Photos by Paul Swaney, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.71 Michigan Stadium 1201 S Main St Ann Arbor, MI 48104 Michigan Wolverines website Michigan Stadium website Year Opened: 1927 Capacity: 109,901 The Big House On a sunny Saturday autumn afternoon, there are many people across the Midwest who think about a day of tailgating and watching football as the perfect way to spend their day. This activity is not unique to Ann Arbor, Michigan, but there is certainly enough demand to justify a venue that holds nearly 110,000. The third largest stadium in the world and the largest stadium in the United States, Michigan Stadium was constructed in 1927 at the insistence of legendary Michigan coach Fielding Yost. It originally seated 72,000, but was quickly updated to seat over 85,000. Renovations over the years have gradually boosted capacity until 2010 when it reached 109,901, its current capacity. On September 7, 2013 the stadium hosted a record capacity of 115,109 in a night game against Notre Dame. Michigan is one of the (if not the) most storied programs in the history of college football. Coaching legends such as Fielding Yost, Fritz Crisler, Lloyd Carr, and Bo Schembechler have walked the sidelines. Great players such as Tom Harmon, Desmond Howard, Tom Brady, and Charles Woodson have awed the massive crowds. The 38th President of the United States, Gerald Ford, wore number 48 for the maize and blue and was a star at center on teams that won back-to-back national championships in 1932 and 1933. The program has won more games than any other college football program in any division by a margin making up several seasons worth of games. “Hail To The Victors” is among the most recognizable fight songs in all of football and the famous winged helmets are immediately recognizable to even the most casual sports fan. Since Jim Harbaugh’s return to his alma mater as head coach there seems to be a revamped energy around Wolverine football games. With the recent ascendancy of the program, this may just be the perfect time to see a game at Michigan Stadium. All of this is to say that the Big House and a Michigan football game should sit squarely on even the shortest list of must see venues for any sports fan. The grandiosity, history, and pure joy of a Saturday in Ann Arbor is a must for all avid stadium travelers. Food & Beverage 4 The quality of concessions at a Michigan Wolverines football game is better than what you may be used to at other stadiums. You won’t be blown away by the variety of options, but everything here is done well, and there are numerous outlets so that waiting in line will not be a major hassle. The majority of standard concessions are found along the interior of the concourse. Hot dogs ($5-$6.50) and bratwursts ($7.50) are provided by Dearborn Sausage Company, and they are very good. The price is probably slightly on the high side, and I would recommend the bratwurst for your encased meat needs. Cottage Inn, a local chain, provides pizza at Michigan games. It costs $11 for a small pepperoni or cheese pizza. Other options include BBQ pulled pork sandwiches or nachos ($9), popcorn ($5.50), boxes of candy ($4.50), and soft pretzels ($5.50). Coca-Cola products are on offer in various sizes. A souvenir beverage mug is $10, a 32-ounce souvenir cup soda is $7, and a 20-ounce bottle of pop is $5. Bottled water will cost $4.50, while hot chocolate or coffee is $3.50. Keep in mind that there are “hydration stations” located in at least three locations around the concourse where you can pick up a free cup of water. At the Victors Grill you can find even greater selections, including the rather unique Buffalo chicken waffle taco ($8), chicken tenders basket ($10), cheeseburger ($9), vegetarian black bean burger ($9), French fries ($7), and chicken sandwich ($9). There is a gluten free concession stand near the Tisch Tower, and you can also find gluten free hot dogs at some of the main concession stands. For the best food available inside the stadium, I recommend a stop at Big C’s Smoked BBQ, located along the outer concourse near section 8. Overall, the food and beverage is somewhat expensive, but better quality than similar stadiums. If you’re staying in Ann Arbor though, save your appetite for the large selection of excellent restaurants found downtown. Atmosphere 5 Perhaps the most important thing about attending a game at the Big House is to take your time. Make a day of it and soak it all in. If you love to tailgate, then this is a great place to do it. You can shoot for the Ann Arbor Pioneer High School parking lot, the University of Michigan golf course, or in numerous driveways, church parking lots, or public parks surrounding the stadium. This is an important part of the game day experience, and really adds to the visit. As you may imagine, getting into the stadium can be a somewhat crowded experience. Be aware that bags of any kind are not allowed inside the stadium, so only bring essentials with you, and what you can comfortably fit into your pockets. Gates open approximately 2 hours before kickoff, and I would recommend entering the stadium around one hour prior to kickoff. If you wait too long, you can experience a bottleneck and may miss the opening kickoff. The Michigan marching band performs about 20 minutes before kickoff. They are without a doubt one of the best marching bands in college football, something you won’t want to miss. This goes for halftime as well. Try to avoid a trip to the restrooms or concessions during intermission if you can. Despite the massive size of Michigan Stadium in terms of capacity, it actually feels rather intimate due to its bowl design. There is only minimal space between the stands and the playing field, and a view from the back row hardly feels like a negative to your viewing experience. That said, something has to give when you factor in the number of people in the stands and the relative proximity to the game. Seats are small and uncomfortable, with very little room between rows. If you’re in the student section, this is somewhat alleviated by the fact that the young men and women stand throughout the contest, but in other sections , where you mostly sit, it is quite uncomfortable. In fact, a back row seat may be the best seat in the house if you would like some back support and avoid having someone’s knees pressed against you. There are two large scoreboards with HD video screens behind all of the seats at each end of the stadium. They measure 4,000 square feet and provide announcements, stats, replays, and scores from around college football for fans throughout the stadium. In 2016, the pre-game hype video is narrated by Michigan alumnus James Earl Jones, and it really is quite spectacular. Fun fact, Michigan Stadium was the first sports stadium in the United States to utilize electronic scoreboards, back in 1930. Neighborhood 5 Ann Arbor, Michigan is truly one of the great college towns in the United States. If you’re not tailgating, then spend your day exploring campus and downtown. Main Street is less than a mile away, where you’ll find a great variety of excellent restaurants, bars, shopping, and breweries. There are numerous places I can recommend from personal experience, and all are listed on the location tab of this review. If you have a specific question or want a recommendation, then feel free to ask in our forum area. Ann Arbor is full of local places to eat worth trying. Zingerman’s is a favorite spot and is featured on ESPN as the local place to go, and would be a perfect early morning stop if you want to get supplies for a gourmet tailgating party. Places like the Blue Tractor and Arbor Brewing Company provide excellent options as well. If you like Italian food, then Gratzi and Mani Osteria are both great places to go, especially if you want something a little more upscale. Frita Batidos serves up tasty Cuban-inspired food. The Blue Nile serves up Ethiopian food which is both unique and delicious. Kids will love the Ann Arbor Children’s Museum. There are several other great spots. If you’re not a regular in town, and don’t want to tailgate, then go downtown and explore a bit. Hotel accommodations can be found clustered near I-94 just to the south of the stadium, but expect to pay a hefty sum to stay here. If you’re flying in, the Detroit airport is about 20 miles to the east along I-94 and there are plenty of hotels there for a much better rate. Fans 5 Michigan fans love their team and it shows on game day. The stands are decked out in maize and blue with only slight flecks of green or red depending on the visiting teams’ colors. The crowd is appreciative of the program’s rich history and will explode when a former great visits the stadium, or a video of a recent standout graces the big screen. This crowd loves to cheer, and the playing of Hail to the Victors, one of the absolute best pep songs in the history of mankind, will bring students young and old to a fevered pitch. Access 4 The key here is patience. If you are looking to set a new record of stadium to highway, then you will likely be frustrated by the traffic involved in attending a Michigan football game at the Big House. Take your time and enjoy the atmosphere, and set your expectations low when it comes to fighting traffic, both before and especially after the game. That said, the university and police do an excellent job of keeping folks moving on their way. Parking can be quite expensive, with premium spots in the Ann Arbor Pioneer High School parking lot ranging from $50-$80. Further south, consider parking in the lots near the corner of Main Street and Valhalla Drive. The rates vary based on the opponent (generally around $40), but if you mention “Stadium Journey” they’ll take $5 off the cost of parking for the day. You’ll find numerous other parking options surrounding the stadium, with $20-$25 being a typical price, but you may have to walk quite a distance. If you’re not tailgating, then consider parking downtown in one of the many parking structures. Lines for restrooms can certainly form at halftime or immediately following the game. Consider missing a couple of minutes of game action in return for waiting less in line. Return on Investment 5 Ticket prices vary based on the opponent, but generally you should be able to get end zone seats starting around $65. Consider using our ticket partner, Ticket Monster, where Stadium Journey premium members get 10% off ticket purchases. Overall, if you go all out and tailgate in one of the nearby lots, purchase good seats, and eat at the stadium, you can spend $200-$300 per person, but there are certainly ways to save money and cut that price drastically, especially if you’re willing to walk a bit from your chosen parking location. This is one of those stadiums that will be found on many bucket lists, and well it should be. Make the trip and you’ll feel like it is money well spent. Extras 5 Just pick anything. There are so many things to award points for here that it’s almost pointless counting. Whether it’s tailgating on the UM Golf Course, rising in chorus to “Hail To The Victors,” marching through the brick gates into one of the most storied stadiums in college football or the team running from the tunnel and jumping to touch the “Go Blue” banner, there’s something spectacular around every corner. The Big House is on the short list of top treasures in college football. An extra mark for Michigan having a US President (Gerald Ford) in their group of Legends. An extra mark for the Michigan Marching Band, which is worth the show all by itself. An extra mark for over 130 years of Michigan football tradition. The fact that Michigan has the most wins in the history of college football, and is also an 11-time National Champion, just adds to the ambiance of the home venue. You can’t help but appreciate the history as you walk the concourse and see the tributes to the championship teams outside sections 20-26, or the great player tributes outside sections 1-5. Final Thoughts There is no doubt that a trip to Michigan Stadium belongs in any list of the best stadium experiences in college football, the United States, North America, or worldwide. Come to Ann Arbor and see what the Big House is all about.

Photo courtesy of Michigan State University athletics Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 Spartan Stadium Red Cedar Rd and Shaw Lane East Lansing, MI 48824 Michigan State Spartans website Spartan Stadium website Year Opened: 1923 Capacity: 75,005 Party with Sparty In a span of 15 years, the Michigan State Spartans football program laid claim to six National Championships (1951-1966). It was a period of domination that has never been duplicated. Those halcyon days of Spartan supremacy may be gone, but much of the tradition of a proud program remains today. Spartan Stadium has been the home of the Michigan State football team since 1923. It’s great to imagine that six championship squads have played in this stadium. Of course much has been renovated since those years in the 1950s and 60s. Nearly $100 million has been pumped into stadium renovations since 2005, and the additions have certainly helped the overall game day experience. More seating, suites, and a beautiful press box were the results of the initial round of renovations. New scoreboards, ribbon boards, and sound system were installed in time for the 2012 season. For the 2014 season, new construction on the north side of the stadium provided an updated gate and entrance, additional restrooms and concessions, an updated locker room, as well as a training center, media center, and recruiting lounge. The stadium arms race is in full swing in the Big Ten, and the folks in East Lansing are doing their part to ensure that Michigan State football keeps up. Perhaps, they will even raise the program to its glory days. After all, it’s been nearly 50 years since their last national championship. Food & Beverage 4 One interesting twist on the food and beverage selection inside Spartan Stadium is that some of the best, or most unique, food items can be found in the corner of the stadium nearest the student section. Travel to the southeast corner of the concourse and you’ll find local Sparty’s Pizza ($4.50 a slice) and Maria’s Tacos (3 tacos or a burrito for $7.50). Both of these are perfect for students on a Saturday, and may make you feel like you’re back in college again as well. The best food items in the stadium however are found near section 24 at the Turkey Man stand (you can also find a stand set up outside the student entrance before the game begins). Here you’ll find gargantuan smoked turkey drumsticks ($10, and a personal favorite), as well as turkey sandwiches or wraps ($6), turkey ribs ($6, also delicious), turkey sausage, and turkey wings. Unless you have some kind of an aversion to turkey, this is the place to go at a Spartans game. General concessions are found throughout the concourse, with enough stands to avoid lines. Basic offerings include bratwursts and Italian sausages ($5), hot dogs ($4.50), soft pretzel ($4), popcorn, nachos ($4.50), peanuts ($3), and other expected stadium food items. Soft drinks (referred to as “pop” in Michigan, not “soda”) are from Pepsi with drinks going for $4.50-$5, or $8 in a souvenir mug. Bottled water is $4. Overall, there is a good selection, friendly service, and short lines throughout the stadium. Prices are up slightly since our last review during the 2013 season. Trust me on the turkey stand though, and head over there. Atmosphere 4 Michigan State was founded as an agricultural college. The campus includes the longest continuously run botanical garden in the United States. This all sets the background for what is a lovely campus to walk around, with paths that are surrounded with trees. About two hours before kickoff, it is worthwhile to make the trip to the corner of Kalamazoo and Chestnut where you’ll find “The Spartan” statue. Designed by Leonard D. Jungwirth in 1945, the current bronze statue is a replica of the original terra cotta design. The experience of the marching band playing as the team walks by, individually touching the statue, is a very cool way to get things started. If you want to get some great pictures of the team as they walk up to the statue, consider hanging out closer to McLane Baseball Stadium, and the team will walk right by. As with many college football experiences, the tailgating is a huge part of game day. You’ll find cars and tents up around the campus, and the smell of grilled sausage in the air. The most popular spot seems to be Munn Field, just outside Munn Ice Arena, where you can find parking for $20. There is no alcohol allowed on Munn Field, but I have noticed that this is enforced only for those people who are being deliberate and obnoxious. Parking garages are available in the vicinity for $20 and $15. Once the gates open, about an hour and half before kickoff, you’ll find students pouring in as they try to get the best seat in the student section. The rest of the crowd is slower to descend, enjoying their tailgate party. In any case, make sure you’re in your seat 25 minutes prior to kickoff. The Michigan State marching band will take the field about 20 minutes to kickoff, and you don’t want to miss this very talented squad. The football team will take the field about eight minutes before the kick, with the iconic Sparty, one of the best mascots in college athletics, leading the charge and planting an American flag at mid-field. The new scoreboards and sound system will help to enhance your experience. The end zone scoreboards give you all the information you need to enjoy the game, and also keep you updated on other scores throughout the country. The real stars as far as energy are the students. Yells of “Go GREEN!” are answered with “Go WHITE!” and you can’t help but join in. Seating consists of cold metal bleachers throughout, with decent leg room. Given a choice of seats, find your way into the upper deck, above the students so that you can have a great view of the play on the field, and soak in the infectious energy of the crowd. Neighborhood 4 Anytime you’re in East Lansing, your first stop should be Harrison Roadhouse. They have an excellent beer selection and delicious burgers. Best of all, if you’re not tailgating, you can park in their parking lot at the cost of $20. In exchange they give you a voucher for $20 in food, so if you plan on eating there, parking is essentially free. You then have a walk of about a mile through the scenic campus to Spartan Stadium. This is my recommendation for those who aren’t planning on tailgating. Another favorite is the Dublin Square Pub. It is a slightly upscale version of your Irish pub, with a beautiful bar and good food. There are plenty of hotels in the area, but it’s a good idea to book well in advance if you’ll be staying near the stadium on a Saturday game day. I have stayed at the Howard Johnson on Trowbridge Road in the past, and it is adequate for your stay. Other options in the neighborhood include a trip to the Michigan State Capitol building, about three miles to the west. You may also want to check the schedule of the Lansing Lugnuts to see if they have a home game at Cooley Law School Stadium if you want to catch some minor league baseball (for early season football games only). Basketball fans should walk over to the Breslin Center, and get a picture with the bronze statue of Magic Johnson. You may also want to check the schedules for the volleyball team, soccer team, and hockey team as you may have an opportunity to see two games in one day depending on the month of the season you’re visiting. Fans 5 Spartan Stadium averages more fans per game than its official capacity lists, typically at or around 20th in the nation in average attendance. Students will be lined up hours in advance to get into the stadium, and they are loud and energetic throughout the contest. You’ll find generations of Spartan alumni and fans. It’s a happy atmosphere, especially when the green and white are winning. Access 4 Once you get inside the stadium, it is fairly roomy, especially for a stadium in its 9th decade hosting football. Restrooms are spacious and reasonably clean. There is certainly plenty of parking, and the price is reasonable. You’ll pay anywhere from $10-$20 depending on how much you’re willing to walk. You can park in Lot 89 at the corner of Mt. Hope Road and Farm Lane and take a shuttle to the game, which will cost you $4 round trip. If you plan on tailgating, then consider purchasing a parking pass in advance, as most of the lots closest to Spartan Stadium are filled up. There’s a parking garage on Harrison, which charges $20 to park on game days. It’s a good option if you can’t find anything else, or if it is a rainy day. Return on Investment 4 Tickets are priced as either regular games or premium games. Prices range from $50-$100 for regular games, and $80-$150 for premium games (games against rivals or big name opponents). Concessions and parking are both affordable, and if you do the experience the right way and spend the day tailgating or on campus, then you will surely have an experience that is worth every penny you spend. Extras 4 One extra point for the full rosters of their Big Ten winning squads on the Spartan Stadium wall near Gate D. Another extra point for being in a building that hosted the winners of six National Championships. An additional point for the renovations and commitment to continuing the game day experience at Spartan Stadium. The ribbon boards above the end zone are an especially nice addition as they maintain the current scoreboard of conference foes and the rest of college football. Final Thoughts There’s no doubt that Spartan Stadium is one of the best college football stadium experiences in the country, and certainly a venue that you should try to see once in your lifetime. It’s a lot of fun, has plenty of history and enthusiasm, and it is priced right.

Photos by Chuck Uteck, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Kinnick Stadium 886 Stadium Dr Iowa City, IA 52242 Iowa Hawkeyes football website Kinnick Stadium website Year Opened: 1929 Capacity: 70,585 Riding the Wave The University of Iowa Hawkeyes football team plays their games at Kinnick Stadium, formerly known as Iowa Stadium. This 69,250 seat oval was changed in 1972 to honor Iowa’s only Heisman Trophy winner, Nile Kinnick. Greeting visitors at the south entrance is a Bronze statue of Kinnick, who died in 1942 during a training flight with the United States Navy. By capacity, Kinnick ranks 27th in largest college football stadiums. Over the last five years, attendance has it at 21st overall. In 2015, Kinnick set a national collegiate wrestling dual meet attendance record by packing in over 42,000. The stadium saw major renovations in 1956, 1983, 1990, 2006 and the last which began in 2017 and finished at the start of the 2019 season. The nearly 90 million dollar project included new concessions, restrooms, an upgraded concourse, box seating, outdoor club seating in the north end zone as well as a larger north end zone scoreboard. Food & Beverage 4 At an Iowa football game one can find both traditional sporting event fare as well as some non-traditional options. There are ample booths on the east and west sides as well as a couple on the north and south edges for fan convenience. Wimmers hot dogs are featured. A basic hot dog is $4.50; polish sausage $5.50. Peanuts, popcorn and nachos range from $5-$7, although a souvenir popcorn tub is $12 and includes one free return back for more. The B&G Burger stand provides for $7 Loaded Hawk Tots (bacon, sour cream, cheese and chives) as well as a 319 (local area code) Burger for $8.50. The Boulevard Grill on the northeast side offers cheeseburgers, pizza burgers, tenderloins, and chicken tenders all at $7.50. For a slightly different take—try the mac and cheese or BBQ pork nachos for $8.50. Coca-Cola products are served at $5 for a regular or $6.50 for a souvenir cup. Atmosphere 5 Tailgating begins early around Kinnick. Lots tend to fill up fairly fast and then the air is subsequently filled with the aroma of grills, the crackling sound of cold beers being opened and hoots and hollers from various tailgate games like bags (cornhole). Once inside, the fun continues. “The Swarm” is when players take the field as a tight group with everyone holding hands and moving at a slow pace prior to the game. This is accompanied by AC/DC’s “Back in Black” with the fans roaring. Following scoring plays, the stadium becomes 65,000 plus attended spelling bee. Only one word is on this list, IOWA. Chants of “I – O – W – A” start from one corner and work around the bricks of Kinnick. From time to time, a zealous fan will stand in a section and offer a mini version of that to get their local group fired up. In 2017, the latest and greatest tradition began at Kinnick. Following completion of the University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital that overlooks Kinnick, came “The Wave.” At the end of the first quarter, fans, players, coaches and staff turn to face the hospital and wave to the children and families. It is not easy to maintain a dry eye and yet smile as the legions of fans wave in unison and the children and families wave back. The Krause Family Plaza on the south side of the stadium is the place to gather pre and postgame. It has food trucks, vendor booths, and a large tent for Iowa merchandise. Players get off the bus at this area and enter the stadium. In addition, there are two stages for concerts as well as local broadcasts. There are multiple photo opportunities, including the Kinnick statue, an IOWA sign as well as the overall gathering. Just outside the plaza is a gathering area featuring a large combine. Once used as a way of life for farmers, now it’s a tailgate way of life on Saturdays. Iowa colors are black and gold. In the visiting locker room, however, is the color pink, chosen by former coach Hayden Fry. It was his thought that this would lead to a “passive mood.” Neighborhood 4 Kinnick Stadium is located between Iowa City and Coralville, Iowa. Coralville has some popular restaurants such as The Wig & Pen Pizza Pub and the Iowa River Power Co. Restaurant. For more traditional items, the Coralville Mall features various inexpensive to fine dining choices. In Iowa City, downtown has a plethora of choices, like the Airliner, The Dandy Lion, The Mill and The Bluebird Diner. A fun spot to visit is tiny John’s grocery. The legendary building that holds the over 70 year old neighborhood grocery has been a fire station, apartments, a saloon, a barbershop, and even a toiletry factory. It is a great visit before or after the game. In and around Iowa City is the Coralville Mall for a shopping experience. Just outside though are a couple gems. Twenty minutes to the west are the Amana colonies. Amana was settled in the 1850’s by Germans and is comprised of seven communities. During the year there are many festivals. During the football season, Oktoberfest is celebrated there and is a great getaway less than a half hour away from Kinnick. Fans 4 Hawkeye football saw a resurgence with the arrival of Hayden Fry. Under current coach Kirk Ferentz, fans also have enjoyed consistent winning seasons. They have come out in droves consistently for the past 40 years. The fans are knowledgeable and boisterous on game day. Check ahead for themes; certain games will be “Black Out” or Black and Gold in certain sections. “Iowa Nice” is in full affect with the fans and staff. Access 4 There is one main oval concourse where concessions, bathrooms, and exits are located. These areas can become busy during halftime but the recent renovations have helped with traffic flow. Arriving at the game can be a challenge but options are aplenty. Kinnick is situated in the middle of a neighborhood with hospitals, the Fieldhouse, Carver Hawkeye Arena and school buildings nearby. There are few lots for parking. Parking can be had in the neighborhoods for a price or depending on one’s wanting to walk for free. Before and after the game, staff and local police do a tremendous job with the throngs of spectators and keeping the traffic flowing. An outstanding option for those also wanting an exit close to I-80 is the Hawkeye Express. This train runs from just outside the mall to the stadium on game days. Cost is $15 for a roundtrip ticket. Return on Investment 4 Ticket prices can vary depending on opponent. Early non-conference games average around $50 while highly sought after games like the Iowa State game (at Iowa every other year) can begin around $90. An average seat for a Big Ten game can be found a lot of times on secondary markets for $60-$70. Extras 3 The Wave is worth the price of admission. Kinnick also hosts an annual 5k in the fall that allows participants to finish on the field and wave to the hospital upon completion. The Kinnick Statue as well as his speech at the Heisman trophy ceremony are must see. Final Thoughts Kinnick Stadium is a great choice for a Saturday in the fall. Crisp air, football and 65,000 or so fans. Renovations, the Wave, and a winning football team bring a heightened level of excitement to the area. The thrill of Saturdays in the fall is captured at Kinnick Stadium.

Photos by Richard Smith, Douglas Wood and Matthew Clegg, Stadium Journey. Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Memorial Stadium 1402 S 1st St Champaign, IL 61820 Illinois Fighting Illini website Memorial Stadium website Year Opened: 1923 Capacity: 60,670 Illinois Football: “Oskee Wow-Wow” Memorial Stadium in Champaign, Illinois, is home to the Illinois Fighting Illini football team, which competes in the Big Ten conference. Opened on November 3, 1923, Memorial Stadium sits at the south end of campus at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and boasts a capacity of 60,670 seats. The stadium has been the home of national championship-winning teams and iconic players such as legendary Illini and Bears players like Dick Butkus and Red Grange. Food & Beverage 3 When visiting Memorial Stadium, fans can expect a pretty traditional concessions experience. The essentials like hot dogs, sodas, popcorn, and nachos are all covered but are not always the highest quality. I found the food to be dry, especially the chicken tenders, but about what you would expect from stadium food. The various food vendors will have long lines, as with any major sporting event. The wait times can get particularly bad at halftime, but while the game is ongoing, the lines are much more bearable. Atmosphere 4 The atmosphere at Memorial Stadium has been fantastic, coinciding with the team’s recent success. The Illini ranked for the first time since 2011, has begun to excite a fanbase that has been more used to witnessing disappointment than it has been to watching success. Memorial Stadium has a horseshoe design that loops around the field, with the student section placed separately from the rest of the seating at the north endzone. With students coming in droves to watch and support the team, the energy in the stadium is high, and the atmosphere is something special. The majority of the seats at the stadium are a basic bench design that doesn’t come with back support, and you will likely begin feeling the effects by the fourth quarter. Once the game kicks off, fans can expect to hear the signature ILL-INI chants in full swing. The giant jumbotron provides instant replays, score information, fan cam, and many other fun visuals during the experience, although it’s important to note that it is above the horseshoe seats at the south end of the stadium. It might be annoying to constantly turn around to see the giant screen behind you if you’re sitting in that section. Besides the game itself, a big draw for a lot of people coming to Memorial Stadium is to see the Marching Illini, one of the premier college bands in the country. The Marching Illini provides pregame and halftime entertainment and sits in front of the student section during the game. Expect to hear the signature ‘Oskee Wow Wow’ fight song played as well as a wide variety of songs in popular culture. You could go from hearing the alma mater ‘Hail to the Orange’ played to the famous ‘Imperial March from Star Wars. Even if things aren’t going so well on the field, the Marching Illini add a lot of extra enjoyment to the game day experience at Illinois. Neighborhood 4 Memorial Stadium is on campus, and the town is only a short drive away. While walking from the stadium into campus takes a little longer, it can be very well worth it due in large part to the scenery, especially if you visit in the fall. Taking a stroll through the main quad and passing by the statue of Alma Mater can top off a great day of Illini football (or calm the emotions in the case of a defeat). Green Street is a popular area that boasts a plethora of different places to eat and have a good time. There are many popular bars: Legends, Murphy’s Pub, and Joe’s Brewery, as well as KAMS and Red Lion, that are especially popular amongst the student population. There are a variety of choices, from sit-down restaurants to fast-food joints. Whether you’re in the mood for Chipotle or want to try some top-quality sushi at Sakanaya, the overall quality of food options nearby is high, and there will likely be something for you along Green Street. In terms of lodging, you have the typical hotels, such as Best Western or Hilton Garden Inn, that are nearby. If you’re looking to stay at an iconic location on campus, the Illini Union is a superb option. Located on the north end of the main quad, the Illini Union offers rooms and has numerous restaurants, shops, and entertainment located throughout the building. A personal favorite spot of mine in the Union would have to be the Illini-themed bowling alley. Fans 4 Illinois football has been on a tear in 2022, and the Illini fan base has rewarded the teams’ improvement by filling the seats of Memorial Stadium. While the football team doesn’t sell out games like the men’s basketball team at Illinois, the attendance numbers have still been growing. The Illini haven’t been able to fill all 60,000 seats so far, and it takes a lot to convince a fan base that they are the real deal. However, the stadium has been about 75 percent full as of late. Depending on the opponent, the atmosphere around Memorial Stadium can vary depending on the energy of the crowd; against a fierce Big Ten rival like Iowa, the atmosphere is hostile. As mentioned previously, expect to hear the ILL-INI chants throughout the night. The student section, in particular, is always engaged and extremely loud, maintaining the high energy felt around the stadium when the teams take the field. The fans are passionate, and while the frustration can be felt when things aren’t going to plan, the place goes berserk after when things go right. Access 4 The process of visiting Memorial Stadium is a smooth and straightforward experience. The inside of the stadium is not confusing to navigate, and for public transportation, the Champaign-Urbana Mass Transit District serves as the primary bus service that takes fans to the stadium. While the buses are free to students and staff of the university, there is a $1 bus fee for everyone else. Parking fees typically range from $10-20 at Memorial Stadium. There are six lots that fans can go to for parking, and there are a limited number of handicapped spots (available on a first-come, first-served basis). Return on Investment 4 When the team is good, and the excitement around the program is as high as it is in 2022, fans can expect a high return on their investment when visiting Memorial Stadium. While still a long way from ever being known as one of the best college atmospheres in the country, Illinois football brings an exciting gameday experience that won’t disappoint. However, while the lowest-priced tickets may seem appealing at around $30 each, you must be sitting in the horseshoe at the south end of the stadium. The view isn’t as great in the horseshoe, you’ll be sitting pretty far away from the actual field, and the large jumbotron will be behind you. With parking and public transportation priced lower, it all comes down to how the team is playing. Illinois’ football program has been known to struggle in recent years, but during the special seasons like 2022, seeing the team at its best is truly something special. Extras 3 The first two bonus points are Dick Butkus and Red Grange-related. Make sure to glance up at the west side of the stadium to see the names of these two legendary players. Their numbers (50 and 77 respectively) are displayed above the press boxes. Butkus and Grange’s names loom far above anything else at Memorial Stadium as a constant reminder of the prestigious football history that exists at Illinois. Below, you can also find the years of the Illini’s national championship triumphs and their Big Ten championships proudly displayed. The second bonus point goes to the statues outside the stadium. If you’ve ever wanted to pose with Butkus or Grange, you can do so next to their larger-than-life statues. The Butkus statue is just outside the Henry Dale and Betty Smith Football Center (slightly northeast of Memorial Stadium) and outside the entrance along Fourth Street. Grange’s statue is located outside the stadium on the west side, within Grange Grove. Grange Grove is the primary tailgate spot before Illini games and is a great place to hang out before kickoff. The third and final bonus point goes to the giant ‘Memorial Stadium: Home of the Fighting Illini’ sign that’s outside the stadium’s south end. It can’t be missed and is another fantastic photo spot where fans can go to capture their trip to Champaign in full Fighting Illini style. While standing by it, you can also look at State Farm Center, the arena where Illinois basketball plays its home games. Final Thoughts Memorial Stadium may not be the biggest in college football, but its rich history and strong culture make it a worthwhile visit. The fan base at Illinois is growing, and when the team is doing well, the atmosphere is something you can’t miss.

The American Hockey League, now in its 86th season, continues to operate as the primary developmental league for the National Hockey League. With teams in cities from coast to coast, the league features the best of small towns and large cities across the continent. Stadium Journey has endeavored to visit every team in the circuit to evaluate the game day experience with our patented FANFARE rating system. This metric takes into account a venue's food and beverage options, atmosphere, surrounding neighborhood, fan support, accessibility, value and more. We have been able to visit 29 of the 32 AHL arenas (our apologies to Abbotsford, Calgary and San Jose - we plan to visit your facilities as soon as we can). The Calder Cup is still to be handed out, but we at Stadium Journey have already crowned our 2023 champion. Feel free to engage in some healthy debate on our social media pages. Since we love to rank things here at Stadium Journey (and judging by our page views, you love to read ranking lists), we now present our ranking of the arenas of the American Hockey League 1. Giant Center - Hershey Bears 4.57 Richard Smith - Giant Center is frankly one of the best sporting venues around. It takes the best looks and atmospheric elements of the past and adds the modern amenities expected by today’s audiences. This arena is a must-visit for any sports fan. 2. Coca-Cola Coliseum - Toronto Marlies 4.43 Robbie Raskin - Though its history as a hockey arena is relatively short, Coca-Cola Coliseum has grown into that role in style. Now into its second century, the historic venue is one of the best and most modern small arenas in the world – it just happens to be a century old at the same time. The Coliseum is a must for stadium enthusiasts, history buffs, and indeed hockey fans, and is poised to continue that role for the next century and beyond. 3. Van Andel Arena - Grand Rapids Griffins 4.29 Steve Ohnsman - This is a great minor league hockey venue! Hockey fans might consider getting tickets for a weekend of fun: they offer a number of Friday/Saturday or Saturday/Sunday games on the schedule, so fans could stay downtown do it up right! Even casual fans will enjoy a match and families are very well served. 4. Budweiser Events Center - Colorado Eagles 4.29 Meg Minard - I always forget how fantastically fun it is to go to an Eagles game, regardless of league. One gets so caught up in the passion of the fans and fans who don’t normally chant and cheer will find themselves doing just that at an Eagles game. Bring cowbells! 5. Blue Cross Arena - Rochester Americans 4.14 Meg Minard - Blue Cross Arena at the War Memorial in Rochester, NY is just about the perfect place to watch minor league hockey. It’s got a great fan base, superb ushers and staff, good hockey, lots of banners, and a memorial to our war veterans. 6. Canada Life Centre - Manitoba Moose 4.14 Jordan Falconer - The atmosphere at MTS Centre during a Moose game is family friendly. Parents should feel comfortable bringing their kids to the MTS Centre to see the Moose play. The Moose cater to families and provide enough entertainment to occupy the little ones’ attention. 7. UW Milwaukee Panther Arena - Milwaukee Admirals 4.00 Eric Hasman - In an era of disposable stadiums and frequent tear-downs, the UW – Milwaukee Panthers Arena is a great example of successful historical preservation. It is not only surviving but thriving, as it is in use nearly every day of the week by a different sports franchise. Even though the arena is not the most luxurious, it is a good place to see a game and is worth the trip. 8. Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse - Cleveland Monsters 4.00 Paul Baker - You would think that sharing your home with a major league basketball team would be a less than ideal situation for a minor league hockey team. This hardly seems to be the case in Cleveland, where the Monsters are regularly among the American Hockey League’s leaders in attendance. While Quicken Loans Arena is clearly too big for the Monsters, the melding of major league amenities with minor league enthusiasm makes a trip to downtown Cleveland a trip worth taking. 9. Amica Mutual Pavilion - Providence Bruins 3.86 Paul Baker - Providence and the Amica Mutual Pavilion are often mentioned among the top American Hockey League travel destinations. The combination of a modern arena, frenzied fan support, and a fantastic downtown area makes The AMP a first-rate destination. With the number and quality of hockey venues in and around Rhode Island, this is a Stadium Journey worth taking by any hockey fan. 10. Wells Fargo Center - Iowa Wild 3.86 James Hilchen - Wells Fargo Arena is a great venue for hockey. The organization cares about the fans, the price of attending a game is very reasonable, and downtown Des Moines has something for everyone. The AHL provides some quality hockey and taking in a game in Des Moines is a fun experience. 11. Adirondack Bank Center - Utica Comets 3.86 Paul Baker - The Aud is packed to the rafters on most nights and the small barn echoes with chants of “UTICA! UTICA! UTICA!” throughout the game. Capacity crowds create a great deal of noise and a significant home-ice advantage night in and night out. 12 Mechanics Bank Arena - Bakersfield Condors 3.86 Drew Cieszynski - While Bakersfield continues to grow, the Condors remain one of the top entertainment options in central California. For a very reasonable price, you can check out the Condors and even the Division I basketball Cal State Bakersfield in the same day. 13. BMO Center - Rockford IceHogs 3.86 Eric Hasman - The fans who attend are really into the game. This is a major plus since the place is so small you are very close to the action and there is no bad seat in the arena. The main level open end seating area has a bunch of sit-down tables and stand-up bar tables. My only beef with this area is if you are not right against the railing, you cannot see all of the ice. 14. PPL Center - Lehigh Valley Phantoms 3.71 Paul Baker - The PPL Center, while striving for major league feel and amenities, falls short on many basic fan comforts. While the food selection and amenities here are among the best in minor league hockey, the cramped seating area, concourses and rest rooms are major drawbacks. Is the final result worth the cost? We’ll let you decide. 15. Toyota Arena - Ontario Reign 3.71 Meg Minard - The Toyota Arena has quite a sleek looking exterior with tall glass atrium entrances with the rest of exterior dark grey on the bottom, beige on top. Palm trees line the front and east sides. As nice and bright and beautiful as the exterior is, the interior is unexpectedly dark; both the concourse and the seating area. 16. Tucson Arena - Tucson Roadrunners 3.71 Meg Minard - Visiting Tucson, AZ and watching an AHL Roadrunners game is an enjoyable experience and one worth checking out. It’s quite a nice facility in which to watch a hockey game. 17. The Dollar Loan Center - Henderson Silver Knights 3.57 Lloyd Brown - The Dollar Loan Center differs from most athletic venues in that it has adopted a specific theme that is carried out in the names of its various amenities and also in the outfits worn by facility staff. It becomes readily apparent that the parent club Las Vegas Golden Knights are behind the decision to adopt a Modern Medieval theme for the Silver Knights new home. 18. Pechanga Arena - San Diego Gulls 3.57 Meg Minard - The team began operation in 2015 after relocating from Norfolk, VA. It is the sixth hockey team to play at the arena, the fifth with the name ‘Gulls.’ The hockey team’s parent club is the nearby NHL Anaheim Ducks, roughly an hour and a half drive between the two. This close distance allows player call ups/downs relatively easy for the teams and players. 19. Place Bell - Laval Rocket 3.57 Dave Cottenie - As one of the newest AHL franchises, the Laval Rocket are establishing their niche in the Montréal sports market. Place Bell is shiny and new and central to the Laval community and fans will enjoy a trip to see some hockey there. 20. Acrisure Arena - Coachella Valley Firebirds 3.43 Meg Minard - The Coachella Valley Firebirds are a brand-new member of the AHL (American Hockey League), beginning play in the fall of 2022. They are an affiliate of the NHL team, the Seattle Kraken. Coachella Valley, also known as Greater Palm Springs, is in the gorgeous south central part of California. 21. XL Center - Hartford Wolf Pack 3.43 Paul Baker - As a minor league hockey facility, the XL Center is a good place to catch a game, with excellent sight lines and plenty going on to satisfy both the casual and diehard fan. Unfortunately, the XL Center is just too big, too empty and too old for the Wolf Pack. Face it, Hartford, the Whalers aren’t coming back. Start running with the Pack! 22. Mohegan Sun Arena - Wilkes Barre Scranton Penguins 3.43 Paul Baker - Thanks to the success of the baby Pens, northeastern Pennsylvania has become Penguins country even though it is located closer to Philadelphia and New York. The arena may not pack in the fans like it used to, and may not stack up when compared to other nearby minor league arenas but it remains a solid place to take in a game. 23. MassMutual Center - Springfield Thunderbirds 3.43 Matt Fiedler - Hockey has been in Springfield for a long time. Minor league hockey has been in Springfield since 1926 when the Springfield Indians came to be. The team has changed names from the Indians to the Kings to the Falcons to the Thunderbirds. What hasn’t changed is the passion that fans have in Springfield for hockey. Western Mass is filled with hockey fanatics. 24. H-E-B Center - Texas Stars 3.29 Eric Moreno - I’ve been to several events at H-E-B Center, including several Stars games, and I have enjoyed myself every time. This is a great venue, especially for hockey. There is no such thing as a bad sightline here and it still feels new, somehow, even though it is now over 10 years old. 25. CAA Arena - Belleville Senators 3.29 Dave Cottenie - The return of hockey to Belleville was absolutely necessary. What the future holds for the Senators will be interesting. The residents of Belleville need to fully embrace the Senators and AHL and get out to the arena to make the Senators at CAA Arena an even better experience. When near Belleville, it is a great plan to check out the CAA Arena and the Belleville Senators. 26. Allstate Arena - Chicago Wolves 3.29 Eric Hasman - Allstate Arena, formerly known as the “Rosemont Horizon,” was built for DePaul University basketball but is now a multi-purpose arena. In 1999 it was renamed the Allstate Arena after extensive interior and exterior renovations. Many championship banners and retired numbers hang in the rafters for the Chicago Wolves. The Chicago Wolves have called the Allstate Arena home since 1994 27. Upstate Medical University Arena - Syracuse Crunch 3.14 Paul Baker - As a hockey venue, the War Memorial does nothing that will blow you away. It is infinitely more interesting as a memorial and as one of the locations in the iconic movie Slap Shot. For hockey fans who have an interest in our nation’s history, the War Memorial is worth a visit. 28. Total Mortgage Arena - Bridgeport Islanders 3.14 Paul Baker - With both the team and the arena rebranding recently, one would be tempted to think that big changes are afoot in Bridgeport. Unfortunately, that is not the case. The only real changes have been to the jersey crest and the name on the marquee. Total Mortgage Arena remains a nice place to catch quality minor league hockey, with small crowds taking in the action. The more things change in Bridgeport, the more they stay the same. 29. Bojangles' Coliseum - Charlotte Checkers 3.14 Jared Goodman - The Charlotte Checkers, both the team and the folks behind-the-scenes, have created a phenomenal game day experience for hockey fans deep in football and NASCAR country. They’ve worked diligently to promote the sport throughout the region and have succeeded in piquing the interest of both die-hard and non-hockey fans alike.

Photos by Aaron S. Terry and Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Bud Metheny Baseball Complex 1446 W 43rd St Norfolk, VA 23529 Old Dominion Monarchs website Bud Metheny Baseball Complex website Year Opened: 1983 Capacity: 2,500 Baseball at the Bud Old Dominion University is located in Norfolk, Virginia, in the Hampton Roads area of the state. The school’s athletic teams are known as the Monarchs and will compete in Conference USA through the end of the 2021-22 season when they will move to the Sun Belt Conference. Monarchs baseball plays their home games at the Bud Metheny Baseball Complex. The Bud was built in 1983 and is in dire need of renovations on the player side of things. The lack of player facilities cost the Monarchs the opportunity to host a regional in the NCAA Tournament in 2021. As a result, fundraising efforts are underway to make these changes. However, as far as fans are concerned, Bud Metheny Baseball Complex is nice as it is. Food & Beverage 4 There are two concession stands at Bud Metheny Baseball Complex. One is located right in front of you as you come in and serves a good variety of items including freshly grilled hamburgers and hot dogs, pulled pork, Beyond Burgers for vegetarians, and assorted soft drinks and snacks. A second stand is located down the right field line in a beer garden-like area known as the Rally Alley. This stand also sells beer for $6-$7 a can in addition to many of the same items as the main stand. Fans can hang out in the Rally Alley with their beverages and food and watch the game, but beer cannot be brought outside Rally Alley into the main stands. Note that all stands only take credit cards, so be prepared. Atmosphere 4 There are several places at The Bud from which fans can watch the game. Walking into the stadium through the main gate will put you on an asphalt concourse. From there, fans can walk up some metal stairs to three sets of metal bleachers without backs. They can also watch the game from the Rally Alley down the right field line. Finally, there is an area directly under the home plate bleachers where some fans choose to stand and watch the game. This provides the best view of the action but limited seating options, so you may have to stand for the whole game here. However, the bleacher seats are also close enough to the action to offer a great view. There is a large video board in right-center field. Rally Alley at Bud Metheny Baseball Complex, Photo by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey The Monarchs do a lot to create an exciting atmosphere here, including Baseball Bingo, giveaways, a pre-game hype video, and more. Some of the sound effects they play during the game are taken from the popular PC game Backyard Baseball, which will be nostalgic for anyone who grew up in the 90s. The Monarchs have a mascot, a lion named Big Blue, who will make appearances at the games from time to time. Neighborhood 3 Bud Metheny Baseball Complex is located along a residential street so there isn’t much in the immediate vicinity. However, if you head a few blocks east on 43rd Street to the vicinity of Chartway Arena, there are many options for visitors to enjoy. La Herradura is a popular Mexican restaurant, and Del Vecchios is known for its pizza. If you make the short drive into downtown Norfolk, you will find even more options. Fans 4 The Monarchs typically draw about 400 fans a game, which for this level is a good crowd. Some of those who show up are students at ODU, some are friends and family of the players, and others are just Monarchs fans. Whatever brings them out to the ballpark, the fans are loud and passionate. When the Monarchs make a big play, it can get quite loud here. These are not just some casual fans who show up – many come out decked in ODU colors and cheer on the team loudly and proudly for the whole game. Fans Enjoying a Monarchs Game at Bud Metheny Baseball Complex, Photo by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Access 4 The city of Norfolk is accessible via many highways, including I-64, I-564, I-264, and I-664. The ODU campus is easily accessible from all of them. However, if coming from points north and west of Norfolk, you will likely need to take one of the bridge-tunnels across either the harbor or the bay. These can have long backups at times, particularly later in the season as summer approaches and people start heading to the beach. Be sure to allow extra time to get across. Once you are on campus, parking is available in Lot 43 by the field hockey stadium as well as in the Elkhorn Avenue Garage across the street from the baseball stadium. However, both are about a one-block walk from the front entrance to The Bud despite the garage appearing closer on a map. Parking there is free on weekends, but you will be charged an hourly fee on weekdays. Getting around the stadium is easy enough. There are restrooms located to the right of the main concession stand which are of a sufficient size for the crowd. Return on Investment 5 Tickets are $6 for adults, available at the gate, with discounts available for youth and seniors. Concessions are affordable, with nothing more than $7 and most things significantly less. Parking is free on weekends, so we suggest going then to maximize your value. Although some teams in the area don’t charge for admission to baseball games, the experience at an ODU game is worth the small price of admission. Extras 4 Look for the graphics along the outfield fence honoring ODU baseball accomplishments. Free programs and scorecards are available at the entrance. Pencils for keeping score are also available, something many teams don’t think to provide anymore. The Rally Alley is a unique feature and vantage point to watch a game. A fourth and final star for the friendly and helpful staff here, who go above and beyond to make this a great game day experience. Final Thoughts On the player side, the Bud Metheny Baseball Complex certainly needs improvements. If ODU ever wants to host a postseason event, they will need to make them, which is why fundraising is underway to do so. However, as far as fans are concerned, the Bud is already a very nice stadium to watch a game. Although it doesn’t have all the bells and whistles of some fancier ballparks, a trip here is still a very enjoyable experience for any baseball fan in Virginia.

Photos Courtesy of the Nashua Silver Knights The Nashua Silver Knights are the latest team to introduce new branding for the upcoming season. The new imagery embraces the City of Nashua and pays homage to the deep history of baseball at Historic Holman Stadium. The primary logo features the iron gates, a distinct symbol for the city nicknamed the ‘Gate City” and featured at Holman Stadium. The top of the logo is an arched wrought iron gate in the same style as the concourse tunnels of Holman Stadium that lead into the seating bowl and out to the ballfield. Beneath the starry night sky is a familiar backdrop of towering pine trees similar to the tree line viewable beyond Holman Stadium’s outfield fence. The Knights update the fierce eye logo that has been in use since 2011. Centered in the wrought iron gate is a baseball. Below the stylized team wordmark is a night sky in a playful acknowledgment of the team’s name. The six stars in the sky represent each of the team’s six league championships. “The logo is representative of Nashua’s Holman Stadium being southern New Hampshire’s destination for elite baseball players, generations of families, and countless fans for over 85 years since 1937,” explained team General Manager Can Cook in a press release. The logo was designed by Brian Bednarski, who also created the Futures League rebranding last season, as well as other teams in the loop. The team will also wear new uniforms that will be released at a later date. The newly unveiled cap logo features a metallic silver “N” flanked by open, black wrought iron gates. The new identity updates the old team’s identity honors the city, and the stadium’s presence in baseball history. Cook added. “As we prepare this May to celebrate Holman Stadium’s status along the Black Heritage Trail of New Hampshire, it is fitting that our design’s open gates are also welcoming and inclusive in a nod to our home’s iconic heritage as the site of the first racially integrated team in baseball. We are so proud of the fact that Don Newcombe and Roy Campanella courageously broke baseball’s color barrier on these hallowed and beloved grounds as members of the Nashua Dodgers in 1946.” ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel. Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photo Courtesy of Travis S. Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.27 Warhawk Field Warhawk Way & Peyton Dr Monroe, LA 71203 UL-Monroe Warhawks website Warhawk Field website Year Opened: 1983 Capacity: 1,800 Warhawk Field: A Family-Friendly Ballpark The ULM Warhawk baseball experience at Warhawk Field provides a nice atmosphere in a traditional small college baseball environment. From bleacher seating in the main grandstand, to tailgating seating along the baselines and a kids playground in the courtyard, the Warhawk baseball experience is family friendly. Warhawk Field was constructed in 1983 and features a seating capacity of 1,800. Despite serving as home field for the Warhawks for over thirty years, the ballpark maintains a modern feel and clean look. The ULM Warhawks hail from the Sun Belt Conference in NCAA Division I. Food & Beverage 2 Warhawk Field provides the basic ballpark staples including hot dogs, nachos, and soda. Quality and Variety of Food Options. There are two concession locations built into the walkways leading into the seating areas. However, typically only the stand located closer to the first base side of the main grandstand is open. The main entree options include hot dogs, nachos, and Frito pie for $4 each. Chili and cheese are available on hot dogs at no extra charge. Snack items include peanuts ($4), popcorn ($3), pretzels ($3.50), candy ($2), and chips ($2). The concessions experience could be enhanced with a featured or more unique item on the menu, plus maybe local vendor food cart in the courtyard. However, your ballpark basics are covered. Variety of Drink Options. Warhawk Field features bottled Coca-Cola products for $3.50. Bottled Dasani water is available for $3, while Powerade options are $4. Alcohol is not sold at Warhawk Field. Recommendation. Featuring Nathan’s Famous Hot Dogs, you can’t go wrong with a good dog at a baseball game. Atmosphere 4 The atmosphere at Warhawk Field is a great fit for baseball traditionalists and traveling families. Stadium Aesthetics. For a ballpark that’s over 30 years old, Warkhawk Field has certainly aged well. This is a credit to the university community for recent upgrades and upkeep. With permanent seating that wraps from first to third bases, the view of the main grandstand is impressive upon driving up. There will be little doubt that you’ve arrived to a legitimate college baseball ballpark. The main grandstand features a small awning which provides shade to the seats directly behind home plate. Warhawk Field features a natural grass playing surface and the outfield wall dimensions are 330-400-300. Behind the main grandstand adjacent to first base is a kid’s playground, which really adds to the family friendly environment at the ballpark. The playground sits in a grassy courtyard which wraps around the area behind the main grandstand. Behind the right field wall you’ll notice the Doe’s Eat Place sign. A free meal is waiting for fans if a Warhawks player smashes a home run into the sign. The scoreboard features a small video display in addition to a traditional board. You’ll notice four retired numbers on the center field wall memorializing past Warhawk greats. Also, you can’t miss the banners along the walkways behind the grandstand featuring past ULM baseball legends. In-Game Promotions and Entertainment. Expect to see a few on-field promotions (such as a kid’s base race) as well as games over the PA, including trivia. If you have the dirtiest car in the parking lot, you just might win a free car wash. Seat Location Recommendations. There are several different seating areas for you to take in a Warhawks baseball game. Obviously, the seats directly behind home plate provide an unmatched view of the field, plus the comfort a bleacher back seat and shade of the overhead awning. In the main grandstand to the left and right of the bleacher backs are regular bleacher seats. Down both third and first baselines are opportunities to plop a tailgate chair next to the brick wall. The area down third baseline is specifically set-up for tailgating with picnic tables and small overhead coverings. You can also grab a seat behind the left field wall. Neighborhood 3 Located in northeastern Louisiana, Monroe is the eighth largest city in the state with a population of about 48,000. Warhawk Field is situated on the northeast corner of the University of Louisiana-Monroe campus, adjacent to other athletics facilities including Malone Stadium, home to Warhawk football. The campus environment offers a safe and cozy atmosphere for visiting fans, while restaurants and other attractions are located within a couple of miles nearby campus. Where to Eat. There are plenty of restaurants in the greater Monroe area worth a visit. Some of the local favorites include Enoch’s Irish Pub & Cafe (507 Louisville), Pickle Barrel (1827 Ave Of America), and Danken Trail B-B-Q (7712 Desiard St). Not Just Pie (2117 Forsythe Ave) is a great local stop for a tasty assortment of pies, plus you can also order off their lunch menu (try the roast beef poboy). Attractions & Entertainment. Just across the Ouachita River in West Monroe is the headquarters for one of Louisiana’s most popular families, the Robertsons. Headliners of the now famous Duck Dynasty series, fans of the show should definitely make a stop at the Duck Commander Warehouse (117 Kings Ln), a location often seen on the series. The Louisiana Purchase Gardens & Zoo (701 Kansas Ln) is a pretty neat smaller zoo which allows you to get a little closer to the animals with smaller crowds. The zoo just opened a new splash pad which is great for the kids. The Chennault Aviation & Military Museum of Louisiana (701 Kansas Ln) is a free museum which honors the aviation and military history of northeast Louisiana. Another nice stop for traveling families is the Northeast Louisiana Children’s Museum (323 Walnut S). Where to Stay. The Courtyard by Marriott Hotel – Monroe Airport (4915 Pecanland Mall Dr) is located near the ULM campus and the Monroe Regional Airport. Fans 3 ULM fans consistently support Warhawk baseball. Typically, crowd sizes at Warhawk Field are on the upper end of the average attendance in the Sun Belt Conference. Typical Attendance. Weekend series at Warhawk Field pull in crowds which usually range between 700 – 1,500 in attendance. When the Warhawks are in the midst of a 40 win season, crowds usually swell around 1,500 or more. The Sun Belt has undergone a lot of change in recent years which has changed up the common weekend opponents. This has likely contributed to wide ranges in crowd sizes. No doubt, the biggest weekend series of the year will be against the arch-rival UL-Lafayette Ragin’ Cajuns. Crowd Noise & Engagement. ULM fans are vocal and support their Warhawks. Fans typically get into the game during big plays or blown calls. The crowd will clap in support of their pitcher closing out a team in the final inning. Access 4 Warhawk Field is very accessible, both getting to the stadium and moving around once inside. Transit to and from Stadium. Situated in the northeast corner of Monroe, Warhawk Field is easily accessed off I-20 from both the west and east. Take Highway 165 north and then exit east on Desiard Street / Highway 80. You can then turn left onto Warhawk Way which will take you to the stadium area. Parking. As you approach the stadium, you’ll notice a paved parking lot to the left going down third baseline. When this lot is full, there’s ample parking a little further down in the gravel/grass lot adjacent to first baseline. Parking is free around Warkhawk Field. Ticketing & Gate Entry. The ticket booth and main entrance is located directly behind the center of the main grandstand. Lines are typically short and you shouldn’t experience any issues getting your tickets. Credit cards are accepted here. You’ll also quickly breeze through the entrance into the courtyard behind the grandstand. Moving around the stadium. Getting around the ballpark is easy. Stairways are located at the ends of the grandstand and elevated walkways are accessible behind the grandstand. The main concourse is at the bottom of the seating area and wraps around. The concourse, aisles and rows are spacious and allow for good flow. Restrooms are clean and adequate for typical crowds. Return on Investment 4 The return on your investment for the ULM baseball experience at Warhawk Field is pretty typical. General admission for adults runs as low as $10. Concessions are a little higher than expected, but not much more than the average. Parking is free. Overall, you get to see a ballclub which is usually in the hunt for a post-season berth at a comfortable stadium which provides a traditional baseball atmosphere. Extras 3 The ULM baseball experience comes with a few “extra” components which enhance the overall experience at the ballpark. The retired numbers on the center field wall and banners around the exterior walkways add a nice touch. It’s always nice to see ballparks memorialize past accomplishments. For traveling families, it’s definitely a bonus to have a playground area where the little ones can take a break from the on-field action. If you are in need of some Warhawk gear, there’s an apparel trailer behind the main grandstand in the courtyard.

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Wells Fargo Arena 233 Center St Des Moines, IA 50309 Iowa Barnstormers website Wells Fargo Arena website Year Opened: 2005 Capacity: 15,181 Storming the Arena Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines, IA is a multipurpose venue that opened in 2005 and holds about 16K fans depending on what type of event is going on. The facility hosts a lot of concerts, but in addition, three different sports teams call this venue home, namely the Iowa Wild of minor league hockey, the Iowa Wolves of the NBA G League, and the Iowa Barnstormers of the Indoor Football League. Food & Beverage 4 There are a lot of different concessions options at Wells Fargo Arena – pizza slices are available from one stand, while Stu’s Bar+B+Q offers items beyond barbecue, including fried shrimp, chicken tenders, and Graziano sausage (a local favorite in the Des Moines area). Stu’s also offers cheese curds, which makes sense given the state’s proximity to Wisconsin. Options from other vendors include Nathan’s hot dogs and Johnsonville brats, and there is also a Totally Rolled ice cream stand as well as a Chick-fil-A stand. You can also find burgers at yet another stand (in addition to chicken tenders and chicken sandwiches if you don’t want the ones from Stu’s or Chick-fil-A). Corn dogs, cotton candy, and funnel cake round out the selection here, and you can also find all the typical side items like popcorn, packaged candy, Dippin’ Dots, chips, fries, etc. Drink options include beer, soda, bottled water, and strawberry smoothies – several stands only sell beer, and you can also find the seemingly ubiquitous convenience store type-stand with its huge selection of canned drinks. There are plenty of small tables dotted around the concourse if you want to eat your food or drink your drink at those before heading back to your seat. Note that not every concession stand at Wells Fargo Arena is open during Iowa Barnstormers games (you will see a few closed ones), but what is there should be more than enough to satisfy. There are also roaming vendors selling vodka lemonade and cotton candy in the stands themselves if you don’t want to walk to the concessions during the game. Atmosphere 3 A few football stadiums have cowbells, like Mississippi State football, and this is one of them – the cow bells are undoubtedly the most notable sound you will hear throughout the game. There are also plenty of fan contests like pedal car races and football tosses, and the staff tosses out t-shirts as well. The turf itself looks quite sharp with its alternating light green and dark green stripes and bright colors, and the field looks brand new, unlike a lot of arena football stadiums you may have been to. In addition, the team takes the field accompanied by strobe lights, smoke, and a group of motorcycles from a local club. But the best part of the atmosphere is probably the mascot – in the theme of the team’s name, the Iowa Barnstormers mascot fits the part beautifully – dressed as an old-timey prop plane pilot (think crop dusters). Neighborhood 3 There are plenty of restaurants and hotels near Wells Fargo Arena, which is located in downtown Des Moines right next to the river. One great local option is Pho 888, a Vietnamese restaurant about a mile from the arena – it might look like a dive from the outside, but the food is authentic. If you are looking to take in another sporting event while in Des Moines, the hockey and NBA G League seasons are likely over by the time indoor football rolls around, but you might be able to catch a horse race at Prairie Meadows if you time it right. Fans 2 There are not many fans at Iowa Barnstormers games, so the venue looks pretty empty even though the upper level is curtained off. Nevertheless, you will still hear a lot of noise from the cowbells I mentioned early, so the venue doesn’t seem quite as empty as it looks. You can also buy team gear inside the arena if you want some Barnstormers swag. Access 4 Parking right across the street from Wells Fargo Arena costs $10, and there is plenty of room to move around the concourse. Thanks to the myriad concessions stand which are open, you will also find very short lines (if you have a line at all) when getting your food and drink, and there are more than enough bathrooms to accommodate the size of the crowd. Getting to the venue is also very easy, as there is not a lot of traffic, even close to rush hour; I-235 goes right by the arena, either from the east or west. Return on Investment 3 The cheapest tickets to Iowa Barnstormers games run $18 when you buy at the door; you may end up paying a little more than that with fees if you buy online, so you can save a little money if you wait since the arena will not be sold out. Parking is reasonable at $10, and there are plenty of lower costs concessions options. All that said, the lack of fans does mean there is a lack of energy compared to some other IFL venues. However, it is an enjoyable night out, and you do get to keep the ball if it happens to come into the stands near you. Extras 2 There are TVs in the hallways so you can keep track of the game while getting something to eat, and there are beautiful views of the river from the huge windows along the hallways of the different levels.

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Prairie Meadows 1 Prairie Meadows Dr Altoona, IA 50009 Prairie Meadows website Year Opened: 1989 Thoroughbred Iowa Prairie Meadows in Altoona, IA offers live horse racing (thoroughbreds and quarter horses) from May through September. Post time usually begins around 6 pm, although there are earlier races on special race days. Besides the one-mile dirt horse track, the facility also has a casino on site that offers slot machines and casino game tables featuring poker, blackjack, etc. About 2.7MM people attend the races each year. Food & Beverage 3 There are several food and beverage options available at Prairie Meadows – inside the grandstand building itself you can find a full-fledged, upscale Steakhouse called AJ’s if you are looking for a full meal, while for snacks and beer, there is Hop’s, which offers pizza slices, popcorn, chips, candy, and beef sticks, as well as beer, wine, alcohol seltzers, Monster energy drinks, water, and soda. Outside at the track, there is a full bar, as well as two eateries, Trackside Eats and Furlong’s, which have burgers, chips, Philly cheesesteaks, and sausage, as well as all the same beverages you can get inside at Hop’s. Atmosphere 3 There is a parade ring at the track if you want to look at the horses before the race, and there are multiple seating options, including benches you can sit on, or small round tables you can stand at. There is also a raised patio which has tables with umbrellas if you want some shade, although since most of the racing is at night you probably won’t get much use out of those. Many fans also stand and watch from the rail around the track. For wagering, there are computer terminals inside, and live attendants outside if you prefer the personal touch. The nicest feature here is that you can get close to the action, as the concourse isn’t that big, and everything is therefore close together. Neighborhood 4 There are all sorts of restaurants and hotels near the racetrack to fit any budget, as I-80 goes right by the facility, so it is in a good location – plus the attached casino is a pretty major tourist attraction in and of itself, so it a lot of the lodging and cuisine options in the area was created with the casino in mind, with racegoers getting to take advantage. Altoona is about 15 minutes northeast of Des Moines, and if you want to try and catch another sporting event while in town, the Iowa Barnstormers of the Indoor Football League may still be in a season depending on when you go (the IFL usually has games from March thru July). There is also a sizeable antique mall (Brass Armadillo) in Des Moines if you are into that kind of thing. Fans 3 There were not a ton of people there when I last visited, but you will see the facility get a little more crowded as the night goes on for Friday and Monday races – with the 6 pm start time people may not be done with work quite yet. Saturday and Sunday nights tend to be the busiest days; there is no live racing Tuesday thru Thursday. Access 4 Prairie Meadows offers free parking for all guests and the further right you can get (as you face the building) the less walking you will have to do once you enter the building, as the track’s main entrance is on the right end. The concessions lines are pretty short both inside and on the track itself, and there are nice bathrooms inside the building. The crowds are not that heavy, and you can sit inside in-between races if you prefer. Return on Investment 5 There is no admission cost to get into Prairie Meadows, and it only costs $4 for a program, so the only thing you may have to pay for is concessions (if you get any), and of course, the cost of any wagering you do. With free parking and free admission, this is a superb return on investment – if you have never seen any horse races I would recommend it, and this track is a great, low-key way to begin. Extras 2 There isn’t a ton here at Prairie Meadows that you wouldn’t find at most any other track, but they do have some great horse racing-themed artwork on the walls as you walk thru the grandstand building, and the bugler here (unmistakable in his red attire) stands right next to the finish line, so you can get a good view and hear him very clearly – I don’t recall being able to see the bugler at the other horse racing tracks I have been to.

Photos by Gary Butterworth, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Helsinki Ice Hall Nordenskiöldinkatu 11–13 Helsinki, Finland 00250 HIFK website Helsinki Ice Hall website Year Opened: 1966 Capacity: 8,200 The Beast’s Cave Night and day. Yin and yang. HIFK and Jokerit. Helsinki’s two top-flight hockey teams could not be more different. Once fierce rivals, Idrottsföreningen Kamraterna i Helsingfors (Helsinki Sporting Society Comrades, or HIFK) and Jokerit don’t cross paths much anymore. 2014 saw Jokerit depart from Finland’s domestic Liiga to join the Russian-run, pan-Eurasian KHL. HIFK still plays in the Finnish league. The differences don’t end there. “Jokerit” is a Finnish word; HIFK is a Swedish initialism. HIFK has a traditional crest; Jokerit has a modern logo. And it’s just this sort of difference that is immediately noticeable when stepping into each team’s home. Just 1.5 miles (2.5 km) from Jokerit’s modern Hartwall Arena lies HIFK’s vintage Helsinki Ice Hall or Helsingin jäähalli. Despite having three decades on its cross-town rival, Helsinki Ice Hall is beautifully maintained. Still, it has its warts, and you’ll probably notice them. Maybe you’ll mind, or maybe you won’t. If you’re in the Finnish capital, try your best to sample both brands of hockey on offer. If you have to pick one, though, we give HIFK the nod. Food & Beverage 3 It’s hard to say what is more surprising; seeing multiple nice sit-down restaurants on the concourses of a half-century old arena, or the fact that they were all closed when we attended a fairly important match. Still, we didn’t come to Finland to eat Italian at “Mario’s World,” even if it did look nice. While those hoping to snag a table might not always have luck, there is enough at the more conventional concession stands to keep most fans happy. From hot dogs to candy to a few less common items, the spread is above average. Prices are on the high side. With vendors ringing both the inner and outer walls of the lower concourse, back-ups can happen in some places. This is one of the few downsides to having options. Food selection is good, and so is the beer selection. Perhaps unsurprisingly, we didn’t see any Hartwall beverages here-Coke products are on tap. Despite the options, the favorite here is pretty simple: self-serve coffee (EUR 2.50, about USD $2.80). Atmosphere 3 To differentiate Helsingin jäähalli from nearby Hartwall Arena in conversation, the former is sometimes referred to as simply “the old ice hall.” It is, indeed, an old ice hall. The well-travelled fan will easily recognize the layout as something from the ’60s, but no one will find the upkeep lacking or the décor dated. Helsinki Ice Hall is lovingly maintained and absolutely immaculate. Some 10 year old arenas feel older. The interior is spotless, paint is fresh, decorations are current, and the restaurant and lounge areas could have opened yesterday. Team colors, jerseys, and logos are everywhere. Lighting is bright. Well, at least from the exterior and on the concourses. Inside the seating bowl, HIFK’s barn shows its age. It’s darker in here. Concrete is bare in some areas and paint is chipped in others. Square corners provide strange viewing angles for fans seated in the far corner sections upstairs. Security railings obstruct views from a few seats toward the bottom of the upper level. Guy-wires and roof supports, while unobtrusive, are a fact of life for many fans in the cheap seats. No one stopped us from roaming around and taking in the match from a few angles, and most were good, but several positions have the sort of minor quirks that are common in older arenas. Seats are a slightly unusual design, but are comfortable. A small video scoreboard at center ice is utilitarian, and the emcee here has a much easier job than his counterpart does at nearby Hartwall Arena. While Jokerit caters to fans with flashing lights and plenty of electronic distractions, HIFK allows a more organic experience. Here, the game isn’t just an attraction; it’s the main attraction. Back on the concourse, healthy scratches are stationed at tables for autographs and selfies, and kids take shots on a net. Even the sideshows here are all about the game. Neighborhood 4 Helsinki’s Töölö neighborhood is a pleasant, classy area just north of the city center. With a variety of small shops, cafes, and handful of touristy sites, Töölö is worth exploring. Töölö also contains what is essentially Helsinki’s stadium district: Helsinki Ice Hall, Sonera Stadium, and the 1952 Olympic Stadium are all immediate neighbors. Even if you’re not a smoker, it’s worth stepping outside into the smoking area during an HIFK match to take a peek inside Sonera Stadium; it’s a gem. The Olympic Stadium has a tower that provides a good view of the stadiums, central Helsinki, and the Gulf of Finland. If you like the area enough, you can spend the night in the youth hostel within the Olympic Stadium. It’s Spartan, but relatively inexpensive, and it might give you bragging rights. The sheer size of the three stadiums means that the venues are a little bit removed from the rest of the neighborhood. Unfortunately, they are far enough removed that fans might be discouraged from visiting the local businesses. If you’re able and have time to kill, the 5 minute walk away from the sports complex and into the business and residential areas is worth making. Fans 4 Helsinki Ice Hall is absolutely covered in HIFK red. Maybe fans feel the painters showed enough support, because we were surprised by the relative lack of team colors in the crowd. Then, we were surprised yet again by the passion of fans who weren’t literally wearing their allegiances on their sleeves. Everyone seemed tuned in to the action on the ice. Casual attire is popular, but not for everyone. A visible minority of fans came decked out in jerseys and scarves. HIFK’s standing, chanting fan club sits in a corner, which takes them a bit out of the action and makes them a bit less visible than fan clubs which sit in more prominent areas. Still, the enthusiasm is there. Access 4 Helsingin jäähalli is about a 30-minute walk from the center of Helsinki. The walk is safe and pleasant, and it will bring you by or near many sites that are of interest to tourists. However, given cold Nordic winters and short daylight hours, the weather may not cooperate. Parking is available across several small, spread-out lots. You might have to walk a bit to the car, so bundle up. If coming via public transportation, trams 2, 3, and 7a provide frequent and inexpensive service to the arena area. “Auroran sairaala” is a convenient stop, but if you can’t remember, just look for the big Olympic Stadium. If you’re lost, most Finns speak excellent English and know all about the hockey team. Once you’re at the venue, things are pretty straightforward. The ticket lobby and concourses can get crowded, but not unusually so. Security is unobtrusive, and a stronger presence did not feel necessary. Restrooms are clean and adequate. For fans with special needs, accessible seating is limited. The main wheelchair accessible area midway up in the corners is roomy and provides a good view. Return on Investment 3 HIFK offers a good product in a fine setting at a fair price. You might get sticker-shock at the merchandise stands and second guess your souvenirs, but attending a match here is a fair value. Extras 3 Domestic league versus international league. New arena versus old arena. Tradition versus modernity. Now that “HIFK vs Jokerit” is no longer an on-ice matchup, the teams are left competing in other ways. Philosophically, the clubs are worlds apart. Some will find a strong preference for one brand. We expected to. In the end, though, we had a harder time taking sides than we expected. We could have stayed neutral, but we ultimately settled on HIFK. The park-like location between two soccer stadiums adds to the feeling of being in a special sports environment. Moreover, Helsinki Ice Hall has a personal, lived-in feeling that Hartwall Arena just doesn’t offer. The omnipresent team colors, the jerseys in the concourse rafters, and the accessibility of the players announce that Helsinki Ice Hall isn’t just home to any team, it’s home to HIFK, and it’s damn proud of it.

Photos by Michael Davis, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Boone Pickens Stadium W Hall of Fame Ave & Hester St Stillwater, OK 74078 Oklahoma State Cowboys website Boone Pickens Stadium website Year Opened: 1920 Capacity: 60,218 Oklahoma State Cowboys Boone Pickens Stadium, formerly known as Lewis Field, has been home to football games since 1913, which is when Oklahoma State (then called Oklahoma A&M) began playing at the site. Originally known simply as Athletic Field, the venue was renamed Lewis Field in 1914 after Laymon Lowery Lewis, a former dean of veterinary medicine, science, and literature; Lewis is one of the most popular figures in the school’s history. The stadium currently has a capacity of 60,218, and was renamed Boone Pickens Stadium in 2003, in honor of renovation donations from alumnus T. Boone Pickens. Pickens’ gift was the single-largest gift in school history at the time – in 2003 his $70 million donation ($20 million of which was earmarked for stadium expansion) eventually generated more than $100 million in gifts and pledges from more than 2,500 individuals, making it the single-most successful campaign in OSU history. Besides college football, Boone Pickens Stadium also hosts high school football games during the fall, and in 1984 hosted a game between the Oklahoma Outlaws and the Houston Gamblers of the USFL. Food & Beverage 3 The food options here aren’t anything to get excited about, but there is plenty of basic stadium fare, and enough concessions to cover you during the game. The prices are on par with other sport venues. Chicken strips are available for $8, while cheeseburgers, pizza, and burgers are all priced at $6 from the regular (Sodexo) stands. Hot dogs, nachos, French fries, popcorn, pretzels, peanuts, cotton candy, and packaged candy average around $4. The stadium does have outside vendors serving food with higher prices than the main stands; a few of these outside restaurants are Persimmon Hill (providing Philly cheesesteaks for $18 or pepperoni cheese rolls and club sandwiches on an everything bagel for $14 each), Pokey’s BBQ, and Curty Shack for hot dogs with a twist for $7-$11 (Curty Shack is self-titled as ‘A Stillwater Original’). The soft drink selection consists of Pepsi / Dr Pepper products with prices being $5 for a small, $6 for a medium, and $7 for the large souvenir cup. The alcohol menu is strong with a large selection of beer, liquor, and wine, including the basic Bud selection at $8.50 or Karbach brewery selections and locals for $10 to $12 – my favorite, Stilly Wheat, is $11. The food variety, quality, and prices of the food are good. However, when you have a neighborhood like Stillwater, the basics of the stadium’s food and beverage menu are a perfect match for the fans. Atmosphere 4 The atmosphere begins early in the day as parking lots around Oklahoma State University open at 8 am on game day. The area around Boone Pickens Stadium and throughout the campus begins to host crowds of tailgaters with bright orange pop up tents. The smell of food from grills or smokers replaces the fresh scent of the Oklahoma plains. Non-tailgating fans that want to begin their day head towards the restaurants around Stillwater, the most famous hot spot being Eskimo Joe’s. There are two types of pre-game activities around Boone Pickens Stadium besides tailgating or restaurants – the first is a fan fest on the north side of the stadium, and the second is at the Student Union building on Hester Road. The fan fest opens about 3 hours before kickoff and invites fans to interact with the Oklahoma State athletics programs, as OSU sports teams are available for autographs, and the OSU spirit squads, along with mascot Pistol Pete, are available for pictures with fans. Once you have seen the spirit squads and Pistol Pete, head over to the Student Union building to see the Oklahoma State marching band, spirit squads, and Pistol Pete lead the OSU Cowboys football team in the Spirit Walk to Boone Pickens Stadium. The two-level, 60,000+ seat stadium fills with bright orange quickly; the stadium has bleacher seating, but there are cushions available to rent. However, fans here spend more time standing than sitting down, which is part of the reason the OSU fan base is one of the loudest in the Big 12. You’ll be able to identify the student section on the west side of the stadium, near the OSU entrance tunnel, as the front row of students beats the sides of the stadium walls with large sticks. The band is in the end zone, not far from the students. The Cowboys football team enters the field by opening a gate like at a rodeo bull riding event, and run through smoke, fireworks, and the playing band. Bullet (a horse) is ridden onto the field with the OSU flag ahead of the team. The seating at Boone Pickens Stadium is a horseshoe, but seems enclosed, as historic Gallagher-Iba Arena sits in the east end zone. OSU’s army artillery weapon, Packy, is also in that end zone, but not too close to the seats; Packy is fired throughout the game, especially after a Pokes score. This is under the supervision of the Oklahoma State University ROTC program, and the ROTC students are also visible in the student section, as an ROTC student will do push-ups for every point the Pokes score. This is done on top of a flat board, which is held up by other ROTC students. Pokes fans are continuously involved throughout the game and have numerous traditions. These traditions range from a first down chant, motioning in unison, the chant of “Orange Power” from 60,000+ people, and fans waving in unison every time the Cowboys score. Overall, the atmosphere is wonderful, and depending on the visiting team or the importance of the game, the atmosphere at Boone Pickens Stadium can easily move from good to great. Neighborhood 5 Boone Pickens Stadium is in Stillwater, Oklahoma on the Oklahoma State University campus, and is adjacent to Gallagher-Iba Arena. Stillwater has a population close to 47K and is about an hour’s drive from the state’s two largest cities of Oklahoma City and Tulsa. The description of Stillwater is the definition of a college town – the neighborhood has interesting bars and restaurants to satisfy not only the college students, but also football fans visiting Stillwater. The main artery for campus nightlife is the strip on Washington Street, which includes Willie’s Saloon, the venue where Garth Brooks began his career. Just a few blocks east of the strip there is Hideaway Pizza, a Stillwater original and an Oklahoma tradition since 1957. However, no trip to Stillwater is complete without a stop at the famous Eskimo Joe’s. This restaurant and store will get quite crowded on game day, so plan to arrive early to experience Stillwater’s “finest little jukebox joint”. Eskimo Joe’s is just one block from Boone Pickens Stadium, and serves burgers and other great entrees, but it is the amazing cheese fries that are a must when ordering food. There are several varieties, but I would suggest the bacon cheese fries. Besides the restaurants, Stillwater is home to the National Wrestling Hall of Fame; Oklahoma State has earned 34 national championships in college wrestling. The Oklahoma State campus and the city of Stillwater are also great tourist attractions in and of themselves, but on game day the neighborhood becomes one of the best in college football. Fans 4 The Oklahoma State fans, in a football-dominant state such as Oklahoma, are great football fans. However, where the other big state school seems to just have great football fans, Oklahoma State has great sports fans, and this comes out at every sporting event. The fans continuously support the Pokes throughout games with the “Orange Power” chant, motioning of guns ups or first down, as well as singing the song “Oklahoma”, but with the punctuating ending addition of the word “State.” Access 3 The only potential downside to an otherwise great road trip is the access to Boone Pickens Stadium. Getting in and out can be difficult given the location of Stillwater on the plains of Oklahoma, about an hour from public transportation or any large airport, and the city having only two ways for traffic to get out of town. Parking can be a bit of a hassle if you are not familiar with the options before coming to Stillwater. Like other college football programs, donors and season ticket holders of course have the best parking sites, but the public can usually find a business or homeowner who allows parking in their lot or yard. However, if you arrive early there is free parking along neighborhood streets, only a short walk from the stadium and many of the restaurants. Be sure to read the signs about where you can park, though, so you won’t be towed. Alternatively, if you want a safer free parking option, and you are okay being shuttled to and from your vehicle, then downtown Stillwater offers free public parking and shopping opportunities for fans. The shuttle service picks up downtown at the corner of 7th and Lewis and drops off at the stadium, located at the corner of Hall of Fame and Knoblock. The shuttle starts running about three hours prior to kickoff and continues throughout the game and after, with pick-ups and drop-offs every 15 minutes. Once you get to Boone Pickens Stadium itself, access is a great experience. There is plenty of room, and the school’s alma mater is written above the entrance gates. The bathrooms are labeled as Cowgirls/Cowboys and there are plenty of them, all with easy access. The concourses are wide and easy to get around, with plenty of signage to help you navigate the venue. Overall, Boone Pickens Stadium itself has great access, but for a first time or unprepared fan, getting into Stillwater and parking might not be as easy. The suggestion would be to get to Stillwater early and enjoy walking around the town and campus. Return on Investment 3 Boone Pickens Stadium is a phenomenal facility with great sightlines and a solid atmosphere, located in the wonderful college town of Stillwater. Visiting the stadium is well worth the money – single game tickets are $50 for non-conference games, while Big 12 games sell for $75, the exception being the last Bedlam game versus Oklahoma, which is only included if you purchase season tickets. However, if you are looking to save some money, there are always third-party markets, especially for non-conference games. The concessions prices are equal to other sport venues, but Stillwater itself offers a much better variety and cost for food. Extras 3 Boone Pickens Stadium has some great architecture thanks to the 2003 renovation, which can be seen in the split concourse and the steel infrastructure. Having 14 suites that are used for events at Boone Pickens Stadium and in Gallagher-Iba Arena is also a plus. In 2018 the stadium added the 8th largest videoboard at a college football-only stadium. OSU’s new board, which is in the east end zone on the outside wall of Gallagher-Iba Arena, measures roughly 56 feet tall and 110 feet wide, and can show live action and full-screen replays at better than 1080 HD resolution. In addition, the venue has some interesting touches in its decor, including the words to the Oklahoma State alma mater written above the entrances, the cowboy cattle-run design, and the Cowgirls/Cowboys signs identifying the women’s and men’s bathrooms. The whole college football experience here is amazing and can only be found in Stillwater. Final Thoughts A trip to Stillwater, Oklahoma is a trip that every person should make, especially for America’s Greatest Homecoming. Being on the plains of Oklahoma you can get a feel for the history of how this country began, and better understand how life was simple yet hard by just traveling through the Stillwater area. And for the football fan, Boone Pickens Stadium is a must visit, so guns up in Stillwater and join the orange Power faithful of OSU, as they ride and gather to support their Cowboys.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum 1255 Hempstead Turnpike Uniondale, NY 11553 Long Island Nets website Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum website Year Opened: 1972 Capacity: 13,500 Back On Long Island Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum was opened in 1972 on part of the site of Mitchel Field, a former Army and Air Force base. The Cradle of Aviation Museum, Mitchel Athletic Complex, Nassau Community College, Hofstra University, and a Lockheed facility are also situated on the old base grounds. The arena was the home for the New York Islanders of the National Hockey League from 1972 to 2015 and the New York Nets of the American Basketball Association and National Basketball Association from 1972 to 1977. The arena will also be a part time home of the Islanders again as they transition back away east from Brooklyn’s Barclay Center into a new facility at Belmont Park. The facility went through a massive renovation between 2015 and 2017 to bring the old facility up to modern standards, although it did lower seating capacity. There are also many other changes to the facility that the guests may not see, such as better suites and dressing rooms for concerts and other events. Billy Joel performed the arena’s final pre-renovation concert, as well as the first in the newly renovated facility. In 2017, the venue became the new home of the Brooklyn Nets’ NBA G League team, the Long Island Nets. Previously the “baby” Nets played at the home of the NBA, Brooklyn Nets, The Barclay Center. Food & Beverage 3 There are a few food stands not open during Nets games but the offerings are good and scattered around the concourse. Pricing is typical New York city arena prices. Vincent’s Clam Bar, Umberto’s and the Blue Moon Beer Garden are some of the options available to fans. The Beer Garden can also serve as a nice meeting spot. Atmosphere 3 Teams in the G League are not going to fill major arenas. But even with that fact known, teams in this league offer a great experience for fans. The game I attended had the Nets gymnastic teams and other fan operations from the major league team to help the fan atmosphere. Much of the experience for fans is similar to most minor league team operations. The newly remodeled arena is a very nice facility to watch a game. It is an old school facility at heart and has a single concourse and grandstands that surround the court. It was designed for hockey so there are some end seats further away from the basketball court. For the Nets, only the lower section of seats are used. Neighborhood 3 The Coliseum is centrally located in Uniondale, part of the Town of Hempstead and about 20 minutes from the New York City border in Queens. Walking around the “neighborhood” is not an option. If you’re attending a game at the Coliseum, hundreds of good restaurants are in the area. The Roosevelt Fields Mall is just two miles away while the campus of Hofstra University is right next door. The Cradle of Aviation Museum is just a mile away in Garden City. Considered one of the top aviation museums in the country, it was built on the site of the former Mitchel and Roosevelt Field airfields (Roosevelt Field is where Charles Lindbergh departed New York en route to Paris in 1927). Giulio Cesare Restaurant‎ (18 Ellison Avenue, Westbury, NY 11590) is about three miles from the Coliseum and features fine Italian food. The Long Island Marriott, which is on the Coliseum grounds, has a restaurant offering good fare and a great bar menu. Fans 2 The Nets are trying very hard to get families and youth teams out to the games. That is a great direction as these fans are the way to fill the venue. The more hardcore basketball fans should want to watch the young and upcoming players, but the venue seemed to be lacking them. I think that is more indicative of the overall G League experience, than an issue with the Nets. Access 4 The Coliseum is centrally located for fans traveling by car, located on Hempstead Turnpike in Uniondale, just off the Meadowbrook Parkway (which connects Parkways from both shores of Long Island conveniently named the Northern State Parkway and Southern State Parkway). Parking is plentiful and close to the building and only costs $5 for Long Island Nets games. However, the building is difficult to reach by public transportation. The Coliseum is about 15 minutes from world famous Jones Beach, and convenient (at least by car) to as much shopping as one could possibly muster. Return on Investment 5 Tickets start at around $12 and go up to around $50. There are suites, party options and sideline seats that can go for more. I would also expect to find ticket options plentiful from local groups attending games. Parking is $5. The overall value for attending a Long Island Nets game is very good. Extras 4 The wood panels added along the arena level has turned a facility not known for its beauty into an arena with a very cool looking style. The food stands along the concourse are part of a programs called “Long Island Taste.” This program has a stated goal “to provide a culinary program with a familiar local flavor, ranging from recently launched operations that have built buzz with their modern twist on retro classics to the tradition-rich institutions that have shaped the local dining scene and become synonymous with Long Island.” It is a unique approach to food operations that will show over time if it is a success. Check out the Billy Joel banner commemorating his many sold out appearances at what is often considered his home arena. The ABA Championship banners, as well as the Julius “Dr. J” Erving banner, show the hstory of this venue quite well. Final Thoughts This is not the Nassau Coliseum that many people remember. The newly remodeled venue, and its smaller capacity has transformed this into a unique venue for Long Island.

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

Photos by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.29 TQL Stadium 1501 Central Pkwy Cincinnati, OH 45214 FC Cincinnati website TQL Stadium website Year Opened: 2021 Capacity: 26,000 TQL In Cincinnati Football Club Cincinnati (FC Cincinnati) has been in existence since 2015. At that time, they played at the USL’s Champions level of competition. They played their home matches at Nippert Stadium at the University of Cincinnati. The team was an immediate success, as the population of Queen City has a large ethnically diverse population, and soccer was their game of choice. By 2019, they had applied for membership at the MLS level. This application was approved, with the requirement that a soccer-specific stadium be built for the team in the first few years of membership in the MLS. The team immediately went to work on getting a venue built. After much discussion of several sites and some trading of property with the local school system work got underway on building a new stadium in the neighborhoods just northwest of downtown Cincinnati. There were still some delays, as the team changed architects, choosing Populous as their new designer. Finally, the $250 million stadium opened in 2021 as West End Stadium. It offers a soccer-specific stadium with a capacity of 25,513. A majority of those seats are chairback seats with cupholders. The stadium includes 59 suites, a 3,100-person standing area for the supporter groups, and 4,500 premium or club seats. The stadium seats feature the team’s kit colors of blue with the accent color of orange. One side of the pitch features the winged lion crest of the team in bright orange on the seating area, while the opposite side of seats spells out “FCC.” Just before their first season in the new venue, Total Quality Logistics (TQL), signed on as the naming rights holder for the stadium. TQL is a freight brokerage and third-party logistics firm. Food & Beverage 4 TQL Stadium has an extensive set of food and beverage items available for FC Cincinnati fans. There are 14 concession stands, 20 portable carts, and three bars to serve the appetites and thirst of the crowds. There are enough vendors spread throughout the stadium that you should not experience any long lines. The lineup of food vendors at the matches includes LaRosa’s Pizza, Rhine Roost, Gomez Tacos, AJ’S Philly Cheesesteaks, Frisch’s, Smokehaus, Queen City Eats, Buffalo Wings and Rings, and Skyline Chili. There are also three grab-and-go-style convenience outlets in the stadium. Alcoholic drinks are available at the Heineken Supporter’s Bar, the Coors Light Bar, or the Rhinegeist Bar. Atmosphere 5 TQL offers an excellent electronics package. The exterior of the stadium features ribbed steel girders with LED lighting attached so that the outside skin can feature multiple colors and spell out a variety of messages. Inside the facility are two massive scoreboards at each end of the pitch. They are the widest videoboards in the MLS, as they measure 150 feet each. There are also ribbon boards fronting the front decks on either side of the pitch. The stadium also offers an up close and personal view of the action on the pitch. Most seats are within 15 feet of the pitch, with no seats more than 130 feet from the pitch. This is accomplished by having a 34-degree to the stands. One of the most appreciated aspects of the design of the TQL Stadium is the canopy that covers the entire seating bowl. This allows the fans to stay dry and protected from the rain and snow that can occur during the early spring games. It also provides shade and protection from the sun during the summer portion of the schedule. Neighborhood 5 TQL Stadium sits on Central Parkway, which is the dividing line between the West End and the Over the Rhine neighborhoods. Cincinnati is unique in that it has a large residential population mixed with businesses and shops. The Over the Rhine neighborhood has the reputation of being the largest entertainment district in the city, as it is filled with restaurants, museums, bars, and theatres. Many of the buildings in this area are on the National Register of Historic Places. The West End is more residential. The ownership of FC Cincinnati had to make many concessions in the size of the stadium, as well as scale back the exterior lighting planned for the stadium in response to the demands of the neighborhood associations that border the venue. The Pitch Cincy is a soccer-themed bar located across the street from TQL Stadium. It offers food trucks, a rooftop patio, and a video wall to televise multiple soccer games from around the world. Also close by is the Cincinnati Music Hall, which offers a wide range of musical concerts throughout the year. Fans 5 The roads on the east side of TQL Stadium are closed to traffic three hours before the matches start so that the team can set the pregame entertainment zone. This area includes food and drink vendors, numerous soccer-related skills contests, team merchandise tables, and plenty of music. The East Fan Plaza opens two hours before the match and closes 30 minutes before the start. One of the most impressive aspects of the pregame celebration period is the Supporters March. The March begins with each supporter group setting out from their home neighborhoods. They all meet up at Washington Park, which is a few blocks from the stadium. They then march as one unified group into the stadium. The capos and drummers from each group work very hard at coordinating this pregame tradition. Each supporter group has the responsibility of designing its tifo, or banner, before each match. For the most part, the supporter groups are based on geography or heritage. These include Auxilia One (FC Cincinnati fans in the New York City area), Die Innenstadt (inner city residents of Cincinnati), Norden (northern suburbs of Cincinnati), and Hanger 937 (residents of Dayton, Ohio that support FC Cincinnati). Other groups include Briogaid (Irish/Celtic fans), the Queen City Mafia (American football fans that like soccer), and the Knights of the Bailey (made up of the capos and drummers that coordinate the chants and songs during the matches with all the groups mentioned above). FC Cincinnati has a local and regional network of 19 Pub Partners for each match. The drinking establishments agree to have their TVs and big screens tuned to the FCC match during both home and away matches. This allows the team to build their brand in communities outside of Queen City, while the pubs get more business from the promotion the team gives them. Access 4 Getting to an FC Cincinnati game may be the most difficult part of the game-day experience. This is because the stadium is in the middle of a downtown area in a midsize city. The streets around the stadium are narrow, as they typically serve a residential population. There are several parking lots scattered around TQL Stadium. There are 2,000 parking spots within two blocks of the stadium. The remaining lots are not managed by the team. This means the parking fees can vary dramatically. Many people who live close to the stadium prefer to just bike to the matches. TQL offers free bike racks outside of the stadium for these fans. The most cost-effective and stress-free way to get to TQL on gamedays is to take the Cincinnati Bell Connector Streetcar. This streetcar circulates throughout the city regularly. There is a streetcar stop at Washington Park, which is a four-minute walk from the stadium. Best of all, this service is free! There are six entry gates at TQL Stadium. They open 90 minutes before the match start. Once inside, the stadium concourses are 30 feet wide and are very easy to navigate. The aisles are well-marked and easy to follow. The legroom is better than average, and all seats have cupholders. A majority of the seats in the stadium feature chairback seating. Accessibility for people with disabilities is a priority at the stadium. Entry gates offer a separate lane for people with disabilities so they will not have to stand for long lengths of time. Once inside, every restroom has wider stalls for those who have impairments. The team also has assistive listening devices or noise-deadening headphones for people who have sensory issues. The ribbon boards that front the upper-level seating offer close-captioned messaging throughout the matches. Return on Investment 4 Tickets for FC Cincinnati games come at several price points. The most expensive seat for an individual match is $59 for a seat on the upper level at Midfield. Other levels include $44 for upper-level seats on the sides, $35 for lower level in the corners, $32 for lower levels seats at one end of the pitch, and $25 for upper-level seats at one end of the pitch. Not surprisingly, the Supporter Group standing seats at the other end of the pitch on the lower level are the cheapest at $19. We found the food and beverage prices were quite reasonable. Parking lot prices varied in our research. The Bell Connector streetcar can’t be beat as far as price as it is free. It also offers a convenient drop-off/pick-up location just a four-minute walk from the stadium. Extras 3 FC Cincinnati has one of the largest team stores in the MLS. It measures 9,000 square feet and offers two levels of shopping. At 59 suites, TQL Stadium qualifies as having the most suites of any MLS stadium that does not host an NFL team. In addition to MLS matches, TQL Stadium has hosted CONCACAF Third Round and Gold Quarterfinal Matches. Final Thoughts FC Cincinnati has one of the most fervent fan bases in the MLS. TQL Stadium rewards that loyalty with a venue that is a terrific place for fans to enjoy the Beautiful Game.

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Rio Rancho Events Center 3001 Civic Center Cir NE Rio Rancho, NM 87144 Duke City Gladiators website Rio Rancho Events Center website Year Opened: 2006 Capacity: 6,000 Duke City Football Named after the 10th Duke of Albuquerque, the city in New Mexico has long been known as the Duke City – the Gladiators of the Indoor Football League (IFL) took their name from this moniker. The team was founded in 2015 as part of Champions Indoor Football (CIF), and previously played at Tingley Coliseum in Albuquerque. That facility was used as a vaccine clinic during the pandemic, however, forcing the team to move to Rio Rancho Events Center in nearby Rio Rancho, where they remain today. Rio Rancho Events Center opened in 2006 and is also home to the New Mexico Runners of indoor soccer. Food & Beverage 3 Most of the concession stands at Rio Rancho Events Center, though not all, are open during Duke City Gladiator games. There is a good range of menu items, including a couple of full bars, but prices tend to be a little on the high side (for example $7 for a basic hot dog). Food vendors here include Black Angus Grill, which offers their New Mexico-themed signature green chili bacon burger, Hot Dog Nation, which offers Chicago-style and other dogs, and Chicken Fry Fry for tenders and chicken sandwiches. These stands also offer all the traditional menu items such as nachos, cookies, soft pretzels, packaged candy, popcorn, cotton candy, and kettle corn – except for the main dishes the same items are sold at all three stands. For drinks, there is City Club, which offers mixed drinks, beer, and wine, while Rio Refrescas offers tropical fruit drinks and canned beer, sodas, and other beverages. The main stands mentioned above also have soda, bottled water, Gatorade, energy drinks, fruit juice, and canned beer. Atmosphere 4 The Gladiators pull out all the stops for indoor football here – though the crowd is pretty small during most games, the staff does a lot to make the event as entertaining as possible. Of particular note is the MC, who stands on top of a table in a teal sports coat behind one end zone the whole game, dancing along with the crowd and firing up the fans by drumming on his forearm with a drumstick, as well as announcing major happenings on the field (“That pass was…in…com…plete!”); he is a lot of fun to watch. The PA announcer also plays a lot of great dance music, including old hits like Macarena and We Will Rock You, as well as new favorites like Baby Alligator (Red Pens), and the dance team tosses free mini footballs and t-shirts to the crowd multiple times each quarter. During pregame the strobe and spotlights are turned on as the starters are introduced, accompanied by representatives from a local motorcycle club, and at the most recent game I attended, there was even a local SWAT team that repelled from the ceiling. Rio Rancho Events Center doesn’t have one of the 4-sided scoreboards hung over midfield – instead, there is a small videoboard on one sideline to watch replays, and basic scoreboards above each end zone – and there is no mascot, but they do have a great dance team, all the chairs have seat backs, and the turf looks clean and brand new. They also have one of their players give the prayer before the game, and one of the members of the dance team sings the National Anthem, which is a nice way to focus on the team. Neighborhood 3 Rio Rancho is about half an hour north of Albuquerque, and the venue is a bit off the main drag so there aren’t any restaurants or hotels within sight of it, but you will find plenty along Highway 528, both chains and local favorites. In terms of attractions, there are plenty of parks within a short distance of Rio Rancho Events Center, but not much else unless you head back to Albuquerque, where you can find cool roadside spots like the Turquoise Museum or the Tumbleweed Snowman (but the snowman may be gone by indoor football season, as it is more of a Thanksgiving/Christmas holiday thing). Fans 1 Very few fans show up for Duke City Gladiator games, perhaps in part because the venue is not in Albuquerque proper, making it more of a drive for most – at a typical game you might only see about 200 fans in attendance, which unfortunately makes the venue look pretty empty. Access 4 Getting to Rio Rancho Events Center is pretty easy, as there is very little traffic in the area, and you can park for free. There is plenty of room to move around the concourse, short concessions lines, and more than enough bathrooms to accommodate everyone; there are also elevators inside if needed. The only thing really to pay attention to is that on the main level, you cannot go all the way around (the concourse is blocked off behind one end zone), so if you happen to need to get to the other side, you may have to walk all the way around. Return on Investment 4 Despite the very small crowd, it is worthwhile to see a game here – the staff does so many great things to entertain fans, and tickets start at only $13. In addition, since the venue will not be full you can buy the cheap seats and sit as close as you want. Extras 4 A lot of the game sponsors are local unions, which is a nice nod to the local trades. There are also a ton of vendors who come in each game with giveaways, such as Dave and Buster’s or the local corrections center (recruiting for new hires), and cool events during halftime, such as having the State Champion lacrosse team strut their stuff on the field. The Gladiators also have a team store inside if you want to pick up any Duke City swag, and all fans are invited to an afterparty at a local restaurant, for example, Buffalo Wild Wings.

Photos by Spencer Collins, Greg Salo, & Treg Owings Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Bailey-Brayton Field 855 Fairway Ln Pullman, WA 99163 Washington State Cougars website Bailey - Brayton Field Year Opened: 1980 Capacity: 56,000 Baseball at Bailey-Brayton Field Bailey-Brayton Field is the home ballpark for the Washington State Cougars baseball team. The 3,500-seat stadium opened in 1980 and was named after two of the program’s managers: Chuck Bailey and Bobo Brayton. They racked up 1,765 victories between the two of them during their tenures at the university. Brayton was the skipper of the Cougars when the new stadium opened, and he was allowed to spend up to $20,000 to transport parts of the old Sicks Stadium from Seattle to campus. It included the bleacher seating, foul poles, and fencing. However, only the poles and wire fencing were used at the new stadium. The stadium has changed a bit since debuting as Bailey Field, and the changes have included the addition of lights (the first for an NCAA ballpark to do so in the Pacific Northwest), FieldTurf, and, most recently, the $10 million Cougar Baseball Complex that houses locker rooms, cardio and weight room, academic area, team meeting room, and coach’s office completed in 2020. Cougars baseball began in 1982 and has been played regularly since 1898. During that time, the ball club made 16 NCAA Tournament appearances and appeared in four College World Series, finishing as runners-up to Texas in 1950. Food & Beverage 3 A concession stand is located near the entrance of the park (3rd base side) and sells a variety of food and drink items. Besides the concession items of fries, nachos, pretzels, Coca-Cola products, and candy, there is also a grill serving burgers and sausages. There is a loaded fry that comes with bacon bits, cheese, and jalapenos for a different take on the ballpark classic. It is fenced off, and alcohol consumption is allowed only in the designated area of the beer garden. One must finish their drink before returning to their seat to watch the game. MillerCoors products are available by the can. Atmosphere 3 Fans enter the ballpark by the 3rd base side through the Miller Plaza. There are steps leading to the main gates featuring lighting and banners of former ballplayers. The gates themselves are decorated with a cougar inside a baseball emblem, and the grandstand itself is built up against a grass and dirt hill. The seating bowl is open to the elements and features a concourse at the bottom and the top that allows visitors a chance to move around to see the game from different vantage points. Most of the seating is bleacher seating with plastic bottoms with no backs, while a selection of seating behind the home plate features backs. Directly behind the fencing between the diamond and the concourse are the box seats for donors and sponsors of the program. There is a video board in the left-center field installed in 2011 that offers two panels for pitchers and batter stats. Gates open 90 minutes before the games, and all bags must be soft and no larger than 14x8x14 and fit underneath your seat. There is no smoking anywhere inside or near the ballpark. Neighborhood 2 The ballpark isn’t close to much walking-wise except for student housing and dorms, and if you drive into downtown Pullman, you will find a nice selection of restaurants and bars in this college town. They include Paradise Creek Brewery, Foundry Kitchen, My Office Bar & Grill, Porch Light Pizza, and the Lumberyard for farm-to-table fresh food. Fans 3 It was a rather cold day during the review of the stadium. However, the student section was there to “Give ‘Em the Chair”. Fans hold up plastic chairs when an opposing batter is sitting two strikes. They are joined by the school’s mascot Butch T. Cougar in the chanting and cheering. The rest of the fans provided the typical backdrop for a college baseball game to round out the fan experience. Access 4 Bailey-Brayton Field is located on the east side of the camps near the football stadium and the basketball arena. The seating bowl and concourse layout make it easy to move around, and there is ample parking near the ballpark for easy access by car. Return on Investment 4 Attending a Cougars baseball game will cost between $7-$10 for adult tickets and $6 for seniors (age 60 plus and children ages 2-17). Parking is free around the stadium, but permits are required in the Green 5 Beasley lot. Extras 2 The recent ballpark upgrades to improve the experience earn an extra point. These include the fencing, university signage, and the team's new locker rooms. Fans “Give ‘Em the Chair” by holding up plastic chairs when an opposing batter is sitting two strikes is a nice tradition to enjoy while at the game. Final Thoughts An ideal spot for baseball in the part of the state, but bring a blanket for the early spring games. The atmosphere is enjoyable and stadium improvements make it a wonderful way to spend nine innings.

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 SAP Center 525 W Santa Clara St San Jose, CA 95113 Bay Area Panthers website SAP Center website Year Opened: 1993 Capacity: 17,562 North Cali Football Primarily the home of the NHL’s San Jose Sharks, SAP Center in San Jose is a beautiful, modern facility with tons of glass elements, an iconic main entrance that looks stunning when lit up at night, and all the amenities sports fans could hope for. The Indoor Football League’s (IFL’s) Bay Area Panthers moved into the venue in 2022 – the team was founded in 2020 and was supposed to play in Oakland, but thanks to the Pandemic did not begin play until 2022. SAP Center opened in 1993 and holds 17,562 fans, but during Panthers games, the upper deck is curtained off, so for indoor football the capacity is around 10,000. The facility took about 3 years to build and cost $162.5M. Food & Beverage 3 SAP Center has a huge range of concessions options available – the prices are on the high side, and a lot of the stands that are open during San Jose Sharks games are not open during the Bay Area Panthers games. However, that fact has the interesting side benefit of leaving multiple seating areas open on the upper level of the concourse where you can sit and enjoy your food and drinks before heading to your seat. Main dish options include almost everything you can think of, such as hot dogs, nachos, Caesar salads, pizza, BBQ sandwiches (either pork, chicken, or brisket), burgers, sausages, chicken sandwiches, and chicken tenders, while sides include everything from popcorn and fruit cups to pretzels and packaged candy, while dessert options include Rita’s frozen custard. There are also several full bar areas where you get mixed drinks, wine, or beer on draft, or you can get beer from the regular stands, or from convenience store-type stand which offer a wide selection of canned alcohol, bottled water, and soda – these convenience-store type stands are becoming a fixture at sports venues around the country. Atmosphere 4 The Bay Area Panthers pull out all the stops for indoor football at SAP Center – the action begins with crazy pyrotechnics as the team comes onto the field (think towers of flame and loads of fireworks), as well as the dance team and mascot (dressed like a Bay Area Panthers player, except wearing a Batman-esque cowl instead of a football helmet). There are also all the traditional fan contests you see at games, but some come with a twist; for example, there is a contest where fans can win prizes for driving a mini football thru the upright using golf clubs. There is also plenty of dance music played all game long, including sing-a-longs and the “Carlton Cam”, where fans are invited to do their best impression of Carlton, from The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, singing ‘It’s not Unusual’. Fans are also invited to have autographs signed by players after the game (though fans are not allowed on the field like they are at many indoor football venues), and the staff offers not one, but 2, after-parties for fans to enjoy – the first is held inside SAP Center itself right after the game ends, and the second is at a location in downtown San Jose for adults 21+ only (the after party at SAP Center is kid-friendly). Neighborhood 4 SAP Center is less than a mile from downtown San Jose, which offers all kinds of dining and entertainment options before or after a Panthers game. But for my money, fans need to look no further than San Jose’s Little Italy, a small warren of Italian restaurants within walking distance of the SAP center, about 3-5 blocks away. I could have spent all day inside Pour Decisions and its sister restaurants (three different restaurants which are connected inside) – you can get delicious hot Italian beef sandwiches on one end, and $5 local beer drafts or fabulous gelato (chocolate and pistachio 2 best flavors) on the other end. Note that the taxes in California are high, so when you go to pay it may seem like more than you expected. Fans 2 The fans at Bay Area Panthers games are pretty solid, but the arena is pretty empty even though some of the seats are curtained off – at an average game you might only see about 3,000 fans in attendance. The fans are pretty raucous at times, however, and the noise level is enhanced by all the dance music they play, as well as the loud horn which erupts every time the home team scores (the same sound you hear when a goal is scored during a hockey game). There is a small team gear stand inside SAP Center; the most popular item seems to be the foam finger with panther claws – you will see lots of fans inside wearing these and clawing the air with them, and not just the kids, either. Access 4 Getting to SAP Center is ridiculously easy – the venue being technically outside of downtown means you have a lot less traffic to contend with than you might expect, and the facility is only about 5 minutes from the San Jose airport – just head northeast on Highway 87 for about 4 miles and you’re there; you can see and hear jets flying over on their landing approaches as you walk into the arena. Incidentally, San Jose Mineta International Airport is a great little facility in its own right, with flights coming from and going to destinations everywhere you can think of, and rental cars on-site. You can park right outside the SAP center for $20, and once you get inside there is plenty of room to move around the concourse, myriad clean bathrooms, and short lines at the concessions, with many stands allowing self-checkout. Return on Investment 4 SAP Center tickets are mobile-only, and the venue has free Wi-Fi – tickets run $27 each including fees from Ticketmaster, which is a little on the high side for IFL venues, as some IFL teams allow you to buy at the door and avoid the fees. However, this is California, so higher ticket prices may not be unexpected, and the staff has some great amenities to offer fans, namely the beautiful venue, the massive 4-sided center scoreboard so you can easily see replays, free Panthers-themed boom sticks, and rally towels for everyone who comes through the doors, and the awesome pyrotechnics at the start of the game; fireworks galore and towers of flame dozens of feet high. Extras 5 SAP Center itself offers a lot of extras for fans as they wander the concourse – the first is as you walk into the main entrance, you are greeted by the San Jose Sports Hall of Fame, a digital experience (presented by SAP) highlighting San Jose’s finest in different sports. The display features a huge LED screen that spans most of the wall facing the entrance. There is also a long wall of fame as you walk around the rest of the concourse, with bronze reliefs highlighting famous Olympians, football players, and more. The Panthers also have special uniforms for the different special events they offer, for example, camo uniforms for Military Appreciation Night. The giant 4-sided center-hung scoreboard also has smaller screens underneath, for fans who are sitting close to the field and don’t want to strain their necks looking up at the larger board. And even though the main tenant is the San Jose Sharks, you couldn’t tell that from the décor – there is so much Panthers signage all around, including video clips of live Panthers in the lead-up to kickoff. Final Thoughts San Jose is a great town to visit, and SAP Center is a venue worthy of a visit. A hockey game here may be a bit overwhelming for some, what with its larger crowds and higher ticket prices, but a Bay Area Panthers indoor football game here hits that sweet spot between entertainment, value, fun, and excitement – visit when you can.

College baseball is a national sport with a significant regional bias, as the powers of the sport reside primarily in the south and southeast. Rarely has the national championship been won by a team north of the Mason-Dixon line. Similarly, there is generally a great disparity in the quality of facilities in the southern and northern part of the country. Stadium Journey has endeavored to visit each of the 301 Division One baseball parks in the nation. As of this writing, we have been able to produce reviews for all but 18 of them, no small feat when you consider the number of teams playing in new facilities or who have moved their programs up to D-1 in recent years. Our goal is to visit the remaining ballparks as soon as possible. We have ranked all the D-1 ballparks according to our patented FANFARE rating scale, which takes into account a facility's food and beverage, game day atmosphere, surrounding neighborhood, fan support, accessibility, return on investment and more. Where two or more venues were tied, we consulted a Stadium Journey Council of Elders to break any ties. Without further ado, we are proud to present Stadium Journey's Top 25 college baseball venues for the 2023 season. 1. Doug Kingsmore Stadium - Clemson Tigers 4.71 Lloyd Brown - Say the words “Clemson” and “sports” and most people will immediately think of the football program. However, the Tiger baseball program has a much longer history of success just down the hill from Death Valley. Kingsmore Stadium plays a key role in the recruitment of athletes to the baseball program with its great facilities, loyal fan base and years of tradition. 2. Alex Box Stadium at Skip Bertman Field - LSU Tigers 4.57 Lloyd Brown - The atmosphere at Alex Box Stadium is impeccable – all the great things that sports fans hear about watching a game at LSU’s Alex Box Stadium don’t match the reality. The reality of a game at The Box is much better. A trip to LSU’s Alex Box Stadium should be on every college baseball fan’s list, as it is one of the best stadium experiences in all of sports. 3. Mike Martin Field at Dick Howser Stadium - Florida State Seminoles 4.57 Lloyd Brown - Howser Stadium has been one of the premiere NCAA baseball stadiums in the country for several years. The Seminole Nation is determined to keep it that way with $25 million in improvements on the horizon. The future looks bright for baseball in Tallahassee. 4. Founders Park - South Carolina Gamecocks 4.57 Andy Mantsch - A lot of the country considers college baseball an afterthought, but not in Columbia, South Carolina. Tailgaters, boiled peanuts, cold beer and shouts of “Go Cocks!” start hours before first pitch is even thrown on game days outside Founders Park. Baseball season for the South Carolina Gamecocks is second only to football season. And even that is debatable, depending on who you ask. 5. John Euliano Park - UCF Knights 4.57 Chris Green - With a beautiful newly renovated home stadium, the Knights are well positioned to provide one of the best game day experiences in college baseball. With great weather year-round and a fanbase that loves to support their team, there are plenty of reasons to not pass up UCF baseball when looking for a great place to watch America’s pastime. 6. Bush Stadium - Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles 4.57 Lloyd Brown - The Tennessee Tech baseball program is one of the elite programs amid the mid-level conferences. They are the perennial champions of the Ohio Valley Conference and are regular visitors to the NCAA Tournament. A visit to Bush Stadium will treat visitors to high quality baseball, free admission and some of the friendliest and most knowledgeable fan bases in college baseball. 7. Oxford-University Stadium at Swayze Field - Ole Miss Rebels 4.43 Lloyd Brown - Ole Miss is proud of its traditions, and the stadium has some traditions of its own. These include the beer showers in the student section after a Rebels home run, the Ole Miss team performing a synchronized dance routine in the dugout in the middle of the fifth inning and Hotty Toddy cheer being done by the fans. There is truly a close bond between the Ole Miss team and their fans. 8. Baum-Walker Stadium at George Cole Field - Arkansas Razorbacks 4.43 Michael Davis - The Southeastern Conference has the best overall college baseball stadiums in the country, and Baum-Walker Stadium is one of the top echelon ballparks in the conference. The venue is impressive; better than most minor league ballparks around the country. There really isn’t a single negative about the ballpark, food, atmosphere, fans, or the return on investment. 9. Sewell-Thomas Stadium - Alabama Crimson Tide 4.43 Lloyd Brown - Crimson Tide fans are known to be among the most fervent in the NCAA. They form a sea of red during the games at the “new Joe.” The words “Roll Tide” can range from a Tuscaloosa version of “hello” to a blood-curdling scream during a rally. They are also not afraid to let the umpires know if they disagree with a call. That being said, Alabama fans are very knowledgeable about the game and are very friendly to visitors. 10. Davenport Field at Disharoon Park - Virginia Cavaliers 4.43 Joseph Oakes - Recent renovations at Davenport Field have turned a nice ballpark into a great one. It now has all the amenities of a state of the art ballpark, and offers some of the highest quality baseball in the nation. A visit to Davenport Field is a must, and will not leave you disappointed! 11. Foley Field - Georgia Bulldogs 4.43 Lloyd Brown - A visit to the home of the Diamond Dawgs should be included in any Athens itinerary. As the original sport played on the university campus, baseball has a long and glorious spot on UGA’s fabled athletics history. 12. Dudy Noble Field - Mississippi State Bulldogs 4.29 Matt Colville - Coming to a game at Dudy Noble Field is truly a bucket list experience for baseball fans of all levels. From the grills in left field to the fans and their thousands of cowbells being rung, these all add to the spectacle of attending a game here and are something everyone should experience. And as John Grisham also said, “I always feel like a better person after leaving a game at Dudy Noble Field.” 13. Clark-LeClair Stadium - East Carolina Pirates 4.29 Harrison Huntley - Since the completion of renovations, Clark-LeClair has been talked about in many circles as among the best in the country. Having visited now, I can see why. Everything from the ticket prices to the seating arrangement was built with the common fan in mind and because of that, the stadium provides a great stadium experience. Overall, this stadium is one that fans of college baseball must add to their bucket lists. 14. Haymarket Park - Nebraska Cornhuskers 4.29 James Hilchen - Haymarket Park is a great place to watch a game. Cornhuskers fans are pleasant and are very into the game and behind their team. The park is aesthetically pleasing and Lincoln is a very nice college town with plenty of other things to do and see. A trip to Haymarket Park should be on the list of any college baseball fan. 15. Goodwin Field - Cal State Fullerton Titans 4.29 Andrei Ojeda - Despite playing in the backyard of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, the Titans remain one of the hotter tickets in Orange County. With four national championships and a team that is almost always certain to make a post-season run, it’s easy to see why fans here consistently fill up the yard. Of all the college yards I’ve had the chance to visit in Southern California, Goodwin Field, with their loyal fans and fan friendly amenities abound, may arguably be the best. 16. Robert and Mariam Hayes Stadium - Charlotte 49ers 4.29 David Welch - At initial thought, many might not give baseball at Charlotte much attention, but it definitely is a hidden gem on the college baseball scene. From the facilities, to the scenic back drop and baseball atmosphere created, baseball games at Charlotte provide a wonderful experience for even fans who might not have a rooting interest in the game. 17. J.I. Clements Stadium - Georgia Southern Eagles 4.14 Lloyd Brown - This is one of the premiere facilities in the Sun Belt Conference if not the entire Southeast. It boasts of a clubhouse/dugout complex most larger programs are envious of. GSU believes in setting high expectations for its baseball program and in return rewards the team with the tools they need to compete. 18. M. L. "Tigue" Moore Field - UL Lafayette Ragin' Cajuns 4.14 Paul Donaldson - When it comes to college baseball, it’s hard to beat the overall fan experience for a Ragin’ Cajuns game at M.L. ‘Tigue’ Moore Field. The Tigue features a passionate fan base that regularly ranks near the top of Division I in attendance. 19. Cicerone Field at Anteater Ballpark - UC Irvine Anteaters 4.14 Gordon Shelldall - Everything about Anteater Park seems to have been designed with the comfort and enjoyment of baseball fans in mind. In fact, I am hard-pressed to think of another ballpark, pro or amateur, that I have visited that hits so many "high spots" on the rating scale. See a game here if you are in the area during the season. It's well worth it. 20. USF Baseball Stadium - South Florida Bulls 4.14 Chris Green - USF Baseball Stadium is one of the most stunning in Florida, let alone Tampa. Great for families and diehard fans alike, the home of the South Florida Bulls is a must-visit for any sports fan passing through the area. Not to be outdone by its competitors, USF Baseball Stadium deserves billing as one of the most comfortable and well designed in college baseball. 21. Jim Case Stadium - Jacksonville State Gamecocks 4.14 Lloyd Brown - Jacksonville State University has been a small college athletic powerhouse for many years. The last few years have seen a significant upgrading of its major athletic facilities, including Pete Mathews Coliseum, Burgess-Snow Field and now Rudy Abbott Field at Jim Case Stadium. Gamecock fans and alumni certainly have a lot to crow about these days. 22. UFCU Disch-Falk Field - Texas Longhorns 4.00 Eric Moreno - I think anyone who is a fan of sports – especially baseball – will enjoy themselves at UFCU Disch-Falk Field. It is a cathedral of the sport, draped in history and excellence. The atmosphere is tremendous, and Austin is a fun city to visit. Catch a game at the Disch when you can, and Hook ‘Em Horns! 23. Hawkins Field - Vanderbilt Commodores 4.00 David Welch - Baseball at the college level is a whole different type of experience than what you might get at the major and minor league levels. From fans and players alike, there is a whole different passion that rides on almost every pitch. When you add in the high level of expectations from a program such as Vanderbilt, it flows over into creating a top notch, college baseball atmosphere. 24. Olsen Field at Blue Bell Park - Texas A&M Aggies 4.00 Brett Gibbons - Overall, Blue Bell Park provides a relaxing afternoon at the ballpark where you can watch some elite talent in a gorgeous venue. The student section is fun and engaging and chances are you’ll see an Aggie victory. The history and tradition of Texas A&M are on display in a way only found in College Station. Great seats and a fun day without breaking your bank is what can be expected from a visit to Blue Bell Park. 25. Jim Patterson Stadium - Louisville Cardinals 4.00 Marc Viquez - Jim Patterson Stadium is more than a respectable venue to enjoy college baseball during the warm spring months in Louisville. The promotions, aesthetics, concession prices, and weekend games make it well worth the nine innings of baseball. If you are in town, check out when the Cards are playing.

Photos by Eric Moreno, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.43 Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium 2100 San Jacinto Blvd Austin, TX 78712 Texas Longhorns website Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium website Year Opened: 1924 Capacity: 100,119 Texas Longhorns – Darrell K. Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium They started playing football on the 40 acres in the state capital of Texas back in 1893. Since their inception the Texas Longhorns have become one of college football’s true blue blood programs, amassing 32 conference championships, four National Championships, and two Heisman Trophy winners (Earl Campbell and Ricky Williams). In 1924 the Longhorns began playing in their current on-campus home, the now Darrell K. Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium (henceforth just DKR as we locals refer to it). Named for the Longhorns legendary former head coach, the stadium has gone through numerous renovations over the years. The most recent took place from 2019-2021 and has been its most extravagant and elaborate. In addition to upgrades to the field-turf, lighting, and sound systems, DKR expanded permanent seating in the south endzone, luxury suites, and the new, stylized Longhorn logo players’ entrance. The field was also renamed Campbell-Williams Field in honor of the two great running backs of Texas’ past, and a statue of the first African American letterman in team history, Julius Whittier, was erected in 2020. In the team’s clash with the Alabama Crimson Tide during the 2022 season the attendance record was broken, as the stadium swelled to a capacity crowd of 105,213. Truly one of the bucket list destinations in all of college football, DKR and Austin need to be experienced at least once by all college football fans. Read on to learn what makes this place truly special. Food & Beverage 5 When you’re looking to quench your appetite and slake your thirst at Longhorns games, you’re not going to be disappointed by what you find at DKR. There are plenty of spots throughout the stadium where you can find your traditional gameday fare, e.g. your hot dogs, your popcorn, your nachos, your pretzels, etc. These are fine for what they are; they’re relatively affordable and can be found at the Gridiron stands sprinkled on every level of DKR. The same can be accomplished for your adult beverage needs at the Filling Station stands and kiosks. Where the stadium really excels is in the branded stands. These are all local restaurants that have opened kiosks and/or stands throughout DKR – these include such favorites as Stubb’s BBQ, Lucy’s Fried Chicken, Torchy’s Tacos, Pluckers Wing Bar, and Amy’s Ice Creams. Each of these brings a touch of what makes Austin’s cuisine unique to the game. There is also a Quizno’s Subs and a Chick-Fil-A location inside the stadium if you’re craving something more familiar. For those looking for a respite and a cold drink, head over to Bevo’s Beer Garden in the Coors Light observation deck. This is also a great place to watch the action and enjoy a beverage, while taking a respite from the heat early in the season. Another great feature that UT offers fans to help cope with said heat are hydration stations located throughout DKR. These free water areas are literal oases for thirsty fans needing a break from what can be unbearable temperatures in the first few months of the season. Atmosphere 5 There is nothing quite like the atmosphere of a big-time college football stadium on game day. In recent years the Longhorns have done a great job of ramping up the atmosphere at DKR, from upgrading the “Godzillatron” in the south endzone to the Longhorn-shaped player’s entrance (complete with billowing smoke), to upgraded lighting and LED boards, it’s all better in Austin. At the start of the game the stadium roars to life with the playing of “Deep in the Heart of Texas” – I dare you not to clap along. At the start of the fourth quarter the stadium comes to life with the deafening roar of AC/DC’s “Thunderstruck”, after each score the team fires off fireworks, and after each win they light the top floors of UT Tower, the most visible landmark on the campus, orange. The newest innovation – one that’s already proven to be a hit with fans – is Bevo Blvd. The university has closed off a section of San Jacinto Blvd near the stadium, and on each game day it turns into a raucous street fair. Longhorns fans get the chance to join not just the band, the Texas cheer and pom teams, the mascot, Hook ‘Em, and the big man himself, Bevo (more on all of these in the Extras section) – who makes his official appearance in a parade into the stadium approximately three hours before game time – but they also get to see the players during the Stadium Stampede about two and a half hours before the game. There are also food trucks, carnival games, souvenir stands, live music, and a live broadcast from the Longhorns radio team. If you don’t want to tailgate proper, this is a great alternative. Neighborhood 5 Austin is one of the premier tourist spots in the state of Texas. It’s free-spirit and cosmopolitan ways, and reputation as a live music capitol has made the city attractive to visitors. This doesn’t even take into account its nearly year-round warm weather climate, thriving nightlife, and food and outdoor scenes. When you’re looking for things to do before or after taking in a game at DKR, Austin has you covered. For outdoor enthusiasts, downtown Austin has you covered in the most spectacular way with Lady Bird Lake. This 416-acre reservoir is an extension of the lower Colorado River and is a haven for kayakers, paddleboarders, and rowers. The lake has been stocked for recreational fishing, and the 10.1-mile Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail is one of the oldest urban trails in the state. Music lovers should be on the lookout for the statue of the late Stevie Ray Vaughan, which can be found on the trail and seen from the lake. At dusk, the lake is a prime spot to watch the famed colony of Congress Avenue bridge Mexican free-tailed bats. If you’re a history buff, Austin is a great place to get lost in it. Museums abound, and perhaps the best one in the state is The Bullock Texas State History Museum, which tells the history of the Lone Star State from pre-history to the present. Each level of the museum tells a part of Texas history, and features some true treasures that cannot be seen anywhere else in the world. There is also an IMAX theater and a restaurant on-site, so visitors can spend as much time there as they want. When it comes to dining there is a boon of options, including a burgeoning food truck scene. I’m a fan of the old school, and Austin has a couple of truly great spots that visitors must check out. First is Scholz Garten, which happens to be the oldest restaurant in Texas. This old-world German-style restaurant pays homage to some of the area’s earliest settlers, and truly feels like you are stepping back into a different era. The menu features such delights as sauerkraut balls, wiener schnitzel, and Reuben sandwiches. They also have a wide selection of imported German beers and lagers if you’re interested in partaking in that. My other recommendation is quintessential Lone Star State: The Texas Chili Parlor. Masquerading as a dive bar, the Texas Chili Parlor has a wide menu of different chili styles (and “heats” to suit everyone’s palates) and has been an Austin institution for decades. You can also engage in the controversial (in Texas) practice of adding beans if you choose to. Corn bread, steaks, Frito pie, and cold beer are all part of the menu. Fans 4 Longhorns fans have taken a lot of guff in recent years as the team’s fortunes have wavered. However, with renewed optimism and renovated facilities, the faithful have returned to DKR in droves. As mentioned the team broke its all-time attendance record in a game against Alabama during the 2022 season; the game I attended had the third-largest crowd ever with well over 102,000 in the stands. The stands are littered with burnt orange, and the student section is filled with rowdy fans throwing their horns up (always up) – including groups such as the Longhorn Hellraisers. Fans chant “Texas Fight” and sing along to the “Eyes of Texas”. Before the game the tailgating scene is flat out incredible. For blocks and blocks surrounding the stadium you will see fans in every parking area possible setting up shop. Just be forewarned, all these fans jammed into one area does make leaving downtown – even Austin if that’s your desire – very tricky. We’ll discuss that in the next section, however. Access 3 Fans looking to attend games at Darrell K. Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium have the advantage of knowing they will have zero problems finding it. Located in downtown Austin, directly off Interstate 35, DKR is roughly a 20-minute drive from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport. It’s also roughly an hour and a half from San Antonio. Once you get near the stadium there are numerous official parking lots to choose from, as well as a variety of other parking options littered throughout the downtown area. The costs vary greatly on all of these, and it is just a matter of how far away you’re willing to park. Like most big cities, Austin offers pedicabs that are more than willing to take you to your destination. If you choose not to drive, in addition to rideshare services Austin’s public transportation system – CapMetro – and its light rail – MetroRail – are also viable options. This might be best for you, as the city is notorious for its traffic, especially on game days. This definitely needs to be taken into consideration when you head to the game. You will be stuck in some traffic if you’re on I-35; it’s just a fact, so leave yourself enough time to get there. You’ll also be stuck in some pretty good gridlock after the game as you have a sea of humanity all trying to leave at basically the same time. Return on Investment 4 Single-game tickets for most Longhorn games at DKR can be purchased for as little as $55. While this will more than likely get you a seat in the aluminum bleachers way up at the tippy-top of the stands, it’s still a pretty good deal for the chance to see some big-time football. As mentioned, the parking costs vary wildly depending on how far you’re willing to walk. If you are driving and choose to use a surface lot, I would expect to pay a minimum of $25. This is pretty much in line with market prices these days. The concessions costs are surprisingly not over-the-top, relatively speaking. For example, you can get a souvenir 32-ounce soda for just $5, or a domestic beer for just $8. I have been to plenty of venues where both of these have been just about double that cost, so these are pretty good bargains. The food costs are also pretty low, especially for the game day essentials you’ll find at the Gridiron stands. It’s not going to be cheap, but I would say it’s affordable, and you’re going to be seeing proverbial big boy football week in and week out in Austin. If you’re a fan of the sport, you really can’t ask for anything better than that. Extras 5 I’m a huge fan of college football for a number of reasons, not the least of which is the pageantry of the sport. College football brings out a carnival-like atmosphere each and every (mostly) Saturday, and I am here for all of it. The Longhorns – befitting a program of their stature – pull out all the bells and whistles for games at DKR, and it is glorious. I’ve already touched on the spectacle that is Bevo Blvd; this has really added to the energy and excitement on game days. The chance to see the players up close is always welcome – as is the chance to see the area’s namesake, Bevo. The official mascot of the University of Texas, Bevo is also one of the most recognizable live mascots in all of sports. Flanked by his ever-present group of handers, the Silver Spurs, Bevo can be seen on the sidelines in his pen in the south endzone, and he is a spectacle to see in person. Like most college programs you can count on seeing the band playing at DKR before the game and at halftime. In this case it’s the University of Texas Longhorn Band – aka the Showband of the Southwest. Whether it’s playing the fight song or the school song or what have you, they will keep the crowd entertained throughout. Be on the lookout for Big Bertha, which is (arguably) the largest bass drum in the world, and the centerpiece of the band experience. There are also the Texas Cheer and Pom Squads as well as the costumed mascot, Hook ‘Em, all patrolling the sidelines, performing for fans, taking photos, and adding to the atmosphere. Fans love them, the students love them, and they are great for photo ops. The last bit of Extras to be on the lookout for is Smokey the Cannon, manned by the Texas Cowboys. A replica of a Civil War-era artillery piece and weighing in at over 1,200 pounds, the cannon is manned by the Texas Cowboys student group. It’s a symbol of great pride at the University and is fired off after every Longhorns score. Final Thoughts Being a proud, native Texan, I freely admit I have a predisposition to all things orange – especially those of the burnt orange variety. However, I think any college football fan will admit upon their visit to Austin and Darrell K. Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium that it is truly one of the great palaces of the sport. The upgrades they have done in the past few years have not only made it one of the largest in the country, but they have also greatly enhanced the overall atmosphere at DKR. For likeminded fans of the sport, this is definitely a bucket list destination; for even casual fans, this is an experience you’ll greatly appreciate. Follow Eric Moreno’s Stadium Journey on Twitter at @EricMoreno6477. Visit Eric Moreno’s writer’s portfolio site at ericmoreno.contently.com.

Photos by Aaron Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Jack Trice Stadium 1732 S 4th St Ames, IA 50011 Iowa State Cyclones website Jack Trice Stadium website Year Opened: 1975 Capacity: 61,500 Seeing Red in Ames The Iowa State Cyclones have historically been a mid-tier team in the Big 12. However, over the years the program has quietly made improvements to their home field, Jack Trice Stadium, and in a decent year, the atmosphere at this 61,500-seat venue can rival that of many of the other teams in the conference. Jack Trice Stadium opened in 1975 with a win over Air Force. Three-level video boards were added to each end zone later, one in 2002 and the other in 2011, and the most recent upgrade (in 2015) enclosed the south end zone to bring the facility up to its current capacity. The stadium is named after former Iowa State football player Jack Trice, who passed away in 1923 as a result of injuries sustained during a game at the University of Minnesota. The details surrounding Trice’s death remain controversial to this day, as many of his teammates claim he was intentionally targeted because of his skin color – Jack Trice Stadium is the only FBS venue that is named for an African-American individual. Food & Beverage 5 While the food and beverage selection at Jack Trice Stadium doesn’t offer a ton of variety, there are a few items available here that you won’t find anywhere else. Main dishes include your stadium basics such as burgers, hot dogs, corn dogs, pizza, chicken tenders, and tacos, but also include pork tenderloin and (given the close proximity to Wisconsin) cheddar bratwurst. These items will run you $5 to $11, depending on whether or not you add fries to your order. However, it is the side/dessert items where Jack Trice Stadium really shines – besides the standard fare such as popcorn, sno cones, funnel cake, cotton candy, pretzels, nachos, packaged candy, and peanuts, you can also find poutine, cheese curds, and even fried Twinkies; who could ever say no to that? These items start at about $4 and top out at $7 – the fried Twinkies are actually tied with several other items as being the cheapest on the menu. Drink options here include bottled or fountain soda, bottled water, Gatorade, lemonade, coffee, and hot cocoa. Jack Trice Stadium also offers exactly one kind of beer – Rise. Atmosphere 5 In recent years it is a great day to be a Cyclones fan, with signature wins last season against the likes of Oklahoma and TCU. Games at Jack Trice Stadium lately tend to be near-sellouts, and not because of the visiting fans either – the stands are packed wall to wall with red-clad Iowa State loyalists. Besides the energy and fan noise (more on that later), the staff at Jack Trice Stadium puts on a great show with cones of fire spurting forth when the Cyclones come onto the field, plenty of colorful flags, and a great mascot who rides in on a cross between a Hummer and a golf cart. With teeth bared, Cy is constantly all over the stadium interacting with fans, and the Iowa State band does a great job as well, including a post-game concert on the north end of the field to celebrate the win. The stadium looks incredibly modern despite its age, and the massive scoreboard in each end zone make it easy to follow the action. There is also a small berm area on the north end of the stadium, which many fans seem to enjoy watching the game from. Neighborhood 3 While there is plenty to do in Ames, Iowa (despite it not being a huge town), Jack Trice Stadium is unfortunately fronted on the east side by intramural fields, a park, and a massive gold course, so it ends up being a bit far away from most of the local eateries, which are located along Duff Avenue. Duff Avenue is the place to head before or after the game to visit restaurants like Old Chicago and Texas Roadhouse. Culver’s, a regional favorite specializing in custard, is also in that area, but if you feel like taking in the college vibe, you might try Blaze pizza, which is north of the stadium on Lincoln Way. If you plan to be in town for the day or for the weekend, most of the local attractions tend to be parks, or you can visit the ISU Arboretum. However, if you happen to be into wacky roadside America pitstops, you can also find the World’s Largest Concrete Gnome in Ames, not far from Jack Trice Stadium. And once you have taken your selfie with the famous gnome, there are a few hotels nearby to rest up for the trip home – there are not a ton of hotels near the stadium (Days Inn and Best Western are the closest), but there are a good deal more located a few miles away along I-35. Fans 4 Iowa State fans are pretty impressive for a typically mid-tier team – most of them show in Cyclones gear, and they are very loud and bring a lot of energy into the stadium. They cheer loudly for most of the game, don’t tend to leave early, and are fairly good sports even when confronted with a few losses. The student section is not surprisingly the most energetic, especially right before kickoff as they madly wave their bright yellow towels. Another fantastic moment comes after halftime, when the student section unfurls the gigantic Iowa State banner, which covers half of the seats in their section. Access 3 As mentioned before, Jack Trice Stadium is bordered by fields, a park, and a golf course. As such, it is a pretty long walk from the parking area for most fans – the reserved parking is adjacent to the stadium on the north side, but does not have very many spaces, and of course only season ticket holders can park there. The rest of us are left to park at the golf course, and it seems rather odd, because as you walk up to the stadium you will come upon a massive empty field next to it, which is ostensibly for tailgating, but there is no one there – it seems like this area could have been used for parking instead. Once you get into Jack Trice Stadium, however, there is plenty of room to move around. Lots of entrances, plenty of concessions stands and bathrooms, a wide concourse, and good signage telling you how to get to your seats. The only potential downside with regard to access is the parking, which even as far away as it is will run you about $20. It may also be a very long drive to get to Ames, depending on where you are coming from. Return on Investment 4 Tickets to Iowa State Cyclones games at Jack Trice Stadium will run about $30 to $40 in the upper level, which is pretty typical for college football these days. However, even for big games you should be able to find them much cheaper on third party sites. On the plus side, you are also guaranteed to have some solid teams comes to town, as Iowa State regularly plays the likes of Texas, Kansas State, Oklahoma, and TCU. You will also be pretty close to the action – because Jack Trice Stadium is not all that big, and also because of its design, even in the cheap seats you won’t be far from the action. Extras 4 Jack Trice Stadium has some interesting tailgating, with things like old school buses painted in Iowa State colors sitting outside of the stadium – maybe a little redneck, but a lot of fun. The stadium also sports a ton of bright color, which this writer thinks helps get fans in the mood. The ability to get so close to the action on the field is also a plus, since you can buy lower level seats to games at Jack Trice Stadium so cheaply on the secondary market. The two massive scoreboards are also amazing, and make it really easy to see replays. Final Thoughts Depending on where you live it might be a bit of a haul to get to Ames, Iowa, but it is definitely worth the trip. Jack Trice Stadium is a solid venue in a top conference, so you really can find the best of both worlds here – great facility, and great football.

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 Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Waldron Family Stadium College Ln Emmitsburg, MD 21727 Mount St. Mary’s Mountaineers website Waldron Family Stadium website Year Opened: 2006 Capacity: 1,000 Mount Soccer In between Washington, DC and Gettysburg, PA sits the second oldest Catholic university in America. Mount St. Mary’s sits on 1,400 acres at the base of the Catoctin Mountains. Shockingly the sports teams at university use the Mountaineers moniker. The soccer team had been around from 1988 through 2012, when it was discontinued for financial reasons. In 2018, the team came back to the campus. Basketball is one of the biggest sports at the college in terms of success. Mount St. Mary’s has had some success in other sports, most notably track. In the 1988 Olympic Games, Mount St. Mary’s athlete Peter Rono won gold in the 1500 meters run. Waldron Family Stadium was opened in 2006 and is named in honor of Trustee Emeritus Eugene Waldron, and his family. Food & Beverage 3 There is a small, but nice concession stand at Waldron Family Stadium. You will not want to have your entire meal at this stand, but if you are in the mood for $2 sodas and $2 hot dogs, then this is the right place. There are some nice table seating options right in front of the concession stand where you can still watch the game action. Atmosphere 3 The Waldron Family Stadium is a pretty simple facility with a few sets of grandstands on one side of the field. It offers a nice view at a nice level off of the field. There are seat backs in a few of the sections closest to the press box. The field is an all-weather synthetic field turf that also is the home to women’s lacrosse and the university’s soccer programs. The stadium also offers great views west towards the rest of campus and the sloping mountains of western Maryland. To be fair, the game I attended was a rainy, cold, messy affair. I have been to other soccer games at the stadium and they draw better than the one I attended, although not as well as the more popular lacrosse program. Please note that some of the images in the gallery are of the stadium during a lacrosse game. Neighborhood 3 There is nothing within walking distance to the campus. You will need to make a short drive into town to find any food or drink options. Emmitsburg is a pretty small town, but does have some interesting places that draw people to the area, besides just the university. The town is the home of the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial, National Emergency Training Center, and Emergency Management Institute. Also in the immediate area are some very notable Catholic attractions. It is a Catholic pilgrimage site and is the location of the Basilica and National Shrine of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton as well as the site of the National Shrine Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes. A trip to the area demands a visit to the grotto even if you are not religious. It would be hard not to be impressed with the quiet awesomeness found here. Nearby Thurmont also has some attractions of its own, including Cunningham Falls State Park and Catoctin Mountain Park, which contains the presidential retreat of Camp David. Just note if you are hiking in the woods and see signs to turn around or be shot, these are not jokes. Frederick is about 30 miles away, while Baltimore (60 miles) and Washington, DC (70 miles) are the closest large cities. Back in Emmitsburg, the best food option is the The Ott House Pub in downtown. This bar and restaurant is a great mix of locals, firefighters, and university students. The food menu will not blow you away but their wings, as well as their hot roast beef sandwich, will certainly hit the spot. Check to see if they have a local beer from Flying Dog Brewery on tap. Gettysburg is 13 miles north. If you have time to visit the massive amounts of memorials and battlegrounds you should do so. Just plan ahead as crowds are huge at many times of the year. Fans 3 The fans here at the Mount tend to be knowledgeable, smart and respectful. Access 4 Sure, Emmitsburg can feel like it is in the middle of nowhere, but it really is not. There is a major highway, Route 15, which divides the campus. This route runs from Frederick in the south, northwards towards Gettysburg in Pennsylvania. Waldron Family Stadium and the rest of the PNC Sports Complex is located on the east side of Route 15, while the main part of the university campus is located on the west side. A well lit and secured tunnel connects the two parts of campus. There is also plenty of free parking. Return on Investment 4 Prices are fairly cheap with $8 for general admission. Those are bargain prices, especially for a Division I level sports team. Tickets are available at the gate on game day only. Extras 3 Check to see if there are any other games in the PNC Sports Complex while you are at a game. Check out the massive field of solar panel arrays that the university has installed near the athletic complex. The solar farm produces more than 22,000,000 kilowatt hours of emissions-free electricity per year. The view is another extra. Although not large mountains, more like large hills, the mountains that the university sits along are very nice and offer great views. Final Thoughts Mount St. Mary’s Waldron Family Stadium is a simple, but well-appointed venue to watch a good level of soccer action. With extremely fair prices and good concession offerings this stadium is a must visit.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Waldron Family Stadium College Ln Emmitsburg, MD 21727 Mount St. Mary's Mountaineers website Waldron Family Stadium website Year Opened: 2006 Capacity: 1,000 Mount Lacrosse In between Washington, DC, and Gettysburg, PA sits the second oldest Catholic university in America. Mount St. Mary's sits on 1,400 acres at the base of the Catoctin Mountains. Shockingly the sports teams at university use the Mountaineers moniker for their sports teams. Lacrosse has been pretty up and down at “The Mount.” In 2010 they had a very good 12-win season, a school record, and were awarded a bid to the NCAA tournament. In 2011, the Mount won the first-ever Northeast Conference Championship in the league's inaugural season. Head coach Tom Gravante has been at the university since 1995. Although lacrosse has done well at times, basketball is one of the biggest sports at the college in terms of success. Mount St. Mary's has had some success in other sports, most notably track. In the 1988 Olympic Games, Mount St. Mary's athlete Peter Rono won gold in the 1500-meter run. Waldron Family Stadium was opened in 2006 and is named in honor of Trustee Emeritus Eugene Waldron, and his family. Food & Beverage 3 There is a small, but nice concession stand at Waldron Family Stadium. You will not want to have your entire meal at this stand, but if you are in the mood for $2 sodas and $2 hot dogs, then this is the right place. There are some nice seating options right in front of the concession stand where you can still watch the game action. Atmosphere 4 The Waldron Family Stadium is a pretty simple facility with a few sets of grandstands on one side of the field. It offers a nice view at a nice level off of the field. There are seatbacks in a few of the sections closest to the press box. The field is an all-weather synthetic field turf that also is the home to women's lacrosse and the university's soccer programs. The stadium also offers great views west towards the rest of campus and the sloping mountains of western Maryland. Neighborhood 3 There is nothing within walking distance of the campus. You will need to make a short drive into town to find any food or drink options. Emmitsburg is a pretty small town but does have some interesting places that draw people to the area, besides just the university. The town is the home of the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial, National Emergency Training Center, and Emergency Management Institute. Also in the immediate area are some very notable Catholic attractions. It is a Catholic pilgrimage site and is the location of the Basilica and National Shrine of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton as well as the site of the National Shrine Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes. A trip to the area demands a visit to the grotto even if you are not religious. It would be hard not to be impressed with the quiet awesomeness found here. Nearby Thurmont also has some attractions of its own, including Cunningham Falls State Park and Catoctin Mountain Park, which contains the presidential retreat of Camp David. Just note if you are hiking in the woods and see signs to turn around or be shot, these are not jokes. Frederick is about 30 miles away, while Baltimore (60 miles) and Washington, DC (70 miles) are the closest large cities. Back in Emmitsburg, the best food option is The Ott House Pub downtown. This bar and restaurant is a great mix of locals, firefighters, and university students. The food menu will not blow you away but their wings, as well as their hot roast beef sandwich, will certainly hit the spot. Check to see if they have a local beer from Flying Dog Brewery on tap. Gettysburg is 13 miles north. If you have time to visit the massive amounts of memorials and battlegrounds you should do so. Just plan ahead as crowds are enormous at many times of the year. Fans 3 Lacrosse fans across Maryland are extremely knowledgeable about lacrosse. Fans here at the Mount are no exception. Access 4 Sure Emmitsburg can feel like it is in the middle of nowhere, but it really is not. The major highway, Route 15, divides the campus. This route runs from Frederick in the south, northwards towards Gettysburg in Pennsylvania. Waldron Family Stadium and the rest of the PNC Sports Complex is located on the east side of Route 15, while the main part of the university campus is located on the west side. A well-lit and secured tunnel connects the two parts of the campus. Return on Investment 4 I had originally come to Mount St. Mary's to see a baseball game but when I saw a lacrosse game about to start I went and checked on prices. I was glad to see $5 general admission tickets. There are also group and youth tickets available for even cheaper. Those are bargain prices, especially for a Division I-level sports team. . Extras 3 Check to see if there are any other games in the PNC Sports Complex while you are at a game. I was early for a baseball game and just happened to stop in to watch this lacrosse game. The athletic complex is very well organized for this kind of endeavor. There was also a tournament going on at the complex's tennis facility. Check out the massive field of solar panel arrays that the university has installed near the athletic complex. The solar farm produces more than 22,000,000 kilowatt hours of emissions-free electricity per year. The view is another extra. Although not large mountains, more like large hills, the mountains that the university sits along are very nice and offer great views. Final Thoughts Mount St. Mary's Waldron Family Stadium is a simple, but well-appointed venue to watch a high level of lacrosse action. With extremely fair prices and good concession offerings, this stadium is a must-visit.

Photos by Gregory Koch Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Penn State Field Hockey Complex 250 University Dr University Park, PA 16802 Penn State Nittany Lions field hockey website Penn State Field Hockey Complex website Year Opened: 2005 Capacity: 750 We Are Penn State Field Hockey Penn State is one of the elite field hockey programs in the country, having qualified for the NCAA Tournament 30 times, with seven appearances in the Final Four and two in the title game. Despite this, the Nittany Lions have yet to win the NCAA Tournament, though they did win two national championships in the pre-NCAA era. The Nittany Lions’ home stadium is appropriately known as the Penn State Field Hockey Complex. This 750-seat stadium is the fifth different home of the field hockey team, having opened in 2005. The stadium is located near several other sporting venues on campus, including the baseball, softball, ice hockey, and soccer stadiums as well as the Bryce Jordan Center and Beaver Stadium. Food & Beverage 2 There is one concession stand operating out of a truck at the Penn State Field Hockey Complex which offers only the very basics. The only things that can be a meal are hot dogs and nachos for $5 each. Candy is $4 and chips are $1. Bottled water is $4, while soda and Gatorade are $5. Credit cards are accepted. Atmosphere 5 Unlike the vast majority of field hockey programs in the country, Penn State really puts in the effort to create a great atmosphere here and it shows. The team will play music after big plays to pump up the crowd, and the public address announcer is enthusiastic and helps the fans get into it as well. There is also a very small but active student section who will do chants throughout the game to improve the atmosphere, a feature ubiquitous at basketball and football games but quite uncommon for college field hockey. There is a scoreboard at one end of the field that shows the basic information as well as shots, saves, and penalty corners for each team. It is also capable of showing video, and plays a hype video before each game to get the fans ready. Neighborhood 3 Penn State is located in State College, which as the name would imply is a classic college town. If looking for a place to eat or hang out, your best bet is to head downtown to College Avenue where one will find a number of restaurants and bars. However, fans with a sweet tooth may want to check out the Berkey Creamery on the Penn State Campus, a short walk from the stadium. Fans 5 Penn State consistently ranks towards the top of the nation in attendance, routinely drawing 300-500 fans a game in a stadium that seats only 750. This gives the impression of the stadium being quite full and it can get loud and rowdy in here. As mentioned above, the students bring some energy but so do the rest of the fans. Some of them are friends or family of the players, but others are just fans of Penn State athletics showing up for a game. The fans and the atmosphere here go hand in hand, with each of them helping to make the other better. Access 2 If driving to the game, your best bet is to park in the Stadium West lot in between Beaver Stadium and the soccer field. Parking is $5.50 if reserved in advance through the Parkmobile app or $10 the day of the game. Note however that if you plan on attending another Penn State game in the vicinity the same day, such as soccer at Jeffrey Field or ice hockey at Pegula Ice Arena, if you are buying an event-specific parking pass in advance you will need to pay separately per event, but if you pay the $10 the day of, you will be good for the entire day and will come out ahead in the end. We recommend parking as close to University Drive as possible for the shortest walk – this is the opposite end from the football stadium. From the lot, head down Curtin Road to the stadium. Note that some lots are closer than Stadium West, but if you do not have the appropriate permit you will be ticketed and/or towed. While students, faculty, and others with the appropriate permits may be able to park in these lots, everyone else will have to use Stadium West. Once you are in the stadium, getting around is easy enough because of the small size. There are no permanent restrooms, but there are a few port-a-potties scattered throughout. Return on Investment 4 As with most college field hockey across the country, admission to Penn State games is free. Concessions are affordable as well, if limited, and this is one of the nicest college field hockey venues in the country. However, the high cost of parking takes this score down a notch. Extras 3 On your way over to the stadium from the parking lot, look for the large “We Are” sculpture in reference to the Penn State athletics chant “We are … Penn State,” which is often shortened to just “We Are” and used as a slogan for the University The Penn State Field Hockey Complex is one of several Penn State athletic venues in the vicinity. On the right fall day, fans can easily check out a soccer, field hockey, and ice hockey match all in the same day . A third and final star for all the effort the team and fans put in to improving the experience here, which is something not seen in most college field hockey programs. Final Thoughts College field hockey is simply not that big in most of the country, and most schools do not put in any real effort to promote their team. Penn State is a notable exception. The atmosphere here is top-notch for college field hockey, and the facility itself is one of the nicest in the country. Throw in the opportunity to see several venues in close proximity and a trip to Penn State field hockey is well worth it

Photos by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Phoenix Rising Soccer Stadium 3801 E Washington St Phoenix, AZ 85034 Map It Phoenix Rising FC website Phoenix Rising Soccer Stadium website Year Opened / Año abierto: 2023 Capacity / Capacidad: 10,000 Rising As One / Levantándose Como Uno Phoenix Rising FC es un club de fútbol de la USL-C, el segundo nivel de fútbol en los Estados Unidos, un escalón por debajo de la Major League Soccer (MLS). El club comenzó a operar en 2014 como Arizona United SC y se renombró como Phoenix Rising FC en 2017. El equipo ha tenido bastante éxito en los últimos años, logrando el título de la temporada regular del Campeonato de la USL en 2019. Llegaron a la final de los playoffs del Campeonato en 2108 y 2020 (que desafortunadamente se canceló debido a COVID) y los cuartos de final de los playoffs en 2021. El club ha mantenido su residencia a varios lugares, incluyendo dos sitios de entrenamiento de primavera de la Cactus League durante sus años como Arizona United SC. La temporada 2023 los vio mudarse a su tercer estadio específico de fútbol desde 2017, después de jugar previamente en el estadio Wild Horse Pass Chandler durante dos años. El contrato de The Rising en Wild Horse Pass terminó y la propiedad quería estar en el centro de Phoenix. Estaba disponible un nuevo sitio cerca del aeropuerto y en una línea de Valley Metro, por lo que los propietarios empaquetaron el antiguo estadio y colocaron la infraestructura casi exactamente en la misma configuración que el sitio anterior de Chandler. Se trasladaron las estructuras de asientos, el marcador, el palco de prensa/medios, la taquilla, los vestuarios, el campo de entrenamiento y se añadió otro edificio para el personal de recepción, almacenamiento, etc. Asistir a un partido es una velada agradable. Recomendamos ir a principios de la primavera o el otoño, ya que las temperaturas de Phoenix son más cómodas durante esos momentos de la temporada de fútbol. Food & Beverage / Bebida y Alimenticia 4 Las ofertas de concesión de los camiones de comida y quioscos de concesión tienen mucho para que los fanáticos del fútbol se den un gusto. Los puntos de venta de alimentos están en los terrenos fuera del área de asientos del estadio (excepto las secciones VIP), con puestos en los lados este, norte y oeste. Algunas mesas de picnic se colocan alrededor del vestíbulo exterior para que los fanáticos disfruten de sus refrigerios. El puesto de comida más popular es el PrimeTime Grill justo al dentro de la entrada este. Ofrece cinco canastas de comida: pollo tierno, sándwich de pollo, hamburguesa, hot dog y puerco desmenuzado (servido con papas fritas), y los precios oscilan entre $11 y $ 4.50. También se sirven papas fritas y nachos ($6 - $16). Los poseedores de boletos de temporada obtienen una tarifa con descuento. Asegúrese de caminar y ver los otros quioscos que incluyen pero no se limitan a: Lemonade and Kettle Corn, Ben's Soft Pretzels y Bahama Bucks Shaved Ice ($7 - $10). Bahama Bucks ofrece algunos sabores sin azúcar. Bro's Seafood tiene rollos de cangrejo y langosta, pescado y papas fritas y otros platos de mariscos que cuestan entre $13 y $26. Tuve los tacos de camarones, y eran fabulosos. Unos pocos puestos de bebidas alcohólicas se alinean en la explanada. Las cervezas, el vino y las gaseosas (enlatadas) cuestan entre $8 y $13.75 y los cócteles enlatados cuestan $13.75. Los productos de Coca-Cola cuestan $5.75 la botella. El estadio ofrece una hora feliz donde las bebidas tienen un descuento de $2 durante la primera hora después de que se abren las puertas. Atmosphere / Atmósfera 3 Esperaba un poco más con el nuevo estadio. La experiencia del día del juego no es tan agradable como en el anterior. Sin embargo, la organización hace un buen trabajo al proporcionar un ambiente familiar con fanáticos apasionados pero no rebeldes. Dentro del estadio, los asientos están en los cuatro lados del campo. Los asientos al nivel del campo, algunos con mesas altas, se alinean en el perímetro de la cancha. El lugar ofrece otros asientos premium, en la azotea y VIP. La mayoría de los asientos son asientos plegables grises elevados sobre el nivel del suelo, sin brazos ni portavasos. Estos asientos son más cómodos de lo que parecen. Las filas son largas (28 asientos de ancho), por lo que si eres un fanático que necesita levantarse con frecuencia durante el partido, elige asientos más cercanos a los pasillos (1-4 o 24-28) para evitar molestar a otros fanáticos. Los asientos elevados detrás de las porterías son de admisión general (gradas sin respaldo). Siéntese en el lado este para disfrutar de una bonita vista de la puesta de sol. Todos los asientos están cerca de la cancha, por lo que ver el juego ofrece una vista de cerca de la acción. Hay asientos mínimos para discapacitados disponibles detrás de cada portería. El estadio no está bien equipado para los aficionados que no pueden subir las escaleras con facilidad. El elevador/ascensor ADA se rompió el día que Stadium Journey visitó; no había ninguna indicación de cuándo iba a ser reparado. Recomiendo llamar al equipo con anticipación para ver si está funcionando. El lugar tiene un enorme marcador en el extremo sur. Muestra la puntuación, la mitad y el tiempo con algunos videos y anuncios, y es nítido, claro y fácil de leer. El marcador no ofrece subtítulos. El volumen de la música está bien; es fácil conversar con tu vecino sin tener que gritar sobre la música. Aún mejor, apagan la música cuando anuncian la alineación inicial. Player Introductions and Flags of Player's Home Country, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Desafortunadamente, el área de The Park (un campo donde los niños corrían y jugaban) que estaba en el antiguo estadio no está disponible en esta nueva ubicación. La explanada tiene algunas áreas de juegos para niños cerca de la tienda de souvenirs a las que muchos jóvenes acuden. Neighborhood / Barrio 2 Un mercado de pulgas Park 'n Swap deteriorado, el aeropuerto Phoenix Sky Harbor y Gateway College son los vecinos del estadio. No es inseguro, pero no es agradable a la vista. El barrio de la estación de tren no tiene un lugar para parar a tomar una cerveza o picar algo. Para los hoteles, se puede ver un Hilton Garden Inn desde el estadio de fútbol Phoenix Rising (un poco menos de una milla a pie). El Crown Plaza Hotel está a una milla a pie. El estadio está cerca del aeropuerto, por lo que muchos hoteles están cerca, pero es posible que no estén de distancia caminando. Otros deportes para ver cerca incluyen los Arizona Diamondbacks, los Phoenix Suns y el Phoenix Mercury (a tres paradas en el tren ligero). Fans / Fanáticos 4 Phoenix Rising FC tiene dos fuertes grupos de apoyo, Los Banditos y Unión 602. Tambores, banderas ondeando, humo de colores, cantar, aplaudir, saltar arriba y abajo, lo tienen todo. La mayoría de los aficionados se sientan en la zona de anotación sur, debajo del marcador, un área designada solo para ellos. Montones y montones de clubes de fútbol infantiles y juveniles asisten a los partidos. Verá una gran cantidad de familias y amigos presentes. Los aficionados son fijados en el juego en la cancha. Y ciertamente sabes cuando la multitud no está de acuerdo con las llamadas del árbitro. La afición hace que la asistencia al partido sea un cómodo evento deportivo donde todos los visitantes son aceptados. La asistencia es fuerte en los partidos de Phoenix Rising FC, con el club clasificado entre los cinco y diez primeros de la USL-C en asistencia en las últimas temporadas con un promedio de 6,600 a 7,000 fanáticos. En lo que va de 2023, los registros de asistencia promedio se acercan a los 8,000 por partido. Access / Acceso 3 Phoenix Rising Stadium se encuentra en el centro de Phoenix junto al Sky Harbor Airport. Los fanáticos pueden tomar el tren ligero Valley Metro Light Rail hasta la parada 38th Street y Washington, luego caminar 1/3 de milla más o menos hasta el estadio. Si bien esto es conveniente, la corta caminata es sobre asfalto sin sombra ni lugares para descansar. La caminata es dura durante los meses de verano. Phoenix Rising Soccer Stadium from Light Rail, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Hay más de cinco estacionamientos en el lugar con entradas desde 37th St y 38th St. El club ahora cobra por el estacionamiento (gratis para los poseedores de boletos de temporada) y debe comprarse con anticipación. El costo del estacionamiento es de $5 (más impuestos) o $10 (más impuestos) si se compra el día del partido. Se permite dar una fiesta en tres de los estacionamientos. El equipo también tiene un servicio de transporte Pub2Pitch donde los fanáticos van a bares selectos y los autobuses los llevan hacia y desde los partidos. Ese es un servicio bastante ingenioso. Los aficionados pasan por detectores de metales al entrar. Los fanáticos en la fila me dijeron que pasar por seguridad es impredecible. Se permiten bolsas deportivas transparentes y los boletos son digitales. Los baños son indeseables. Los escalones que conducen a los baños son altos y los pasamanos se tambalean. Las casetas de baño son quizás una pulgada más grande que los de los aviones y tienen una función de descarga similar. Vi un baño accesible para sillas de ruedas poco atractivo y ningún baño familiar. El estadio simplemente no es propicio para personas con problemas de movilidad. No vi una carpa de servicios para huéspedes, aunque el sitio web dice que tienen una. Return on Investment / Retorno de la inversion 3 Los boletos para un solo juego cuestan entre $22 y $41 y son comparables, aunque un poco más altos que otros equipos de la USL-C. Los boletos para las gradas comienzan en $25 (más impuestos) y ascienden hasta $200 para los asientos de campo. Los asientos del medio campo y de la línea de banda cuestan entre $30 y $53. Todos los asientos están cerca de la cancha para que tengas una buena vista sin importar dónde te sientes. El estacionamiento cuesta $5 - $10, lo que agrega un gasto adicional en comparación con los lugares anteriores del club. Tomar el tren ligero le ahorra unos cuantos dólares, ya que su boleto de Phoenix Rising FC incluye un viaje en el tren ligero. Es una buena opción si tomas bebidas alcohólicas en el partido. Los precios de la comida del estadio son similares a los de otros lugares deportivos profesionales en el área. Las bebidas y la cerveza tienen un precio más bajo. Llega temprano y la cerveza cuesta $2 menos. Los visitantes pueden traer dos botellas selladas de agua por persona. Los fanáticos definitivamente los necesitan para los partidos en los meses más cálidos. El club ofrece todo tipo de especiales y noches temáticas, incluyendo la noche de cerveza de $ 1, boletos con descuento para la noche militar y de reconocimiento militar, paquete de cuatro familias NAU, Navidad en julio, noche Back 2 School y más. Asegúrese de consultar su sitio web y sus redes sociales para conocer las ofertas especiales. . Extras 3 Las numerosas noches temáticas y especiales merecen una mención adicional. Acercar el club al centro de Phoenix es sin duda un atractivo para más fanáticos en la área metropolitana. El frente de las gradas oeste muestra con orgullo las banderas de los países de origen de los jugadores. Final Thoughts / Pensamientos Finales Ir y ver partidos de fútbol profesional está en aumento en Arizona. Phoenix Rising FC hace un trabajo decente al proporcionar una velada de entretenimiento deportivo agradable y segura. El nuevo estadio de fútbol es un buen lugar para que los fanáticos de todo Arizona visiten y vean un club de fútbol ganador. Muchas gracias a Jim Minard por su ayuda con la traducción.

Photo by Brian Wilmer, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Bill Masters Field at John Henry Moss Stadium Stadium Dr Boiling Springs, NC 28152 Gardner-Webb Runnin' Bulldogs website Bill Masters Field at John Henry Moss Stadium website Year Opened: 2010 Capacity: 550 Bill Masters Field at John Henry Moss Stadium Boiling Springs, North Carolina sits just across the North Carolina-South Carolina state line. The rural North Carolina town is a quaint college community built mostly around the university and a handful of businesses on Main Street. The Runnin' Bulldogs joined the Big South Conference in 2008 and have typically been toward the top of the conference standings at the end of each season. Food & Beverage 2 Bill Masters Field does not offer a great deal of options when it comes to concessions, but prices are kept very affordable. The baseball classic hot dogs are the main item of note on the menu. There are also nachos and pretzels that can be paired with cheese dip, but the menu is limited; popcorn, candy, and peanuts are also available. Beverages include Pepsi products, Gatorade, and bottled water. Gardner-Webb chooses not to sell beer or wine at its baseball games. Atmosphere 3 Upon initial approach to Bill Masters Field, fans can purchase tickets before passing through a brick archway into the stadium. A luminescent sign affixed to the end of the visiting team dugout welcomes all to Gardner-Webb University, as they make their way to the covered seating area. The aluminum bleachers are built into the brick grandstand that gives the small seating area a much larger appearance. Seating runs from dugout to dugout – the first two rows are fold-down seats and are separated from the bleacher seating behind it with a walkway. The five rows of bleacher seating are a combination of backed and backless benches. A large overhang runs along almost the entirety of the seating bowl, and provides a great deal of shelter from the elements, whether it be the sun or rain. Gardner-Webb has done well taking rather non-descript aluminum bleachers and creating a charming brick grandstand around them. The university's basketball arena, Paul Porter Arena, Green-Harbison Soccer Stadium, and the Tucker Student Center create a wonderful backdrop for college baseball. Just over the right center field fence is the Lloyd Little Memorial Scoreboard; the scoreboard sits in a large brick housing, with pitch speed display attached. The scoreboard itself provides fans with basic inning-by-inning line score, along with ball, strike, and out counts. The outfield fence runs 330' down both the left and right field lines, 360’ to left-center, and 365' to right-center – the centerfield fence is one of the shortest in college baseball at just 385'. The outfield fence is a consistent 8-feet from foul pole to foul pole. The Runnin' Bulldogs play on a synthetic surface with traditional green and brown “grass” and “dirt” areas of the field. The university’s red "GW" logo adorns the large, black turf area behind home plate. The presentation of the game keeps the action on the field as the main focus – other than player walk-up songs and music to fill the dead time between innings, there are not a lot of audio distractions. What is most noticeable is the lack of ad reads between innings; in a time where almost every opportunity to squeeze an ad in is taken advantage of, there are none during Gardner-Webb baseball games. Overall, the game is refreshingly kept at the focus of the day and there is not a lot to distract fans from that. Neighborhood 3 Boiling Springs is a small town, neighbored by the more populous Shelby, North Carolina, home of the American Legion World Series, and just under an hour west of Charlotte. Main Street in Boiling Springs runs directly through the middle of town. There seems to be just about all that would be needed on this stretch of road, from fast food joints like McDonald’s and Bojangles to locally owned eateries like College Pizzeria and Italian Garden. Visitors who enjoy getting out into nature and looking to make a day of a trip to Gardner-Webb might enjoy exploring the nearby Broad River Greenway. If planning a baseball exclusive trip, a visit can be paired with stops to the nearby Gastonia Honey Hunters of the independent Atlantic League, or to the Charlotte Knights, AAA affiliate of the Chicago White Sox – each of these stops are within an hour of Boiling Springs. Fans 3 The Runnin’ Bulldogs draw fairly well in comparison to other schools in the Big South. Even when students are not on campus, a couple hundred fans still file into a stadium that holds 550 fans. Gardner-Webb falls toward the top of the middle tier of conference foes in terms of baseball attendance. Fans are actively into the game, and they recognize and respond to big, in-game situations. It would be a long shot to call the atmosphere rambunctious, but fans are into the game. Access 3 Even though Boiling Springs is a bit off the beaten path, it is rather accessible from nearby Charlotte or for those traveling on I-85 northbound from the Spartanburg area. Fans coming from the Charlotte area can use US Highway 74 to NC State Road 150 to get to Boiling Springs, while those approaching from the south would exit in Gaffney, South Carolina, and then take SR 150 directly to the stadium. Most fans will park in the parking lot immediately through Bridges Gate; from here, it is just a short walk to the field. There is a small lot adjacent to the field that has a few parking spots, but those are mostly comprised of handicap accessible parking. The stadium’s seating area is easy enough to access. A concrete walkway leads fans to the first base side of the grandstand and wraps around the back of the press box to the home side of the seating bowl. In good weather, most visiting fans choose to sit or stand in the grassy area along the right field line. Return on Investment 4 With adult admission of just $5, free parking, and affordable concessions prices, the monetary investment of attending baseball at Gardner-Webb certainly is not cost prohibitive. The time investment might be a bit of a deterrent when it comes to traveling to Boiling Springs for some, but it can easily be negated if paired with another stop at a nearby ballpark. Extras 3 The back side of the visiting dugout celebrates the careers of four former Bulldog players and coaches. Not only are their numbers enshrined on the back side of the visiting dugout, but plaques with the career exploits of each are also on display. The large roof line gives a nice feel of a time gone past in stadium design. The covered seating also provides a great deal of shade, and a massive fan in the middle of the seating bowl helps bring even more comfort to the sometimes hot, uncomfortable spring and summer days. Final Thoughts Most might not consider Gardner-Webb as a target for a baseball experience, but fans of baseball in its purest form will find the game enjoyable due to the lack of distractions – constant sound effects, ad reads, and on-field games. It might not be the experience most are used to when it comes to the constant barrage of entertainment that has become almost commonplace in many ballparks today, but baseball at Bill Masters Field is a refreshing break where the game and the players on the field are kept as the main attraction.

Photos by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Phoenix Rising Soccer Stadium 3801 E Washington St Phoenix, AZ 85034 Map It Phoenix Rising FC website Phoenix Rising Soccer Stadium website Year Opened: 2023 Capacity: 10,000 Rising As One Phoenix Rising FC is a soccer club in the USL-C, the second level of soccer in the United States, one step below Major League Soccer (MLS). The club began operation in 2014 as the Arizona United SC and rebranded as Phoenix Rising FC in 2017. The team has been quite successful the last few years, clinching the USL Championship regular season title in 2019. They made it to the Championship playoff finals in 2108 and 2020 (which unfortunately got cancelled because of COVID) and the playoff quarterfinals in 2021. The club has called several venues their home, including two Cactus League spring training sites during their years as the Arizona United SC. The 2023 season saw them move to their third soccer-specific stadium since 2017, after previously playing in Wild Horse Pass Chandler stadium for two years. The Rising's deal at Wild Horse Pass ended, and ownership wanted to be in central Phoenix. A new site near the airport was available and on a Valley Metro line, so ownership packed up the old stadium and placed the infrastructure in almost the exact same configuration as the previous Chandler site. They moved the seating structures, the scoreboard, the press/media box, the ticket office, locker rooms, and the training field and added another building for front office staff, storage, etc. Attending a match is an enjoyable evening out. We recommend going in the early spring or fall as Phoenix temperatures are more comfortable during those times of the soccer season. Food & Beverage 4 The concession offerings of food trucks and concession kiosks have plenty for soccer fans to treat themselves. The food points of sale are on the grounds outside the stadium seating area (except VIP sections), with stalls on the east, north, and west sides. Some picnic tables are placed around the outside concourse for fans to enjoy their refreshments. The most popular concession stand is the PrimeTime Grill just inside the east entrance. It offers five baskets: chicken tender, chicken sandwich, burger, hot dog, and pulled pork (served with kettle chips), and prices range from $11 - $14.50. Fries and nachos are also served ($6 - $16). Season ticket holders get a discounted rate. Be sure to walk around and check out the other kiosks which include but are not limited to: Lemonade and Kettle Corn, Ben’s Soft Pretzels, and Bahama Bucks Shaved Ice ($7 - $10). Bahama Bucks offers a few sugar-free flavors. Bro’s Seafood has crab and lobster rolls, fish and chips, and other seafood dishes costing $13 - $26. I had the shrimp tacos, and they were fabulous. A few alcohol-only stands line the concourse. Beers, wine, and seltzers (canned) run $8 - $13.75 with canned cocktails costing $13.75. Coke products are $5.75 a bottle. The stadium offers a happy hour where drinks are discounted by $2 for the first hour after the gates open. Atmosphere 3 I was expecting a bit more with the new stadium. The game day experience is not quite as nice as at the old one. However, the organization does a good job of providing a family-friendly environment with passionate but not unruly fans. Inside the stadium, seating is on all four sides of the pitch. Field level seats, some with hi-top tables, line the pitch perimeter. The venue offers other premium, roof top, and VIP seats. Most of the seats are grey fold-down seats raised above the ground level, with no arms or cupholders. These seats are more comfortable than they look. The rows are long (28 seats across), so if you’re a fan who needs to get up often during the match, choose seats closer to the aisles (1 - 4 or 24 -28) to prevent disrupting other fans. The raised seats behind the goals are general admission (bleachers with no backs). Sit on the east side for a nice sunset view. All seats are close to the pitch so watching the game provides an up-close view of the action. Minimal handicapped seats are available behind each goal. The stadium is not equipped well for fans who can’t walk up steps easily. The ADA lift/elevator was broken the day Stadium Journey visited; there was no indication of when it was going to be repaired. I recommend calling the team in advance to see if it is working. The venue has a huge scoreboard on the south end. It shows the score, half, and time with some videos and advertisements and is crisp, clear, and easily read. The scoreboard does not offer closed captioning. The music volume is fine; it is easy to converse with your neighbor without having to yell over the music. Even better, they turn the music off when announcing the starting lineup. Nice job! Player Introductions and Flags of Player's Home Country, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Unfortunately, The Park area (a field where kids ran around and played) that was at the old stadium is not available at this new location. The concourse has a few kid’s play areas near the souvenir shop that many young ones gravitate to. Neighborhood 2 A run-down Park ‘n Swap flea market, Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport, and Gateway College are the stadium’s neighbors. It’s not unsafe, but it’s not pleasing to the eye. The neighborhood from the train station does not have a place to stop for a beer or a bite to eat. For hotels, a Hilton Garden Inn is visible from Phoenix Rising Soccer Stadium (a little less than a mile’s walk). A Crown Plaza Hotel is a mile’s walk. The stadium is near the airport so plenty of hotels are close but may not be within walking distance. Other sports to see nearby include the Arizona Diamondbacks, Phoenix Suns, Phoenix Mercury, and Arizona Rattlers (all just three stops away on the light rail). Fans 4 Phoenix Rising FC has two strong supporter groups, Los Banditos and Union 602. Drums, flags waving, colored smoke, singing, clapping, jumping up and down – they have it all. Most supporters sit in the south end zone, under the scoreboard, an area designated just for them. Lots and lots of kids and youth soccer clubs attend matches. You’ll see a whole host of families and friends in attendance. The fans are engaged in the play on the pitch. And, you certainly know when the crowd disagrees with the referee’s calls. The fans make attending the match a comfortable sporting event where all visitors are accepted. Attendance is strong at Phoenix Rising FC matches, with the club ranking in the USL-C top five to ten in attendance the last few seasons with an average of 6,600 – 7,000 fans. So far in 2023, average attendance records are close to 8,000 per match. Access 3 Phoenix Rising Stadium is in Central Phoenix next to Sky Harbor Airport. Fans can take the Valley Metro Light Rail to the 38th Street and Washington stop, then walk 1/3 mile or so to the stadium. While this is convenient, the short walk is across asphalt with absolutely no shade or places to rest. The walk is tough during the summer months. Phoenix Rising Soccer Stadium from Light Rail, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey More than five parking lots are on site with entrances from 37th St and 38th St. The club is now charging for parking (free for season ticket holders) and it must be purchased in advance. The cost for parking is $5 (plus tax), or $10 (plus tax) if purchased on game day. Tailgating is allowed at three of the parking lots. The team also has a Pub2Pitch transport shuttle where fans go to select bars, and buses take them to/from the matches. That’s a pretty slick service. Fans walk through metal detectors upon entry. Fans in line told me getting through security is hit or miss. Clear sports bags are allowed, and tickets are digital. Restrooms are undesirable. The steps up to the restrooms are high and the banisters are wobbly. The stalls are maybe an inch bigger than those in airplanes and have a similar flush function. I saw one uninviting wheelchair-accessible restroom and no family restrooms. The stadium is not conducive for those with mobility issues. I didn’t see a guest services tent though the website says they have one. Return on Investment 3 Single game tickets run $25 - $53 and are comparable, if a little higher than other USL-C teams. The bleacher tickets start at around $25 (plus tax) and run up to $200 for field seats. Midfield and sideline seats run $30 - $53. All seating is close to the pitch so you’ll get a good view no matter where you sit. Parking is $5 - $10 which adds an additional expense compared to the club’s previous venues. Taking the light rail saves you a few bucks as your Phoenix Rising FC ticket includes a ride on the light rail. It’s a good choice if you drink alcoholic beverages at the match. The stadium’s food prices are similar to other professional sports venues in the area. The drinks and beer are priced lower. Get there early and beer is $2 less. Visitors can bring in two sealed bottles of water per person. Fans definitely need those at matches in warmer months. The club provides all kinds of specials and theme nights, including a $1 beer night, discounted tickets for military and military appreciation night, NAU family four pack, Christmas in July, Back 2 School night, and more. Be sure to check their website and social media for specials and deals. . Extras 3 The many theme nights and specials deserve an extra mention. Moving the club closer to central Phoenix is certainly a draw to more fans in the metro area. The front of the west stands proudly display the flags of the players' countries of origin. Final Thoughts Going to and watching professional soccer matches is on the rise in Arizona. Phoenix Rising FC does a decent job at providing an enjoyable, crowd-pleasing, and safe sports entertainment evening. The new soccer stadium is a good place for fans across Arizona to visit and watch a winning soccer club.

Photos by Cory Sims, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Memorial Stadium 1017 W 11th St Lawrence, KS 66044 Kansas Jayhawks website Memorial Stadium website Year Opened: 1921 Capacity: 50,071 Towering Toward the Blue Memorial Stadium at the University of Kansas is one of the oldest stadiums in the country, and is the third oldest college football stadium west of the Mississippi. Built in 1920 as a memorial to University of Kansas students who died in World War I, it has been the home to the Jayhawks football team for nearly 100 years. One amazing bit of history about the construction of Memorial Stadium is that John Wooden, future genius basketball coach at UCLA, briefly worked on the building crew during his journey west. Although the Jayhawks are not famed for their football prowess, NFL Hall of Fame players Gayle Sayers and John Riggins both suited up in the Crimson and Blue and played their homes games in Memorial Stadium. Though the school is proud of its stadium’s history, Jayhawks are not focused solely on the past. In recent years, new practice fields and workout facilities have been built just outside Memorial Stadium to keep KU football features on par with the other schools in the Big 12. Prior to the 2014 football season, the track around the field, long grumbled about by KU fans who thought it was an eye sore, was removed and replaced with green turf. This is the first bit of upcoming stadium renovations to take place in the next few years, the details of which are yet to be released. Until then, success-starved Jayhawk fans will just have to speculate what’s in store in the future, while enjoying a respectable stadium built long ago. Food & Beverage 3 My thought on food at college football games is that if you’re waiting to eat until you get inside the stadium, you’re doing it wrong. I promise that at almost every stadium in the country, there is better food being cooked by amateurs in the parking lot then there is at the long-lined concession shacks inside the gates. And this is certainly true when seeing a Jayhawks game at Memorial Stadium. That being said, Memorial Stadium has a lot of options for the fan who missed tailgating. Hot dogs, nachos, and pizza can be had at several spots in the concourse, but more importantly there are a lot of local restaurants that have set up shop within the arched walls of the stadium. Salty Iguana, a local Mexican food chain, serves several types of burritos and tacos. Biggs BBQ serves pulled pork sandwiches. You can even buy cookies and caramel apples from some mom-and-pop places in town. Memorial Stadium serves Coke products, and does not serve alcohol, except in suite seats. Atmosphere 2 The atmosphere at Memorial Stadium can best be described as pessimistic. This is a fan base that 5-6 years ago was watching a perennial bowl team, an Orange Bowl champion level team with a QB that was a dark horse candidate for the Heisman (seriously, Todd Reesing was amazing). Then, coach Mark Mangino was accused of player mistreatment, the AD at the time wanted someone new, and two bad hires and an interim coach later Kansas fans are saddled with a football team that’s won two conference games in four seasons. Even with a historically bad team, the area surrounding the stadium is festive. The unofficial slogan is, “Win or lose, we’ll still booze.” All the parking lots around the stadium are full of tailgaters hours before game time, although the absolute lack of RVs would be off-putting to any SEC fan. White tents are erected all the way up Campanile Hill, a green area on the south side of the stadium. The great thing about tailgating here is that one can see inside the open end of Memorial Stadium, and theoretically be able to watch the game from outside the stands. A larger HD screen now blocks much of the view, but on any given Saturday one can still find fans who spend the entirety of the game on the hill, enjoying the day with family and friends while their dogs chase rubber footballs on the lawn. Neighborhood 5 The stadium itself is set at the bottom of Campanile Hill, just off Jayhawk Boulevard, the main street of campus. Across the street from campus and the stadium are several blocks of old “student ghetto” houses that undergrads live and party in, especially on game days. I can say from first-hand experience that at many of these student tailgates five kegs can be drained before kickoff. The lawns of these homes are full of parked cars, their drivers having paid a entrepreneurial undergrad who undoubtedly puts that money into the keg fund. There are a few college bars within walking walking distance of the stadium, most notably The Wheel, which has been around for generations, and also The Nest, an outdoor bar on the top of The Oread hotel. From The Nest, patrons can watch the stands fill up at Memorial Stadium, although they rise so high it’s impossible to see the action on the field. About a mile east of Memorial Stadium is Massachusetts Street (“Mass Street”), the heart of downtown Lawrence, named for the origin of the abolitionist founders of the town. If it wasn’t already apparent, Mass Street makes it obvious that Lawrence is the perfect college town. Dozens of local restaurants (don’t miss The Burger Stand at The Casbah), bars (The Sandbar features an “indoor hurricane” a couple times a night), and boutique stores (get your KU gear at Jock’s Nitch) are nestled in between concert venues and independent theatres. On game days, the sidewalks are smothered in crimson and blue clad fans killing time before kickoff, but even on non-football days it’s a great place to spend a few hours shopping, dining, or, of course, drinking. Oh, try to get a reservation at Free State Brewing Company, the first legal brewery in the state of Kansas. Fans 3 This is a basketball-loving fan base, no ifs, ands or buts. However, they will support even a mediocre football team with sell-out crowds. The largest crowd in Memorial Stadium history was a season opening game against Northern Colorado in 2009, and that was following a year in which the team won the Insight Bowl, a game that doesn’t even exist anymore. Any little bit of success is appreciated, as evidenced by the goal post destruction following their win over 2-7 Iowa State. Laugh if you want, but these fans have (mostly) shown up to support a team that’s given them very little to cheer for. Average attendance is around 35,000, not bad for a stadium that holds roughly 50,000. If their next coach gives them a team to be proud of, expect these fans to be filling the house as early as the 2015 season. Access 4 Do not buy a ticket to a KU game prior to arriving, because more than likely you can find someone giving them away before game time. I have seen the athletics department offer tickets on Groupon for $15, which is still more than you should expect to pay. There is plenty of pay-parking in the front and back yards of houses near the stadium, but if you don’t mind walking you can likely find a street spot within half a mile, even if you arrive an hour or less before kick-off. Return on Investment 3 The investment is minimal, and the product is probably better than what you would expect. The stadium is cool, historic, and scenic. It’s right off campus and near enough to downtown that you could take a walk through both before the game and still have time to tailgate. The atmosphere around the stadium is not what you would expect for a historically bad team, but the crowd inside the game is. Fans of Oklahoma, or Baylor, or the other good teams in the Big 12 should certainly make it up for a game in Lawrence, because it will cost basically nothing and they can see their team whoop up on the dregs of the conference. And after the game there are plenty of fun bars and restaurants to visit, in one of the nation’s best college towns. Extras 4 People like to knock Kansas for being flatter than a pancake, tornadoes, and the Wizard of Oz, but a day in Lawrence at a KU football game should give any visitor something else to remember about the Sunflower State. Lawrence is anything but flat, and the views from the top of Mount Oread (the hill on which campus was built) down to Memorial Stadium, and northeast to Mass Street are really something. For an even better perch, don’t miss the vista from The Nest bar in the Oread Hotel. In the Fall, the weather is normally crisp and sunny, and thoughts of tornadoes will slip from your mind, pushed out by the gentle prairie winds. The only “ruby red slippers” you might see someone wearing are crimson cowboy boots with Jayhawks embroidered on them, and everyone knows the Wizard is men’s basketball coach, Bill Self. There’s a joke in there somewhere about the football team playing like a tin-man (no heart) or lion (cowardly), but the Memorial Stadium experience is about more than football. It’s about Kansans and guests taking a day of rest from their jobs in the fields or in an office, and spending that time together, socializing, empathizing, and fraternizing outside a coliseum that has stood for nearly a century, and will for many more decades to come.

Photos by Aaron Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.43 Gaylord Family – Oklahoma Memorial Stadium 180 E Brooks St Norman, OK 73019 Oklahoma Sooners website Gaylord Family – Oklahoma Memorial Stadium website Year Opened: 1923 Capacity: 82,112 The Palace on the Prairie The almost century-old Gaylord Family – Oklahoma Memorial Stadium, also known as “The Palace on the Prairie”, opened in 1923, and following renovations in 2015, currently has a capacity of 86,112, making it the second-largest stadium in the Big 12. Home to the Sooners football team of the University of Oklahoma, the venerable facility is laid out in a bowl design, with both the north and south end zones enclosed; one of the most prominent features at the stadium is the clock tower built into the wall behind the north end zone, on the exterior of the venue. Come gameday in Norman, the Oklahoma Sooners put on quite a show, making Gaylord Family – Oklahoma Memorial Stadium one of the better atmospheres in college football today. Tens of thousands of red-clad fans show up for tailgating hours before kickoff, the atmosphere inside the stadium is loud and raucous, and the staff pulls out all the stops to keep fans engaged, including twin mascots, appearances by the Sooner Schooner, jugglers, OU flags trotted out throughout the game, and even flame and fireworks to welcome the team onto the field. Food & Beverage 5 Gaylord Family – Oklahoma Memorial Stadium’s concessions offer a wide range of the typical fare you would expect from a sports venue, in addition to some more unique items like smoked turkey legs and fried okra, from stands with football-themed names such as the Goal Line Grill and Midfield Favorites. Prices are in-line with costs at similarly-sized venues, but there are plenty of options for those on a budget, including free water from a variety of sources. Food options include nachos, hot dogs and brats, corn dogs, smoked sausage, several types of tacos, pizza, pulled pork, chicken tenders, chicken on a stick, smoked turkey legs, soft pretzels, peanuts, popcorn, fries, and fried okra, as well as packaged candy, several types of cookies (both generic and artisan), brownies, funnel cake, and Cracker Jack, plus Dippin’ Dots and Mini Melts ice cream; prices for these items start at $4 for certain individual selections, and go up to about $17 for combo meals. The drink selection at Gaylord Family – Oklahoma Memorial Stadium is a lot more limited than the food selection, with only bottled water, Coke products, fresh-squeezed lemonade, and icees available. However, a unique offering that is beginning to make an appearance at sports venues across the country, most notably in Texas, is something called the “Grub Tub”, which is a cup of soda (or bottle of water) with a container built into the lid to hold food items – here at Oklahoma, this includes chicken tenders and fries, giving fans a beverage and snack in a single container, so they can hold it in one hand (see a photo of the Grub Tub in the picture gallery for this review). For those looking to stay hydrated, the staff at Gaylord Family – Oklahoma Memorial Stadium provide free water from a variety of sources. First, fans can bring empty containers for water into the stadium, and there are filling stations dotted all over the concourse for these. Second, there are plenty of water fountains around, including long troughs on the lower level which have over a dozen spouts each. Third, there is also a “Cool Zone” on the upper concourse, complete with box fans and giant containers of water (with cups), where game attendees can go and cool off during the game; this area was surprisingly less crowded than I would have expected, given the heat of the day, but perhaps this speaks to the plethora of other water/cooling options available. Atmosphere 5 The atmosphere at Gaylord Family – Oklahoma Memorial Stadium starts to become electric even several hours before kickoff, with tailgaters and red tents as far as the eye can see on your way into the stadium. In fact, there is a company called the Tailgate Guys, whom you can hire to set up your tailgate for you, so all you have to do is show up with your food and drinks and start partying; the Tailgate Guys will set up grills, tents, even TVs for you before your group arrives – they will even light the grill for you, so you can start cooking the minute you get there. After you finish tailgating, make your way into the stadium, and you will be treated to all manner of entertainment provided by the OU staff – they even hire jugglers to walk around the concourse to entertain fans before and during the game. You will also find plenty of Oklahoma-themed décor dotted around the facility, including giant pictures of past players, as well as a wall of honoree plaques at National Honors Plaza. Furthermore, as you make your way out to your seat, you will be treated to an appearance by the Sooner Schooner, get to watch the antics of the two OU mascots, Sooner and Boomer, and see flames fly and fireworks go off as the team comes onto the field, framed by over a dozen banners highlighting Oklahoma football’s past championships – you may even get to see a jet flyover. In addition, before the game or during halftime, watch as the 350-member OU band, the “Pride of Oklahoma” performs intricate maneuvers at midfield. And every time the Oklahoma Sooners score, flag bearers will tear across the field with flags spelling O-K-L-A-H-O-M-A and S-O-O-N-E-R-S, and the Sooner Schooner will make another of its dramatic appearances – pay particular attention to the antics of the guy in the back of the wagon. Lastly, participate in the famed OU cheer, as one side of Gaylord Family – Oklahoma Memorial Stadium yells “Boomer!”, and the other side answers with “Sooner!” Neighborhood 4 Gaylord Family – Oklahoma Memorial Stadium is located on the University of Oklahoma’s campus, so in the immediate vicinity you will find campus buildings, other athletics fields, apartments, dorms, and sorority and frat houses. There are plenty of restaurants, however, about 5-6 blocks directly north of the stadium, along Boyd Street. In this area you will find cuisine of all types, including Thai, Vietnamese, Mexican, Greek, Italian, American, Chinese, you name it – two of the most popular destinations are Louie’s Grill & Bar and The Mont, both of which offer a great selection of food and alcohol. Louie’s offers up classic American, while The Mont features both Mexican and American dishes; either of these would be a great place to hang out before or after the game to take in other football action on TV. If you plan to be in town for the day or for the weekend, the town of Norman, while small, offers several interesting attractions to take in while in the area. Your first stop should be at the National Weather Center, where you can tour the facility and learn how meteorologists get their information – a fun and educational activity for weather geeks and non-geeks alike (note that you will need to make reservations in advance). And, if weather it not your thing, check out the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History, which includes a zoo, dinosaur and insect exhibits, and displays of many other artifacts, which should delight both children as well as adults. Fans 4 Even for games against minor opponents, Oklahoma Sooners fans flock to Gaylord Family – Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in droves, with almost everyone garnered in red to cheer on their team. The crowd provides great energy from the start, and the stadium gets very loud when the team is being introduced, and of course every time the Sooners score. The atmosphere here is exactly what big-time college football is all about, with 80,000-plus screaming, rabid fans cheering on their team; the only downside in terms of fan support here is that the stadium empties out during the third quarter if the Sooners are up big, which is great if you want to move to a lower seat, or deal with less traffic on your way out, but not so great if you were enjoying the energy. As I mentioned earlier, the party gets started many hours before kickoff with tailgating outside the stadium as far as the eye can see. Check out the video below to get a feel for the scene: Access 4 Getting to Gaylord Family – Oklahoma Memorial Stadium is fairly easy as long as you get there early; there are plenty of places to park along Classen Boulevard for $20 (grass lots run by the local FFA, or run by student groups at OU). Note that these parking spaces are only 5-6 blocks from the stadium, but if you want to park closer you will need a parking pass, as all of the closer lots are reserved for season ticket holders and donors. If you are looking to tailgate, as I mentioned earlier you might want to hire the Tailgate Guys to set up everything for you before you arrive. Once you get inside Gaylord Family – Oklahoma Memorial Stadium, moving around is not bad, especially in the concourses on the upper level or behind the end zones, as those areas tend to be less crowded. That said, if you find yourself facing a long line at the concessions wherever you are sitting, try taking a walk toward one of the less crowded sections, where things should be moving a little faster. But no matter where you are sitting, there are plenty of restrooms, and plenty of water fountains and bottle filling stations. Return on Investment 4 Tickets to games at Gaylord Family – Oklahoma Memorial Stadium cost $65 for non-Big 12 opponents, and run between $85 and $115 for Big 12 matchups, depending on the opponent, and this is for tickets in the upper deck. On the plus side, the stadium doesn’t quite sell out anymore, thanks to the recent renovations which added a little capacity, so you should not have to overpay for seats, and you might be able to find them cheaper on secondary sites like Ticket Monster. Regardless, while $100 or so per ticket is certainly reasonable for college football of this caliber, you may want to choose one of the lesser opponents, so you can get all the same Sooner atmosphere, but at a slightly lower cost. Extras 5 The staff deserves a lot of credit for creating a stellar experience at Gaylord Family – Oklahoma Memorial Stadium; special mentions go to the numerous water bottle filling stations, the plethora of water fountains, the Cool Zone, and the jugglers moving around the concourse. The décor inside the stadium is also great, and few fans can help but enjoy the antics of the twin mascots, or fail to enjoy the Sonner Schooner rumbling around the field. Final Thoughts Watching an OU football game at Gaylord Family – Oklahoma Memorial Stadium is a wonderful way to spend an afternoon or evening; this is college football at its finest. Come join 80,000 of your closest friends for a game here, and if you can, make time to also check out the town of Norman and all it has to offer; I guarantee you it will be good time.