Photos by Michael Rusignuolo, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 XLLease Park Dorrestein Dorresteinsesteeg 2, 3817 GC Amersfoort, Netherlands BSC Quick website XLLease Park Dorrestein website Year Opened: 1961 Capacity: 1,000 Quick Success Organized baseball in the central Netherlands’ city of Amersfoort started in 1961 as an offshoot of the Quick football (soccer) club. Four baseball fields were cut out of an area just to the north of the main football pitch at Sportpark Dorrestein, and in just a decade, the team had worked its way up to the top level of Dutch baseball, Honkbal Hoofdklasse. Due to the whims of a football-like relegation and elevation system, the Quick were in and out of the top-level of competition several times, but they have been back in the Honkbal Hoofdklasse since 2014. Just before their last call-up, they had to give a baseball field back to their parent football club, but were compensated in modernizations to the main baseball field, including lighting for night games and other improvements, sponsored by the parent sporting club and an agreement with a Dutch car rental service for the newly renamed XLLease Park. XLLease Park is a stand-out in Honkbal Hoofdklasse, a small, recently updated facility with better than average food options in an active area with good access all-around. [All prices are in Euros. At the time of writing, one Euro is worth about $1.15.] Food & Beverage 4 In nearly the entire Dutch league, the only food and drink concessions in the ballpark are in the team’s clubhouse, where a bar and grill and perhaps a small separate food kiosk serve up the goods. The Quick not only have that, but also a separate food grill concession that sets it apart. There’s a normal selection of Dutch sports food on offer in the clubhouse, including hot dogs, frites, toasti sandwiches, and Dutch meatballs (all €2.50 and under). There is also a stand-alone concession behind home plate on the third base side for the Quick Big Burger, a large fresh-grilled burger with all the trimmings, €4 without cheese and €4.50 with. The Quick have some of the widest alcohol choices in the league. Various iterations of Heineken and Amstel (€2.50 and under, pitchers for €11) are available, along with wine (€3.50) and various hard liquors (€2.50 small/€3.50 large). Coca-Cola is the non-alcoholic drink family of choice. You’re in The Netherlands. Grab a Heineken. Or a pitcher if you’re really thirsty. Since it is one of the only specialty concessions in Dutch baseball (not to mention a pretty tasty burger), snatch up a Quick Big Cheeseburger to chow down on while you watch the game. Atmosphere 4 As with many ballparks in Honkbal Hoofdklasse, XLLease Park is located in a suburban “sportpark” where there are fields for many sports. The Dorrestein park is right next to a farm, and a short walk can have you looking at cows and livestock before or after the game. XLLease Park is one of the most recently updated and nicer parks in the league. While most of the ballparks are about Rookie-level in the US minors, this certainly reaches A-ball levels. The main entrance is right by the small parking lot, leading out to the plaza behind the field. In a unique look, several stacked shipping crates form the backdrop to home plate, with the top levels opened up for the press box and a VIP area. Four rows of wooden bleachers run behind home plate from about halfway to first to halfway to third base. A second, separate bleacher is located by third base and the visiting dugout. The simple electric scoreboard sits in right-center field, and the outfield wall topped with advertisements looks out over a green treeline for its length. The clubhouse is located beyond third base and solidly in a foul ball zone, so the entire clubhouse and deck outside are covered in netting to prevent injuries. On the patio are the small team store, selling general baseball merchandise, and picnic tables with ashtrays to accommodate the many active smokers who still populate The Netherlands. As is the case in most Honkbal Hoofdklasse games, there are no mascots or between-innings entertainment that permeate all levels of US baseball. You get in-stadium PA announcements, batter walk-up music, and the Seventh Inning Stretch, period. Since this is a step up from club ball, however, there are some nice vestiges of sportsmanship. Each batter coming to the plate for the first time usually shakes the hand of the umpire and the opposing catcher. Grab a seat wherever suits you. There is some shade in the seats behind home plate on the first base side, so if you’re looking to escape the summer sun, that is your best bet. Neighborhood 4 The central Dutch city of Amersfoort, as the name implies, is a former medieval fortified city. Unlike many Honkbal Hoofdklasse ballparks, XLLease Park is quite close to the city center, with a wealth of activities for history and art lovers, as well as many tourist amenities. There are a few restaurants close to the park, with dozens more in the city center, especially in the northwest district. Bindicafe vega(n), Dutch Tollius, and Sally’s Indonesian Kitchen are to the west of the park, and just down the street is Cafetaria Desmond. The short drive to downtown yields many more choices. Art lovers are in for a treat near the Quick. Right by the park is the National Gallery The Netherlands, and nearby are the SMAAK Foundation, Musiom, and The Mondriaan House. History buffs will have plenty to do in the old medieval fort city, especially at the Museum Flehite, Muurhuizen, and the Koopelport City Gate. And with a little bit of a drive, kids will love the Amersfoort Zoo. Most of the hotels are at the city center under ten minutes away, but there are a couple closer to the park. Van der Valk Hotel Leusden is just to the northeast, and the Best Western Plus and Fletcher Hotel-Restaurant are to the west. Northwest in the center of town are over a dozen more hotels to pick from. Fans 3 Baseball (or honkbal, as it is known locally) is very much a fringe sport in The Netherlands, and for all of Europe for that matter. The Dutch Honkbal Hoofdklasse is one of the only semipro/professional leagues on the continent, sharing the distinction with the Italian Baseball League. The Quick returned to top-level Honkbal Hoofdklasse five years ago and seem to draw the average Dutch baseball crowds (between 100-250 people per game). After games and practices at the surrounding fields end, the players and spectators come over to watch the top-level men play their games. Another out-of-the-ordinary status quo is that there are usually pet dogs at every game. It is a welcome change for dog lovers, less so if you don’t like them. Local fans fill the stand behind home plate, and the visiting fans (of which there are a healthy number given the ease of access to the park) tend to congregate on the benches down the third baseline. Access 5 XLLease Park is quick and convenient to get to from most of the main cities in the country, and it is a snap to get around once you arrive. The park is a short bus ride from Amersfoort Centraal Station. Syntus Stadsbus 17 will get you to stop Haydnstraat, Amersfoort (€1.54) in about ten minutes. Car ride, cab, or ride share from the city center is just about 6 minutes. Utretcht to Amersfoort is about 15 minutes by train, Amsterdam is about 45 minutes away by train, and Rotterdam an hour. It is just under an hour’s drive from Rotterdam, a half-hour from Amsterdam, and 20 minutes from Utrecht. There is a small parking lot by the ballpark, and there is plenty of free bicycle parking. Cabs and ride shares can drop you off right at the park entrance. You can enter the park through one of two gates, and there is no problem getting in, since there is no ticket line. Once inside, the park is wide walkways with few choke points, making it quite easy to get around. Return on Investment 4 There’s no charge to get into the park, so you can’t really argue with that. All the alcoholic drinks (with the exception of pitchers) are €3.50 and under. All the food is €2.50 and under, except for the Quick Big Burger (at €4.50). You just can’t beat these prices. . Extras 3 As with all the Dutch stadiums, extras are at a minimum. The clubhouse has a selection of baseball memorabilia, as well as club trophies and awards. There are also a selection of bar games (foosball, darts) not found in most other clubhouses in the league. A mural on the side of one of the buildings has the team’s two retired numbers (11 and 33), and the park name is in a mural on the back of one of the dugouts. As Dutch clubhouse personnel are almost all volunteers, they are polite and helpful to a person and are always glad to talk to and assist visitors. Final Thoughts While you will never confuse it with an MLB facility, XLLease Park is a gem in Honkbal Hoofdklasse, a great value that checks all the boxes for an enjoyable baseball experience with plenty of amenities and things to do in the area after the game.

The New York Yankees are the Evil Empire, and take plenty of flack for being that. Their home, Yankee Stadium, is much maligned, and receives plenty of criticism. Is this view accurate? Are there redeeming qualities for the House that Jeter built? Grab a brew and join Dave and Paul for the latest episode of Stadium Journey's Obstructed Views! ⚾⚾🏟️ You can find Stadium Journey's review of Yankee Stadium and the New York Yankees game day experience here.

Photo by David Welch, Stadium Journey On June 20, 2023, Major League Baseball (MLB) commissioner Rob Manfred announced that MLB would be coming to Birmingham, Alabama’s Rickwood Field for a regular season matchup between the St. Louis Cardinals and the San Francisco Giants . The latter team’s involvement in the game pays tribute to Giants legend Willie Mays, who grew up just four miles from Rickwood. Willie Mays not only grew up in Birmingham's surrounding neighborhoods but also made his professional baseball debut at Rickwood Field. At age 17, Mays played for the 1948 Birmingham Black Barons of the Negro Southern League. In 2024, a year after MLB announced the matchup, the Giants  will play at the same stadium, honoring Mays' legacy and that of the Negro League’s players. Older than both Boston’s Fenway Park (1912) and Chicago’s Wrigley Field (1914), Rickwood Field opened in 1910 and is currently the oldest baseball stadium to currently host professional baseball . Ironically, the first game was played between the Birmingham Barons and the Montgomery Climbers – these same two cities will be represented 114 years later for a Southern League (AA) matchup between the Birmingham Barons  and the Montgomery Biscuits . The four-day recognition of Willie Mays and the Negro Leagues aims to shed light on a league that remained in the shadows for far too long; the events begin Monday evening with a screening of the HBO documentary, Say Hey, Willie Mays! Tuesday will feature events across Birmingham, including a 24-foot-tall Topps card of Willie Mays  displayed outside the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute – the card was created by former Birmingham Baron  and MLBer Micah Johnson and is part of a six-card set honoring the heroes of the Negro Leagues, which will be on display from Tuesday through Thursday with special guests in attendance. Regions Field, the current home of the Barons, will also host MLB’s Play Ball  youth initiative. The day will conclude with “MiLB at Rickwood Field: A Tribute to the Negro Leagues ”, as the Barons and Biscuits  play as the Birmingham Black Barons and the Montgomery Gray Sox , respectively, representing the teams from the 1920 Negro Southern League season. This will mark the first minor league game at Rickwood Field since 2018 when the Barons hosted the Chattanooga Lookouts . Much of Wednesday’s events will focus on the Birmingham community, including visits to Children’s of Birmingham, a reception for former Negro League players and their families, and the dedication of a Willie Mays mural  at 1801 1st Street South. The day concludes with “Barnstorming Birmingham”, a celebrity softball game at Rickwood Field featuring former major leaguers CC Sabathia and Ryan Howard, along with native Alabamans Jameis Winston, Terrell Owens, University of Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe, and others. Thursday will feature the main event of the week, “ MLB at Rickwood Field: A Tribute to the Negro Leagues ”. The teams will represent Black baseball from their cities, with the Cardinals  wearing jerseys representing the Saint Louis Star, and the Giants  donning the jerseys of the San Francisco Sea Lions. Tickets for this game have been limited, with Alabama residents given the first opportunity to purchase tickets, and 26% of the 8,300 tickets reserved for the Birmingham community and youth groups, at no cost. For those unable to secure tickets to Rickwood, watch parties are planned at several locations around the city. MLB partnered with Friends of Rickwood,  dedicated to preserving the park's legacy, and the City of Birmingham to transform Rickwood Field from an aging relic into a historical gem able to host Major League Baseball. Upgrades included expanding the dugouts, adding handicap-accessible seating, upgrading the playing surface with new drainage and sod, installing padding on the outfield walls, and improving the lighting while preserving the iconic light stations. Overall, Rickwood Field has benefited from $7.5 million in upgrades. Baseball history permeates the atmosphere at Rickwood Field – as of the 2023 induction class, more than half of all National Baseball Hall of Famers have graced its grounds. Mays will be a featured player, but Hank Aaron, Ernie Banks, Roy Campanella, Larry Doby, Josh Gibson, Monte Irvin, Satchel Paige, and Jackie Robinson also started their careers in the Negro Leagues before moving to Major League Baseball. Many other stars of the Negro Leagues, such as James “Cool Papa” Bell, Oscar Charleston, Rube Foster, Walter “Buck” Leonard, John Henry “Pop” Lloyd, Norman “Turkey” Stearnen Taylor, Willie Wells, and Smokey Joe Williams also left their indelible marks on the game, despite never getting the chance to play in the major leagues. At the press conference held at Rickwood Field to officially announce the game, Harold Reynolds, former MLB player, and current MLB Network commentator, shared a text message from Willie Mays. In the message, Mays hoped the spotlight on Rickwood “will be a chance to remember so many really good ball players from the Negro Leagues who played at Rickwood Field, but never got the chance to play in the big leagues”.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Bentley Arena 440 Beaver St Waltham, MA 02452 Bentley Falcons men’s hockey website Bentley Arena website Year Opened: 2018 Capacity: 1,917 Taking Flight at Bentley Bentley University is a private university with an enrollment of 4,200 undergrads located in suburban Waltham, nine miles from downtown Boston. Founded in 1917 as the Bentley School of Accounting and Finance, the school was located on Boylston Street in Boston until it became a four-year college in 1968. Today Bentley is best known for its business programs and is annually ranked among the nation’s best by Bloomberg Businessweek and U.S. News & World Report. Bentley’s sports teams all compete in Division Two, except for its hockey team, which competes at the sport’s highest level. The Bentley Arena, which cost $45 million to build, is part of the university’s comprehensive 10-year capital plan to modernize and expand the campus. Designed to be a “living lab”, the arena provides hands-on experience for students across many majors, with the gameday presentation run almost entirely by Bentley students. The arena replaces the Falcons’ old home, the John A. Ryan Arena , a community rink in nearby Watertown which consistently landed at the bottom of Stadium Journey’s NCAA arena rankings throughout its use. Varsity hockey teams have represented Bentley since 1977, initially competing at the Division Three and Two levels. In 1999 Bentley moved up to Division One, becoming an inaugural member of the Atlantic Hockey Conference in 2003. The Falcons have yet to qualify for the NCAA tournament. Food & Beverage 4 There is a small concession stand at the east end of the arena. The menu isn’t the most extensive you’ll come across, but the staff at Bentley Arena have all the bases covered with the menu. Fans looking for a bite to eat can choose between hot dogs, sausage sandwiches, chicken tenders, and pizza slices. Nachos are served with cheese and chili if desired, and those looking for a healthier alternative will find a garden and chicken Caesar salads available. Snacks sold at the stand include pretzels, popcorn, and cheesesteak egg rolls. Fruit cups are sold for those looking for something a bit healthier. Pepsi products are featured at Bentley Arena. Hot chocolate is a popular choice in the cold winter months. Fans looking for an adult beverage will find a selection of beers and wines sold in “The Cube,” the arena’s VIP club. Cloud Candy IPA, brewed at local favorite Mighty Squirrel Brewing Company, highlights the offerings. Atmosphere 3 Stadium Journey’s most recent visit to Bentley Arena occurred over the 2021 Thanksgiving break, so the crowd may not have been fully representative of the Falcon experience. Still, the Bentley staff put on an entertaining show for visiting fans. There are promotions geared towards the younger fans in attendance, including several t-shirt tosses, a youth hockey game during intermission, and a post-game autograph session. Bentley’s mascot, a blue falcon named Flex, roams the rink throughout the game interacting with fans. A crystal-clear video board hangs at center ice, which is well-utilized for highlights, crowd shots, and arena information. With a large number of families in attendance, the younger fans bring some excitement and energy to the arena. The Bentley student section christened the “Top Shelf”, and sits behind the visiting goalie for two periods at the east end of the arena. During previous visits, these sections have been packed with excited Bentley students. Despite their large numbers, there wasn’t a lot of noise coming from the student body. Likewise, the pep band felt underutilized, as the arena played piped-in music over the loudspeakers during many play stoppages. As mentioned earlier, Stadium Journey last visited during Thanksgiving break, without students in attendance. Hopefully, the student body has settled in and become a larger part of the Falcon hockey experience. Neighborhood 4 Waltham is a city of just over 60,000 located 11 miles northwest of downtown Boston and three miles from Boston’s Brighton neighborhood. The city was a leader in the American Industrial Revolution and a prototype for early industrial city planning. It’s a decidedly blue-collar community surrounded by affluent, white-collar towns. Given Bentley’s location in a residential neighborhood, visiting fans will not find much to do near campus. Fortunately, there are several dining and lodging options located just a couple of miles away on Main Street near Interstate 95. Mighty Squirrel Brewing is located just a mile from the arena. With downtown Boston located a short drive from the Bentley campus, many out-of-town fans will likely want to head in that direction while visiting Waltham. Fans 4 The building of Bentley Arena has elevated the program from an afterthought in the Boston hockey scene to a popular destination for local hockey fans. From the old days of the JAR, when attendance could be counted on fingers, Bentley has steadily climbed the national attendance rankings since the opening of the Bentley Arena. Average attendance over the first half of the 2021-22 season is approaching 1,400 fans per game. The turnout from the student body is strong and the building is filled to the brim with suburban hockey fans night after night. One notable difference in a Bentley hockey crowd is that it seems to be more family-oriented than other local schools. Perhaps this is due to the school’s location outside of the city, where it is more accessible to families of hockey fans. Access 4 Greater Boston isn’t the most accessible area for motorists to get around. Traffic jams, construction projects, and detours are a way of life in this part of the country. The Bentley campus is located just a few miles from the intersection of Interstates 90 (the Mass Pike) and 95 (also known as Route 128). Detailed driving directions to Bentley Arena can be found here . Boston’s subway system does not serve Waltham, but the MBTA 554 bus reaches the Bentley campus. The arena’s 1,917 seats (a number chosen to represent the year the college was founded) are blue, black, and gray plastic stadium seats. With the small size of Bentley Arena, all seats have excellent views of the action. There is ample room in between rows to stretch out, and you will not feel cramped while at a Falcon hockey game. An open concourse encircles the rink, containing in-demand standing-room views of the action. Lining the concourse are the concession stand, history displays, murals of Bentley students and staff, and The Cube. Take a peek into the operations center, staffed entirely by students learning the trade. Lines at the concession stand can get long during intermission but move pretty quickly. The restrooms are new, clean, and ample for a typical Bentley hockey crowd. Parking may be the biggest negative mark against the Bentley Arena. There is a small lot for prepaid and handicapped parking, but this fills up fast. If you want the convenience of this lot, reserve your spot early. Otherwise, you will have to scramble for limited areas around the school’s other athletic facilities, on Access Road, or the main campus. Bentley provides shuttles for fans parked away from the arena. More parking information can be found here . Return on Investment 5 Tickets to Bentley hockey games cost just ten dollars. Purchasing a parking pass in the reserved lot across the street from the arena will run you another ten dollars. Otherwise, parking is free for games at Bentley. Concessions are very affordable, with most menu items priced at six dollars and under. A night at a Falcons game is a most affordable entertainment option for local sports fans. Extras 3 An extra point is awarded for the Bentley hockey history display. Located on the north side of the concourse, several panels chronicle important persons and events in Bentley’s 50 years of hockey. Another extra point is awarded for Bentley’s efforts at sustainability and environmental friendliness. The building was designed to meet the United States Green Building Council’s LEED Certification Standards. The arena has 1,400 solar panels on its roof, which produce half the energy used by the facility. In addition, high-efficiency LED lighting installed throughout the arena and efficient water-saving fixtures ensure that the arena uses half the power and water that similarly sized buildings would use. Bentley Arena proudly displays its green efforts on several panels in the downstairs lobby by the arena’s entrance. A statue of Bentley’s legendary baseball coach Robert DeFelice stands in the entry plaza to the arena. The statue was erected to honor DeFelice’s 50th season as coach of the baseball team. The statue depicts “Coach” gazing in the direction of DeFelice Field, located across the street from Bentley Arena. Final Thoughts The trend of Atlantic Conference teams moving away from local community rinks and into cozy on-campus arenas is a welcome one. Bentley Arena, with its intimate, eco-friendly design, is a great place to catch a game and a hidden gem in the crowded Boston hockey scene. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram

Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Newman Outdoor Field 1515 15th Ave N Fargo, ND 58102 North Dakota State Bison website Newman Outdoor Field website Year Opened: 1996 Capacity: 4,690 Bison on the Basepaths Located along the state line of Minnesota and North Dakota, Fargo, North Dakota is home to the North Dakota State University (NDSU) and its Bison athletic teams. The Bison name was chosen due to the fierce and powerful nature of the animal, and the fact that the prairies of the north central U.S. were the home grounds of these magnificent beasts. The baseball Bison call Newman Outdoor Field their home. They share the facility with the Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks minor league team of the independent American Association. Newman Outdoor Field was completed in 1996 and has a seating capacity of 4,419. Among the amenities offered at Newman are 12 luxury suites and a large LED video board. The out of town scoreboard in left field is hand-operated as a nod to old-time baseball. In baseball, NDSU competes in the Summit League, which includes IPFW, Oral Roberts University, the University of Nebraska-Omaha, Western Illinois and South Dakota State. The Bison’s primary rival however, is the University of North Dakota, which is located just 50 miles up I-29 from NDSU. Games between these two state schools are always sellouts. They have appeared in three NCAA regionals. This review will focus on Newman Outdoor Field as it operates for NDSU games. For a look at the stadium in its minor league role, please see the review for the Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks. Food & Beverage 4 During NDSU home games only one concession stand is open on the concourse. The hot drinks offered are coffee, hot chocolate and cappuccino, which each sell for $2. (It is important to note that weather in this area of the country can be cold well into the baseball season, especially at night.) A large soda will cost $3.50, while a small soda goes for $2.75. Food selections include hot dogs ($1.50), brats ($3.75), sausage ($3.50) and a pulled pork combo plate (includes chips and a drink) for $5. The merchandise store in the stadium carries only Red Hawks memorabilia and is not open during NDSU games. Atmosphere 4 The friendliness and laid-back nature of a basically rural and farming community are evident at Bison games. The fans are here to have a good time, but do not live or die by the number of wins and losses the team has. The Summit League is made up of very similar communities, and there is a good-natured rivalry between the towns. Newman Outdoor Field also realizes that baseball is the star and does not blast theme music for every player as they come to bat or constantly try to sell you something during every break in the action. It is a very pleasant place to enjoy a game. Neighborhood 3 Newman Outdoor Stadium is located on the campus of North Dakota State University, next door to the Fargodome . The school has an enrollment of nearly 15,000 students, with the largest majors being Agriculture, Business and Liberal Arts. The immediate area around the field is filled with academic buildings, as well as restaurants that cater to the large student population. Some of the more popular ones are JL Burgers, Sammy’s Pizza, Lucky 13 Pub and OB Sports Zone, and the Fargo Brewing Company. As far as the overall town, Fargo is the largest city in North Dakota, with a population of more than 113,000 people. Because of its size in a sparsely populated state, Fargo is a major destination for North Dakota residents, as far as retail, medical facilities, education and cultural offerings. West Acres Mall is the largest shopping mall in the Dakotas and is located just over two miles from Newman Field. Fargo also is home to many music and art venues, including the Plains Art Museum and the Fargodome for major concerts. Fans 3 Though far north of most Midwestern cities, NDSU and Fargo area residents do share in the Midwestern love of baseball that is so evident in places like St.Louis, Chicago, Kansas City or Des Moines. Being a smaller city, there is a family feel between the university and the residents of the city, and they are mutually proud of each other’s accomplishments. The fans are very knowledgeable about baseball, and the various Bison team members and are happy to share their knowledge with you. The fans around me gave me some great suggestions on where to eat and attractions I should see. The turnout at the games is excellent, as Fargo residents celebrate the end of the often frigid winters with the arrival of baseball season. Access 4 Newman Outdoor Field is easy to get to, as it is just off the interstate (I- 29) and is located right on the North Dakota State University campus. Parking is plentiful, as it shares parking lots with the adjacent Fargodome, a multipurpose facility that hosts Bisons football, trade shows and concerts. Fargo’s Hector International Airport is located across the street from the campus, with multiple flights a day between Fargo and the Twin Cities or Chicago. Due to the airport’s proximity to the campus, there are a number of hotels nearby, so you do not even need a rental car or a cab to get to the games. Return on Investment 4 Tickets to the Bisons games are $5 for adults and $3 for youth under 16. The nearby hotels run an average of $80-$100. Parking is $2.00, but if you are staying at one of the nearby airport hotels, you can simply walk to the park and avoid this cost. The concessions are very reasonably priced.Attending a game here is not going to cost you a lot of buffalo bills! . Extras 3 Even though you are in the typically frozen North Country, there are several interesting things to do in Fargo: 1) a top attraction is the famous wood chipper from the movie “Fargo,” which is on display at the Fargo-Moorhead Visitor’s Center…and yes, the foot is still protruding out of it. Have your photo made with this classic prop…you betcha! The next two attractions both center on baseball and Fargo. 2) Roger Maris was a lifelong resident of Fargo and never forgot his roots. The town is very proud to have had him as a native son and sponsors the Roger Maris Museum at the West Acres Mall. Always humble, Maris first declined the idea, but finally approved the idea after making the stipulations that it be accessible to the public and that no fee be charged for persons to visit it. 3) Maury Wills, baseball’s premier base stealer, also has his own museum, which is located inside of Newman Outdoor Field. Though not a Fargo native, Wills has been part of the Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks minor league organization since 1996.

Photos by Terry McCutchen, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 Wisdom Gym 1333 W. Washington Stephenville, TX 76401 Tarleton State Texans website Wisdom Gym website Year Opened: 1970 Capacity: 3,000 Tarleton State University Women’s Basketball Stephenville is a city of approximately 20,000 people located in north central Texas. Known affectionately as the Cowboy Capital of the World, Stephenville is home to numerous world-renowned horse trainers and top-level professional rodeo athletes, most notably Ty Murray. Murray is a nine-time PRCA world champion cowboy and co-founder of the Professional Bull Riders Association (PBR). In 2023, no less than 42 (31%) qualifiers for the National Finals Rodeo came from the Stephenville metro area. In addition to professional level cowboys, Tarleton State University sponsors championship level rodeo, stock horse, and animal judging teams to solidify the town’s claim to the western-themed title. Not just a one-horse town, however, Tarleton State University also provides NCAA Division I athletic competition in multiple sports as well. Women’s basketball is such a sport, competing in the Western Athletic Conference since moving up from Division II in 2020. The Tarleton State Texans women’s basketball team has 14 conference championships and multiple regional tournament appearances in their history – their best national finish was reaching the NAIA finals in 1991-92. Tarleton plays its home games in venerable Wisdom Gym, which opened in 1970 as a multisport facility; the gym seats 3,000 including pull-out seats on each side of the gym. The seating in the lower section has been updated with seatback chairs on the home side of the court, but the upper seating is the original wooden pull-out bleachers, which takes fans on a trip down memory lane. With a modern video scoreboard and a live DJ pumping music, the setting is upbeat and energetic. This season will be the last for basketball in Wisdom Gym, however, as it will become a volleyball-only facility in the future, with basketball moving to a new facility.   Food & Beverage   3 All the normal concession stand fare is available at Wisdom gym, but there are no specialty items. Snacks include candy, chips, popcorn, and pretzels, while the drinks are Pepsi products, including Pepsi, Dr Pepper, Starry, and Tropicana Lemonade. Heartier food choices include hog dogs, nachos and pulled pork sandwiches. At the game I last attended, pretzels with a side of cheese were very popular – I personally chose a pulled pork sandwich, which was above average.   Atmosphere   5 The atmosphere for Tarleton Women’s basketball is well above what you might expect – the presence of a live DJ, DJ Quan, playing before the game and during dead ball periods give the game an NBA feel. There is also an emcee, as well as games between quarters that include fan participants, keeping the crowd involved and helping avoid dead time. In addition, groups attending games get special recognition, and also can participate in some of the on-court games and other activities; all of these fan-friendly activities create an environment where fans enjoy themselves and want to come back again. Even though the most recent game I witnessed was an early fall Saturday non-conference game, there was a mixture of fans that included a preteen birthday party, a high school basketball team, several Tarleton students, and a healthy section of older adults. The crowd was active and involved with the game.   Neighborhood   4 Tarleton is set in the center of Stephenville, which is a small town of approximately 20,000 people. The area around campus is mostly residential with many restaurants and fast food choices within a few minutes’ drive. The best options nearby include Hard 8 BBQ , Grumps Burgers , Don Nico’s Mexican Food , Newton's Saddlerack , and Caam’s Pizza . Or should you prefer an old school diner experience, Jake and Dorothy’s is a locally owned joint that dates back to 1948, the place waffle cut fries were invented and where chicken fried steak is their calling card – just carry cash as they do not accept credit or debit. There are plenty of hotels to choose from in town; some of the more highly rated choices include Hampton Inn and Suites , La Quinta Inn and Suites , and Best Western Plus among others. If you prefer short term rental options, there are several small houses and cabins available in and around Stephenville. On busy weekends, availability can be an issue, however.   Fans   5 Tarleton fans are loud and loyal. They show up early and support their team without negatively cheering against the opponent. Students are also loyal and support the team loudly. The Texans are also supported by their cheerleaders and a mascot, the Texan Rider, who is fully adorned in Cowboy attire including leather chaps, silk cravat and black hat. Other student groups at Tarleton include the Plowboys, as well as the state's oldest spirit organization, The Purple Poo. The Purple Poo is a secret society of males and females who are charged with keeping the spirit of John Tarleton and Oscar P alive. This special group posts signs of support weekly on campus and shows up at most events involving Tarleton teams. When they arrive, they lead the crowd in a special cheer for Oscar P and the Texans. Charged to wear disguises in public throughout their entire time on campus, the identity of each member of “The Poos” is only revealed at the end of their senior year. At the game last I attended there was a large crowd – the student section was nearly full, while the reserved sections were over fifty percent capacity. For a football Saturday morning, such a large crowd is evidence that the basketball program is well supported by fans of all ages.   Access   4 Stephenville is approximately three and a half hours north of San Antonio via US-281, and three hours from Austin via Interstate 35. From the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex it is only a little over an hour’s drive. Once in town, the university is easily accessible and ample parking near the gym is available. There is no commercial air travel into town, however, and public transportation is rideshare only, which is limited at best. The best option if flying into the region is to fly to DFW, Love Field-Dallas, Austin-Bergstrom, or San Antonio airport and rent a vehicle to drive from there.   Return on Investment   4 General admission tickets are $10, and a full meal can be purchased for less than $10, so the ROI of a basketball game at Wisdom Gym is well worth the trip. With the assurance of a quality team, strong crowd support and entertainment during timeouts, the game experience is a bargain in my mind.   Extras   4 The presence of the live DJ takes the atmosphere to a high level, completely unexpected upon entering the gym – hype music is one thing, but with DJ Quan in the stands, the desire to dance during timeouts is greatly enhanced. In addition, the live, in-game emcee and crowd involvement greatly enhances the experience, and help the game not drag. Time goes by fast since there is very little down time during the game. Lastly, the old school feel of the entrance and upper section of the building, combined with the upgraded seating and amenities, create a feeling of nostalgia without losing any of the comforts fans have come to expect in today’s game experiences.   Final Thoughts Seeing a Tarleton Texan women’s basketball game is a quality entertainment option, and Wisdom Gym is a classic setting for such a positive experience. However, this year is the last chance to see a game in this facility, as Tarleton is currently constructing a new multipurpose facility, which will open in time for next season, so get to Wisdom Gym while you can.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Case Gymnasium 285 Babcock St Boston, MA 02215 Boston University Terriers website Case Gymnasium website Year Opened: 1972 Capacity: 1,800 Up On the Roof   Case Gymnasium, referred to at Boston University as “The Roof”, is the home to the Terriers men’s and women’s basketball teams. The Roof is located on the top floor of the Harold Case Physical Education Center, above Walter Brown Arena , home of the BU women’s hockey team.   The Case Center stands on the site of Braves Field, which served as home to the Boston Braves of Major League Baseball from 1915-1952. The Center is located approximately where the left field pavilion once stood. Many pieces of Braves Field still stand, as the stadium (now named Nickerson Field ) is still used by BU’s lacrosse and soccer teams.   From 2005-2015 the Terriers played the majority of their home games at nearby Agganis Arena . Unfortunately, Agganis proved to be too large for Terrier basketball, so in 2015 it was decided to return all basketball games to the cozy confines of Case Gym.   The Terriers have qualified for the NCAA tournament eight times, advancing all the way to the Elite Eight in 1959. In addition, Boston University has qualified for the NIT six times.  Five Boston University alumni have gone on to play in the NBA.   Food & Beverage 1    There is a small concession stand in the gym lobby that will do the trick if you need a bite to eat during a Terrier basketball game. Hot dogs, nachos and assorted snacks comprise the entire menu.  On the plus side, nothing sold here costs more than six dollars.   Pepsi products are featured at Case Gym. There is no alcohol served at this on-campus facility.   Atmosphere 3   Case Gymnasium has a real old school vibe to it. It’s a simple facility that probably looks much as it did when it was built in the 1970s. There’s no giant, center-hung video board, just a pair of dot-matrix scoreboards at either end of the court that post basic game information.   One of the things that drives the game day atmosphere at a college basketball game is the presence of the pep band, cheerleaders and student section. While there’s not a huge turnout by the student body at Terrier basketball games, the pep band leads the way in creating a lively atmosphere. They play during all stoppages and keep the energy level up. Performances by the cheerleaders and dance team help keep the fans entertained and engaged.   A typical crowd at Case Gym consists of locals, alumni and plenty of youth groups and families. The team keeps the younger fans involved with contests and giveaways throughout the game, including t-shirt tosses, free posters and the very popular pizza giveaway. Younger fans take over the court at halftime. You may even see Rhett, the school’s mascot, roaming the gym and interacting with fans.   As you might imagine, a small gym like Case gets really loud when it’s filled and the Terriers are rolling. Unfortunately, a full gym is the exception rather than the rule.   Neighborhood 4   Boston University is an urban campus, straddling Commonwealth Avenue for approximately a mile and a half on the Boston/Brookline city line. Located adjacent to Case Gym is Nickerson Field , home to BU’s lacrosse and soccer teams. It is also known to baseball historians as Braves Field, which was home to the National League’s Boston Braves from 1915 to 1952. Walter Brown Arena  is located on the ground floor of the Case Center, with Agganis Arena   a block to the east.   Fans coming to the BU campus will find plenty of choices for dining in the area. BU students recommend Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers and T Anthony’s Pizzeria, both located within a block of Case Gym. The neighborhood features a diverse variety of dining options, with excellent Thai, Chinese and Vietnamese eateries nearby.   The Paradise Rock Club, known nationally for hosting prominent bands like U2 and REM before they hit it big, is located a block away from Case Gym. It continues to host both local acts and up-and-coming national acts.   If you expand your search beyond campus, Kenmore Square and Fenway Park are just over a mile away. Not far beyond that are the tourist destinations of Copley Square, Back Bay, Boston Common and Chinatown. All are easily accessed by the Green Line, which has stops up and down Commonwealth Avenue.   Fans 2   The Boston University basketball team stands perpetually in the shadows of the school’s very successful hockey team, and the attendance at Case Gymnasium reflects this. Average attendance at Terrier games is just under 900 fans. This figure ranks below the average of the Patriot League, which itself is one of the more sparsely attended basketball conferences in the nation.   Despite the smallish crowds present, Case Gym provides an excellent home-court advantage to the Terriers. With its cozy confines, the place can get really loud when the home team gets on a roll. This is done the old-fashioned way, as the fans in the stands provide the noise and energy here.   Access 4   It can be easy to pass right by Case Gymnasium without even realizing it. Located at the end of a dead-end street, this nondescript building is marked only by a small sign containing the Boston University logo.   Boston can be a difficult city to drive in, with streets laid out in seemingly random directions and construction projects a constant presence throughout the city. However, it’s pretty easy to get to the Boston University campus. It’s located right on Commonwealth Avenue, one of the city’s major drags. Case Gym is located at the end of Babcock Street, right off of Commonwealth Ave. Detailed directions can be found here .    Parking is available in a covered lot located underneath New Balance Field, right across the street from the ground floor entrance to Case Gym. On-street parking is also available in the vicinity of Case Gymnasium but be aware of the times that meters are in operation. Additional parking can be found in the garage underneath Agganis Arena.   The best method for arriving at Case Gym is to take public transportation, known in Boston as the “T”. The Green Line’s B train has a stop at the top of Babcock Street just a short walk from Case Gym.   The main entrance to Case Gym is located on the back side of the Case Center, adjacent to Nickerson Field. Entering into the gym’s lobby, fans will find the concession stand, trophy cases and rest rooms.   Depending on where your seats are, you’ll enter Case Gym through one of two doors. Seating consists of individual red folding stadium seats on both sides of the court with excellent views of the action no matter where you sit. We recommend you sit a few rows up to see over the constant traffic on the floor.   Return on Investment 4   Tickets to Terrier basketball games cost twelve dollars for all seats. Parking is available in the lot across the street from the Case Athletic Center or in the garage underneath the Agganis Arena for twelve dollars. There is plenty of on-street parking within a few blocks of the gym, but it can be tough to find an open spot when there are several events going on in the area at the same time. If you are lucky enough to find a spot, make sure to check the meters, as times of operation and prices may vary.   To save money, many fans will take public transportation to Boston University. Known in Boston as the “T”, a one-way fare costs $2.75 and accesses most of the city. The Green Line’s B train has a stop at the top of Babcock Street, just a short walk from Case Gym. If you play your cards right, you can watch a Terriers game for under 20 dollars. Even if you aren’t so frugal, you won’t break the bank at Case Gymnasium.   Extras 2   Boston University displays their basketball history throughout Case Gym. Banners honoring conference championships, tournament appearances, and retired numbers hang throughout the gym. A trophy case in the lobby is loaded with mementos from the school’s storied history. On the first floor of the Case Athletic Center is the Boston University Athletic Hall of Fame. BU may not play with the big boys in most sports, but they are certainly a local athletic powerhouse.   Veteran ballpark travelers will want to check out Nickerson Field, originally known as Braves Field, home of the Boston Braves until they moved to Milwaukee in 1953.  The Case Athletic Center is located approximately where the left field pavilion at Braves Field once stood. The grandstand of Nickerson Field is the former right field grandstand, and the former ticket offices are now the school’s security offices.   Final Thoughts   Case Gymnasium, while a fairly basic facility, has many features that make it a unique Stadium Journey. From its location above a hockey rink to its past as a Major League Baseball stadium, there aren’t many gyms quite like this one.   Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter  and Instagram  @PuckmanRI.

Photo Courtesy of The State Hornet Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.29 John Smith Field College Town Drive and Sinclair Road Sacramento, CA 95819 Sacramento State Hornets website John Smith Field website Year Opened: 1953 Capacity: 1,200 College Ball in Sacramento The Sacramento State Hornets baseball team plays at John Smith Field, an on-campus facility in California’s capital city. It was dedicated to the former manager in 2010 after 32 years at the helm of the Hornets program. Though most of the Sac State programs play in the Big Sky Conference, the baseball team is the only one that plays in the Western Athletic Conference (WAC). The Hornets appeared in two Division II College World Series in 1986 and 1988. They made their first ever appearance in the D-I NCAA Tournament in 2014 after winning that year’s WAC Tournament. The appearance was short-lived as they beat Arizona State before ultimately falling to hosts Cal Poly in the regional stage. Food & Beverage 1 It’s the bare minimum at John Smith Field. Hot dogs, nachos, bottled soda and a variety of candy are served out of a trailer. A less than appealing prospect on a hot day. Most weekday games start at 3pm, fortunately between meals. Though not encouraged, I’m sure you can bring in water and small snacks as well. Atmosphere 2 There is nothing particularly unique about the Hornets’ home, although it is a clean, updated stadium and a fine place to catch a game. Seating stretches from 3rd to 1st base and is mostly metal bleachers. With no covering, the seats can get extremely hot in the Sacramento sun. There are two rows in front of the bleachers that are reserved seats with flip down chairs. Most of the fans sat in general admission. One added feature is the parking garage beyond the left field fence where some fans park at the top and watch from their lawn chairs. Unfortunately this is not the garage/lot that is free on game days. The sagging “Sacramento State Hornets” banner in right-center field is just sad. The walk up music is loud and clear but is such a contrast to the dead silence of the crowd. Neighborhood 4 The baseball field is a part of the greater sports complex, very near the football, softball and soccer fields. The closest bar is Stingers. It is your typical college bar that serves up food all day long and is within walkable distance to John Smith Field. My favorite nearby bar is the Capitol Beer and & Tap Room, just across the American River. Just a few miles away is my favorite brewery in Sacramento, Track Seven. They have 8 or 10 taps that are constantly changing. They don’t serve food but do have food trucks that rotate; sometimes burgers, sometimes tacos. There are plenty of restaurants nearby serving the college community. Hot City Pizza is the spot for pizza while Evan’s Kitchen is ideal for brunch. Cafe Rolle serves up French-style sandwiches and other cafe foods and Bandera is Capitol Beer’s neighbor, great for a date night. Though you can imbibe nearby the venue, if you have time, a trip downtown might be in order. You can visit the California State Capital, just five miles from the university as well as enjoy the rest of the downtown Sacramento area. As the sixth-largest city in California, Sacramento has nearly half a million residents so it follows that there will be historical and social value in your surroundings. Fans 1 There are plenty of seats available at John Smith Field. The crowd consisted of less than 50 people, most of which were family members of either team. Fans though were engaged throughout even during a hot day. I have to wonder if the 3pm start time negatively affects attendance due to students still in class. Access 4 From Highway 50, exit at Howe Ave/Power Inn and from 80, exit at J Street. The surface streets off of the freeways are easy to navigate. Parking is free in Lot 10 (6-8 minute walk) which is across the street from Hornet Stadium, for games Monday through Thursday. For games held on Friday through Sunday, parking is free on the top level of Parking Structure I (the one right beyond the left field wall). There is one entrance located behind the 3rd base dugout where you can also purchase your tickets. Once inside, getting to your seat is a breeze as there are few fans and plenty of access. The restroom option is a strange one. It looks like a small trailer and is less than appealing. In fact, it was rather spacious and more than served the fans in attendance. The nearest light rail station is the Power Inn station. The light rail serves most of Sacramento and can get you to downtown or Midtown easily. The nearest Amtrak station is downtown at the corner of 5th St and H St. Return on Investment 3 ROI is good considering the free parking and the $8 general admission ticket. Concession prices are reasonable but I’d avoid buying food if possible. With the Hornets being one of the better teams in the WAC, you’d certainly be in for some quality baseball. Extras 1 There are two things of note that create an extra point for me. There is a wall of accomplishments underneath the bleacher seating, complete with pictures and stats of recent conference acknowledgements. Another cool thing is being able to sit right next to the play-by-play announcer as his table is set up near the home dugout.

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 Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.43 Miami-Dade Arena 601 Biscayne Boulevard Miami, FL 33132 Miami Heat website Miami-Dade Arena website Year Opened: 1999 Capacity: 19,600 The Heat Is On This 2019-2020 season marks the 20th Anniversary of the Miami Heat (or HEAT as preferred by the team) in their present home at AmericanAirlinesArena (that is the official stylized name and not a misspelling on our part) along Biscayne Bay in downtown Miami. The arena opened on December 1999, with a concert by local star Gloria Estefan. The arena has a capacity of 19,600, including 2,105 club seats, 80 luxury suites and 76 private boxes. The arena seating bowl has a definite Heat theme, as it features a cascade of red and orange colors. The scoreboard is also very distinctive, not for its size, but for its interpretation of the sun with rays of light extending from the interior. Note: The arena name changed to Kaseya Center in April 2023. Food & Beverage 5 Miami is a melting pot of cultures with a heavy influence of Latin and Caribbean populations. This is certainly reflected in the food and concessions program at AmericanAirlinesArena. The facility offers 36 different vendors with 77 locations spread out through the arena. Several stands offer the standard arena fare. These include Chicken Ciao (chicken tenders), Prime Grill (burgers, grilled chicken), Papa John’s (pizza), Downtown Dogs (hot dogs), Family Fare (typical arena fare in child size portions) and Healthy Fit (veggie burgers, salads and gluten free foods). Local and more ethnically diverse dishes are available at PB Burgers (gourmet burgers), Bodega Taqueria y Tequila (Mexican street food), Sergio’s Cuban Café’ and Grill (Cuban Cuisine), Miami Smoker’s BBQ, The Blue Iguana Tequila Bar, Kuenko (salmon, tuna and veggie bowls) and Baja Bao (Asian fusion). AmericanAirlinesArena is experimenting with cashless commerce in certain areas of the arena. Purchasers can use their credit or debit cards only at these sites. It is hoped to speed up the lines. Atmosphere 5 The HEAT is by far the most successful franchise in South Florida since the club was founded in 1988. They have won the NBA titles on three occasions (2006, 2012 and 2013), been Conference Champions five times and Division Champions 13 times . Today they are members of the Southeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the NBA. Attending a HEAT game is as much of a social occasion as attending a basketball game. While seeing the red-hot HEAT compete on the court, you are just as likely to be seeing an “A List” of celebrities sitting courtside. While the sight lines to the court are excellent, the social amenities offered at AmericanAirlinesArena are just as impressive. There is a plaza located on the east side of the arena, which overlooks Biscayne Bay and features a bar and plenty of tables and chairs to enjoy socializing before, during and after the game. You will feel the Miami vibe before you ever enter the arena, as it features the white exterior and large amounts of glass that are so prevalent in the architecture in the South Florida area. Its location overlooking Biscayne Bay also adds to the uniqueness of the space, as very few NBA arenas feature a waterfront view. AmericanAirlinesArena features seating for the general public in the 100, 200, and 400 levels of the facility, with the 200-level serving as the club and luxury suites level of the seating bowl. The 400 level of seats are only found in the end zone area of the seating bowl. Neighborhood 4 The home of the HEAT is in downtown Miami along beautiful Biscayne Bay. It is surrounded by several developments such as the Bayside Marketplace entertainment and shopping complex and a wide variety of hotels featuring dramatic views of the bay. The Frost Museum of Science is located virtually next door. South Beach and its lively club and bar scene are just a short drive across the causeway from the arena. Speaking of driving, traffic is also the main drawback to the area, as it is congested night and day, regardless of whether there is an event going on or not. The city’s MetroRail system can help you avoid the gridlock and will also allow you to avoid the high parking fees in the area. Fans 5 South Florida sports fans have been starved for a winning program as the Dolphins, Marlins, Panthers and the University of Miami programs have been a disappointment in recent years. They have found a consistent winner in the HEAT and support the team with a passion. They are loud, and they proudly wear the HEAT colors to every game. The noise in the arena can be deafening at times, as the crowd becomes the “sixth man” on the court during scoring streaks or when the team needs to make a defensive stand. In addition to the game, fans come for the social aspect of the event as well. HEAT games are a party, with DJ’s on hand to keep the music going, celebrity sightings abound, and high fashion is the dress code for the night. The fans love to mingle in the many social areas built into the arena. Access 3 While there is a Biscayne Boulevard exit directly off I-395 near the arena, an automobile is typically the worst way to access AmericanAirlinesArena. The arena itself only has parking dedicated to season ticket holders. The nearest large lot to the arena is found at the Bayside Marketplace, which charges a small fortune for its spaces, as do the other lots in the area. Traffic is always heavy on Biscayne Boulevard, as the presence of Biscayne Bay on its eastern side rules out any other routes to reach the arena from the east or the south. For more info on MetroRail go to www.8.miamidade.gov/trainspotation/metrorail.page . Fortunately, the city of Miami offers a public transit system designed to get you to the AmericanAirlinesArena both swiftly and economically. Simply take the MetroRail train to the Government Center Station ($2.25 fare) and transfer to the MetroMover Omni Loop (free of charge) taking it to the Park West Station. From there, simply cross Biscayne Boulevard to the arena. The HEAT also has a partnership with the Uber ridesharing service. Return on Investment 4 There are general pricing ranges for each level of the seating bowl. The HEAT uses a dynamic pricing program that changes for games featuring the more popular opponents. The 400 level seats list price at $15 – $30, the 300 level seats go for between $50 and $80 and 100 level seats go for $80 or more depending on location near the court. Concession prices are above average for an NBA arena. The parking situation makes this an unattractive option, as the parking lots surrounding the arena can charge $40 or more on event nights. A much cheaper option is to take the MetroRail / Metromover combo which will cost you only $2.25 each way and deliver you a block from the arena. Extras 5 AmericanAirlinesArena is the correct spelling of the arena’s name. This is to set it apart from several other arenas that have naming rights with the airline, such as the arena in Dallas that serves as the home of the Dallas Mavericks and the Dallas Stars. Among the other events that have taken place at the AmericanAirlinesArena are both WCW and UFC matches, the MTV Video Music Awards and concerts by Cher, Britney Spears, Shakira, Adele, Katy Perry and many more. AmericanAirlinesArena only trails the Staples Center in LA and Madison Square Garden in New York City for the number of celebrity sightings in its courtside seats. The team holds a Noche Latina Night and dons their El HEAT jerseys each season in recognition of the support it receives from the Hispanic community. The rafters of the arena are filled with banners recognizing the team’s various championship years, as well as celebrating the careers of Chris Bosh, Tim Hardaway, Shaquille O’Neal and Alonzo Mourning with their retired jersey numbers. Banners also recognize HEAT players who have won gold medals in the Olympic Games. Final Thoughts American Airlines has decided not to renew their naming rights agreement which expires December 31, 2019. At the time of this review the arena was still known as AmericanAirlinesArena. A new naming rights partner has not been identified yet. Regardless of the name on the building, the facility is one of the most unique arenas in the NBA, both architecturally and its promotion of the local team’s brand. It embraces the Latin heritage found in the Miami area, both through its concessions program and the music played during lulls in the action. The HEAT are the most successful sports franchise in the South Florida area and a trip to a basketball game at the facility makes a great evening addition while vacationing in Miami.

Photos by Dennis Morrell, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Angel of the Winds Arena 2000 Hewitt Ave Everett, WA 98201 Everett Silvertips website Angel of the Winds Arena website Year Opened: 2003 Capacity: 8,149 Everett Tips *Editor’s Note-This review originally appeared on Stadium Journey in 2014. Since that time, the Silvertips’ home arena has been renamed Angel of the Winds Arena. At the time of this review, the arena was named Comcast Arena, and will be referred to by that name throughout this review. Just 30 miles north of Seattle, a burgeoning community sits just off the eastern shore of Possession Sound. With a population of 105,000, Everett supports both an AquaSox baseball team (class A short season) and Silvertips major junior hockey club, members of the Western Hockey League (WHL), part of the top major junior circuit in the world. While the Silvertips continue to garner strong support, attendance has slipped since their first six season where figures topped 6,000 per game regularly. For the 2013-14 season, the team is averaging 4,664 a game, still good for 8th in the 22-team league. Comcast Arena is the home of the Silvertips and offers an experience worthy of a visit. The intimate setting and sightlines provide for an enjoyable outing and having a competitive team helps bring the entire package together. Food & Beverage 3 There are a few neat treats to enjoy at Comcast Arena, but most everything you would expect to consume at a sporting event is here. Pepsi products are the soft drink of choice with fountain variety at $4 for regular size and $4.50 for a large size. For just $8, though, you can get an All-You-Can-Drink cup. Bottled soda, water, and Monster Energy drinks are $4. For beer lovers, Bud Light, Budweiser, Coors Light, Molson Canadian for common selections and some local brews such as Kokanee and Scuttlebutt Power Play Ale are on hand. Draft beer is $8 while regular bottled beer is $7 and large bottled beer is $11. Even more beer options can be found at the Ice Box Lounge behind section 113. I had an oversized hot dog at $5.50, which was not as tasty as anticipated. Regular sized hot dogs are $4 with a kiddie dog for $2. Regular nachos are $4.25 while nachos grande are $5.75. A large soft pretzel is $3.75 and an accompanying cup of cheese is $1.50. Pizza slices are $6.50 and $7 depending upon the type. Near section 118, there is a concession area featuring seafood and Mexican food. Make sure you take a peek at the menu here. Among the offerings are a pulled pork sandwich or salmon burger (both served with fries) or fish & chips, each of the three at $10. A bowl of clam chowder is just $6. Burritos and quesadillas are $9 while a taco salad and three tacos are $10. There are a few additional special items which caught my attention. They include Fruit-on-a-stick for $6-$7, Mini Donuts (18 of them) for $5.50, a caramel apple for $5, and stir fry for $10. Most food and drink stands only accept cash (such as fruit-on-a-stick). Generally, concession prices are a little higher than expected for a minor league hockey venue. The Ice Box Lounge, located behind section 113 on the other side of the concourse, provides plenty of standing areas and high tables to accommodate at least 100 patrons. As for finer dining choices inside the arena, there are two options. The Arena Grill is a table-service venue located near sections 205 and 206 and available exclusively to suite holders and those with club seats. Reservations can be made at (425) 322-2726 or online. The Octane Lounge provides a contemporary bar atmosphere with full cocktail service. It is located at the 200-level at the southeast corner of the arena near section 210 and 211. It is available to the public 90 minutes before game time (unless being rented for the night). Atmosphere 4 The arena is nestled in the heart of downtown at 2000 Hewitt Avenue, the north edge of the block bordered by Oakes Avenue to the west and Broadway to the east. The corner of Hewitt and Oakes provides the facility’s most grand entrance. It is arguably the epicenter of activity in this quaint community. From the outside, the building does not look like much, but get inside and it has some character. It is intimate with sections close together and built nearly on top of the ice instead of spread back. This is likely due to the small footprint the building has in a city block. Built into part of a steeply-graded hill, of which you will see several throughout downtown, Comcast Arena’s main entrance is on the northwest side of the arena at Hewitt Avenue and Oakes Avenue. There is a bit of a downward grade with steps from the street to get you to the front door. A secondary entrance is along the south side of the arena along Wall Street. Inside the main entrance and to the right is the pro shop, across from section 105. The main box office is to the left of the entrance. There are two bowls of seating, the 100 level and the 200 level. The main concourse feeds to both with entrances to the sections leading to steps which take you to the 100 level seats and stairwells which take you up to the 200 level seats. The 100 level has approximately 15 rows while the upper level has about 18 rows on average. If you are sitting in the 200 level near the top, there are walkways behind the last row which include restrooms. This nice feature prevents the need to descend down the stairwell and then back up wasting time and energy. The main concourse is appropriately marked and not too cluttered with signage. Directional signs are clean and simple and guide you to where you want to go. Elevators are available in several areas to take patrons who need them to the upper levels. If you are concerned about missing the game while in the concourse, know there are a few televisions above and within some concession stands. These are not plentiful though. As for choosing where to sit, consider the following layout as if you were sitting at the center red line, across from the team benches and behind the penalty boxes. You would be sitting in section 108. These tickets are known as the lower club and are $29 for regular games, $34 for premium games (not for every one of the games against the following opponents, but mostly for games when the Silvertips face Seattle, Portland, Spokane, Moose Jaw, and Victoria). Check the website to see the premium game schedule. More on sections and pricing can be found at the end of this section. While sitting in section 108, look to your left behind the goal. Section 103 is found there, the end where the Silvertips shoot twice. The sections at this end surround the glass rising upward to a high 200 level and a full second level of seats. Look to your right behind the goal and section 100 is where you can sit directly behind the net where the opponent shoots twice. While there is a full 100 level with multiple sections of seats, the concourse is at the top of the 100 level and is the only area of the concourse where you can view the ice and the action on it. Across the concourse in this area is The Ice Box Lounge, a place to stand and talk to other fans while listening to the game. This area also provides a view (separated by glass floor to ceiling) of the activity at the adjacent community rink. Both benches are in front of section 118 with the home team bench adjacent to section 117 while the away bench is adjacent to section 119. Penalty boxes are in front of 108 for both teams. Regular single ticket prices for Silvertips games range in price from $10-$29 for regular opponents and increase to a range of $10-$34 for premium games. 200 level, upper bowl seats on the corners and ends are $10 and $14 respectively for all games regardless of a premium night or not. The only exception is the upper club level in part of section 205 and all of section 206. These two areas are $22/$24 and are in the upper corner across from the benches and closest to the penalty boxes, both of which are to the ticket holder’s right. The benefit to these seats involves access to the Arena Grill during the game, it has food and drink service and slightly wider and more comfortable seats than the majority of the sections. The real benefit for these seats probably comes by being a season ticket holder with parking pass, team merchandise discounts and ticket exchange benefits. The red seats are the three sections on each side of the ice in the upper level parallel with the side boards. I believe these are the best seats for the money at $16/$19, particularly like section 208 as the best section to view a game. Consider getting a first row seat in this section as the sightlines over the ice are best from this spot. The remaining price levels are all 100 level, lower bowl seats. Most of the seats are green seats surrounding the rink at $19/$22 with two exceptions. The first row of seats around the glass are silver seats priced at $24/$29 with just two sections reserved for lower club and all seats including the first row price at $29/$34. Sections 108 (behind the penalty boxes) and 118 (behind the team benches) are lower club or blue seats. There is excellent pitch in the rows on both levels, but there are particularly better views from the upper level where you can see more of the ice without feeling too removed from the action. Aisles are wide and seats are comfortably padded with cup holders down below and in front of each seat. Concourse width is narrower than expected at the longer sides of the rink, but opens up nicely in the corner and on the end behind section 113. Keep in mind, before the game when fans are entering, the entrances are jammed full of people trying to decide which way they want to go. Once the game begins, things are less cluttered. Once in your seat, you will notice an appropriately-sized scoreboard with video capabilities for live action and replays. A loud foghorn lets you know a home goal has been scored. Banners recognizing team accomplishments are hung above the goals on both ends of the ice denoting the team’s regular season and playoff accomplishments. During the game you will enjoy the nice mix of popular canned music and organ music with an appropriate volume level. There is something to be said for the right level of music and the Comcast Center does a good job of maintaining this. Along where you might expect to find messages boards and game information there are static advertising signs throughout, almost overwhelming above what one might expect. I get the team looks for as many revenue streams and opportunities as possible. Seems this element is a little overdone at Comcast Arena. As with most venues, promotions to generate interest in fans showing up early and engaged during the game are plentiful. There seems to be some sort of promotion at every game. Neighborhood 4 Comcast Arena is in the heart of downtown Everett, just a few miles east of Possession Sound. There are many options for shopping and eating near the arena. For the eats and drinks, consider the following choices: The Austin Bar & Grill for great steaks and burgers, Port Gardner Bay Winery for wine tasting beginning at 4:30 Tuesday through Saturday, or Sidekicks for burgers, sandwiches and a variety of brew choices. Also worth visiting is Cask & Vine, featuring beer and wine accompanied by food pairings, Brooklyn Brothers Pizzeria for excellent pizza selections, Ynot Sports Pub & Grub for great burgers and an upscale pub atmosphere, and Fish Tale Brew Pub for great seafood choices. Fans 3 Fans are proud and supportive of their team and it is shown both in how they dress for the game adorned in their favorite Silvertips jersey or hat and in the volume with which they express their support. Access 3 Like most downtown arenas, street and garage parking are plentiful, but at a price. You can park for $5 at a garage just across and down the street from Comcast Arena along Oakes. The closer to game time, the deeper into the underground structure you will need to drive for your spot. There is a smattering of surface lots within walking distance, some as much as $10. Street parking is available and is free after 6 PM during the week and all day on the weekends. If you have to get there early on a weeknight game, you will pay $2 for up to two hours of street parking or $5 for up to four hours of street parking. Streets are in good condition and provide access to the wonderful shops, restaurants, and bars surrounding the arena in areas north and west of the arena. As for bathrooms, there are a total of eleven (11) and they seem to be congested far more than they should be. Lines extend well outside the restrooms at intermission, but far more problematic and for a longer period of time. It seems they have a shortage of facilities and have not managed the queue well as it inhibits those fans walking the concourse at intermission. Line queues at concession stands also contribute to the congestion. The message is consider this when determining when to go to the restroom or getting food or drink. You might have to miss some of the game to do either in order to avoid long waits. The area behind section 113 at The Ice Box Lounge is particularly crowded during breaks. Return on Investment 3 The food and drink prices are a little high in many cases, but there are some reasonably priced options. If spending money on food and drink is a staple of your evening at a hockey game, consider promotions with special pricing. Tickets are also a little on the high side. In being one of the top draws in the WHL, getting tickets in advance through the team website will cost you in ticket processing fees. Merchandise is on the fair to high side with many items being under $10, but authentic jerseys at $225 with personalization for another $60. Extras 4 Game Program: For $3, fans can pick up a game program on the way in the arena at the entrances or at the team shop. This is a must buy for information on the match and a cheap souvenir to take home with you to remember the evening. Mascot: The Silvertips mascot, Lincoln, plays a major role in each event and is integral in getting fans up for the game ten minutes prior to puck drop. About ten minutes before puck drop, the arena goes dark and Lincoln orchestrates a rumbling cheer. He initiates a sequence which gets one side of the arena yelling “GO” while the other side then yells “TIPS”. It may not sound like much, but it was pretty impressive to hear the crowd-coordinated chant build to a loud crescendo leading up to the home team stepping onto the ice. His antics throughout the game involve shooting t-shirts into the crowd, participating in on-ice contests, and riding along the “Fanboni” between periods with groups of Silvertips supporters. He is entertaining. Merchandise: The range of prices and variety of options is plentiful and in this jam-packed store most if not all of the inventory displayed makes the store incredibly small. It is to the point it is uncomfortable to walk around without brushing into the clothing racks and displays. Maybe it is a lack of a stock room or perhaps they choose to display so much to show they have plenty of stock, but it is uncomfortable and cluttered. The team could do a better job of merchandising appropriately instead of showcasing just about every item they have including back stock. Pucks are available for under $5, cowbells for $9.20, adult t-shirts from $15-$29, replica jerseys for $70-$100. While there are some good price points, there are some prices which are way out of line. Website: The Silvertip website is pretty comprehensive which is good in many ways, but it can be a little overwhelming at the home page. Still, you will find good information there including details on the special nights where ticket prices are a little higher for premium opponents and dates, views of the each from each section and the array of merchandise available at the game. Snohomish County Sports Hall of Fame: Behind section 115 and 116 along the main concourse is this tribute to local amateur and professional sports figures. Even though football coach Dennis Erickson was the only inductee I recognized, the number of artifacts and stories accompanying the exhibit was enjoyable to visit. Consider at least a walk-by before the game.

Photos by Lloyd Brown Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Charles Koch Arena 1845 Fairmount St Wichita, KS 67260 Wichita State Shockers website Charles Koch Arena website Year Opened: 1955 Capacity: 10.506 Shockers Shocking Success At Home Wichita State University is a 15,000-student mid-major university founded in 1895. Basketball has been played at the school almost since its inception, as the first team was started in 1905. The team is known as the Shockers and for most of its history, they were members of the Missouri Valley Conference. In 2017, the school joined the American Athletic Conference, which includes such traditional basketball powers as UConn, the University of Memphis, and Temple University, as well as the University of Tulsa, the longtime rival of WSU. The home of the Shockers began its life in 1958 as the WSU Arena, then the Levitt Arena for the next 47 years. When it was built, it was considered to be ahead of its time due to its circular seating bowl around the court, earning itself the nickname “The Roundhouse”. The arena went through expansions in 1966, 1967, 1977, 1980, and 2002. Finally, the aging arena went through a near-total teardown and rebuild in 2002-2003, costing more than $25 million. It emerged as the state-of-the-art Koch Arena, with a seating capacity of 10,506. The basketball team’s success rate since the renovations has been astounding. The Shockers have a home winning percentage of .847 since 2003 and won 43 straight home games in the period of November 2013-February 2016. They have also posted nine seasons with 25 or more wins and four with 30 wins or more. In 2013-2014 the team went undefeated throughout the regular season, compiling a 30-0 record. They were derailed by eventual national champion Kentucky in the NCAA Tournament. Since moving into the Koch Arena, the Shockers have been the Missouri Valley Conference (MVC) regular season champions six times and the MVC Tournament Champion twice. They have been to the NCAA Tournament seven times with one Final Four and three Sweet Sixteen appearances. In addition, they have gone to the NIT five times, bringing home one championship. Food & Beverage 4 Koch Arena offers a better-than-average number of food and beverage selections. Due to the arena’s history of sellouts, the renovations made in 2003 put a priority on having enough concession areas to serve more than 10,00 people on an average night, so you should not encounter any long lines. Televisions at each service point will insure that you do not miss any of the games. The Koch Arena concession menu includes steak subs ($9.50), steak burritos ($9.50), pork sandwiches ($7.50), nachos ($9), chicken salad wraps ($7.50), hot dogs ($5), corn dogs ($4), fries ($4), candy ($4), peanuts ($5), pretzels ($4.50) and popcorn ($4). The facility sells 20 oz. Pepsi products ($4), 20 oz. bottled water ($4), 18 oz. teas ($4.50) and 16 oz. coffee ($2.50). Beer is sold to persons 21 years of age and older, with a 2-beer limit per customer. Brands available include Bud Light, Michelob Ultra, Corona Extra, and of course…. Shock Top! Atmosphere 5 The atmosphere at WSU games can easily be described as electric. When you enter the arena, you can always expect it to be a full house. The gold and black color scheme of the seating bowl is very eye-catching and the court with the huge wheat shocker logo is dramatic. The major renovation in 2002-2003 and succeeding minor renovations have resulted in a first-class facility. Some of the elements that add to the atmosphere are the 270-foot-long mural atop the concourse that depicts Shocker sports history, a basketball hall of fame, luxury suites a brand new HD scoreboard, and LED lighting throughout the arena. In recognition of its excellent facilities, Koch Arena has hosted the NCAA Tournament at the Regional or Sub-Regional level seven times since 2003. Neighborhood 4 Wichita State is on the northeastern side of Wichita, the largest city in Kansas. While a population of 550,000 may not qualify as huge, it does mean that the city offers many of the amenities found in a metropolitan area. Amongst its main attractions are the Old Town entertainment district, and the INTRUST Bank Arena…. Home to the Wichita Thunder AHL hockey team and the Wichita Force Indoor Football team and Botanica, the premier public garden in the state. Keeper of the Plains, a major sculpture saluting the Indian tribes who inhabited Wichita, is also found in the downtown area along the river. Fans 4 The state of Kansas is a basketball-crazy state and the Shocker fans easily hold their own with their Jayhawk brethren. Through the 2017-2018 season, WSU has had 197 straight games with more than 10,000 fans in attendance and has sold out all but 3 games since 2013. The fans are loud and proud, as basketball is the premier sport on campus. It is hard to miss a WSU fan as they are decked out in every combination of gold and black available. The favorite cheer at games is WUUUUU- SHOCK, which is also the name of the wheat shock mascot for the team. The student body is known as the Shocker Maniacs and they do their best to distract the opposing team throughout the game. The fans play a major role in the arena’s reputation as one of the top home-court advantages in college basketball. Access 3 Wichita State University and Koch Arena are easily accessible via I-135 by taking the 21 Street exit. You will then head east on 21st Street until you reach Hillside. The school will be on your right. Free parking is available on campus near the Levitt Athletic Complex. It is located adjacent to Eck Stadium (baseball) and Cessna Stadium (track and field). Koch Arena has several entry points, so you should not experience any bottlenecks. The widening of the concourses encircling the arena was widened was a major priority in the 2003 renovations. Aisles within the seating bowl are wide and provide plenty of room to pass and seating allows extra leg room. Return on Investment 3 The cost of attending a Shockers game is a mixed bag. While parking is free, and the concession prices are reasonable, the cost of a ticket to a WSU game can be sizeable due to the team’s lengthy history of sellouts. You will almost always be buying your tickets off the secondary market, where they will be priced considerably higher than face value. Tickets fall within the $140- $256 range depending on the location in Koch Arena. Another consideration is the cost of a flight into Wichita, which traditionally is one of the most expensive airports in the country. . Extras 5 Before the INTRUST Bank Arena was built in downtown Wichita, Levitt Arena/Koch Arena was the primary concert venue in town. Among the artists who have performed on campus are Elvis, Chicago, Rick Springfield, Willie Nelson, the Oak Ridge Boys, Ray Charles, Neil Diamond, and Eagles. On a more somber note, the facility hosted a telethon in 1970 to raise funds for the family of victims of both the WSU and Marshall football teams who perished in separate airplane crashes. A staple of most college students’ diets got its start on the Wichita State campus. Two brothers who were students at the university started Pizza Hut in 1958 to pay their tuition. The Shocker's primary opponent is the University of Tulsa. Each academic year the two schools compete in Havoc in the Heartland, where each school accumulates points for a victory over the other in all intercollegiate sports. Wichita is known as the City of Aviation due to the numerous aircraft companies that call it home. Wichita State University has benefitted greatly from these companies’ philanthropy, as facilities on the campus bear the names of Learjet, Cessna, and Bombardier. Final Thoughts A trip to Koch Arena in Wichita will reward you with one of the top mid-major basketball experiences in the Midwest. The team’s move to the American Athletic Conference will only heighten the level of competition moving forward.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Red Rolfe Field at Biondi Park 10 North Main St. Hanover, NH 03755 Dartmouth Big Green baseball website Red Rolfe Field at Biondi Park website Year Opened: 2008 Capacity: 2,000 Big Green Baseball Team The first baseball team to represent Dartmouth College played in 1866. In 2008, Big Green alumni Mike and Cindy Biondi donated $5.2 million to the school for improvements to the ball field. Their donation funded renovations that included the installation of a new FieldTurf synthetic surface, new permanent seating for 650 spectators, dugouts, batting cages, bullpens, a new scoreboard, press box and landscaping. Mike Biondi had played baseball during his undergraduate days at Dartmouth in the late 1970s. Unfortunately he passed away suddenly just before the start of the renovations he funded. The ballpark was dedicated in his honor. The baseball field at Dartmouth College is formally known as Red Rolfe Field. Robert “Red” Rolfe was a 1931 alumnus of Dartmouth who went on to play for the New York Yankees for ten seasons and who served as the school’s athletic director from 1954 to 1967. Rolfe made four All-Star teams during his time in the Major Leagues. The Big Green have qualified for seven NCAA tournaments over their history, making it all the way to the College World Series in 1970. Thirty Dartmouth alumni have appeared in the Major Leagues. Food & Beverage 0 In a departure from prior visits, there is no food available at Red Rolfe Field. Fans are welcome to bring their own snacks to enjoy during a Big Green game. You’ll be sure to see lots of hot coffee in the grandstand on chilly New Hampshire spring afternoons. Atmosphere 2 If you enjoy a laid-back, relaxed experience at the ballpark, where you can hear the chatter of the players on the field, talk comfortably with your neighbors, and roam around a ballpark to take in the action from a variety of spots, you will love your time at Red Rolfe Field. This is an old-timey, bare-bones game day presentation that traditional baseball fans will love. Red Rolfe Field is a comfortable place to catch a game, with a nice little grandstand, an excellent sound system, and easy accessibility. The PA announcer does his job in an unobtrusive manner, with little going on to distract one’s attention from the action on the field. Music is not even played between batters at Red Rolfe Field. Between inning announcements are kept to a minimum, in keeping with the overall aesthetic. Neighborhood 5 Red Rolfe Field is located southeast of the Dartmouth campus, nestled snugly behind Memorial Field and adjacent to Leede Arena . Dartmouth’s other athletic facilities, including Thompson Arena and Scully-Fahey Field , are located across South Park Street. Hanover is a quintessential New England town, with the Dartmouth Green acting as a central focal point for all town activities. Just a five-minute walk from Red Rolfe Field, Main Street features a bunch of shops and restaurants to explore during your visit. Highlights include the Dartmouth co-op, where you can pick up your Big Green gear, Lou’s Restaurant and Bakery for a snack, and Murphy’s on the Green for a traditional pub experience. There are a good dozen eateries located within a couple-block span on this stretch of road near the ball field. Should you wish to stay in Hanover, there are lodging options located in this area as well, including The Hanover Inn and Six South Street Hotel. Visitors looking for other things to do in the area will find a wealth of outdoor options, including the Appalachian Trail, which runs right through Hanover. Fans 2 When the weather breaks in northern New Hampshire and people start to come outdoors after a long winter, downtown Hanover comes alive. While you will find larger crowds at Red Rolfe Field than at other New England college ballparks, they can still be properly described as “friends and family.” The fans who do show up at Red Rolfe Field are dedicated, enthusiastic and knowledgeable. Many seem to share a personal connection with the players on the field. As you would expect in a small town like Hanover, visitors can feel comfortable and you may find yourself chatting up the locals over the course of the game. There’s even a respectable, if small, turnout by the student body, eager to get outside after a long winter indoors. Access 4 While Dartmouth College is far off the beaten path, that doesn’t mean it’s difficult to get to. Located just a few miles from the intersection of Interstates 89 and 91 on the New Hampshire/Vermont border, Red Rolfe Field is located on the southeast edge of campus, alongside the school’s other athletic facilities. Driving is easily the most efficient method to arrive in Hanover, but there are bus and car services that run from Manchester, located an hour to the southeast, and to Logan Airport in Boston. You can get more information here . Also, Amtrak has a train station just across the Connecticut River in White River Junction, Vermont. There is on-street parking available all over downtown Hanover, but the easiest option is to park across the street in the Thompson Arena lot and walk to the ball field. Once at the ballpark, fans will be greeted by a modest, attractive grandstand featuring individual stadium seats behind home plate and metal bleacher seating further down the lines. Additional bleachers set up down both foul lines that allow for movement and alternate vantage points. There is some room along the lines for standing room. Restrooms are located in the adjacent Memorial Stadium grandstand. These restrooms are new and clean, and more than adequate for a typical Big Green baseball crowd. All seats in the small grandstand feature excellent views of the action, even with netting protecting the entire grandstand. Return on Investment 5 There is no charge for admission to a Big Green baseball game. Parking in the lots near the ballpark is also free. With no concessions at Red Rolfe Field, attending a Dartmouth baseball game will not cost you a cent. Free programs featuring lineups, schedules and more are available to all fans in attendance. Extras 3 For a small ballpark like Red Rolfe Field, there are a lot of things to look at as you wander the grounds. Plaques honoring Red Rolfe, Mike and Cindy Biondi, Tony Lupien, Jeff Tesreau and Peter McKernen are mounted around the back side of the grandstand. Check out the folksy sayings on Coach Lupien and Tesreau’s plaques (“do the best you can with what you’ve got”, “all he ever asked was his share of the close ones”) and interesting placements (one plaque is mounted on a large rock) Dartmouth’s NCAA Tournament and College World Series appearances are commemorated on the outfield walls. Flags representing all eight Ivy League schools fly beyond the outfield fence. Final Thoughts Hanover isn’t a place you’ll find yourself in accidentally. If you do head to northern New England for a college baseball game, you’ll be rewarded with a ballpark that is consistently rated as one of the nicer small parks in the country. Baseball fans looking to experience that small-town relaxed vibe along with a small-park relaxed game day experience will find Red Rolfe Field to be as nice as any ballpark in the country.

Photos by Richard Smith , Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Charger Park Baseball Field 851 John Wright Dr NW Huntsville, AL 35805 Alabama-Huntsville Chargers website Charger Park Baseball Field website Year Opened: 1973 Capacity: 500 Charging Baseball The University of Alabama in Huntsville, or UAH to locals, is a state university that is part of the University of Alabama System. The school began in 1950 as an extension of the University of Alabama but drastically changed in 1960 when Wernher von Braun, a German rocket scientist brought to the United States under Operation Paperclip, after working for the Nazi regime, helped create a research institute to provide advanced engineering and science curricula to NASA scientists and engineers. This set forth a more scientific path for this institution. UAH offers 89 degree-granting programs, but Engineering is the largest college program at the university. UAH is known for its engineering and science programs, including astrophysics, atmospheric science and aerospace engineering. It is a Space Grant university and has a history of cooperation with NASA at the Marshall Space Flight Center, and the U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command at Redstone Arsenal. UAH is a member of the NCAA Division II. In most sports, they are a member of the Gulf South Conference. Unlike many southern schools, there is no football team at UAH. UAH began baseball play in 1996. Charger Park Baseball Field was integrated into Charger Park, built in 2010, which is also the home of the soccer, lacrosse, and softball teams. Food & Beverage 2 For many games there may be no food stands in operation. If the small stand is in operation expect a very simple menu with very good prices for hot dogs and similar items. Atmosphere 3 The field is a simple baseball field with a few grandstands located around home plate. The stadium is a pretty normal setup for a college team of this level. Neighborhood 4 Huntsville is now the largest city in Alabama (Birmingham has a larger metro area) with a population of 194,585 people. The area is home to NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center, the United States Army Aviation and Missile Command nearby at the Redstone Arsenal, and the state-owned US Space & Rocket Center. The replica Saturn V at the center can be seen quite aways away, especially on the nearby UAH campus. Nearby University Drive going west towards Madison has a plethora of food options, from both chains to small operations. Phil Sandoval’s Mexican Restaurante, Shaggy’s Burgers and Tacos, ChopChop and TopGolf are some of the best options in that area. One should also look at the numerous brewpub options around the area. Downtown Huntsville is also becoming a nice quaint place for a stroll. There will be a few food and drink options down there as well. The Lowe Mill ARTS & Entertainment complex is an old factory and mill that houses numerous small artist studios as well as food and drink from options like Piper & Leaf Artisan Tea Company and Alchemy Lounge. Fans 3 The fans are also very knowledgeable about the game and action. Many of the fans in attendance will be family or friends of the players. Access 5 Huntsville is served by several U.S. Highways, including 72, 231, 431 and an Interstate highway spur, I-565, that links the two cities of Huntsville and Decatur to I-65. The UAH campus is off of Sparkman Drive, just south of I-565. There should almost always be plenty of parking found by the soccer field. Check the signs for games that happen during normal class times. Return on Investment 4 The games are free to attend as a local credit union is sponsoring games. Extras 2 Drive around the campus of UAH and check out the beautiful surroundings, as well as the intimidating nature of the learning what happens in places such as the Optics building and the Von Braun building. See if you can see the Saturn V rocket from the soccer pitch. Final Thoughts The University of Alabama in Huntsville has managed to make a very basic, although pretty, setting into one of the better baseball fields in the area. If in the area, make sure to stop in and see if you can catch a match.

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Rogers Stadium East River Rd Ettrick, VA 23806 Virginia State Trojans website Rogers Stadium website Year Opened: 1950 Capacity: 7,909 Trojan Explosion The Virginia State Trojans football team competes in NCAA Division II and currently plays in the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association for all 14 varsity sports. The CIAA includes member schools from six states, spanning from South Carolina to Pennsylvania. The Trojans home football and track venue is called Rogers Stadium – the facility includes both a turf football field as well as a running track around the field. The facility is located just south of Richmond in Ettrick, VA (or some mapping apps may place it in Petersburg). The venue opened in 1950 and currently seats 7,909 fans.   Food & Beverage   4 Concessions at Rogers Stadium include fixed stands on both the home and visitor sides, as well as two food trucks in the plaza next to the home side. Like many HBCUs, you can find chicken wings and fried fish, as well as soul food, in addition to more traditional fare such as BBQ, burgers, hot dogs, nachos, potato wedges, candy, and chips. Drinks include bottled water, bottled Pepsi products, Frappuccino, and energy drinks.   Atmosphere   3 The atmosphere at Virginia State football games is solid, although attendance can be a bit lackluster (more on this later). As with most HBCUs, a big emphasis is placed on the marching bands – the VSU marching band is called the Trojan Explosion, and you can expect to see them sashay as they march into the stadium, and they do a great performance during halftime. You will also see a lot of moving and swaying by the band as they play from the stands during the game. As is typical at HBCU football games, the opposing team’s band will usually also be invited to play during halftime, and the PA announcer will rib them good-naturedly as not being quite as good as the home team’s band, of course.   Neighborhood   4 Rogers Stadium is located in what you might perhaps call a run-down area, but there are plenty of things to see and do nearby, given its proximity to Richmond and its suburbs. While technically about 25 miles south of Richmond proper, the facility is only about 3 miles from the I-95 corridor, and there are all manner of restaurants, hotels, and attractions to be found next to the freeway. Colonial Heights is probably the closest “town,” where you can find restaurants such as Olive Garden and Denny’s, and if you are looking for something to do before or after the game, the Keystone Truck and Tractor Museum is less than 3 miles from the facility and is filled with modern and antique tractors and other equipment. The museum is open from 9-5 daily, so depending on what time the game starts, you should be able to plan a visit before or after.   Fans   2 The fans at Rogers Stadium cheer pretty loudly for their Trojans, but there just aren’t that many fans in attendance – the facility may only be one-third full at a typical football game if that. Depending on the opponent, you might even see more support and more fans cheering for the visiting team than for the home team.   Access   4 It is pretty easy to get in and out of Rogers Stadium – the drive isn’t bad, and since the venue is less than 3 miles from I-95, it doesn’t feel like you have to drive much out of your way. Also, the traffic in the area isn’t bad this far south of Washington, DC. When you get to the stadium, the first parking lot you see might be a long, narrow one with a few tailgaters – that parking lot is next to the visiting side, so you might prefer to follow the road further in, where you will find a much larger parking lot that is closer to the home side. The cost is $10 either way, but you may prefer not to have to walk as far. Either parking lot would be fine in any case, however, as the stadium isn’t that big. There are three entrances into the venue, one next to the visiting side and one on each end of the home bleachers. There is a ramp on both ends of the home side that leads up into the seats, or you can get to your seats from the back – the concessions and restrooms are behind the home grandstand, and there are staircases at a few places in the stands that take you up to them.   Return on Investment   3 Parking is $10, which seems reasonable, but tickets are $20 each for general admission, which seems a tad high for the experience you are getting here. Also, concessions are a little on the high side for certain items - $3 for a bottled soda or water seems reasonable, but $5 for a hot dog or $14/$16 for chicken wings and fried fish seems pretty steep.   Extras   3 The Trojans have two mascots, one male and one female in costume, and they have field-level seating if you are part of an alumni group (tents set up behind one end zone). While the scoreboard isn’t a real video board that can show replays, it does have some basic capacity to show video. However, it doesn’t include enough information – for example, you can’t tell how many timeouts each team has. There are some nice pops of color from the orange and blue; however, and the cheer squad runs around with V-S-U banners every time the home team scores. There is also really no shade in the stands to protect you from the sun during a hot day game.   Final Thoughts A Virginia State Trojans football game at Rogers Stadium is a pleasant experience – it has all the basic amenities a football fan would like to see, if not providing anything over the top. If you are looking for an enjoyable time for friends and family, you couldn’t go wrong by planning a visit here.

Photo by Michael Rusignuolo, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Sportpark Pioneers Nieuwe Molenaarslaan 10, 2134 AS Hoofddorp, Netherlands Hoofddorp Pioniers website Sportpark Pioneers website Year Opened: 2004 Capacity: 1,000 Fit for the Majors The Pioniers don’t have as long a pedigree as some other Dutch baseball teams. The club was founded in 1966, a relative latecomer, but they quickly picked up a corporate sponsor, Konica Minolta, in 1969 and were known as the Konica Minolta Pioniers until as recently as 2010, when the sponsorship ended. Looking to bounce back after the separation–and returning to their original name of Hoofddorp Pioniers–the Pioniers started an ambitious new stadium project that looked to lure the MLB to Dutch shores. The 1,000-seat Sportspark Pioneers opened in 2014, but it is extendable to seat over 30,000. The $13-million stadium is the newest in the league and the only one to compete with Rotterdam for title of the best in the country. They went all-in on catering to the MLB, even going so far as shipping in tons of American clay for the playing surface foundation. Sadly for them, London won out for the 2020-1 MLB series, but they still hope to attract the MLB in the future. Sportpark Pioneers is the newest and best baseball facility in the country, but it both benefits and suffers from its location in a suburb right next to Schiphol Airport, though it is an unbeatable value. [All prices are in Euros. At the time of writing, one Euro is worth about $1.15.] Food & Beverage 3 Even if this ballpark is designed to attract the MLB, the food and drink options are on a small scale. All the consumables are found in the “DuckOut,” the bar/lounge on the second floor of the clubhouse. The food selection is a little limited, but it is cheap and tasty. There is a wide selection of cold and hot sandwiches and sausages (€3.50 and under), as well as small, medium, and large pizzas (€3.50/€6.50/€8.50). There is a requisite selection of frites (€2.30 and under, a gigantic “team-sized” basket is €16), as well as Dutch meatballs in 10, 20, and 30 pieces (€4.95, €9.95, €15.00). Beer is served up at the large U-bar in the DuckOut. There is a small selection of mostly regional brews (Hertog Jan, Jupiler, Corona) as well as wine, but for alcohol prices topping out at €3, you really can’t complain too much. Coke rules the roost for your non-alcoholic beverages. Take your pick of local beers and try some Dutch meatballs (€4.95 for 10). Popping these while watching the game may make you a convert from corn dogs. Atmosphere 4 Sportpark Pioneers is one the premiere baseball facilities in The Netherlands, with only Rotterdam to contest them for the title. Most of the Honkbal Hoofdklasse stadiums are about the level of Rookie-level ball in the American minors, but this stadium is easily on the AA facilities level. The seating area of the park is located behind a three-level building that serves as the stadium facade. An automatic rotating door provides access. On the ground floor are the small team store, restrooms, and access to the player areas. Getting to the second level, there is a long corridor, holding the “business lounge” and patio, and further down the hallway, the DuckOut clubhouse bar and grill. Doors lead out onto the main deck overlooking the field. The third level is taken up by a professional announcer’s booth that has the best view of the field. Smoking is still quite popular in The Netherlands, and the patio overlooking the seats has several picnic tables with ashtrays built in, as well as two small plazas at either end of the building, to accommodate smokers. Stairs run down at intervals to the one row of seats that runs from about first base above the home dugout to about third base above the visiting dugout. The seats themselves are modern fold-down models, a rarity in a league with mostly molded plastic monstrosities. A digital scoreboard sits in left-center above the outfield wall, against the backdrop of trees and a few buildings. As is the case in most Honkbal Hoofdklasse games, there are no mascots or between-innings entertainment you will have come to expect in all levels of American baseball. Sportpark Pioneers goes further than most, for in addition to the batter walk-up music and Seventh Inning Stretch, the press box will also throw in minor league standard sound effects, such as breaking glass when a foul ball heads towards the parking lot, for example. The Dutch don’t even play the national anthem before games or fly their flag. Since this is a step up from club ball, however, there are some nice vestiges of sportsmanship. Each batter coming the plate for the first time usually shakes the hand of the umpire and the opposing catcher. You can sit wherever you want except in the dugout, so choose what suits you best. Spread out on a picnic table on the plaza or grab a seat behind home plate so close you can have a legitimate beef with the umpire. Neighborhood 3 There are the good and the bad with being right next to the airport. On the one hand, you do okay with restaurants and really well with hotels. On the other, it is a bit of a cultural wasteland. There are a good number of restaurants a short distance from the park, mostly in central Hoofddorp. Right by the park is the hip eatery Toolenburg Restaurant Long Island. In Hoofddorp itself, there is the Trattoria Buoni Amici, Arabesque, Restaurant Elders, PLEIN 14, Da Rosario, and Nooristan Restaurant. The locale by the airport doesn’t provide much for attractions. There are a couple of minor historic sights nearby, but all your points of major interest lies in Haarlem to the northwest and Amsterdam to the northeast. Being this close to the nation’s major airport means that there are hotels aplenty. Closest to the park is the Floriande Bed & Breakfast, and just to the north are Courtyard by Marriott Amsterdam Airport, Bastion Hotel Schiphol Hoofddorp, B&B Schiphol Airport, and the Hotel Restaurant De Beurs. There’s a dozen more slightly further to the east and perhaps a hundred within a short drive, so take your pick. Fans 3 Baseball (or honkbal, as it is known locally) is very much a fringe sport in The Netherlands, and for all of Europe for that matter. The Dutch Honkbal Hoofdklasse is one of the only semi pro/professional leagues on the continent, sharing the distinction with the Italian Baseball League. The Pionier’s regular season games get the average Dutch crowds across the league (between 100-250 people per game), but on the higher end of that range. After games and practices at the surrounding ball fields end, the players and spectators come over to watch the top-level men play. Another out-of-the-ordinary status quo is that there are usually pet dogs at every game. It is a welcome change for dog lovers, less so if you don’t like them. Those fans that are there (both home and visitor alike) are into the game. A small fan base is generally a dedicated one, and they are into the action as the game went on to conclusion. Access 3 Although it is only a short distance from the nation’s main airport, it is pretty hard to get to Sportpark Pioneers unless you drive. Given the overall efficiency of Dutch public transit, it is difficult to get to Sportpark Pioneers, even from the airport. You have to use two buses (Connexxion Bus 300 to Connexxion Bus 169 to Sportc. Kon. W-Alexander stop, €3.51) taking over a half hour and for a relatively expensive price. You’re better off driving or taking a cab or ride share from the airport, which is only a 10-15 minute trip for not a lot more money. The stadium has its own parking lot attached to the stadium, there is plenty of free bicycle parking, and cabs and ride shares can drop off right at the front gate. The only entrance to the stadium is the main gate outside the parking lot. Entrance to the seating areas are either through the main building grandstand or stairs at the end of either terminus. There is a large plaza outside the park that lets you walk around and access the other fields in the complex. There is a spacious walkway at the top of the grandstand leading down to the seats and ending in two raised plazas at either end of the clubhouse. Return on Investment 5 There is no admission fee for Sportpark Pioneers. (They’ll need to fix that situation if they want the MLB to show up.) Most of the food and drinks are €3.50 or under, including alcoholic drinks, and only the larger, shareable food items are more than that (and well worth the cost for what you get). You simply can’t beat those prices. Extras 3 As with all the Dutch stadiums, extras are at a minimum. The clubhouse has a selection of baseball memorabilia, as well as club trophies and awards. The team store in the first level sells a selection of generic baseball merchandise and a small set of team and league goodies. There is a small playground outside the park for kids, and the main facade of the stadium has a whimsical giant bat column holding it up. There are several memorials, including five retired numbers on the outfield wall, the plazas on either side of the grandstand named in memory of local baseball luminaries (Van Zullien and Fysio Cura), the plaza in front of the park named for another local baseball legend (Koene), and two plaques in the building honoring softball sponsors and the Club of 100. As Dutch clubhouse personnel are almost all volunteers, they are polite and helpful to a person and are always glad to talk to and assist visitors. Final Thoughts Sportpark Pioneers was built to attract the attention of the MLB, and it certainly can turn heads with its new, modern facilities. As with most Dutch baseball, it has an unbeatable value, but it is hard to get there without driving, and it must content with the double-edge sword of being right next door to a major airport.

Photos by Andy Mantsch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Eddy D. Field Stadium 24255 Pacific Coast Hwy Malibu, CA 90263 Pepperdine Waves website Eddy D. Field Stadium website Year Opened: 1973 Capacity: 1,800 A View of Malibu It doesn’t always take a new and beautiful stadium to make baseball experiences good. Sometimes all it takes is a hot dog, a game, and a view. And at Eddy D. Field Stadium, oh! what a view it is. Situated in Malibu overlooking the Pacific Ocean, sometimes it’s hard to focus on the game in such a calming setting. The stadium itself doesn’t hold much in terms of glitz and glamour, but when you’re based in Malibu, who cares? The stadium was built in 1973 and renovated in 1980 and again in 1999. The 1,800-seat stadium is named after longtime university benefactor Eddy Field. And with a plethora of stadiums in the LA area, this one is worth the drive up the Pacific Coast Highway. Food & Beverage 2 Well, the good news is the food is dirt cheap. Almost everything on the menu is under $4.25, which makes for a very affordable experience. If you’re looking for a variety of local food options to chow down on though, you’ll have to go somewhere else. Fortunately, all that a good baseball experience requires is a couple of $3 hot dogs and a $2.25 soda with the ocean in the background. There’s only one small concession stand behind the first baseline here. The menu is short and includes hot dogs, peanuts ($2.50), frozen lemonade ($3.50), an STG sandwich ($4.25), PB&J ($2), and a few other miscellaneous items. Drinks include coffee ($2), Dasani bottled water ($2.25), and soda. Again, the selection is sparse but mildly sufficient. Atmosphere 4 The crowds aren’t raging, the stadium isn’t shiny and the park isn’t top of the line. But, there’s no disputing the setting. There are plenty of parks around the country that bring a lot more in terms of passionate sports atmospheres and state-of-the-art facilities, but Eddy Field Stadium is the anti-atmosphere in those regards. The facility itself is nice enough for a college stadium. The outfield wall runs evenly around the park with a pretty basic scoreboard in right. The left-center field is part of the field that could be classified as “intimidating.” Despite only two College World Series appearances, Pepperdine’s wall proudly displays that they were 1992 National Champions. The stadium bleachers are all seat backs in 11 sections from first base around to third base. The crowd is generally sparse (Pepperdine is much more of a basketball school) and very laid back. The real showstopper here is the view. Palm trees line the outside of the outfield fence, hills rolling up to the Santa Monica Mountains draw your eyes to the right, and a campus full of what looks like luxury condos is all around you. The Pacific Ocean in the distance over left field will steal your eye line for all nine innings if you’re not careful. Everything about this park is relaxing and well worth the trip. Neighborhood 5 Pepperdine’s campus overlooks Malibu and the Pacific Coast Highway from the hills below the Santa Monica Mountains. Is there a better neighborhood than Malibu and a better drive than the Pacific Coast Highway? Sure, there’s not a bar and restaurant scene in the area, but who needs that when you have a beach, mountains, and mansions? The area is absolutely beautiful and will expand your relaxing experience well beyond the nine innings of the game. There are several beachside restaurants in Malibu worth checking out. My first recommendation would be Duke’s Malibu for some seafood and beautiful ocean views. Paradise Cove Beach Cafe and The Sunset are also beach side options. Hotels in the immediate Malibu area aren’t particularly cheap, but they are plentiful. If you’re looking for less expensive options, you can head 20-30 minutes down the road toward LA and have easy access to both Malibu and the Hollywood area for considerably cheaper rates. And of course, the drive can be right down the 101 along the ocean. There’s no reason to complain about that. Fans 2 There are a mighty few Waves faithful in attendance at the game, but in general, attendance will be pretty sparse. At a basketball-first school in a city full of money, there’s just not much support for the baseball team. It’s a shame because it is a great place to view a game. Although as peaceful as it is, it might lose some of its relaxing lusters with truly large crowds. Access 4 The Los Angeles area isn’t particularly known for its ease of access, but when you’re driving along the ocean it’s easy to not mind. Pepperdine is about a 45-minute drive along the coast from LAX on an easy day, with a good portion of that drive following the PCH west along the ocean. If you’re coming from that direction, leave a bit early because LA traffic is unpredictable, to say the least. Once at Pepperdine, you’ll check in at the campus checkpoint and they’ll direct you up the road to the stadium. There is a parking lot behind the center field wall and street parking in the immediate area. Because of the sparse attendance, traffic will generally be light and parking is easy. Entry into the stadium can come from just about any direction via stairways among the hills, but to avoid stairs there’s a road that comes down the first baseline hill. You’ll pay your $8 almost on the honor system at a table set up behind the first base dugout stands and have free roam of the area. The game is visible from all areas of the concourse with seating below, so walking it is easy. Return on Investment 4 Everything here is inexpensive. From the $8 ticket to the $3 hot dog, this is an excellent value. Take into account the beautiful view and the above-average baseball, and it’s quite a deal. Short of an elite baseball atmosphere, you can’t beat putting your feet up on the seat in front of you and catching a game with the backdrop of the Pacific Ocean. Extras 3 The first obvious unique factor of Eddy Field Stadium is the view. This has to count as an extra when it’s something that very few stadiums can match. Add into it the equally beautiful Pepperdine campus, and you’re surrounded by a slice of heaven. But be sure to look down just long enough to notice the unexpected “National Champions” scrolling across the outfield wall, and you’ll realize this is more than just pretty scenery. Final Thoughts You’ve heard about the great parks of college baseball in the southeast or nearby Los Angeles. But don’t overlook the hidden masterpiece of serenity that is Eddy D. Field Stadium. If baseball was life and you had to take a vacation, this would be your vacation spot.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Reisterstown Sportsplex 401 Mitchell Dr Reisterstown, MD 21136 Stevenson Mustangs website Reisterstown Sportsplex website Year Opened: 2008 Capacity: 1,500 Hockey Horses Stevenson University was originally known as Villa Julie College. It has always been a bit of a quirky place. Originally located in the Greenspring Valley of Baltimore County and its Stevenson neighborhood, the college was an all-women college until 1972 and did not even offer bachelor's degrees until 1984. It also was entirely non-residential. Eventually, the college desired to add housing and more of just about everything, so a new campus was added in Owings Mills. This expansion dramatically increased the college’s offerings and student population. In 2008, they decided they needed a new identity and changed their name to Stevenson University. That new Owings Mills campus just happened to be right next door to the old Baltimore Colts training facility. The Mustangs are a NCAA Division III hockey team that plays as part of the 5-team Middle Atlantic Conference (MAC). Normally the MAC is an umbrella organization of sub-conferences, with 16 member colleges, but with some sports, they combine into a single entity. Stevenson has also participated as part of the United Collegiate Hockey Conference at the same time, but the MAC is becoming an automatic qualifier conference in 2024 so the team will be competing solely under the MAC banner. Stevenson also fields a women's ice hockey team. The Reisterstown Sportsplex is a Baltimore County-owned sports facility that houses a 200 x 85 foot NHL size ice rink and a 180 x 80 foot indoor soccer/lacrosse field. Food & Beverage 1 The facility does have a snack bar but it was not open at the game we attended. The other option is vending machines, so it is best to eat before coming to a game. Atmosphere 2 For a recreation facility, the ice rink has two fairly large grandstands with nice seating that makes for great watching angles. Many fans also stand along the glass right inside the entrance of the rink. The arena is filled with Stevenson banners and colors so it seems like a Mustang-specific arena, although it is not. UMBC, as well as various youth teams, play here as well. The arena is also used for ice dance teams, competitive ice skaters, and general ice skating open hours. Neighborhood 4 Resitertown is a suburb of Baltimore, so there are plenty of shopping centers and restaurants in the area. Kecco's Woodfire Kitchen is right nearby and could be a good food stop before or after a game. The Cow is a fun ice cream shop located close by. Somehow we always end up north in Westminster and one of the few Roy Roger's fast food restaurants around. Fans 4 The fans are loud and make for a great environment for hockey. They seem to be quite knowledgeable. Access 4 The Reisterstown Sportsplex is at the junction of I-795 and State Route 140 so it is easy to access. There is a large parking lot at the facility, as well as other parts of the surrounding Reisterstown Regional Park. People in the area likely know of the Mitchell's Golf Complex, and the facility is located right next door to that establishment. That is a nice wayfinding point for people who have never been to the Reisterstown Sportsplex. Return on Investment 5 Games are free, as is parking, and the Division III level of play is fairly good so the return on investment is strong. Extras 2 There is likely to be an indoor soccer game playing next door, so it may be worth watching some of that action when in the building. The Sportsplex is located within the greater Reisterstown Regional Park, as well as next to the Mitchell's Golf Complex, and both are great places to stop in and check out. Final Thoughts There are no other NCAA ice hockey teams in Maryland, so a visit to see a game, especially one with no cost associated with it, is a great reason to watch a Stevenson Mustangs game.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 Mayser Gym Squash Courts 650 College Ave Lancaster, PA 17603 Franklin & Marshall Diplomats website Mayser Gym Squash Courts website Year Opened: n/a Capacity: 100 A Diplomatic Court Franklin & Marshall College (“F&M”) is a private college in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. It was established in 1787. The school was originally named for Benjamin Franklin, but in 1836, it was merged with a college named for the fourth Chief Justice of the United States, John Marshall. Famous alumni include Roy Scheider, Treat Williams, and the late Commissioner of Baseball, Bowie Kuhn. The college’s sports teams are called the Diplomats and mainly compete in the Centennial Conference at the NCAA Division III level. The squash team participates in the Mid-Atlantic Squash Conference, the first-ever squash-specific collegiate athletic conference in the United States. The Mayser Gym Squash Courts features five ASB international squash courts. Food & Beverage 0 There are no food offerings in the squash area. Atmosphere 3 The venue may be small, but the atmosphere is pretty fun, with much more cheering and support than expected. There is not much seating, and expect the competitors to take up much of the main viewing areas. Neighborhood 3 The college is located just north of downtown, right near Clipper Magazine Stadium. There are many shops and restaurants right near the stadium. The Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant and The Fridge are some great options within easy walking distance. Besides downtown, the main commercial areas of the Lancaster area are the outlet’s area east on Route 30 and surrounding the Park City Center Shopping Mall north of downtown. Fans 2 This is truly a friends and family-only type of sports venue. Access 4 Lancaster is an easy area to navigate. Routes 30 and 222 are large roads that any tourist visiting the area will be more than familiar with. Even though the college is located in a busy town, you will seldom find traffic to be too bad. Lancaster is located about half an hour from the state capital, Harrisburg. It is also about an hour and a half to Baltimore and the same distance to Philadelphia. There are many parking spaces around the college. The Mayser Gym Squash Courts are located in the basement of the building. Find the main entrance and take the steps in the corner to the lower level. Then, you will need to wander around until you see the courts. Return on Investment 5 There is no price to attend games at Franklin & Marshall. Extras 2 Stop in the gym upstairs and see if any other sporting events are going on at the same time. Check out neighboring Clipper Magazine Stadium before or after the match to see a nice quality independent league baseball stadium. Final Thoughts Squash may not be on the top of anyone's list of sporting events to attend, but this cute little venue will give you a great option to check it out.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Gillette Stadium 1 Patriot Place Foxborough, MA 02035 New England Revolution website Gillette Stadium website Year Opened: 2002 Capacity: 20,000 So You Say You Want a Revolution? The New England Revolution are one of the ten charter members of Major League Soccer. Owned by Robert Kraft and family, who also own the New England Patriots of the National Football League, the team shares their home, Gillette Stadium, with the Patriots. The Revolution actually predate their home venue, having played in Foxboro Stadium for their first six seasons before Gillette Stadium opened in 2002. Throughout the team’s history calls for a soccer-specific stadium have been made, but despite an abundance of rumors popping up over the team’s quarter-century history, no plans have come to fruition. Team owner Robert Kraft has repeatedly stated that he would like to build a soccer-specific stadium in or around Boston. The Revolution have won the 2007 U.S. Open Cup, the 2008 North American SuperLiga and the 2021 Supporters Shield. The Revs have participated in five MLS Cup finals, most recently in 2014, losing each time. They have the most MLS Cup appearances without winning a title. Food & Beverage 4 The concessions at Gillette Stadium lack a signature item but hit all the bases. Even though the stadium renovations have removed all stands in the north end zone, there is a good variety of food available in the stands that circle the pitch. Stands are organized by the type of food sold at each, so you may need to do some searching to find your desired items. Local Street Kitchen (gourmet burgers and specialty sandwiches), Tenders and Wings, Italian Sausage, Sideline Favorites and the Tailgate Grill highlight the offerings. Portable stands ring the inner edge of the concourse providing drinks and snacks to hungry Revolution fans. Pepsi products are featured at Gillette Stadium. As you might expect, the craft beer game is strong at Revolution games, with a particular emphasis on New England brews. Beers from local breweries including Wormtown, Lord Hobo, Harpoon, Long Trail, Timberyard, Mighty Squirrel, Exhibit A, Battery Steele, Lawsons and Fiddlehead highlight the selections at the Beers of New England and Ale House stands. In addition, national brands are also sold throughout the stadium. Be warned, you will be paying NFL prices for concessions at a Revolution game. A complete guide to Gillette Stadium concessions can be found here . Atmosphere 4 The Revolution have created a family friendly atmosphere at Gillette Stadium. The vibe begins in the parking lots, where you can find groups of kids kicking around soccer balls throughout the lots. Once inside the stadium, the energy continues, as Gillette is filled with movement and noise. The focus of the younger fans may not always be on the game, but that’s part of the fun. The Revolution game day staff put on a professional show, utilizing the one existing scoreboard to good effect with slick videos and promotions. Once the new scoreboard (which will be the largest outdoor scoreboard in North America) is installed, this will be a most impressive sight. The biggest drawback to the experience at Gillette Stadium is the sheer size of the facility. Even with a full lower deck, the large empty upper deck tends to dampen the overall noise in the facility. The team’s two supporter clubs, the Midnight Riders and The Rebellion, share space in the northern end zone of Gillette Stadium and create much of the noise at a Revs game. These general admission sections have been dubbed “The Fort” during matches. Also in keeping with the Revolutionary War theme are the End Zone Militia, made famous by their 21-gun salute during Patriots games. The Militia are present at Revs games, too, although in a smaller group. Neighborhood 4 For a long time, there wasn’t much around the Foxboro/Gillette Stadium that would be an attraction for visiting fans. That began to change in 2007 when the Kraft Group started development of Patriot Place, and open-air shopping center and entertainment complex located primarily on the site of the old stadium. Patriot Place, which went up piecemeal over the years, now consists of 1.3 million square feet of shopping, dining and entertainment venues. Included amongst the stores and restaurants are a nature trail, cranberry bog, four star hotel, outpatient health care center and the Patriots Hall of Fame. While this may not be an organic neighborhood, this live/work/play type of development has become a standard feature in the construction of many new facilities. Fans looking for an alternative to stadium fare will find a plethora of choices at Patriot Place, from the upscale (Davio’s Steakhouse, Skipjack’s) to sports bars and pubs (CBS Sporting Club, Wormtown Brewery) and national chains (Five Guys, Red Robin). With over a dozen eateries in the complex, there’s something here for everyone. While stores such as Bass Pro Shop and Olympia Sporting Goods feel like they belong in a shopping center located at a stadium, there are many more options if you feel like a shopping spree before or after a Revolution game. Or, you can check out the bowling alley, movie theater or concert venue while you are visiting Gillette Stadium. Fans 4 The Revolution generally average a shade under 19,000 fans per game, which ranks them in the middle of the overall MLS attendance rankings. This figure represents about 95% of capacity and is just under the league average. A typical Revolution crowd is a good mix of die-hard fans, families out enjoying the game, and youth soccer groups. Gillette Stadium is filled with energy and motion throughout the game. Of course, the supporter groups create much of the noise in The Fort throughout the game, singing songs, waving flags and doing what supporter groups do. Access 3 Gillette Stadium is in Foxborough, MA (also spelled Foxboro), a small town of about 19,000 residents located halfway between Boston and Providence, RI. With only one road leading to the stadium from both directions, getting to Gillette Stadium can be a struggle. While getting into Gillette Stadium is much easier at a Revs game than at a Patriots game, it seems much more complicated to get here than it should be. Parking lots closer to the stadium are reserved for season ticket holders, pushing single-game ticket holders to the furthest lots on the opposite side of Route One. It can be a walk of over a mile to get from your car to the stadium. A major complaint regarding Gillette Stadium’s suburban location is the lack of any type of public transportation access to the facility. There is an MBTA train stop behind the stadium, but that is only operational for Patriots games. The only way to get to Gillette Stadium for a Revs game is to drive. Given that a significant number of the team’s fanbase comes from the urban areas of Boston, this has been a driving force behind the push for a new stadium. Once at Gillette, the stadium can be accessed via one of three entry gates. The upper level is closed off for most Revolution games, but the lower concourse is more than wide enough to accommodate the typical Revs crowd. Lines at concession stands or rest rooms are not an issue at all, except sometimes at halftime. While the construction in the north end of the stadium has closed much of that area, access throughout the grounds have not been overly affected. Be aware that Gillette Stadium practices a clear bag policy. More information can be found here. Starting in early 2022, the Kraft Group began a project to transform the northern end of Gillette Stadium (the end with the bridge and lighthouse). Included in these renovations will be the installation of the country’s largest outdoor high-definition video board, new hospitality and function spaces, a re-envisioned entry plaza, and enhancements to the lighthouse. The project is scheduled to be completed in time for the 2023 NFL season. Gillette Stadium North End Construction, Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Return on Investment 3 Tickets to a Revolution game start at $35 for general admission in The Fort and top out at $73 for center sections down near the pitch. Discounts are offered for multi-game packages. Family four packs include tickets, food and beverage coupons. Parking in the lots around Gillette Stadium are free of charge. I know many Patriots fans just became faint reading that. The concessions menu is identical to full-stadium events. You’ll be paying NFL prices for concessions at a Revolution game. Extras 2 Banners honoring the Revolution’s Supporter Shield, U.S. Open Cup and SuperLiga Championships hang throughout the stadium. An additional extra point is awarded for the Revolution-specific traditions present at this football facility, including the Flag of New England flown in The Fort. The growing presence of the End Zone Militia deserves a mention, too. Final Thoughts While being the little brother sharing a facility with a National Football League team is a less than ideal situation, Gillette Stadium provides the Revolution with a world-class home. Still, the calls for a new soccer-specific stadium continue in New England. With the World Cup coming to Boston in 2026 and the Revolution coming off a successful season, the time for that new home may be coming soon.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.29 KeyBank Center 1 Seymour Knox III Plaza Buffalo, NY 14203 Buffalo Bandits website KeyBank Center website Year Opened: 1996 Capacity: 19,070 The Crown Jewel of Banditland 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 their 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. Home for the Bandits since its opening in 1996, is KeyBank Center. Located at Canalside in Buffalo, New York, KeyBank Center is the latest in a long line of corporate names which has coincided with a number of bank mergers. The Bandits are owned by the Pegula Sports & Entertainment empire, which also owns the Buffalo Bills, Buffalo Sabres, Rochester Americans and recently also the Rochester Knighthawks of the NLL. The success of the Bandits on the floor and at the gate can be attributed, in part, to the stable ownership the team has enjoyed under the Pegulas. Ultimately, what has made the Bandits so successful, has been the warm embrace that the fans in Buffalo have wrapped around lacrosse, the Bandits and the legends who have walked through the door over the over twenty-five years of Banditland. Food & Beverage 4 The concession scene at KeyBank Center is about as good as anyone out there. There are plenty of Buffalo favorites for sale at KeyBank including Perry’s ice cream, pizza logs and Beef on Weck. Pizza, hot dogs and other expected arena fare can be found as well. Coca-Cola products are the soft drinks of choice and Tim Hortons coffee can also be found in the arena. Local brews like Genesee and others are available for those who wish a beer with the game. Fans should keep in mind that there are many stands that are not open due to the lower numbers at Bandits games versus Sabres games. One spot that should be considered is the Blue Light Zone, which is a great spot to meet and hang out before the first faceoff. Atmosphere 4 There is no question as to whom the main attraction at KeyBank Center is. From outside the arena with Alumni Plaza and the French Connection Bronze statues, it is very clear to all that this is preeminently the home of the Buffalo Sabres. The exterior of KeyBank Center does have a bit of a flying saucer look to it with the light coloured, oval shaped roof. The main atrium is not unattractive, but from the exterior, with the building up of the area with HarborCenter and other large buildings, it can be a little hard to find amongst the downtown. Inside the main atrium at the northeast side of the building, the large Sabres banners and markings do not give much indication of a lacrosse game any time soon. The concourses are similar in this regard. Inside the seating bowl, fans will find terrific sight lines in most any seat in the three levels of seating. The new turf for the 2019 season has the main Bandits logo on it and can be best seen from the southwest side of the arena. The south corner of the ceiling is where fans can find the retired numbers of Bandits legends Darris Kilgour, Rich Kilgour and John Tavares. Alongside the retired numbers are the championship banners from 1992, 1993, 1996 and 2008. Hanging above the center of the floor is a four sided video board with ribbon rings above and below it. A full 360 degree ribbon board on the fascia of the luxury box level is also used throughout the game. The game day presentation at an NLL game is unlike any other. The game on the field resembles a cross between hockey and basketball and the game day presentation does the same. Many purist sports fans do not enjoy the consistent rock music throughout the play but the fans in attendance dig it. Public Address announcer Chris Swenson also interacts with the fans in a way that is unique in sports. Swenson acts as announcer, cheerleader and fan all wrapped up in one package. The Bandits also feature one of the best entrances in sport as a piper enters the field from the top of the southwest lower level and walks down the stairs to the center of the field. The Bandettes cheer team dance during breaks and the Bandits mascot, Rax, makes his way around the arena, interacting with fans and participating in promotions. Overall, the Bandits do a great job of putting on an entertaining show. Neighborhood 5 It is fair to say that Buffalo would not be considered a premier tourist destination compared to other NLL cities like Toronto, Philadelphia or New York. However, fans in attendance at a Bandits game will not be at a loss for eating and drinking establishments in the immediate neighborhood. This is to be expected which is renowned for its various additions to the American cuisine scene. A trip to Buffalo without sampling some Buffalo Wings or at least a Beef on Weck is really a shame. Pearl Street Grill, Washington Square, Cobblestone, (716) Food and Sport, Panorama on Seven, The Draft Room and Labatt Brew House are among the best and closest. Fan favorite, Dinosaur BBQ is a short drive or train away in Downtown Buffalo proper. There are plenty of other sporting options available in the immediate vicinity of the Bandits. The KeyBank Center is, of course, shared with the Buffalo Sabres of the NHL. Right across the street is HarborCenter , which is where the Canisius Golden Griffins hockey program can be found. Also, just up the street at Sahlen Field is the home of the Triple-A baseball Buffalo Bisons . Canisius College is a short drive from KeyBank Center and the Golden Griffins basketball team plays on campus at the Koessler Athletic Center . New Era Field, home of the Buffalo Bills , is found just outside the city at Orchard Park and is a unique experience itself. Finally, the University at Buffalo is located in nearby Amherst, where the football team plays at UB Stadium and the basketball team calls Alumni Arena home. Other entertainment options in the area would include the Seneca Buffalo Creek Casino and the Buffalo Transportation Pierce Arrow Museum. A trip to Canalside and the Buffalo Naval and Military Park is also fun. There are a couple of hotels that are within a few steps of the arena. Courtyard by Marriott and the Buffalo Marriott HarborCenter are good choices that are very close. Fans 5 Buffalo Bandits fans are truly the class of the National Lacrosse League. The Bandits are consistently in the top two franchises in average attendance. The 2018 and 2019 seasons saw Buffalo hold down the number two spot and they led the league in 2017. Each year they average more than 13,000 fans per match. In addition to having just about the most fans in the league, Bandit fans are also amongst the loudest. The little sayings and traditions that the fans bring to the table give the Bandits almost a college hockey feel to the game. Fans in Buffalo love the banter back and forth with Public Address Announcer Chris Swenson and enthusiastically respond to a big save when Swenson questions aloud “What’s he got?” The fans respond with a boisterous “NOTHIN!” Bandit fans may even enjoy an opponent penalty more than a goal as they will blast out the “B-O-X” chant to the delight of all. Access 4 Getting to the KeyBank Center is not too difficult. Located in Downtown Buffalo, KeyBank Center is right at the Buffalo River, east of the Buffalo Skyway and south of I-190. Access to the arena right off of the highway is solid. There are plenty of parking options in the immediate area and prepaying for parking is easy through the Bandits, KeyBank Center or a third party app like ParkWiz or Parking Panda. Public transit is pretty decent near the arena. The best bet is to take the Buffalo light rail, which is free when it is above ground and has a station just to the west of the arena. Buses are also available right along Perry Street. Check out the Niagara Frontier Transit Authority website for public transit details. The main atrium is the main entry to the arena. It can get pretty crowded just before the game begins. The concourse level is also up a flight of stairs or escalator. There are a number of ticket windows on the west side of the atrium. Getting around the arena is not too difficult. The concourses are fairly wide, although a little more crowded around the bends. There are also ample washroom facilities. The KeyBank Center offers a “soft opening” with concessions and security opening 1.5 hours before and the full arena opening an hour before the game. Return on Investment 5 The National Lacrosse League provides great value for the sporting dollar and the Buffalo Bandits are in the forefront of that category. Tickets for the Bandits run from $25 to $60 with many seats available, including some in the 100 level, for only $30. Add affordable parking and decent concession prices compared to top notch sporting entertainment, and a formula for an amazing time is at the fans’ fingertips. Extras 3 An extra mark for the rivalries the Bandits have developed and maintained with the Rochester Knighthawks and Toronto Rock. An extra mark for the longevity of the Bandits, now the longest running franchise in the NLL. An extra mark for Bandit superfans. Final Thoughts Since 1992 the Bandits have represented Buffalo in the National Lacrosse League. Over that period of time they have solidified Banditland and become the premier franchise in the league, having success both on and off the turf. With franchises like Buffalo, the NLL looks to continue to grow and improve its position in the sporting market. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on Twitter @profan9 and on Instagram .

Photos by Sean Rowland Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Lynah Rink 536 Campus Rd. Ithica, NY 14850 Cornell Big Red hockey website Lynah Rink website Year Opened: 1957 Capacity: 4,267 Home of the Lynah Faithful Few college hockey programs have a history to match Cornell, and the start of success begins with the opening of the James Lynah Skating Hall in 1957. After decades of occasionally playing on an outdoor rink, Lynah gave the Big Red a permanent home. However, it was not until the Harvard game in 1962 that the sport became popular on campus. Success followed as Cornell won a pair of National Championships in 1967 and 1970. A total of 19 NCAA Tournament appearances and 12 ECAC Titles have since followed, though recent success has eluded the Cornellians. All through this time, the cramped and tiny Lynah Rink has been a beacon of noise with an atmosphere that is idolized in the sport. Though Lynah is not as raucous as it used to be, the traditions are still there and this is a fun place to enjoy a hockey game. Food & Beverage 2 Food items are what you would expect at a small rink with snack varieties and small meals. From the grill, fans can grab a cheeseburger ($4.75), hot dog ($3), sausage ($5), or slice of pizza ($3). A cup of chili is a nice option on the typically cold Ithaca nights. One of the more unusual things being sold: Gum. I never thought at a game that I needed a piece of gum, but hey, it’s here if you want it. Beverage choices are from Pepsi. Atmosphere 4 Lynah Rink is a cramped place to watch a game as seating is made up of around 14 rows in a squared-off horseshoe design. Most of the seats are on wooden bleachers, though there are a few areas that have padded or individual chairs. The surface area on the inside is so small that it almost feels claustrophobic, primarily because of the low roof held together by wooden boards and wires. A scoreboard would not fit over center ice, so a basic board is located only at one end of the rink and it features an old-school, dot-matrix message display. Despite a decent pitch to each row, sight lines are not the best as it is common to have heads in the way of the ice or to strain to see what is going on at the other end. By no means is this a comfortable hockey rink, but sometimes these are the places that lend to the best game day atmosphere, and that is the case at Cornell. The design allows for lots of noise reverberation and when a goal is scored, a deafening roar follows. The “Lynah Faithful” create an awesome hockey environment and they have several traditions and chants throughout the game that make this a fun atmosphere for first-time neutrals. “Let’s Go Red” is the most frequent chant, while the loudest is probably “It’s all your fault,” pointed at the opposing goalie after he lets one in. The game starts with fans reading newspapers during the visiting team introduction, followed by chucking them onto the ice. The band keeps things entertaining and the numbers they play throughout add to the atmosphere. Throughout the game, other common chants include the Dragnet theme for each visitor penalty and the Tuba players hiking to Section A for a rendition of “Swanee River” during the first whistle in the third period. While this is a great college hockey atmosphere, all of this should be noted with an asterisk as I have to say that the chants and traditions are somewhat muted. Aside from the full and loud student section, only some in the crowd muster a half-hearted effort to participate. This has been noted by longtime fans that Lynah is not what it used to be as only one game (Harvard) gets the full-on craziness that made Cornell one of the top places to watch college hockey. Spontaneous cheering is surprisingly lacking as a good hockey crowd should salute their goalie at the next whistle after a series of stops or turn up the applause after a great penalty kill, neither of which happened during my most recent visit. Lynah is a great place for hockey and the traditions are enjoyable, but it does not live up to the high expectations and historic reputation. Neighborhood 4 The small city of Ithaca sits right at the southern tip of Cayuga Lake, within the Finger Lakes region of New York State. This part of the country is quite beautiful as wineries, waterfalls, and gorges make for a great outdoor excursion. However, given that Cornell Hockey is a winter sport, the outdoors may be less desirable to explore. A visit to downtown Ithaca is a better way to spend the day and there are plenty of hot spots to check out. Beer lovers will find several great establishments and the Ithaca Ale House is an excellent choice as craft beers abound. Near that same area around Ithaca Commons, several other places beckon for those looking to eat, drink or hang out. Before heading to the arena, be sure to walk around Cornell’s hilly campus as the diverse building architecture provides a classic Ivy feel. Fans 4 The Lynah Faithful often fills most of the arena on game nights and the Friday Night mid-November contest that I saw featured 85% of the seats filled at puck drop and that increased to about 95% ten minutes into the game. Crowds are respectable and support is in the top third of college hockey programs. However, there are more signs of “not what it used to be” as only the Harvard game is a guaranteed sellout. The 2016-17 season opener against a Top-5 team only had a crowd of 3,767 and an ECAC playoff game the season before failed to bring in more than 4,000. Those are disappointing figures for a school that has a high reputation in the sport. Access 3 Both Ithaca and Cornell can be challenging to reach from any direction and it certainly can be a nerve-wracking ride given the proficiency of snow in this part of the country. The closest interstate (I-81) is over 20 miles away, so country roads are needed. The most direct route is Exit 12 from I-81 as this leads to Route 79. Meanwhile, from the NY State Thruway (I-90) it takes almost 45 minutes of two-lane rural roads to reach Ithaca. Once on Cornell’s campus, the small streets and busy pedestrian traffic can make things a little confusing for visitors, but thankfully the athletic section is not far from the campus entrance. The Hoy Road parking deck a few buildings down from the arena is sufficient for fans attending the game. Expect the exit from the parking deck to take about 5-10 minutes. Lynah Rink features three tight hallways to navigate, however, the nearby and much more modern Bartels Hall makes up for it. This foyer that connects with other indoor sporting facilities allows for some breathing room at intermission, along with additional food stands and bathrooms. Return on Investment 4 Parking is free and the tickets cost $20. The price is higher than most schools but on par with those that have popular programs. Most seats are reserved for students and season-ticket holders as limited sections are left for the public, although those tickets are not as hard to get as they used to be. Cornell games at Lynah are an event that sports fans and especially hockey fans need to check out. Extras 3 Cornell does an excellent job honoring its hockey program, especially along the hallways where there is a plethora of trophy cases and wall displays for both the women’s and men’s teams. Additional visuals include yearly team pictures, portraits of Cornellians in the NHL, and plaques for statistical titles. A good amount of team color (red and white) enhances the arena and that also can be seen inside the rink. Banners in those colors hang from the low ceiling and the honors include the year of each conference title and NCAA appearance. Numerous former players have gone on to play in the NHL and the most noteworthy are Ken Dryden and Joe Nieuwendyk. Both had their numbers retired and raised to the rafters during a ceremony in 2010. When people think of rivalries, Harvard-Yale is a popular tandem. However, when it comes to college hockey, it is Cornell that has a rivalry with Harvard and it makes for one of the best games in the sport. Lynah Rink in particular becomes a cauldron of noise and chants with the event getting kicked off by the throwing of fish onto the ice as the Crimson arrives. If there is one game to try and attend, the Harvard game is it, if you can get tickets. Final Thoughts Lynah Rink is a cramped and uncomfortable place to take in a hockey game, but the atmosphere more than makes up for it. Within college hockey circles, it is highly regarded and often mentioned as one of the top places to see a game. The students, band and chanting traditions are great, even if the participation and fan support has taken a step back in recent years. ----- Follow all of Sean’s journeys at Stadium and Arena Visits

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 APG Federal Credit Union Arena 401 Thomas Run Rd Bel Air, MD 21015 Harford Fighting Owls website APG Federal Credit Union Arena website Year Opened: 2012 Capacity: 2,552 Home Of The Fighting Owl Harford Community College is located in Bel Air, MD, roughly in between Baltimore and the Delaware state line. It was founded in September 1957 as the “Harford Junior College.” In 1971 the name was changed to its current college designation. The Harford Fighting Owls play in NJCAA Division I, the highest athletic level for 2-year colleges, and are a part of the Maryland Junior College Athletic Conference. Having played in the antiquated Susquehanna Center gym since its 1968 opening, Harford wanted to update its facilities. So in 2011, the college began an extensive remodel of the facility. As part of the remodel was the addition of this 2,552-seat arena. Aberdeen Proving Grounds Federal Credit Union provided sponsorship in another surprising turn for this community college building. While sponsorships are the norm nowadays in the stadium world, a sponsor program for a small 2-year college building is pretty new on the landscape. The name is often shortened to the equally hard-to-say APGFCU Arena. The arena opened in late 2012 for the men’s and women’s basketball season, as well as a performance of the Harlem Globetrotters. Food & Beverage 1 There is a basic concession stand offering a small array of foods at a decent price. The stand was not open for the game we attended, but we are giving some credit for the soda machines around the arena. If the concession stand is open, you will find the usual variety of arena food offerings. Atmosphere 2 To be honest, the fan atmosphere is not very impressive. A community college audience gets a lot of family members and a few interested community members, but very few students. The game we attended was a bit louder than the usual game as it was a pep rally attended by athletes from other Harford sports teams. The arena staff may try to engage the fans with interactive games and giveaways. It is a basic atmosphere but fair for this level of play. Neighborhood 4 Harford Community College is in a suburban location and has plenty of free parking. The area is safe and has many restaurants nearby. Naughty Dogs is within walking distance and has a fun, cheap bar for pre and post-game refreshments, along with food such as pit beef. JD’s Smokehouse located across the street provides another option for food and drinks and some pretty good barbecue. If you are in the mood for Mexican, La Tolteca is located just a brief distance away and is a consistently good food place. Travel into Bel Air and there are multiple chain and local options. There are numerous options, such as MaGerks Pub & Grill, around the area. A quick drive in the other direction is Aberdeen. Olive Tree is a better version of a well-known Italian chain, while Mamie’s Cafe with Love is an old-school Baltimore-style restaurant that offers free desserts with all meals. Super Chicken Rico is another choice with which you can’t go wrong. Venture into nearby Havre de Grace, and the options expand dramatically. Try the Tidewater Grille and Vineyard Wines. Washington Street Books and Bahoukas Beer MuZeum are all interesting shopping options in this quaint waterfront town. If you do go to Havre de Grace, make sure to stop at the very pretty Concord Point Lighthouse. Fans 1 The team mascot, Screech The Owl, may also be in attendance and try to get the crowd fired up. A community college audience gets a lot of family members and a few interested community members, but very few students. Access 4 Harford is located just a few miles off of I-95, one of the largest highways in the northeast. But State Route 22 can be very crowded with commuters traveling between Aberdeen Proving Grounds (APG) and central Harford County. APG has become a very large Army base after the last round of federal base realignment and closure activities. So leave some extra time getting to APGFCU Arena. Towson University in Northeastern Maryland is an extension campus of the well-established state university that is located across from the Harford campus. Return on Investment 4 APGFCU Arena is noted as being the largest arena in northeast Maryland. That is a somewhat silly pronouncement with Maryland being a relatively small state. But the arena is already seeing its schedule filled with various events and concerts. Basketball and volleyball crowds will not be its bread and butter alone. All seats are general admissions seats are a good value at $5. which is priced fairly. Extras 3 The arena staff does do a good job of promotions. They treat your experience here as if you are at a major college. It would be very easy to not do this with the small crowd, but they never give up. The Chesapeake Center is the name for the rest of the building that the APG Federal Credit Union Arena is connected to. Check out the rest of this facility, as the 2011-2012 renovation changed the look and feel of this building dramatically. The rest of the Harford Community College campus is worth taking a look at. The college has added buildings and facilities numerous times over the past 15 years. A small rural college is now a major suburban educational institution. Final Thoughts This is a pretty impressive facility for a community college. It will be interesting to see if other colleges of this size try to follow suit. Otherwise this may just be a quick trip for fans.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 J.L. Grightmire Arena 35 Market St S, Dundas, ON L9H 3B3 Dundas Blues website J.L. Grightmire Arena website Year Opened: 1950 Capacity: 1,000 Small Town Blues Although it is part of the City of Hamilton, the community of Dundas has a personality all of its own.  The former town was amalgamated into the City of Hamilton in 2001 and currently boasts 24,000 residents.  Dundas is also the home of Canadian icon, Doug McKenzie, of the McKenzie Brothers of SCTV Fame, actor Dave Thomas. One of the staples of Dundas is the Dundas Blues hockey team.  Founded in 1959 as a team at the Junior D level.  It folded after two seasons and was reformed as the Junior C Dundas Merchants.  In 1971, the team was renamed the Blues and moved to the Junior B level.  In 1981, the Blues settled at the Junior C level, where they remain today as part of the Provincial Junior Hockey League (PJHL) playing in the South Bloomfield Division.  In 2010, Dundas won the annual Kraft Hockeyville contest which brought with it an NHL preseason game and money for infrastructure.  Home for the Blues is the J.L. Grightmire Arena.  Built in 1950 and named after James Louis Grightmire who founded a bus line between Dundas and Hamilton after World War I.  He also founded the Dundas Golf and Curling Club and was involved in building the arena.  Food & Beverage 2 There is one main concession stand in the lobby.  The menu ifeatures typical arena snack bar fare, including hot dogs, popcorn, chocolate, candy sandwiches, wraps and breakfast sandwiches.  Coffee, hot chocolate, tea, smoothies and Coca-Cola products are the soft drink options that are available.  There is a big push in the arena for patrons to bring their own cup to reduce the garbage created.  A separate beer cart is also found in the lobby where Grain and Gut Beer Company products are available for sale. Atmosphere 3 The J.L. Grightmire Arena was built in 1950 and has had a few renovations since then including one that wrapped up in 2023.  The exterior of the arena features light brick and glass and gives it that feeling of an old building with a modern refresh.  The main entry off of Market Street leads into the upgraded lobby which is bright and modern.  The lobby has a number of old photos and framed newspaper articles reminding students of the history of the building.  The original cornerstone delineating the opening of the arena in 1950 is also prevalent near the entry.  Windows from the lobby also look into the arena and allow some patrons to watch from the warmth. Entering the arena shows a cozy, old-school rink where the ice surface runs from west to east.  Fans immediately are aware that the J.L. Grightmire Arena is the home of the Dundas Real McCoys, a senior hockey team that has been an institution in Dundas and previously in neighbouring Flamborough.  The east end of the arena is littered with Real McCoys championship banners that encircle the scoreclock.  Also along the south wall there are a number of Real McCoy numbers that are retired, the most prevalent of which is former Toronto Maple Leafs captain, Rick Vaive, who finished his playing career with the Real McCoys as a player coach.  There are also a number of minor hockey banners around the arena.  Although the centre ice logo, which is oddly best seen from the west end of the arena, is of the Dundas Blues, a moniker shared by the minor teams, the presence of the Blues in the arena is muted.  There are some Dundas Blues banners that get lost in the shuffle on the south side.  There are some old, faded banners from Blues league championships in 1987, 1989, 1991 and 1993.  There are also retired numbers for former blues Ward Batter, Jeff Aglor and Rick Kunc.  The Hockeyville banner hangs prominently in the arena.  The ceiling has a gentle arch with the typical silver insulation.  The long sides of the arena have three rows of arena seats and the ends have six rows.  Although finding a seat under one of the gas heaters hanging over the seating area may be the best choice, the best sightlines are from the ends.  A small track around the arena offers a bit of a path around.  A bit of a unique feature of the Grightimre Arena is that the Blues’ dressing room is behind the seating on the south side of the arena.  At the beginning of the period, players cross the track and step down the stairs into the bench area before getting to the ice.  Probably not the safest of features, but a relatively unique one that has an old-school feel to it. The gameday production in Dundas is what one would expect for Junior C hockey.  Thursday nights are when the Blues traditionally play.  Typical promotions at the arena include a 50/50 draw, various raffles and the chuck-a-puck promotion.  The chuck-a-puck is particularly entertaining as the protective mesh around the rink prevents a simple promotion.  During the second intermission, fans pack on to the Blues bench so that they can throw their puck on the ice.  The mascot, Lo, interacts with, and entertains fans. Neighbourhood 3 Dundas is a community, former town, west of Hamilton proper, that technically is part of the City of Hamilton.  It has an interesting small-town, downtown area that has some options for pre and post game food and drink.  Some options include Shawn & Ed Brewing Co, Thirsty Cactus, Betula, Namu, Valley Charcoal and Collins Brewhouse.  For other sporting options, the Dundas Real McCoys play in the Senior ACH league and share Grightmire Arena.  The Blues own Thursday evenings in Dundas and get a pretty good crowd.  Other sporting options are found in Hamilton proper, including the Hamilton Tiger-Cats , Hamilton Kilty B’s , McMaster Marauders football  and basketball  and Forge FC .  Beginning in 2024, the former FirstOntario Centre, home of the Toronto Rock , is undergoing huge renovations and displacing the NLL team.  The Hamilton Cardinals  may also be an option, but the schedules will probably not align.  Other tourist options include Dundas Museum, the Niagara Escarpment and many of the walking trails in the area.  For fans wishing to stay in the area, there are a number of B&B options or the Barracks Inn.  Finding accommodations in Hamilton may be a better option. Fans 4 Assessing fans in the PJHL is difficult as the league does not aggregate publish and attendance figures.  It seems that the Dundas Blues are among the top drawing teams in the PJHL.  For the 2024-25 season, at the time of writing, the Blues averaged over 400 fans per game.  The game reviewed saw over 500 fans in attendance.  The previous season saw the Blues average 345 fans per game. Fans in attendance are knowledgeable and supportive of the Blues.  At the game reviewed there were plenty of kids running around, not really watching hockey, but definitely excited about the night out at the arena.   Access 4 The J.L. Grightmire Arena is located in the community of Dundas, west of the traditional boundaries of Hamilton.  It is on the east side of Market Street, two blocks south of Highway 8 or King Street, south of Hatt Street.  Getting to the arena will require driving through Dundas, but that is not a big issue.  The parking at the arena is limited, so getting there on the earlier side is recommended.  For fans wishing to take public transit, there is an HSR transit stop on King Street.  Fans should consult the Hamilton Street Railway  website for fares, schedules and maps.  Getting around the arena is not terribly difficult, but fans with mobility issues should keep in mind that the arena is of a fifties vintage, and there will be some stairs and narrow points on the track.  The bathrooms are on the small side, but did not seem to have long lineups. Return on Investment 5 Typically, Junior C hockey is among the most affordable sporting experiences there is.  Tickets for the Blues go for $10 with students and seniors getting in for $8.  The large number of kids running around can be explained by the Blues’ policy whereby kids under 13 years of age get free entry.  Blues Alumni also have free entry.  Parking, although limited, is free and concession prices are what one would expect.  The product on the ice is decent and the Blues generally have a good team.  The Blues, although technically part of big-city Hamilton, do give off that small town vibe so prevalent through the PJHL. Extras 2 An extra mark for Dundas winning the 2010 Hockeyville contest. An extra mark for the City of Hamilton and community of Dundas restoring a classic arena. Final Thoughts Taking in a Dundas Blues game will give fans that small town feel that the PJHL boasts, in a classic arena for a supportive community.  The J.L. Grightmire Arena is a classic arena that has been given a significant facelift to make it more modern and comfortable.  Taking in a Blues game is an affordable and enjoyable sporting experience fans should consider while in the area. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube , Twitter , Threads  and Instagram @profan9.

Messer Street Grounds1879, Photo from Wikipedia Professional baseball was a fledgling sport in the late 19th century, with leagues popping up all over the country. It seemed that every town and city worth its weight featured a team of “professionals.” Even with all these leagues and teams, some leagues were of better quality than others. The best league of the day was the National League, which was founded in 1876. Originally consisting of eight teams, the league lineup changed often due to the folding of insolvent franchises or the movement to new cities. When the Hartford team was dropped after the 1877 season, a team was awarded to Providence, Rhode Island, where semi-pro baseball was successful. The team, called the Grays, played their games at the Messer Street Grounds, also known as Messer Park or Messer Field, from 1878 to 1885. When scouting for a location for their new ballpark, the Providence Base Ball Association identified the old Josiah Chapin farm on the City’s west side (now known as Olneyville) and decided it met their criteria. It was close to level, it was raised up a few feet from the surrounding roads and it was easily accessible by street car. The grounds were also “away from the contamination of rum shops and the attendant loafers.” Construction began on April 1 and took one month to complete. The final nail was hammered into place just five minutes before opening day on May 1. Messer Street Grounds, Photo Courtesy of the Providence Journal The Providence Morning Star declared “the grounds are without doubt as fine as any in the country.” The large grandstand held 1,200 fans and featured the first backstop to protect the fans sitting behind home plate. A twelve-foot fence encircled the entire field. The facilities for press and players were considered among the finest of the day. Capacity of the ballpark is estimated at about 6,000. Messer Street Grounds featured some strange dimensions, with a left field distance of 281 feet and a right field depth of an astounding 431 feet. Straightaway center field was only 318 feet from home plate, while both power alleys stood 356 feet away. The dimensions were a sore spot with reporters, with one complaining “a hit made in Providence near that foul line post is not a long hit; in fact that same hit in the right field seldom gives more than one base.” Despite the short distances, not many home runs were hit at Messer Street Grounds. In fact, only eight home runs were hit in the ballpark’s inaugural season. Compare that to the 200 hit in Chicago that year. A neighbor to the park allowed fans to sit on his roof and watch the game for only 25 cents, which probably didn’t make the Grays’ owners very happy. Providence Grays 1914 Team Photo with Babe Ruth, Photo Courtesy of ProvidenceOnline.com The Grays were successful in their short time in the National League, winning pennants in 1879 and 1884. The Grays won the first World Series (not to be confused with the modern World Series between the American and National Leagues that began in 1903) by defeating the New York Metropolitans of the American Association. Due to financial problems, the team folded in 1885. The team was replaced by the Philadelphia Phillies. Once the Major League version of the Grays moved out of Providence, a minor league team, also called the Grays, moved into Messer Street Grounds for the 1886 season. Unfortunately, the team had trouble attracting fans and the team folded by June. In February of 1887 the property was sold, the ballpark demolished, the land was subdivided, and houses started to spring up where the old ballpark used to stand. Today there are no markers to commemorate the site of Providence’s only Major League franchise. Today the site remains a residential area. Residences Today on Former Site of Messer Street Grounds, Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 CarShield Field 900 TR Hughes Blvd. O’Fallon, MO 63366 O'Fallon website CarShield Field website Year Opened: 1999 Capacity: 5,150 Good-Old Fashion Fun in River City Note: The River City Rascals ceased operations in 2019. In their place, the Prospect Leagues O'Fallon Hoots began to play at CarShield Field in 2020. --- CarShield Field is the home of the River City Rascals of the Frontier League and is located 40 miles northwest of downtown St. Louis. The ballpark had been known as T.R. Hughes Ballpark up until the local auto-protective provider bought the rights in 2016. The simple design, suburban location, and affordable pricing provide for a relaxing day or night at the ballpark. The Rascals and ballpark both opened up for business in 1999 and the team adopted a throwback feel to its games with uniforms that looked proper in the early 20th century and signage that would also feel welcomed in the early 1900s. The ticket prices were cheap, the food plentiful, and the team played winning baseball capturing five division titles and one championship. The club was among the most popular teams in St. Charles County that had not been too kind to lower-level professional teams. Attendance crested at 185,333 for the 2004 season and has hovered around 85,000 this past season (2018). The ballpark did receive additions that included a new sports bar and lounge inside the stadium, as well as a remodeled Budweiser Party Patio with new amenities before the 2016 season. The biggest news recently has been the installation of synthetic turf before the 2017 season that provides for other events to take place during the season including the St. Louis Legends game, outdoor market, and local high school and college baseball. The new turf also allows for fewer rainouts during the regular season for the Rascals. Food & Beverage 4 There is quite a bit of everything at the ballpark. The River City Grill has an abundance of menu items that include hot dogs, hamburgers/cheeseburgers, nachos, brats, chicken tenders, and personal pizza. The concession stand also serves corn dogs, Italian sausage, walking tacos, buffalo tenders, chili cheese fries, onion rings, and baked cheese sticks. That is quite a bit of ballpark food and if you have a sweet tooth, the team offers funnel cake fries, ice cream, giant cookies, and candy. The soda selection is not your typical Pepsi or Coca-Cola, but RC Cola products featuring Sun Drop, Diet Rite, and Sunkist. The team does have a couple of notable burgers that have gained both local and national attention. The Arch Nemesis is a two-quarter patty burger, chicken teriyaki, and four slices of cheese on a pretzel bun. The Brooks Burger is a cheeseburger with barbecue sauce and onion rings. Atmosphere 3 The stadium features a nice main entrance that opens up to the main concourse and the field. The stadium consists of seats from third base to the right field corner, and a large grass berm seating area occupies third base to the left field line. Just behind the left field wall is eight rows of bleacher seats and a boardwalk area directly behind it. The red hand-operated scoreboard dominates the right field and is sandwiched between three tiers of advertisements. The Party Patio is located in the corner and provides the opportunity for fans with an all-you-can-eat dinner option for a low cost of around $30 to $40 a person depending on what package is purchased. The stadium does not feature traditional suites but offers open-air suites, tent suits, and four top terraces for specific groups and prices. The area provides a closer look at the field and is quite popular based on the number of people situated in them during the game. Ruffy is the official mascot of the team and he can be found throughout the stadium entertaining kids of all ages. The picnic area and children’s playground are located in the left field providing entertainment options for the younger fans who might not be able to sit still during a nine-inning affair with their parents. They consist of a couple of plastic slides and jungle gyms with padded surface tops. The team store located near the entrance by the ticket office offers team merchandise and at one time, the ball club went with a throwback look, some of that is still available in the team colors. Neighborhood 4 CarShield Field is located in a residential neighborhood a few miles north of I-70 and about 30 minutes from the center of St. Louis. It is close enough that one can enjoy the distinct neighborhoods of the Arch City, but one needs a car to arrive at the stadium for a game. However, both downtown O’Fallon and historic St. Charles (12 miles away) provided a nice diversion from the hustle and bustle of downtown. Ethyl’s Smokehouse & Saloon is minutes from the ballpark and offers a fun and funky vibe that is ideal for families. The smoked pork steak smothered in barbecue is a St. Louis tradition and comes with two sides, but we won’t blame you if you choose the pulled pork or brisket. Turtle Creek Pub and McGurk’s Public House are two fine ways to wash down a few drinks or sit outside on the patio during a summer day. Historic St. Charles offers visitors over 25 restaurants from which to choose from barbecue to casual pub food. Enjoy all of this with great ambiance along the Missouri River at coffee houses, outdoor patios, or Riverview walks. Tucanos Brazilian Grill and Hendricks BBQ are two great options when in town. However, you don’t have to ignore St. Louis, you are within 30 minutes of The Gateway Arch, Laclede’s Landing, Soulard Market, Budweiser Tour, and the State Museum. Cap it off with frozen custard from Ted Drewes Frozen Yogurt on Route 66 and you will have a great day. Fans 3 Like with many minor league baseball stadiums, the focus on entertainment is paramount. The opportunity to enjoy a night out with friends and neighbors or entertain the kids comes first than anything on the baseball diamond. Still, many cheer and root for the Rascals from their seats behind the backstop that adds a little hometown cooking to the stadium’s ambiance. Access 4 CarShield Field is a very easy stadium to locate by car that is a few miles north of I-70. Signs are visible on the interstate and the main street to ensure that motorists arrive efficiently for the game. Is not hard to get around once inside and crowds are never too busy to create any congestion on the concourse during a game. Return on Investment 4 Ticket prices for games are $8 and $12 and parking can be found for free near the ballpark, but if you are willing to pay $5 to park, that option exists as well. The food is reasonably priced and quite plentiful and tasty. Its location near St. Louis makes for an easy diversion for baseball when in the city. Extras 2 One point for the St. Charles County Amateur Sports Hall of Fame that honors local athletes who achieved status in softball, baseball, horseshoes, bowling, and dartball. Visitors can enjoy viewing a vintage collection of sports memorabilia, photos, trophies, pennants, souvenirs, records, and awards. A second point is awarded to The Arch Nemesis, a burger that features two beef patties, teriyaki grilled chicken, and four slices of cheese on a pretzel bun. Surprisingly, it tastes great and is a must-have when at the ballpark. Final Thoughts CarShield Field doesn’t break the mold in contemporary ballpark design but has served the community well for the past 20 years outside of just baseball. Its location close to the multiple districts of St. Charles, O’Fallon, and St. Louis and 30 minutes from major league baseball, along with fellow rivals Gateway Grizzlies on the other side of the Mississippi River, makes for a nice headquarters for a baseball weekend. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel . Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Prasco Park 6125 Commerce Ct Mason, OH 45040 Cincinnati Spikes website Prasco Park website Year Opened: 2008 Capacity: 2,400 Prasco Park: Baseball's Best Kept Secret Prasco Park was created as a ballpark where the community could gather and a facility that could host amateur baseball up to the college level. The ballpark also was envisioned to be the premier destination for amateur baseball in the country. It sits on the campus of Prasco Laboratories in Mason, Ohio, a northern suburb of Cincinnati. Phil Arington was the mastermind behind its creation and conceived the idea as a throwback to another era of the sport where communities had a municipal stadium to host barnstorming teams in the 1930s and 1940s. He also teamed up with local Cincinnati brands, Skyline Chili, LaRosa’s Pizza, and Montgomery Inn to sponsor certain nights during the summer. The idea worked as 50,000 to 60,000 visit the stadium throughout the year. The Cincinnati Spikes 12u and 16u ball clubs are the main tenants at Prasco Park and have been in operation since 1990, well before the ballpark’s construction. Their mission is to create, through Christian influence, the premier amateur baseball environment in the nation physically and spiritually for all the players and coaches, along with their families. However, fans are treated to numerous teams that have included the Great Lakes Summer Collegiate League All-Star Game, PBR Top Prospect games, East Coast Pro, Perfect Game Ohio, and the 16u Ascendant Baseball Classic. The stadium hosts the three-day Big East Baseball Tournament, along with various games from local collegiate teams. The Cincinnati Reds used it as an alternative spring training site during the pandemic in 2020, albeit without fans in attendance. The ballpark is known to many for free admission for parking, tickets, and concession items. It offers inflatable rides for the children and features an impressive three-story sky view deck in the right field for a major league baseball view of the diamond. To say that it’s Cincinnati’s best-kept secret, might be an understatement; this might be the nation’s best-kept secret in baseball. Food & Beverage 4 The ballpark offers free food and drink to all guests, and there is no limit to the number of times you can wait in line for purchase. The concession stand is behind the sky view deck, and fans can choose from cheeseburgers, hot dogs, cheese-filled pretzel bites, potato chips, and candy. They can wash it down with generic soda pop in various flavors. There is also soft-serve ice cream in chocolate, vanilla, and orange near the main grandstand. All of what I mentioned is free of charge. Yes, it is all complimentary to all fans at every game. No matter how many hot dogs or pretzel bites you desire, they are free of charge. It does not include the special nights where Montgomery Inn offers barbecue pork sandwiches and chips, LaRosa’s pizza slices, and Chick-fil-A sandwiches–all are free of charge. If you are looking for a beer, your best bet is to visit 16 Ton Brewing Company a couple of miles away before the game. You will never find an alcoholic beverage at the ballpark. Atmosphere 4 There is a lot to take in at Prasco Park from its free admission, three-story sky deck that features an old-school Longines clock, inflatable rides for the kids, groups of people walking around the concourse, lines of people waiting for food, and an all-around good vibe. The sky deck is a unique feature at a stadium of this size and offers two levels of seating, plus a covered area with tabletop seating and flat-screen televisions. Fans are afforded an amazing view of the ball field from the right-field corner, and there are even two seats from old Yankee Stadium and Texas Stadium. The grandstand behind home plate was off-limits to family and friends of the four college teams in the tournament but usually opened for business during all games. Many guests line up along the first base side for a glimpse of the action along the fence, but sightlines were limited from this perspective. It probably didn’t matter to the youngest fans who found their entertainment on the giant inflatable rides on the grassy area. Swarms of children wait in line for a chance to climb, slide, or jump up and down in one of the three blow-up rides. There was also a wiffle ball field for older children to test their skills. Tents and tables are set up for guests to sit down and enjoy their food, and a couple of cornhole sets are occupied throughout the evening’s contest. There is also a large group of volunteers who help out with any questions one would have during the game. Neighborhood 3 Mason, Ohio, is known for the home of Kings Island amusement and water park, the Lindner Family Tennis Center that houses the Western and Southern Open, and the Great Wolf Lodge indoor water park and resort. These tourist destinations attract massive numbers of visitors to the northeast suburb of Cincinnati. A few miles away from the ballpark is 16 Lots Brewing Company, with multiple craft beers, plus Habanero Latina American Fare and pizza and salads from Mad Monks located inside the brewery. There is still more pizza at Two Cities Pizza located in the old City Hall building that was constructed in 1939. The Mason Grill, Firebirds Wood Fire Grill, and Phonecian Taverna are also other options during your visit. Downtown Cincinnati is a short ride, and must-visits would be a Reds game at Great American Ballpark, the American Sign Museum, and the Cincinnati Museum Center. Fans 4 There was an over-capacity crowd for the game, but many were not there for the game itself. Yes, the ones in the sky view, were focused on the ball game. However, the main objective is to gather the community for a fun night out with friends and family. That has been accomplished quite effectively at Prasco Park. Access 3 The one con against the ballpark is the viewing areas. Fans have access to the main grandstand during all games in a non-covid year, but only friends and family were allowed to watch the game from behind the plate at this game. That is fine since the view from the sky deck is a perfect spot to watch the game from. However, if you have trouble walking, this could be problematic. Also, there is no access or viewing area down the left-field side of the stadium, and the view from the first base side is limited in many sports. Return on Investment 5 It might be the best deal in baseball at any level in the country. Tickets, parking, and concessions are all free. The food is served hot, the drinks are cold, and the ice cream is delicious. The little ones are entertained by the inflatable rides. If you are with the family, this is the place to be without breaking the wallet. Extras 3 Prasco Park earns a point for its sky view deck seats in right field that features an old-school Longines clock. The second point is for the free concessions and admission to all home games. A third point is towards the family-entertainment and community gathering aspect. One cannot fault themselves for having fun during a game, Final Thoughts Prasco Park is one of the best-kept secrets in baseball. When you can allow fans into the facility for free and then offer free food and drink, you have something special. The design or the right-field viewing deck is worth the price of admission if the team charged admission.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Jack Butcher Sports Arena 201 Brooks Ave Loogootee, IN 47553 Loogootee High School Lions website Jack Butcher Sports Arena website Year Opened: 1968 Capacity: 4,571 The Lions Roar at Jack Butcher Sports Arena When you enter the small town of Loogootee, Indiana you will more than likely spot the giant water tower that honors its former high school basketball coach Jack Butch. During his 45 years as head coach, he would amass a then-record 806 victories at the time of his retirement in 2002. The water tower sign would remind visitors to town about his accomplishments. Butcher held the title for almost 17 years until Bloomington South High School’s J.R. Holmes captured his 807th victory and eclipsed his record on February 22, 2019. Butcher was there to pass the torch to Holmes, but during his time as head coach, he put the tiny school on the map. Butcher was a 1951 graduate of Loogootee High School and went on to star at Memphis State, leading the Tigers to the 1957 NIT Championship Game before turning down an offer to play for the Red Auerbach’s Boston Celtics in favor of a chance to coach at his alma mater. He would keep the job as the basketball coach for the next 45 years. He would lead the Lions to a then-record 806 victories, 30 sectional, 10 regional, and 4 semi-state championships, plus state finalists in 1975 (the last class-A-sized school to reach single-class state championship game) before retiring after the 2001/02 season. The basketball gymnasium at Loogootee High School was named after Jack Butcher and is also known as The Lion’s Den by the local populace. The building has a capacity of 4,571 and is the largest in Class 1 A, placing it as the 40th biggest building in the state but would easily be the largest in many other states. The arena was dedicated on Friday, November 8, 1968, in a game against Blue Chip Conference rivals Shoal Flat Rox. Almost 50 years later, the Lions have only had 4 losing basketball seasons. It is also the last of the Ralph Legeman-style gymnasiums that were popular in the area from 1949-1968. Food & Beverage 3 The usual array of high school snacks is available at the JBA including pizza slices, nachos, hot dogs, candy, and soda pop. Bags of popcorn sell for almost a steal at just .50 cents per bag and Orange Leaf frozen yogurt is available at $3 in four varieties including birthday cake and salted caramel. Like with most high school gyms the quality of food is for snacking and if you are really hungry it might be wise to eat before attending a Lions game. Atmosphere 4 The parking lot of the school was at capacity with cars parked along the open grass field between the gym and the baseball and softball fields. All was quiet outside 10 minutes after tip-off with a small gathering of people making their way to the school’s main entrance. Once inside the noise began to blossom and as you crept closer to the ticket table, the roar of the fans blasted through the small two-door entrance like a wildfire in a forest. The stands were at around 90% capacity and all around the gym evidence of the gym and the school’s past glory. The sunken gym features a bench seating eleven rows deep, some appear to be the original wood that was installed over 50 years ago, the time has created a distinctive smell that adds to the aurora of the facility. The main concourse wraps around the upper portion of the gymnasium providing great views from an SRO perspective. Interestingly, the gym’s walls are decorated with painted pictures of championship seasons including the 1970 team that was Final Four participants, the 1975 and 2005 teams that were state finalists, and the 2012 team that brought home the school’s first State Championship. In July of 2019, the gym renovated its court complete with a new center logo that replaced the iconic lion character with a stylized L logo. The new-look floor also added the school colors of black and gold to give it a fresh and modern look. The arena stands among some of the great southern Indiana gyms in nearby Jasper, Huntingburg , and Washington . The best crowds of the season are at the first game of the year and both sectional and regional tournament games. You can expect capacity or near-capacity crowds that provide insight into Hoosier Hysteria. Fans 4 The small school with the big gym and the winning records has been dazzling fans for many years, the last 50-plus years at the JBA. Crowds do not usually sell out the arena for regular-season games, but can fill the place up near 50% capacity. Contests against heated rival Barr-Reeve are usually heavily attended and there are more than enough fans who can talk your ear off about Lions basketball. Neighborhood 3 The town of Loogootee features a population of 2,708 people; the school itself has an enrollment of only 284 students. The town is accessible by US-231, US-50, and US-150 and is accessible off the recently completed I-69 from Evansville (73 miles) and Indianapolis (99 miles). There are two restaurants that locals suggest: Stoll’s Lakeview Restaurant and The Lodge. The two local establishments offer scratch-made food in rustic, scenic settings in town. The Lodge prides itself on serving the best-fried chicken in the area but also has steaks, pork chops, chicken parmesan, and fried shrimp on its menu for very reasonable prices. Stoll’s is an Amish restaurant that overlooks West Boggs Lake offering breakfast, lunch, and dinner buffets that depending on the day cost anywhere from $9.89 to $14.49. There are also daily specials served for lunch and dinner. Dairy Master is an old-school ice cream joint offering great cheap eats, including a giant tenderloin that covers the Styrofoam plate that it’s served on. Access 3 Loogootee is located 2 hours south of Indianapolis and an hour north of Evansville on SR-231. The school is easy to find once you cross into town and see the signs for the school. Once inside, the sunken gym feature allows fans access to the main concourse to walk around freely but can become crowded during heavily attended sectional and regional games. Return on Investment 4 Ticket prices are $5 and they come with one of the better programs in the state that are loaded with the boy's and girls' history season by season with player profiles, records, and championship information. It helped out a lot with this review. Extras 4 One star for the renovated basketball court during the summer of 2019. The new flooring gives The Den a fresh new look with the addition of the school colors of black and gold. Another star for the game day program that is one of the better publications at an Indiana high school gymnasium. The program is packed with historical information, player profiles, records, and photos of past teams. It is not your typical heavily laced program with advertisements. A third star for the water tower that hovers above the town and is scripted with Jack Butcher’s record amount of wins for an Indiana High School Coach. The Loogootee native has cemented his legend in this part of the state and beyond. The fourth star is for the painted designs of past championships on the arena’s walls. Many gyms hang banners (always a plus) or generic posters shaped like the state of Indiana. However, the painted wall designs give the place a nice dose of regional aesthetics. Final Thoughts They say that basketball in the southwest part of the state is much different than in other parts of Indiana. Based on my experience, there is something much different and a game at the Jack Butcher Sports Arena is a fine example. The program's winning tradition, large gymnasium, and friendly staff make it a must on anyone’s wish list of basketball venues in the state of Indiana. The small town of Loogootee stands out at the JBA. ____ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel . Email at marc@stadiumjourney.com

Phoenix Municipal Stadium 2010, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Our next of several features on former Cactus League spring training facilities, some of which still exist and some do not. Phoenix Municipal Stadium, Phoenix, AZ opened in 1964, was the spring training home of the San Francisco Giants (1964** – 1981) and then the Oakland Athletics (1982 – 2014). It also served as the home of the San Francisco AAA minor league team from 1966 – 1991 (Phoenix Giants, renamed the Phoenix Firebirds). Phoenix Muni (short name) is one of several former Cactus League facilities still in use today, now hosting the Arizona State University (ASU) Sun Devils baseball team beginning the 2015 season. The Sun Devils, though, have played ball games at Phoenix Muni over the life of the ballpark. It is the second ballpark to be named Phoenix Municipal Stadium, the original one was located a little closer to downtown. The greatest all around ballplayer, Willie Mays, hit the first home run in front of an 8,583 crowd, when the stadium first opened on March 8, 1964. Several things stand out about Phoenix Muni: its history, beyond the outfield, the pedestrian bridge. The stadium oozes with history. Sixteen markers on its concourse portray Phoenix’s baseball past. There’s even a marker commemorating the use of the stadium by the Oakland A’s after the 1989 World Series earthquake in the Bay Area. The light towers at the venue are the original ones from the Polo Grounds. Discovered when the Oakland Athletics took residence in 1982, the stadium clubhouses doubled as civil defense bomb shelters. Phoenix Municipal Stadium Marker, Photo by Sean MacDonald, Stadium Journey Papago Park, its trails and butte rock formations, is the backdrop beyond the outfield. The focal point of Papago Parks is “Hole in the Rock,” which is off in the distance, directly behind the batter’s eye. And the Phoenix zoo is next door. It’s been said an occasional early-morning elephant trumpet can be heard. Except for handicapped parking, the parking lot is located across the street and fans must walk over a pedestrian bridge to get to the stadium. For most fans this is fine but for those with a fear of heights, it is awful and not even do-able for some with acrophobia. Phoenix Muni Pedestrian Bridge, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey After the 2003 season, the stadium underwent an $8 million renovation (the stadium originally cost $890,000 to build in 1964). The 2003 renovation included increasing the press box size from 800 square feet to 3,000 square feet and adding a second floor to the A’s administrative offices. Next, the dugouts doubled in size and dropped below ground level. Approximately 150 premium seats were added behind home plate. Finally, the city added two suites and a 75-person capacity party deck which could be rented on a per-game basis. Phoenix Municipal Stadium 2010, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey The stadium’s unique accordion-style roof, which leaked frequently, was preserved after initial plans called for its removal. The leaks were sealed using a spray foam. And, this renovation added the historic timeline markers. === When Sun Devil Baseball moved into Phoenix Municipal Stadium following the 2014 season, a number of capital improvements were made to the facility. These included a clubhouse redesign complete with a player’s lounge, an academic center, nutrition room, weight room and training room, and the installation of a video board. The newest improvement in 2018 is highlighted by a state-of-the-art batting facility. It also includes the installation of a new outfield fence, relocating the home and visiting team bullpens behind the new fence, and changing the dimensions of the playing field. Phoenix Muni Sun Devil Baseball 2019, Photo by Sean MacDonald, Stadium Journey Here’s hoping for a return of the sport in 2021 and a revisit by Stadium Journey to see the more of the improvements and remodel. **I found a reference in SABR indicating the San Francisco Giants played the 1964 spring training season at Papago Park Baseball Complex just down the street from Phoenix Muni.

Photos by Martin McNelis, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Weavers Park Windmill Rd Drogheda, County Louth Ireland Drogheda United website Weavers Park website Year Opened: 1979 Capacity: 2,000 Drogheda Delight Note: In 2023, the name of the park changed from United Park to Weavers Park. The famous town of Drogheda is situated on Ireland’s east coast between Dublin and Dundalk, which is in the Boyne Valley between County Louth and County Meath. The local professional football team is Drogheda United, based just outside the town centre at the small, but homely United Park, also referred to as Hunky Dorys Park through a former sponsorship deal. The club have been here since 1979, following the merger of Drogheda FC and the original Drogheda United who were formed in 1919, and are currently playing in the SSE Airtricity League of Ireland Division 1. At one point the ground had a capacity in the region of 5,000, but presently has a maximum of 2,000, with 1,500 of that figure seated in both covered and uncovered areas. Known as ‘The Drogs’ or ‘Super Drogs,’ the club’s main rivals are neighbours Dundalk and share a link with Turkish side Trabzonspor, due to their club crest and claret/blue colour similarities. Since their formation, the club have regularly found themselves flirting with promotion to the top flight and relegation back to the second tier. Early in the millennium the club went full time and reaped the rewards, with accolades achieved including a Premier League title, FAI Cup and Setanta Cup wins, which also brought qualification for the old UEFA Cup (now known as the Europa League) and a fleeting couple of rounds in the Champions League qualifiers. By the end of that decade, and coinciding with the financial crisis in Ireland, the club found themselves in administration, or as the Irish call it, examinership. Full time football is no more and Drogheda primarily now focus on providing a platform to young players to develop in the first team and potentially move on for financial gain. Food & Beverage 3 Standard offerings are sold from a small hatch at the side of the Main Stand. The menu consists of crisps, bars of chocolate, bottled soft drinks, and tea and coffee sold in small polystyrene cups. There may not be a lot, but it’s enough to get you through the match if you’re feeling peckish. Atmosphere 3 With United Park being a narrow and tight venue, it has the potential to have a decent atmosphere depending on the opposition. The club have their own ‘ultras’ group of maybe 50-100, mainly younger lads who congregate in the seated terrace across from the Main Stand. They have their own flags and banners, and start up most, if not all of the chants. Along with having their own drum, it adds to the atmosphere and tends to get a reaction from the opposition support. United Park is an intriguing, but lovable mis-match of stands and terracing, situated on the corner of a busy road, next to a housing estate, a GAA venue and across from a local hospital. There are two entrances to the ground, at the top of Windmill Road and a slightly longer walk round the other side to Cross Lane. At the former it gives you access to the Main Stand (home fans) and to the covered away terrace. The latter is for the seated terrace which is for home fans only. Outside the Main Stand there is VERY limited parking and with local housing next to it, it’s mainly permit holders only. So if you are driving, expect to park a reasonable distance away from the ground. There is a small ticket office situated next to the turnstiles and this area is well stewarded. Once through, you are able to sit in the small Main Stand on your right and if you are a member, you can access the social club on your left. There is a 10-15 foot gap between the Main Stand and a small covered standing terrace which is where the away fans are allocated. In this area is where the food and drink bar is situated. Behind both goals there is a large net to catch any stray footballs during the game and this is due to the houses and main road situated behind both respectively. The seated terrace is partly uncovered at either side, but doesn’t prove to be a problem on a regular match day as it is not always full in this area. Perched on the roof, in the centre of this stand, there is a small television gantry. Due to the limited space behind each goal there is also limited movement round United Park. With only two entry options, whatever side you access, this is the only area you will be able to stand or sit in unfortunately. Half time entertainment is provided by a quick match between two local boys club teams and also the club’s raffle ticket draw, which is a small but worthwhile fundraising initiative. All areas of the ground have supporting pillars of some sort, so regardless where you choose to watch a match from, your view will be slightly obscured. Sitting too far to the right of the Main Stand means you will be looking through a metal mesh fence and won’t be able to see the goal on that side. All things considered, the best view is likely from the centre of the covered terrace at the Cross Lane end, which is also the most atmospheric in any case. Neighborhood 4 Drogheda is a busy, friendly town and offers a variety of good options to stay, visit, eat and drink. The views from high up at Millmount Tower are phenomenal, especially on a clear day, and you will also be well educated on some Irish history from very knowledgeable tour guides. Pubs near United Park that are recommended include Mother Hughes which is five minutes walk away, Windmill House which is next door to the ground, and Gleesons which is between the ground and the town centre. In town, The Grey Goose and JB’s Bar on West Street are very friendly, with a good variety of beers and spirits. Fans 3 With Drogheda United currently in the second tier, crowds have dropped slightly, so the attendances will vary depending on the opposition. A typical match will attract somewhere between 500-1,100 fans. Access 3 The ground is a 15 minute walk from town. If coming from MacBride train station it is potentially a further 15 minutes onto the journey. There are taxis regularly going to and from the station and town. With the ground only having two sides, movement is limited. Any request to get to the other side may be blocked by over officious stewards. Return on Investment 4 Seating on the Windmill Road side costs €15 for adults, €12 OAP/students, and €10 for children under the age of 14. If you choose to sit in the Home Terrace – Cross Lane end, then tickets will cost €12 for adults, €10 for OAP/students, and €5 for children under the age of 14. You can also purchase a ‘family ticket,’ which includes two adult and two children passes for €22. Overall, United Park provides a good value for the cost of a ticket, and is currently priced right. Extras 3 United Park was the site for some of the matches for the 1994 UEFA Under-16 football championships. It has also hosted several Under-21 Irish national team matches. The emblem for the Drogheda United club is adapted from the town’s coat of arms. The star and crescent are symbolic of the support that Ireland received from the Ottoman Empire during the Great Famine during the mid 19th century in Ireland. Final Thoughts If you have any interest in football and particularly Irish history, then Drogheda is a fine destination to visit.