plenty of parking on the north and west sides for $15, so you shouldn’t have to walk very far (parking on the east side is harder to come by). There are also gates all the way around the venue, so you can get in on any side; note that will call is at Gate 1. Once you get inside the stadium, moving around is easy, and there are plenty of bathrooms. There are ramps into the stands all around the concourse, and there is also a walkway that fully circles the lower bowl, so you can get to your seat easily no matter which side you enter on. Return on Investment 5 Tickets to Memphis football games start at $15, which is already on the low end for major college football, but you can also buy them from scalpers outside the stadium for as little as $5, which is a steal for the experience. Concessions are very reasonable since there are several low-cost options, and parking is certainly fair for a venue of this size. Extras 4 Being able to see a live tiger is definitely a plus, and one of the main reasons you should plan a trip to Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium. Also, seeing a jumbo jet not only fly over, but actually circle the stadium is really cool, and very unique, as is being able to hear real locomotives roll by during the game. You also can’t beat Memphis as a tourist destination. Final Thoughts Football teams in the American Athletic Conference often get overlooked, since they aren’t in the more prestigious Group of 5. However, passing on these schools means you will miss out on some really great college football venues like this one. So, if you are planning to be in the Memphis area anytime soon, look into visiting Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium; seeing a game here will definitely be worth your while.

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

Photos by Aaron S. Terry and Joseph Oakes, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium 100 Ficklen Dr Greenville, NC 27858 East Carolina Pirates website Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium website Year Opened: 1963 Capacity: 50,000 No Quarter Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium opened on September 7, 1963, as East Carolina defeated Wake Forest 21-10. The total cost of the stadium was $300,000 which included permanent stands on the south side, a small press box, and a lighting system. Several renovations since then have made Dowdy-Ficklen arguably the nicest non-power 5 college football stadium. Seating on the north side was completed in 1968, which bumped capacity up to 20,000. In 1978, the seating capacity increased to 35,000. An upper deck and club level expansion in 1998 and 1999 increased capacity to 43,000, and an endzone expansion project in 2010 pushed capacity to its current 50,000. Completed in 2019, TowneBank Tower rises over the south side of the stadium which added a new club level, loge boxes, suites, and a new press level. In 2022, a new video board and ribbon board were added around the stadium. These renovations make Dowdy-Ficklen a great place to be on a fall Saturday! Food & Beverage 2 While Dowdy-Ficklen offers a fair selection of concession products, we strongly suggest that you eat before you arrive at the game. There are not many food options at Dowdy-Ficklen; however, the service is terrible and the line is extremely long. When we attended in 2022, there were folks sitting around us who waited over 45 minutes for concessions. Talking to fans, we found out that his had been a problem for a couple of years and was not just due to the capacity crowd. For games where the heat index is over 85, fans are allowed to bring in two unopened bottles of water. Food options include Pizza Hut Pan Pizza ($8), all beef hot dog ($4), nachos ($4), peanuts ($4), popcorn box ($4), popcorn tub ($7), cotton candy ($5), cracker jacks ($4), and candy (M&M’s, Reese’s, Skittles – $4). Fountain Pepsi products are sold ($4 for a 22 oz. and $5 for a 32 oz.) including Pepsi, Pepsi Zero, Mountain Dew, Sierra Mist, Tropicana Lemonade, and Dr. Pepper. Aquafina water is $3 for a 20 oz. bottle and $6 for a 1-liter bottle. Dowdy-Ficklen offers a good selection of alcoholic beverages as well. There are also a few food trucks around the concourse as well, including local options Bill’s Hot Dogs and Simply Natural Creamery Ice Cream. Atmosphere 4 Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium is a horseshoe with the upper deck rising above the north side and the TowneBank Tower above the south side. The Pete and Lynn Murphy Center fill in the endzone where there are no seats. Chairback seating is available on the lower level between the 20-yard lines. The rest of the seating is bench seating, with the exception of the club and suite levels. The first row of seats is raised slightly above the field, which offers excellent sightlines, even for seats closer to the field. The playing surface is a beautiful natural grass surface. The midfield logo is the “Pirate State of Mind” which has the Pirate’s head in the Eastern part of North Carolina. It faces the south side of the stadium. There is a large videoboard above the endzone seats as well as ribbon boards on the facades of the tower, upper deck, and Murphy Center. The videoboard shows the score, replays, as well as a live look in’s to other games during the time outs, while the ribbon boards show the score, time remaining, time outs, etc. The official mascot Pee-Dee the Pirate roams the field before and during the game. The team is led out of the tunnel by an actual pirate pre-game. After each 1st down the PA announcer says “first-down” and the crowd responds “Pirates!”. There is also a cannon that fires after each score. The ECU Marching Pirates sit in the endzone and play throughout the game, as well as pre-game and during halftime. ECU has a great tradition at the start of the 4th quarter. The No-Quarter flag is raised in the end zone as the Pirates declare “No-Quarter” on their opponents in the fourth quarter. This is in reference to Pirate battles of old as the No-Quarter flag would signify that would take no prisoners and give no quarter to the enemy. Neighborhood 3 Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium is located on the southern edge of ECU’s campus, in the vicinity of Minges Coliseum and Clark-LeClair Stadium. Eastern North Carolina is famous for its barbecue. There are several great barbecue restaurants in Greenville, but be sure that you try one of the following: Parker’s, B’s, or Sam Jones. If barbecue is not your thing, check out Sup Dogs, a hot dog joint near campus that has won the Barstool Best Bar title for three out of the last four years. The Greenville Mapp is less than a mile from the stadium. In its vicinity are restaurants such as Mellow Mushroom and McAlister’s Deli. If you are looking for a place to spend the night, check out hotels near the Greenville Convention Center (Hilton, Hampton Inn, Holiday Inn). Fans 3 A decade ago this would have been an easy 5, but the Pirates fan support has waned in recent years due to a lack of success on the field in recent years. Even though the Pirates went to a bowl in 2022, the fans have been slow to return. Dowdy-Ficklen has a capacity of 50,000; average attendance was 36,104 in 2021 down from 44,785 in 2014. However, the Pirates posted their first winning season in several years in 2021 and the crowds are starting to return in 2022. When we attended the opening game of the 2022 season a stadium record crowd of 51,711 was announced, even though there was quite a bit of empty seats and a good number of visiting fans. Pirate fans are a passionate bunch and while they do not routinely sell out the stadium, they are loud and into the game. Don’t be surprised to hear loud “purple” and “gold” chants throughout the game. While the stadium may not always be full, you can expect a raucous atmosphere throughout the game. Access 4 Plan on arriving a couple of hours ahead of time as the city streets surrounding Dowdy-Ficklen can become crowded quickly. As in the case of most college stadiums, the majority of parking around the stadium is reserved for permit holders, however, there is one pay lot for $20 located near the stadium. For those needing handicapped parking, you can park at the Christenbury lot for $20 and a shuttle will take you to and from the game. The lines entering the stadium tend to back up fairly easily, so again arrive early, as the ticket scanners do not always work well. For games when the stadium is full, expect the concourse to be packed. Dowdy-Ficklen also has a clear bag policy. There are several handicap-accessible areas, including elevators to the upper deck for those who are unable to take the stairs or ramps. Return on Investment 4 Tickets to ECU games are fairly reasonable and range from $25-$55 for most games. For games against in-state rivals such as NC State, all tickets are $70, but for most other games, the University uses a tiered pricing system with upper deck tickets being $25-$35 and lower level tickets being $50-$55. Concession prices are not extremely outrageous, but we recommend eating before you arrive so as to not have to wait in long lines, etc. Nevertheless, $35 is not a bad deal to get into an FBS college football game. Extras 3 One extra point for showing live look-ins of other games on the video board during time outs. A second extra point for the No-Quarter tradition at the start of the 4th quarter. A third extra point for the kid’s zone on the south side of the stadium. Final Thoughts Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium is a great venue to take in a college football game. The fans are loud, passionate, and into the game and there is not a bad seat in the house. The Pirates have knocked off several big-name schools at Dowdy-Ficklen including West Virginia, Virginia Tech, NC State, and UNC. When the Pirate faithful fill up “The Fick”, it is as tough of place as any to play in the country.

Photos by Joe Molski and Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Heritage Bank Center 100 Broadway St Cincinnati, OH 45202 Cincinnati Cyclones website Heritage Bank Center website Year Opened: 1975 Capacity: 14,453 A Cyclone Along the Banks of the Ohio River Sitting right along the banks of the mighty Ohio River is the Heritage Bank Center. It opened in September 1975 as the Riverfront Coliseum; the indoor arena sits next to Great American Ballpark in downtown Cincinnati. The arena has a capacity of 17,556, and the most current renovations took place in 1997 and cost $14.7 million. The main tenant is the Cincinnati Cyclones, but the building has played host to numerous events. The Crosstown Shootout, Conference USA men’s basketball tournament, NCAA men’s and women’s March Madness tournaments, NCAA Frozen Four, concerts, and the World Choir Games in 2012. The originally planned tenant for the brand-new arena was supposed to be an NHL franchise. A group headed by Bill DeWitt, Jr. attempted to lure a team to the building but was rejected. Cincinnati would place an expansion franchise in the World Hockey Association and call it the Stingers; the team would play from 1975-1979 and feature future NHL Hall of Famers Mike Gartner and Mark Messier, both baby-faced teenagers at the time. Cincinnati was denied again when the WHA merged with the NHL in 1979. The Stingers played one more year in the minor-league Central Hockey League before folding after 33 games during the 1979/80 season. There have been three separate Cyclones franchises that began with the expansion club in 1990 in the East Coast Hockey League. The club jumped up a level to the International Hockey League in 1992 but folded with the league in 2001. The current club rejoined the ECHL the following season and, except the 2004-2006 seasons, have been mainstays at the Heritage Bank Center. Food & Beverage 2 A detail that has been overlooked by ownership is the concession areas. Many of the same food stands remain from when I visited this arena as a kid several years ago. The signage is outdated and could use an upgrade. Most were open, but a few on the short ends of the rink were closed. This particular night happened to be a $1 beer night, so long lines at stands were dedicated only to alcohol sales. You could get anything from moonshine to a cocktail. Beers included were Miller Lite, Angry Orchard, Blue Moon, PBR, and other local breweries like 50 West. Wine in a can and also tropical mocktails were available at one vendor. There were classic brands of the area that included Donatos Pizza, Graeter’s Ice Cream, and Skyline Chili. They offered the typical concession stand food, minus hot dogs, which I found interesting. Pizza by the slice is $4.50, and a burger/chicken finger combo is $8.50. RC Cola products are available at the concessions. The best deal is the $10 bottomless popcorn, which you could easily make your money’s worth. Atmosphere 4 The building’s cramped concourse was the main reason why the atmosphere was not awarded 5 points. The hallways are very narrow, which was a sign of the times when the arena was constructed. They were enlarged during the 1997 renovations, but they will have to be expanded again at some point to make it easier to navigate for visitors. Outside of this, the atmosphere was incredible. The Cyclones have a fantastic pregame player introduction and one of the better ones in the ECHL. An anthem from a local high school got a tremendous roar from the crowd. A great noise was only subdued by an early visitors’ goal against the run of play. After this, the crowd started to get back into the game with some shots from the home team. Cheering and chants during the game made it feel like a playoff game, not an early-season Thursday night tilt. Bringing your dogs to the ice was also part of the promotion tonight. Many dog-themed snacks and treats around the stadium for the furry friends. Barking could be heard throughout the game. Neighborhood 3 While it is downtown, it is quite a walk from the bustling Central Business District and Over-the-Rhine neighborhoods. The stadium sits next to Great American Ballpark and is within walkable distance of The Banks and northern Kentucky. Plenty of spots to eat at the Banks, like Holy Grail and Condado tacos. There are many breweries, and one of my favorite pizza spots, Dewey’s Pizza across the river at Newport on the Levee. Cold Stone Creamery is also just across the river. Fans 5 Nothing beats the promotions served up by minor league hockey teams, and tonight was Pucks for Pugs. Dog owners could bring their best friends to the game. The sounds of the barking dogs added to that unique atmosphere of the night. Fans were excited at the start with a terrific pre-game show on the ice and followed by player introductions to hype up the crowd. An early goal from visitors took a lot out of the fans, but a solid performance and win cured all blues. Thanks to the terrific Cyclones App – I got a free hat just from downloading it onto my phone. There is also a lot of gear available to purchase at the game. You could see a lot of hometown sweaters, some from The Avengers and Spongebob Square Pants-themed nights (another minor league hockey promotion). One thing to note, earlier in the day, a trade sent Jack Eichel to the Vegas Golden Knights from the Buffalo Sabres. I found an Eichel sweater in the stands. Access 3 The parking garage is attached to the arena and charged $10. There are a couple of outside lots around the stadium that are also for $10. You could also park in northern Kentucky and walk across the Purple People’s Bridge to get to the stadium and take in the beautiful Ohio River and Cincinnati skyline. The narrow hallways around the concourse are a negative aspect of the arena, especially during COVID times. Return on Investment 4 The cost of a ticket is $20 for a game, and you might not spend more than $35 total. The parking for $10 may seem steep, but you are only about 100 feet from the arena. The game was of high quality. Multiple goals, hits, and fights meant plenty of action. The food was reasonably priced, and the beer was $1. These are hard to beat. Extras 3 Head Coach Jason Payne is the only African-American ice hockey head coach in all professional hockey. The All-Access Bar & Grill is located on the 5th floor (Suite Level) of the arena but was closed during our visit. When operational, fans get a marvelous birdseye view of the ice along with a full-service bar and restaurant. Final Thoughts The arena is perfect for ice hockey, but it does need some care on the concourses and outside. The game was entertaining, and the food and drinks were reasonably priced. The Cyclones market their games for anyone, and I think anyone would have a great night at Heritage Bank Center.