Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.43 Camping World Stadium 1 Citrus Bowl Pl Orlando, FL 32805 Pop-Tarts Bowl website Camping World Stadium website Year Opened: 1936 Capacity: 65,000 A Master Class in Bowl Sponsorship Marketing Previously known as the Camping World Bowl, the Pop-Tarts Bowl features matchups between teams from the ACC and Big 12 – this usually provides for some solid games between fan bases that are loyal and passionate. Add this to the weather in Florida in December, and you have a great recipe for a perfect evening watching college football. While this would make a bowl game notable in its own right, the Pop-Tarts Bowl has taken things to another level; a masterful use of marketing genius, this bowl game has gone all-in with its Pop-Tarts sponsorship, ushering in a golden age of viral marketing that fans can experience in and around game day. Food & Beverage 5 Finding food at Camping World Stadium is easy. For those in the suite levels, the food options are incredibly plentiful; the main suite on the recently renovated west side of the stadium features a full-service bar and buffet. From the majority of food vendors a quality hot dog will cost you $7; nachos are $7.50, popcorn is $5.50, and fries are $7. The best food option remains anything from the 4 Rivers BBQ booths, a local barbecue chain that has gained popularity in recent years thanks to its quality meats and sauces. Offering both BBQ nachos and BBQ pulled pork sandwiches for $16 each, this is a can’t miss option. Pizza from Little Caesar’s runs $12 for cheese or pepperoni, while for beverages, a domestic beer runs $11 and premium beer is $13. Bottled water runs $5.50, while a bottled soda will cost you $6.50. Premium seltzer runs $15, with cocktails ranging from $15 to $23. The Pop-Tarts Bowl even features two specialty cocktails, one for each team ($15 for a single, $23 for a double). However, the big star here is without a doubt the Pop-Tarts and Cheez-It concessions that incorporate those items into various recipes – these unique creations are available during both the Pop-Tarts Bowl and the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl, thanks to the partnership between Levy Restaurants and Kellanova. Featured Pop-Tarts items include the Hot Fudge Pop-Tarts Waffle Bowl Sundae ($10), Boston Cream Pie Pop-Tarts Trifle ($10), Strawberry Pop-Tarts Trifle ($10), and even a PB&J Pop-Tarts Bavarian Pretzel. Cheez-It items include the Walking Cheez-It Nachos ($13), Mac and Cheez-It Nachos ($13), Loaded Chili Cheez-It Crunch Dog ($13), and the fan favorite Cheez-It Tender Dog. These items, along with several others, make up arguably one of the best and most unique concession menus in college sports. Atmosphere 5 The game itself is almost assured to be a great matchup – pitting top-level teams from the ACC and Big 12, exciting matchups are part of the expectation at the Pop-Tarts Bowl. On top of that, the stadium itself is a great venue; the venue has seen continued improvements over the years, with the north end zone being filled in on the second level for stadium seating. While the beautiful view of the lake just beyond the stadium’s gates has now been blocked, the filled in bowl looks and feels more like a traditional stadium. Football in Florida in December means stellar weather, and Florida’s perfect winter climate is on full display here, with temperatures rarely lower than the 50s. The pre-game pageantry of the band performances, the exciting game action, and the feel of a bowl-game matchup all make the Pop-Tarts Bowl an exciting game to be a part of. There is also plenty of beautiful scenery, with downtown Orlando just to the east and lakes to the north and south of the stadium. The Pop-Tarts Bowl also features plenty of traditional college football experiences; the pre-game and halftime performances traditionally feature both of the schools’ bands, and there is also a pre-game fan fest that includes live music, photo opportunities with mascots, band performances, VIP tents, and interactive displays. Camping World Stadium is excellently decorated too, with bowl-game logos and sponsorship activations all over the stadium. The Fan Fest also features photo ops with the previous year’s edible mascot in shrine form, as well as the game’s trophy. Pop-Tarts giveaways are plentiful, and merchandise is sold at numerous tents all over the stadium’s concourses. Neighborhood 5 What can you say about downtown Orlando? With Camping World Stadium within walking distance of downtown, fans can park in any of the various lots and garages downtown, then walk to and from the stadium along Church Street, the hub of Orlando’s rebirth as a foodie and entertainment destination. The City of Orlando has become a sports-thirsty destination over the last few years – with the explosion in popularity of Orlando City and the Orlando Pride, and a renewed interest in the Orlando Magic, the City Beautiful loves sports. There are suburbs to the west of Camping World Stadium, with the downtown city center to the east. There are also tons of hotels nearby, and since the venue sits next to I-4, getting to other resorts and hotels in the greater Orlando area is not hard to do either. If you want to stay somewhere nearby, Aloft Downtown Orlando and the Grand Bohemian Hotel Orlando are right in the middle of downtown. For food, the Orlando sports faithful flock to the numerous bars and eateries on South Street and Church Street in downtown. For attractions, Walt Disney World and Universal Studios Orlando are both mere minutes south of the downtown area. Fans 4 The fans at the Pop-Tarts Bowl are loyal and usually travel well. The lower bowl usually fills up for this game, meaning the sound level will get pretty high when the crowd gets into the game. For bigger matchups, upper level seating has also been opened up to accommodate fans. That said, while 2022’s FSU vs. Oklahoma matchup saw 61,000 fans pack into all levels of the stadium, the last two editions of the game only saw the lower two levels opened, with the entire upper deck empty. Access 5 Camping World Stadium sits just a stone’s throw from I-4, literally just off the 408 highway. Getting there is not difficult from the local roads either, as most are multi-lane, and signage is well placed for the parking areas. Parking on site is plentiful and easy to find. For those without a parking pass, you can find parking in various nearby parking lots and from those selling parking in their front yards. Public transport is also available in the area, making getting to Camping World Stadium an easy process. Return on Investment 4 Tickets to the Pop-Tarts Bowl start at just $38 for middle-deck end zone seating, going all the way up to $48 for lower level end zone, $72 for corner seating, $109 for sideline seats, and $175 to $217 for club level seats. Parking is plentiful in numerous lots, both at the stadium and in private lots nearby. The thing that sets this game apart from the rest is the incredible marketing and sponsorship activations. Extras 3 Fans can take photos next to numerous bronze statues around the property, which were donated by artists of note. Fans can also pick up numerous giveaways at the pre-game Fan Fest next to Camping World Stadium. During the game, Pop-Tarts merchandise and logos is visible all over the stadium, from the unique concessions to the branded on-field performances. Final Thoughts This game is without a doubt one of the best examples of incorporating a sponsor into the bowl game’s identity. After years of rotating sponsors, the Pop-Tarts Bowl seems to have found a fantastic partner that has created a cult following around the game. From a trophy that features a working toaster to an edible mascot, it is hard to argue with the marketing genius of the Pop-Tarts Bowl. And if fan response is any indication, it is going to be hard to top it anywhere else.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 MassMutual Center 1277 Main St. Springfield, MA 01103 American International College hockey website MassMutual Center website Year Opened: 1972 Capacity: 6,800 Done With D-One   American International College was founded in 1885 by Calvin E. Amaron to provide a place for local French-Canadian residents to pursue higher education. Today, AIC boasts an enrollment of around 2,200 students in 37 undergraduate and postgraduate programs.   AIC’s athletic teams are nicknamed the Yellow Jackets and compete in Division Two’s Northeast-10 Conference alongside other small colleges in New England. AIC’s hockey team has competed in Division One since 1998. One AIC alumnus, Dave Forbes, has played in the National Hockey League.   The first hockey team to represent AIC played in 1948. For many years, the school competed in ECAC Division Two, moving down to Division Three when D-2 hockey dissolved in 1984. In 1998 the MAAC started sponsoring hockey, and AIC joined as an associate member, elevating their program to Division One. The Yellow Jackets were a fixture at the bottom of the conference, losing 20 games or more in 18 out of 19 seasons beginning in 1999.   A new era for AIC hockey began in 2016 with the hiring of Eric Lang as head coach. The Yellow Jackets won their first conference championship and qualified for their first NCAA tournament in 2019. They upset top-seeded St. Cloud in the opening round, considered one of the biggest upsets in tournament history. AIC won their conference title for four consecutive seasons from 2019-2022, qualifying for three NCAA tournaments during this time (the 2020 tournament was cancelled due to the COVID pandemic).   In November 2024 American International announced that they would be moving the hockey program back to Division Two for the 2025-26 season as part of their “Pathways to Progress” plan, which addresses budgetary and enrollment concerns at the school. The hockey team will join the Northeast-10 Conference alongside the other Yellow Jacket squads.   The MassMutual Center has served as the home of AIC hockey since 2016. The arena, built in 1972, was originally named the Springfield Civic Center. It served as home to the NHL’s Hartford Whalers in 1978 when the Hartford Civic Center’s roof collapsed. As part of 2005 renovations to the facility, the largest convention center in western Massachusetts was built adjacent to the arena. Located just a mile away from the AIC campus, the facility also serves as home to the Springfield Thunderbirds  of the American Hockey League.   Food & Beverage 2   Only one concession stand is open for AIC hockey games at the MassMutual Center. The Hot Dog Nation stand sells Nathan’s hot dogs, pretzels, popcorn, and assorted snacks. Pepsi products are featured at the MassMutual Center.   Fans looking for an adult beverage can step next door to the Sam Adams stand, where a selection of brews from the local craft beer giant are available, as well as Coors Light drafts. An assortment of canned mixed drinks and wine can also be purchased here.    Atmosphere 2   No matter how hard you try, a crowd of 200 or so in a 7,000-seat arena is not going to make a ton of noise. The giant video board hanging at center ice is put to good use with replays, crowd shots and sponsor ads. Music plays over the arena’s solid sound system and the PA announcer adds a bit of energy to the proceedings. Unfortunately, there’s little else going on to add to the game day experience at the MassMutual Center. Neighborhood 4   While downtown Springfield has long had a reputation as a less than desirable place to be, that has begun to change in recent years. With the construction of the MGM Springfield Casino across the street from the arena and convention center, the number of options for visitors to downtown Springfield is constantly increasing.   Fans looking for places to eat will now find several choices near the MassMutual Center. Locals flock to the nearby Red Rose Pizzeria, a Springfield institution that has been in business since 1963. The Student Prince Cafe and Fort Restaurant offers traditional German fare, and Theodore’s Blues, Booze and BBQ offers great examples of what they advertise in their name. There are additional options in the casino, including the Chandler Steakhouse, TAP Sports Bar and Cal Mare.   Likewise, there is no lack of places to stay downtown. The Springfield Marriott, Holiday Inn Express and Sheraton Springfield Monarch Place are within walking distance of the arena. Of course, the casino has plenty of rooms from which visiting fans can choose.   Springfield’s biggest attraction is located just a mile away from the MassMutual Center across Route 91. The Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame is open year-round and has more than enough basketball memorabilia on site to satisfy even the most rabid hoop fan.   The Dr. Seuss National Memorial Sculpture Garden is located a short walk from the MassMutual Center. While there you can see bronze statues of the Cat in the Hat, Horton the elephant, and many other favorites. Also located in this complex are the Dr. Suess Museum, the Springfield Science Museum and the D’Amour Museum of Fine Arts.   Fans 1   As you might expect, attendance has really bottomed out at AIC hockey games since the announcement that the team was leaving D-1. While attendance numbers were never exactly strong at AIC to begin with, average has dropped to around 250 fans per game at the end of 2024, ranking them next-to-last in all of Division One. Only Stonehill draws fewer fans. A Yellow Jacket crowd is what we at Stadium Journey call a “friends and family” crowd, which is very unusual to see at this level of the sport.   Stadium Journey visited Springfield on a Saturday afternoon during the semester break, so there were no students in attendance for this game. There were under 200 fans in the building. Even though the MassMutual Center is only a mile from campus, there has never been a strong turnout from the student body. The Yellow Jackets’ quirky schedule, with many afternoon and weekday games, has never done the team any favors. Access 3 The MassMutual Center is located in downtown Springfield, MA, a city of over 155,000 residents. Springfield is the third largest city in Massachusetts and the fourth largest city in all of New England. The MassMutual Center is easy to get to, as it is just a few blocks from Interstate 91. Interstates 291 and 90 (the Mass Pike) run just a few miles away. Springfield refers to itself as “The Crossroads of New England.”   Springfield’s Union Station , with hubs for Greyhound, Peter Pan and Pioneer Valley Transit bus lines as well as Amtrak and CT Rail trains, is located only a half mile from the arena. Several Pioneer Valley Transit bus routes stop at Court Square, right across the street from MassMutual Center. Plentiful parking can be found at the MGM Casino garage, in surface lots in the area, or on-street for fans who want to search for it.   So, why only an average access score? The Civic Center parking garage across the street from the arena’s front entrance is being totally rebuilt. The $35 million project, which began in 2022, is expected to be completed sometime during the 2024-25 season. The new garage will feature retail and restaurant space at ground level, an outdoor plaza, and parking for 800-900 cars. But for now, construction has shut down Bruce Landon Way, altering traffic and entry patterns for visitors. If you don’t know the area well, your easiest option is to park at the MGM Casino and walk to the arena.   With the tiny crowds at AIC games, getting around the facility is not an issue. All fans are seated on the south side of the rink. You’ll have plenty of room to spread out, and lines won’t be an issue at concession stands or in the restrooms.   Return on Investment 5   Tickets to Yellow Jackets games are sold as General Admission for twelve dollars. There is ample on-street parking in the vicinity of the arena, which is free on nights and weekends, just pay attention to the hours that meters are in operation. Free parking is also available at the MGM Springfield Casino garage a short walk from the arena. Extras 2   American International has recognized their recent success by hanging banners honoring the team’s Atlantic Conference championships and NCAA tournament appearances.   While the move to the south side grandstand has eliminated access to the Springfield Hockey Hall of Fame plaques, the banners honoring Indians, Kings, Falcons and Thunderbirds champions are still visible to fans, and the banners honoring luminaries including Willie O’Ree, Eddie Shore, Bruce Landon and more are visible during AIC games.   Final Thoughts   American International College was the feel-good story of college hockey just a few years ago. But the changing economics of the sport has claimed its first victim in this tiny western Massachusetts school. AIC will not return to the MassMutual Center for the 2025-2026 season, but they have not announced where they will play. A return to the Olympia Ice Arena  in West Springfield, their home from 1998-2016, is likely.   Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter  and Instagram  @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Camping World Stadium 1 Citrus Bowl Pl Orlando, FL 32805 Cure Bowl website Camping World Stadium website Year Opened: 1936 Capacity: 65,000 10 Years of Cure Bowl Greatness Having played several years at Exploria Stadium  and a year UCF’s FBC Mortgage Stadium after that, the Cure Bowl returns home to Camping World Stadium in 2024. Home to the Citrus Bowl  and the Pop-Tarts Bowl , this facility already features everything needed for bowl-level college football game day experiences. Aside from that, the Cure Bowl continues to be the only bowl game each year to raise money for charity, donating profits to cancer research. With an upgrade in venue and continued growth, this bowl continues to impress after 10 years of exceptional football matchups.   Food & Beverage   4 Finding food at Camping World Stadium is easy. For those in the suite levels, the food options are incredibly plentiful – the main suite on the recently renovated west side of the stadium features a full-service bar and buffet. For the majority of food vendors, a quality hot dog will cost you $7; nachos are $7.50, popcorn is $5.50, and fries are $7. The best food option remains anything from the 4 Rivers BBQ booths, a local barbecue chain that has gained popularity in recent years thanks to its quality meats and sauces. Offering both BBQ nachos and BBQ pulled pork sandwiches for $16 each, this is a can’t miss option. Pizza from Little Caesars runs $12 for cheese or pepperoni, while for beverages, a domestic beer runs $11 and premium beer is $13. Bottled water runs $5.50, while a bottled soda will cost you $6.50. Premium seltzer runs $15, while cocktails range from $15 to $23.   Atmosphere   3 Football in Florida in December means stellar weather – Florida’s perfect winter climate is on full display at the Cure Bowl, with temperatures rarely lower than the 50s. In addition, the pre-game pageantry of the band performances, the exciting game action, and the feel of a bowl-game matchup all make the Cure Bowl an exciting game to be a part of. There is also plenty of beautiful scenery, with downtown Orlando just to the east and lakes to the north and south of Camping World Stadium. The Cure Bowl features plenty of traditional college football experiences; the pre-game and halftime performances traditionally feature both school bands, and there is also a pre-game fan fest that includes live music, photo opportunities with mascots, band performances, VIP tents, and interactive displays. Camping World Stadium has seen continued improvements over the years, with the north end zone being filled in on the second level for stadium seating. While the beautiful view of the lake just beyond the venue’s gates has now been blocked, the filled in bowl looks and feels more like a traditional football facility. The biggest downside of the Cure Bowl is that only the lower concourse level is open to fans, meaning access to the main concourse that encircles the stadium is blocked off. That said, it does help to condense the fans who are in attendance, making it feel fuller than it actually is.   Neighborhood   5 What can you say about downtown Orlando? With Camping World Stadium in walking distance of downtown, fans can park in any of the various lots and garages downtown, then walk to and from Camping World Stadium along Church Street, the hub of Orlando’s rebirth as a foodie and entertainment destination. The City of Orlando has become a sports-thirsty destination over the last few years – with the explosion in popularity of Orlando City  and the Orlando Pride , and a renewed interest in the Orlando Magic , the City Beautiful loves sports. There are suburbs to the west of Camping World Stadium, with the downtown city center to the east. There are also tons of hotels nearby, and since the venue sits next to I-4, getting to other resorts and hotels in the greater Orlando area is not hard to do either. If you want to stay somewhere nearby, Aloft Downtown Orlando and Grand Bohemian Hotel Orlando are right in the middle of downtown. For food, the Orlando sports faithful flock to Lion’s Pride, as well as Schumann’s Jager Haus. For attractions, Walt Disney World and Universal Studios Orlando are both mere minutes south of the downtown area.   Fans   3 The atmosphere at the Cure Bowl is different from most, as all those in attendance are helping to contribute to a worthy cause. The crowd is smaller than some of those at bigger bowls – this is partially a result of the Cure Bowl tie-ins, which usually result in smaller schools from mid-level conferences being invited, with Ohio and Jax State  highlighting the most recent match-up.   Fans nonetheless can get a taste of the pageantry of bowl games. As with all bowl games, the fans who do travel are the most diehard for their respective schools, so even lower attendance games in large stadiums feel like a massive crowd is cheering with each play on the field. Additionally, the Cure Bowl is very family friendly, thanks to its cancer research focus. The game also invites cancer survivors to the game, celebrating their spirit during the matchup with an on-field presentation. Finally, the Cure Bowl also features the post-game trophy presentation that championship events are known for, completing the championship feel of the event for fans in the stands.   Access   5 Camping World Stadium sits just a stone’s throw from I-4 and is literally just off the 408 highway. Getting there is not difficult from the local roads either, as most are multi-lane, and signage is well placed for the parking areas. Parking on site is plentiful and easy to find. For those without a parking pass, you can find parking in various nearby parking lots and from those selling parking in their front yards. Public transport is also available in the area, making getting to Camping World Stadium an easy process.   Return on Investment   5 Tickets to the Cure Bowl start at just $35, with most of the stadium available for $50-$65. Parking is plentiful in numerous lots around the stadium as well as in various private lots nearby, running in the $20-$50 range depending on how close you prefer to park. For bowl tickets, this is relatively affordable, and given that the profits from the game go directly to cancer research, it is hard to find a better value for your buck in the bowl game world. The Cure Bowl also offers an official pre-game tailgate for $85 – this exclusive tailgate area inside the fan fest section of the stadium parking lot includes free drinks and food, as well as band performances from both schools.   Extras   3 Unique to the Cure Bowl is the survivors march, with fans and cancer survivors marching to Camping World Stadium with the school bands, akin to what you’d find at major soccer games. In addition, as fans enter the facility they can pick up signs that say “I Fight For ____” – the blank space is used to write the name(s) of loved ones they may know who have had cancer. There is also a silent auction with plenty of items up for bid from past games, with proceeds going to cancer research.   Final Thoughts The Cure Bowl is a great game that continues to build on a history of tradition in Central Florida, offering fans the chance to make a difference while watching their favorite team on the field. With the return to Camping World Stadium, you can be assured that the game day experience feels more like that of a big-time matchup in a proper football stadium.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Hagersville Memorial Arena 36 Sherring Street North Hagersville, ON N0A 1H0 Hagersville Hawks website Hagersville Memorial Arena website Year Opened: 1956 Capacity: 500 __________________________________________________________________________________ Hagersville’s Gem Normally thought of as a hotbed for lacrosse, the community of Hagersville has a little hockey history as well. Hagersville is immediately south of the Mississaugas of the Credit Reservation and the famed Iroquois Lacrosse Arena has a Hagersville address, which explains the link to lacrosse. Hagersville is a community of around 3,100 in Haldimand County and is home to the Hagersville Hawks of the Junior C, PJHL Bloomfield Division. Hagersville is also known for being the birthplace of Jay Silverheels, Tonto from 1950s Lone Ranger TV show and Rush’s Neil Peart. Four-time Olympic Hockey Medalist Becky Kellar also calls Hagersville home and her accomplishments are celebrated outside the arena. The Hawks began in 1992 as a Junior D team where they were very successful. They moved to the Niagara Junior C Hockey League in 2013, which was eventually absorbed into the PJHL. The Hagersville Memorial Arena is a throwback arena, one of those arenas where patrons comment that they “don’t make them like this anymore.” The arena was built in 1956 and has a capacity of 500. It is a truly unique facility and a place that truly needs to be experienced. Food & Beverage 3 In the lobby of the Hagersville Arena there is Mel’s Snack Shop, a small concession. Hot dogs, popcorn, pretzels, candy, chocolate, chips and cookies are on the menu. Coke and Pepsi products are available as well as coffee, tea, juice, energy drinks, Gatorade, water and slushies. Upstairs, beer and alcohol are available in the Blueline Club. Atmosphere 4 The exterior of Hagersville Arena features dark siding with a peaked roof and grey brick. It is clear that the lobby was an addition at one point. A sign displaying the accomplishments of Becky Kellar is right in front of the arena for all fans to see upon entry. Entering the arena, fans come to a small lobby and are met with temporary tables to facilitate ticket sales and the 50/50 draw. Trophy cases in the lobby have a number of interesting nuggets and artifacts. One case is specifically dedicated to the Hawks and houses all of the awards that the Hawks present annually. Past the lobby, into the arena fans are struck by the uniqueness of the facility. Wooden support beams meet at a high peak over the ice to support the roof with silver insulation. There is not a ton of space in this arena, but they definitely make the most of it in Hagersville. The ice surface is southeast to northwest oriented. To see the centre ice logo and get that perfect picture, fans will want to be on the short, northwest end, which is unique in and of itself. The Blueline Club is in a room above the lobby on the northwest end and has windows that look out to the ice. A portrait of Queen Elizabeth II hangs above the benches on the northeast side and further aids with that old school atmosphere. A small pressbox is found on the opposite side and welcomes everyone to the Hawks Nest. The walls are littered with minor hockey banners. Championship banners from the Junior D days hang on the southeast end along with a banner honouring the accomplishments of Becky Kellar. New scoreboards hang on each end below the wooden peaks and were funded by Hawks superfan Murray Johnson. The southeast scoreboard has his picture right beside it. The Blueline Club also has the Hagersville Wall of Fame and more artifacts from team's past. The seating in the arena consists of wooden bleachers with four rows in each section that are quite steep. The entirety of the bleacher sections are made of wood, not just the planks to sit on. The gameday production is pretty simple in Hagersville, but also a bit unique compared to other PJHL experiences. A 50/50 draw and program raffles are the promotions. The Hawks actually have two different announcers. A young girl announces the penalties and goals, while an older man does more of the hyping of the crowd. It provides an interesting dynamic that is unique. A red goal light and siren speakers sit atop the press box and signify a Hawks goal. Neighbourhood 2 Hagersville is located southeast of Brantford. It has the small town feel to it and there are a few options for pre or post game food or drink. Plank Road Taps & Grill, Rise n’ Shine Cafe, Rollins Smokehouse, Burger Barn and MJ’s Diner are all options. The Six Nations Arrows and Six Nations Chiefs, among other junior lacrosse teams, call the Iroquois Lacrosse Arena home, but play during the summer months. For other sporting options, heading to Paris or Brantford or taking in the rival Dundas Blues or Glanbrook Rangers would be the best idea. Chiefswood Historic Site and Bell Homestead are other tourist options. For fans wishing to stay in the area, Jays Motel and Restaurant is an option along with other B&B spots. Heading into Simcoe or Brantford would be the best idea for chain hotels. Fans 3 It is difficult to assess fans in the PJHL as many teams do not publish attendance figures and the league does not compile the statistics for comparison. The Hagersville Hawks average around 200 fans per game. At the time of writing, in the 2024-25 season, the Hawks averaged 202 fans per game and 216 the previous season. The fans that are in attendance are generally loud and supportive of the team, a bit more than the average team. Access 4 Hagersville Memorial Arena is located in the community of Hagersville, part of Haldimand County. It is in the northeast corner of Sherring Street and Athens Street. Getting to the arena is not difficult. It is just east of Highway 6, which runs south from Hamilton. There is free parking on site. For fans wishing to take public transit, there is some limited transit that services Hagersville. Fans should consult the Southern Ontario Transit website for fares, schedules and maps. The age of Hagersville Memorial can make getting around a little bit of a challenge, but not too bad. Those with mobility issues may find the seating area a bit challenging. The washrooms are adequate for the facility. Return on Investment 5 Tickets for the Hagersville Hawks are $10 with students and seniors getting in for $8 and children only $3. Parking is free and concession prices are good. The product on the ice is decent in the PJHL, but experiencing a classic facility like Hagersville Arena puts the experience over the top and makes the return that much better. Extras 3 An extra mark for the Hagersville Memorial Arena as a classic, old-school hockey barn. An extra mark for the Hagersville Arena as a community hub and the Hawks as a team with a strong community feel to them. An extra mark for the rivalry Hagersville has with Glanbrook, Dundas and other members of the Bloomfield Division. Final Thoughts There is something to be said for getting to experience hockey in an old-school hockey barn like the Hagersville Memorial Arena while it is still possible. Taking in a Hagersville Hawks game offers a glimpse into the past when hockey was a simpler game. Fans will definitely love the arena and will make plans for a return! Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube, Twitter, Threads and Instagram @profan9.

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 McDougald-McLendon Gymnasium 1801 Fayetteville St. Durham, NC 27707 North Carolina Central Eagles website McDougald-McLendon Gymnasium website Year Opened: 1955 Capacity: 3,116 Classic Gymnasium Basketball There is something to be said whenever college basketball is played in an old school gymnasium instead of a modern-day sports arena. Sure, you lose some of those creature comforts you have come to expect from newer facilities, but instead you gain a rich history and tradition that simply oozes from the very walls you walk past. This idyllic image is perpetuated through the game day experience at North Carolina Central University’s McDougald-McLendon Arena. For women’s basketball, a sport growing year after year, NCCU fans have come to appreciate the history mixed with athletic success. You get all of that here, thanks to an old college gymnasium that embraces that mantra and showcases its past for all to see.   Food & Beverage   2 The biggest downside to games at NC Central is the lack of concessions – only two concession stands exist inside the facility, with some games only having one open. On top of that, the menu is incredibly limited in scope. However, what may be lacking in variety certainly makes up for it in affordability. Chips or candy can be purchased for $3, while all drinks as well as fresh popcorn come in at $5.   Atmosphere   3 There is a lot of history to be respected in Durham when it comes to college basketball, and NC Central has played a big part in that. When wandering the halls of McDougald-McLendon Arena, nearly every inch of wall space is occupied by plaques and photographs honoring past school athletes from countless disciplines and decades. Several trophy cases show off the school’s haul of athletic hardware from nearly 100 years of college sports excellence, while large display cases in the hall corners show off historic photographs of everything from past presidents visiting the campus to sports highlights. In addition, a plethora of banners hang in the rafters above the court, honoring various national championships and NCAA Tournament appearances. Retired numbers of both men’s and women’s basketball players are also visible. On top of all that, the arena itself is constructed with old materials that make 100 fans feel like 1,000 when it comes to noise levels. All the seats on the main and upper levels are painted wood, and the walls are old fashioned brick, while a vaulted ceiling gathers and returns the crowd’s cheers with great effect. The place has an aged look to it, from paint peeling in spots from the ceiling to the muted colors of the hardwood court – it’s everything true college basketball fans have come to love about the sport in its purest form. Perhaps the lone modern touch here is the live DJ that plays during game breaks and during pre-game warmups.   Neighborhood   4 The area around NC Central is mostly residential, but just beyond lies the greatness of the greater Raleigh-Durham area. Just a 20-minute drive from RDU airport, the campus lies within a short distance of countless dining and shopping areas. Hotels are also plentiful in the area, with downtown Durham just a few minutes away from NCCU’s campus.   Fans   3 Eagles fans are diehards; even on a weekday game during the depths of winter break, a solid contingent of loyal fans across all ages can be found at McDougald-McLendon Arena watching NC Central women’s basketball. Fellow student athletes are also frequently in attendance, and on top of that, the games always have a family friendly atmosphere. And thanks to the building itself, even a small crowd sounds loud and intimidating to visiting teams. While not every game is a sellout, every game has a segment of loyal fans, from current students to decade’s old graduates supporting their Alma Mater.   Access   5 For McDougald-McLendon Arena, exits on nearby Durham Highway 147, and the further away I-85 and I-885, can bring you straight to the campus gates. Once there, free parking for women’s basketball games is plentiful quite literally across the street in the Latham Parking Deck. Numerous other lots are available nearby as well. Once inside, ushers and security are available to help direct fans to their seats.   Return on Investment   4 Tickets to NC Central women’s basketball games start at just $20 for general admission; those seats make up the majority of the seating at McDougald-McLendon Arena. Two sections in the upper level at mid-court are reserved seating, going for $30 a ticket, and that is it. In addition, with free parking and cheap snacks and drinks, a family can easily visit a game at McDougald-McLendon Arena without breaking the bank.   Extras   3 As before, countless memories flow through the halls at McDougald-McLendon Arena. For college sports fans both casual and diehard, a walk throughout the main concourse here is well worth the time, giving you an appreciation for the school’s long history of barrier-breaking achievements. During women’s basketball games, a fan is also selected to shoot a half-court shot to win a prize pack. Finally, the campus bookstore is located in the Latham Parking Deck across the street from the arena itself, giving fans the perfect chance to load up on Eagles gear before the game to show their support.   Final Thoughts If you’re looking for a unique and historic college basketball experience, look no further than McDougald-McLendon Arena. Located in the heart of college basketball territory, just a few minutes’ drive from downtown Durham, the NC Central women’s basketball team enjoys the gift of playing inside a historic site that showcases the school’s rich athletic history. What it lacks in creature comforts and modern touches, it makes up for in quality vibes.

Photo by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey If you are making plans to visit Indiana this summer, cross Kokomo off your list. The Jackrabbits announced on social media that they will sit out the 2025 season. The Kokomo Jackrabbits are taking the 2025 season off. The Northwoods League club announced on social media that “due to various unforeseen circumstances” the team would be unable to compete this summer. The decision comes less than three months after a lawsuit between the city and club ownership. The city of Kokomo and Kokomo Baseball LLC, the limited liability company ROC Venture, claimed that it did not renew the lease of the stadium as recognized. According to an article in the Kokomo Tribune , The lease, according to the city’s complaint filed with Howard County Circuit Court, requires the owners of the Jackrabbits to give the city written notice no later than 90 days before the agreement ends if it wants to renew for another five years. The Jackrabbits claimed it had a verbal agreement for the next five years during a virtual meeting on May 17; however, the city argues that no written notice was given last season. Because of that, the team had to vacate Kokomo Municipal Stadium  by September 30, when the lease expired. Jackrabbits management added. “While this necessarily doesn’t mean the end of the Jackrabbits, however as it stands, the future holds more questions than answers right now.” The Jackrabbits were founded in 2014 as members of the Prospect League but moved to the Northwoods League in 2019.  It marked the first time an organized summer baseball team was in town in 53 years since the Midwest League’s Kokomo Dodgers. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter   and his YouTube channel .  Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photo courtesy of Boston.com Recently, the University of Vermont (UVM) Catamounts surprised just about everyone but themselves by winning the NCAA men’s soccer national title, their first ever. While the Cats had never been to a Final Four before this season, they had made two Elite Eight appearances, most recently two years ago. For a majority of this season though, the Cats flew somewhat under the radar. However, they went on a magnificent post-season run, winning three road NCAA playoff games, including a cross country jaunt to U San Diego, before winning two games in Cary, North Carolina. Brian McLaughlin, the Catamounts play by play announcer, took a few minutes to discuss this historic season, as well as some other miscellaneous fun, including his experiences with Vermont Green FC. Here's Brian broadcasting the highlights of this year's America East championship game:    STADIUM JOURNEY:  How did the Cats pull this off? Not only did they win it all, but they did it, except for one game, on the road. Of course, they have great talent, but a lot of teams have great talent. BRIAN:  The core of players who had previous wins in the tournament were able to instill belief in the very talented newcomers. Leaders Zach Barrett and Adrian Schulze Solano were massive parts of that, but Mike Bleeker who transferred in from American, also became a big part of the leadership group. This was a team that felt they belonged on any field they showed up at. The tone setting center-back pairing of the hulking Max Murray and Barrett made sure that no opponent was ever comfortable with the ball. Then of course, they got such timely goal scoring. Yaniv Bazini was the star for much of the run, but when David Ismail, Marcell Papp and Max Kissell are chipping in with Barrett and Murray - both dangerous on set pieces – it’s a brutal attacking group to keep off the scoreboard for 90 minutes. And I haven’t even mentioned Sydney Wathuta who was maybe the best isolation winger in the country. Niklas Herceg was also fantastic during the tournament run and made countless important saves, which every championship soccer team needs.    STADIUM JOURNEY: What's next for the Catamounts? They have a lot of talent graduating. Do you have any idea who's returning?  BRIAN :  Of course there's a chance players who still have eligibility remaining do not return, and they lose such a massive group of long-time contributors, so it will be a daunting task. But if the young guys do stick around a core of Herceg, Kissell, Ryan Zellefrow, Andrew Millar, Jeremy Tsang and Nick Lockerman is not a bad starting point. And others as well will be back who contributed to this run. These coaches have proven to be outstanding recruiters and have developed loads of talent over the last few seasons. I would anticipate more key additions both from the States and international talent pools to fill some of those gaps vacated by the longtime Catamounts.    STADIUM JOURNEY: Perhaps your most memorable call was for the Catamount  women's  soccer team, which is featured here: How does a broadcaster prepare to make a call for the ages? How do you find those words at that precise moment? Is this something they cover at Penn State? (Brian is a Penn State grad.) BRIAN:  I try not to script anything before the game even if I know there's a chance the game has a memorable ending. Sometimes you can’t help it like Dalen Cuff for this UVM national title. “Don’t Call them Cinderella! You can call them national champions” is almost definitely pre-planned in some way, but he still delivered it with authenticity, and it felt natural. He absolutely nailed it. It is most important to feel natural and not forced. That Basa call was honestly me just letting it rip in the moment and people really enjoyed the result. In my mind, I just want to make sure I know why this game matters and why this moment matters and try to use my voice to match the emotion of the moment. Whatever comes out is hopefully concise and clean. If I had to redo the Basa call, I probably wouldn’t scream her name for so long, but I think people really related to the emotion in my voice and felt I matched the moment well even if what I said wasn’t perfect. As for what they taught at Penn State, I think we definitely were always discussing what makes a great highlight call. You want authority in your voice. Connect the moment to what makes it meaningful. Try to have punch in your voice without a straight scream or a growl sound. And you don’t want to be too wordy, especially on tv. My approach is a bit different for radio. Luckily, I went to school with some people who were also broadcast nerds, and we would constantly be evaluating each other and announcers on TV. I still take notes on the best broadcasters in the game to try to implement things they do into my own skill set. As for big moments nobody is better at the moment than Ian Eagle who uses wit and humor mixed with a great vocabulary or Kevin Harlan who has such an awesome voice and delivery and a mastery for the language.  Photo courtesy of Brian McLaughlin   STADIUM JOURNEY: Vermont Green FC, which has a rabid following, has a special place in your heart. What makes this USL League Two squad such a special experience? Explain the magic. BRIAN:  Rabid following may be putting it lightly. There has been a lot made of the incredible fan support for UVM in Cary for the College Cup, and I think Vermont Green deserves some credit for helping grow this soccer crazed community. They have built such a distinct culture in Burlington during the summer. It’s an environment that you just want to be around - so many smiling faces at games, passionate community members who have a love for soccer. Or maybe many who don’t, but they relate to the broader message of creating climate justice through sports. The branding is bold and colorful. The games are loud and rowdy. The social media is engaging and feels down to earth. It’s fun for the players who also happen to play such a delightful brand of attacking soccer. They have great coaches who develop the on-field talent and invested leaders who care about every single detail of their organization. And UVM has only helped assist Vermont Green as a partner. It’s become a really special bond between the two, and they share a fanbase in many ways. They have built such a wonderful culture in such a short time, and it has transformed many locals into soccer fanatics. I do not think it’s a surprise that their explosion has coincided with Vermont’s national title.    STADIUM JOURNEY: So a fan wants to hit a soccer or basketball game in Burlington. What are a few spots you'd recommend for before and after the game? Hidden gems? BRIAN:  Well, it depends what time of year. Burlington feels like two different towns from winter to summer. If you are in town for a Vermont Green game over the summer, I love to find places on the waterfront by Lake Champlain. Foam Brewers is a great spot by the water with outdoor seating. You can’t go wrong with most of the breweries regardless of the time of year with Zero Gravity as a standout in my mind. Vivid Coffee is a phenomenal coffee shop that I love and sometimes has watch parties for games. For breakfast or lunch, Handy’s Lunch is an old school diner and is a must stop. Postgame downtown classics like Halvorson’s or Ken’s Pizza are solid as ever.    STADIUM JOURNEY: You mention that your time behind the mic in the Northwoods League and the Cape Cod League were pivotal in your development. What's it like to cover summer league baseball? Is it as good as it sounds? BRIAN:  Those summers were some of the best of my life. Far from glamorous and I will say I was an unpaid intern on both occasions, and I would really recommend any college student try to find a paid internship first. But calling 70 plus games in about 75 days in the Northwoods is still the time of my life where I think I took the biggest step as a broadcaster. Reps are so important. While I didn’t have such a wild schedule on Cape Cod, I met some outstanding friends and had the chance to watch some incredible baseball talent. Current Yankees catcher Austin Wells was the star of my Yarmouth-Dennis Red Sox team, and he was just one of many future big leaguers. That is a very competitive league for broadcasters, and I was fortunate to get to meet many future stars in the broadcast industry, and it honestly forced me to grow and improve just so I could keep up. I also think I played about 200 rounds of mini golf at Pirates Cove over a 3-month internship.    Photo courtesy of Vermont Public STADIUM JOURNEY: So you've worked games all over the northeast and elsewhere. What are some venues that are worth visiting? BRIAN:  Well if you haven’t been to Gutterson Field House for a UVM hockey game that place is pretty special. I would also say that Centennial Field, home of the Vermont Lake Monsters, is a pretty neat and classic small baseball stadium. I have been fortunate to see so many basketball arenas around New England and Yale’s John J. Lee Amphitheater stands out in my mind. I will always refer to Providence’s Gym as “The Dunk,” and that place and those students have a well-earned reputation. Again, I will say any of the Cape Cod Baseball League has to be a bucket list item for sports fans. It really feels like a trip back in time to when things were simpler. All the fields are unique and have different dynamics to them.    STADIUM JOURNEY: How did you get into broadcasting? Did you play a lot of sports growing up or were you always on the sideline doing play by play? BRIAN:  It was probably when I was about 14 that I started to realize playing shortstop for the Chicago Cubs wasn’t very likely. I played sports my entire life and knew that I wanted to work in sports in some manner. I always liked the idea of broadcasting and paid close attention to the broadcasters probably without knowing it but because I was such a massive sports fan. I had the opportunity to shadow Penn State’s legendary radio broadcaster Steve Jones when I was in middle school. I went to Penn State knowing that I wanted to study journalism but wasn’t sure if I wanted to end up writing or broadcasting. But the moment I had my first broadcast of a State College High School soccer game I knew that I was drawn to being behind the mic. Things only took off from there and by the end of my freshman year of college, I was a full-on sports broadcaster nerd. I was fortunate to go to school that put me on the air right away so I could learn on the fly and work through growing pains. Many of my best friends in college were also involved in the broadcasts in some way, and I have had countless mentors who gave me advice on how to achieve my goals.    STADIUM JOURNEY:  What were some of your favorite calls? BRIAN:  I’ll start with anything from Ian Eagle or Kevin Harlan. Harlan’s “Goooooooood” is one I think about a lot in basketball. He always has the perfect emphasis and knows when to bring it out. Eagle is more creative and relies on his humor. He has had some really memorable moments: “He is not human!” or just a simple “Oh Yeah!” which I really love on TV. Joe Davis had some monster moments recently in the World Series. Jim Nantz just makes every moment feel big, especially on golf broadcasts. I’m not a Celtics fan but love Drew Carter’s work for the Celtics on television and have laughed really hard at some of his recent calls for Payton Pritchard: “Pitch Please” and “Where’s my money?” These are great examples of how to have fun in the booth while still providing a highlight worthy call.  And I have to mention Hall of Famer Pat Hughes on the radio for my Cubs' classic home run call: “It’s got a chaaaaaaance. Gone!” I imitated that so much growing up playing wiffle ball in my front yard.  Jon Hart is  @manversusball

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.29 The Ritz-Carlton Golf Club 4040 Central Florida Pkwy Orlando, FL 32837 PNC Championship website The Ritz-Carlton Golf Club website Year Opened: 2003 A Family Golf Celebration The PNC Championship is a quietly growing tradition in the world of professional golf. Held each year since 1995, the tournament features Pro-Am pairings with some of the PGA Tours legends and their family, often their children, playing alongside. The four-day event is split into two components, with Thursday and Friday played as de-facto practice rounds, while Saturday and Sunday count as a 36-hole tournament for the yearly crown. Held in Orlando at The Ritz-Carlton Golf Club, this affordable event is a great option for those looking for a more relaxed pro golf atmosphere.   Food & Beverage   5 There are numerous food vendors at the PNC Championship, with the majority of them located around the fan zone adjacent to the 18th green. Here, you can find everything from local food trucks and vendors (BBQ from $12-$19 and street tacos from $9-$14) to established chains (Chicken Salad Chick for $14 and Flipper’s Pizza from $13-$14). Tournament booths also offer food and drinks, including breakfast sandwiches ($10), beer ($9), hard seltzers ($7-$9 for single cans and $40-$50 for six-packs that include a banded cooler bag), wine ($14), and cocktails ($7-$15). In addition, around the course smaller vendors with snacks and drinks are located between Holes 5 and 6, as well as between Holes 14 and 15.   Atmosphere   4 The Ritz-Carlton Golf Club is a stunning facility for professional golf. Located in Orlando just minutes from the theme parks, this luxury resort features Ritz-Carlton and JW Marriott resorts on property. The towers of these two resorts dominate the landscape, while lush green palms and pines remind you that you’re still in Florida. Played in December, the weather for the PNC Championship is almost guaranteed to be perfect year after year, thanks to Central Florida’s ideal climate in the winter. The course is large and spread out, meaning you may have a lot of walking to do during the event if you want to see multiple holes, however. Unfortunately, unlike most pro tournaments there are only two small grandstands on the course, located at the first tee box and at the 18th green. The tournament does offer complimentary tickets to all active duty and retired military for the weekend, and also features the Pepsi Patriot’s Pavilion on the 17th green. Here, military and their families can enjoy complimentary drinks and snacks with their own dedicated seating area overlooking the penultimate hole on the course.   Neighborhood   4 The area around the course is a mix of residential and tourist. Not far from the course is International Drive, home to numerous shops, restaurants, and tourist attractions like Sea World and ICON Park. Hotels are plentiful as well, the two luxury resorts on property notwithstanding.   Fans   4 The fans at the PNC Championship are diehard golf fans. Tickets to the tournament are limited by the organizer to specifically reduce crowd sizes on the course, allowing for a more relaxed and enjoyable experience, so you won’t find those signature massive oceans of fans following Tiger Woods or Vijay Singh from hole to hole like you would at other tournaments. Additionally, the event is incredibly family friendly, meaning you will see many young golf fans in attendance from day to day, thanks in part to the event’s affordability. Another plus is that the event is a no-autograph event, meaning the resellers and autograph hounds found at other tournaments are not to be found here, a welcome change for the casual fan.   Access   5 Parking at the PNC Championship is plentiful – free parking is available nearby at Sea World Aquatica water park, with free fan shuttles available to drive you back and forth from the lot to the main entrance. Paid parking is also available on site, with several lots open at the course itself. Getting to the course is also easy, thanks to its location on John Young Parkway, just a few minutes from Highway 417. The parking lot at Aquatica is also easy to access, with exits from both Highway 408 and I-4 leading you right to the parking lot. Once at the course, signage is plentiful for access around the course.   Return on Investment   5 Tickets are incredibly affordable for the PNC Championship. Thursday and Friday single day grounds access passes cost just $36, with upgraded tickets available for $75; these include parking on site at the course itself, as well as access to the covered VIP viewing area on the 18th green. Saturday and Sunday tickets start at $45, with the same VIP upgraded tickets going for over $400 per day, thanks to the inclusion of premium parking, free food and drinks, and private restrooms.   Extras   3 The course features a pro shop that sells both course specific merchandise as well as hats, shirts, and flags featuring the PNC Championship flag. The fan zone also features several sponsor activations, including golf swing analysis, free giveaways, and merchandise vendors. Finally, fans can watch the players warm up at the putting green as well as on the driving range, both located right in the heart of the fan zone.   Final Thoughts The PNC Championship is a great event for golf fans to watch some of the greatest players in the game compete in a fun, family friendly atmosphere. Often competing alongside their children, this tournament is both competitive and relaxed. With incredibly affordable ticket options, free parking, and countless concessions, this may be the best professional golf tournament in Florida when it comes to per-dollar value and pure enjoyment of the game.

Photos by Michael Davis, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Toyota Stadium 9200 World Cup Way Frisco, TX 75034 Frisco Bowl Website Toyota Stadium website Year Opened: 2005 Capacity: 20,500 Scooter’s Frisco Bowl The Scooter’s Coffee Frisco Bowl is one of the earliest college football bowl games of the post-season. The game is played at Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas, home of the Major League Soccer team, FC Dallas . The bowl game started in December 2017 and has been hosted by a few corporate sponsors; DXL was the original sponsor in 2017, followed by Tropical Smoothie Café, before moving to the current sponsor, Scooter’s Coffee. Toyota Stadium has a capacity of only 20,500, which is plenty, as the bowl attendance is well under the capacity. The highest attendance for the Frisco Bowl is 15,801, achieved in 2021 when the University of Texas-San Antonio  defeated San Diego State 38-24.   Food & Beverage   3 The concessions at the Frisco Bowl are decent – Toyota Stadium has a good variety of options at its concession stands, including alcohol selections, but at major sports-level prices. The main stands offer most of your typical stadium fare, such as hot dogs, nachos, burgers, brats, chicken tenders, pretzels, peanuts, packaged candy, and cinnamon-glazed nuts, but they also throw in a bunch of less commonly found items, such as chicken tinga nachos, buffalo cauliflower bowls, hot garlic sausage, and a brisket hot dog. The stadium’s drink selection provides Coke products throughout the Frisco Bowl. The alcohol selection is also abundant, due to the stadium being a major sports venue, with plenty of choices throughout the stadium at the concession stands or from the mobile carts – you can find alcohol ranging from both canned and draft beer to wine and high-end specialty cocktails. Just be prepared to pay high prices for alcoholic drinks.   Atmosphere   3 The atmospheres at smaller bowl games are usually similar to each other, as the teams are traveling to a venue outside their familiar pre-game set-ups. Therefore, the team’s traditional entrance into the stadium, as well as the tailgating on weekday evenings, is less common. At the most recent game, for example, West Virginia  just held a small pep rally with fans in the parking lot. The Scooter’s Frisco Bowl has plenty of seating, as attendance is historically small with this bowl. Toyota Stadium only has seating along the two sidelines – the north end zone has a bare stage, while the team bands are seated behind the south end, where the National Soccer Hall of Fame is located. During the most recent version, both participating schools brought their bands, along with their mascots and spirit squads – for this Frisco Bowl a large shout-out goes to the University of Memphis band. Their high energy throughout the night kept the atmosphere going, as the play on the field was lackluster until late in the game.   Neighborhood   4 Toyota Stadium is located about 30 miles north of Dallas in Frisco, Texas. Outside the stadium is a small, quaint area of restaurants and shops, but the city of Frisco is much bigger with an approximate population of 165K. Some fans may recognize the Frisco name as having one of the nicest minor league baseball stadiums; nearby Riders Field  is home to the Frisco Roughriders. The restaurants outside Toyota Stadium are plentiful – a couple of great options close to the stadium include Green Gator and Blue Goose Cantina. Others are within a short drive; for BBQ you can’t go wrong with Hutchins, and there is also Babe’s Chicken for a unique family-style dining experience. There are a few things to do and see while you are in Frisco, helping to keep your trip local. Toyota Stadium is home to the National Soccer Hall of Fame, which can be entered by using the Main Street side of the stadium. Frisco is also home to the National Videogame Museum, which features a huge collection of game consoles, all of which are playable, including a classic video game arcade. In addition, a few miles south on the tollway in Dallas is The Star, namely the headquarters, practice fields, and home of the Dallas Cowboys . This facility can be toured daily and has plenty of restaurants and shops to explore. There are three hotels close to Toyota Stadium: Courtyard Dallas, Holiday Inn, and Comfort Suites, but other options are abundant within driving distance.   Fans   3 The fact that fans travel to watch their team play bowl games that don’t matter outside the college football playoff says a lot about them. The loyalty, dedication, and love of the fans are what truly make the bowl games special. The Frisco Bowl is usually played on a weeknight and is one of the first bowls of the bowl season. The fans in attendance at the most recent game were solid, which is expected when it comes to bowl games – very loud and engaged in the game.   Access   3 There are two airports, Dallas-Fort Worth International and Dallas Love Field, which are both about the same distance (25 miles) from Toyota Stadium in Frisco. The city is a city of about 225,000 in population, about 30 miles north of Dallas, and part of the DFW Metroplex. That said, there is no direct public transportation from either airport, so you will likely have to drive to get to Frisco and Toyota Stadium. The best plan is to stay up in the Frisco area, as the Frisco Bowl is played at 7 pm on a weeknight; coming from outside the Frisco area in the early evening can be time-consuming for travelers. Toyota Stadium is not far from the Dallas Tollway, and the stadium and parking have plenty of signage, so the ingress and egress are fast once you get there. Due to the small attendance, walking around the stadium to restrooms and concessions takes little time away from your seat. However, the stadium’s security does cut off the National Soccer Hall of Fame end zone from other ticketholders, so most fans don’t have full access to the stadium. Return on Investment   3 The Scooter’s Coffee Frisco Bowl is at a perfect venue – if your team is one of the participants, then the investment may be worthwhile. Otherwise, it is a little high in cost for the casual local fan who doesn’t care about either school. Tickets range from $30 for the end zones to $65 for midfield and $55 for sideline seating (there is an ESPN Zone VIP ticket that starts at $149, but I don’t know what that entitles a fan to experience). The cost of VIP parking is $20; otherwise, parking is free. The cost of concessions is really where the ROI hits a negative. However, this is a bowl game and most people have spent a lot of money to travel here, so the Scooter’s Frisco Bowl is on par with other ESPN bowls in terms of return on investment.   Extras   2 The Frisco Bowl is played in a top sports venue and makes good use of the facility – holding the FCS National Championship here, as well as various high school football games, helps the operations team prepare to make this event almost perfect. The Frisco area also has a lot to offer, without fans feeling the need to spend time in the larger city of Dallas. Final Thoughts The Scooter’s Frisco Bowl is part of ESPN Events, a division of ESPN, which owns and operates a portfolio of 34 collegiate sporting events nationwide, flooding the college football scene with college bowl games that the majority of football fans don’t care about, let alone would get excited by. The Scooter’s Frisco Bowl may be wonderful for the teams/fans that participate, and a wonderful boost to Frisco’s economy, but a must-see bowl game it is not. Disclosure: Due to the renovations of Toyota Stadium for the MLS tenant, FC Dallas , the FCS National Championship will move away from Frisco in 2025; how this will affect the 2025 Scooter’s Frisco Bowl remains to be seen.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.29 Daniel S. Horgan Arena 403 Oxford St. Auburn, MA 01501   Anna Maria men’s hockey website Daniel Horgan Arena website   Year Opened: 1974 Capacity: 1,500 AMCATS MIH   Anna Maria College is a private Catholic college located in Paxton, Massachusetts. Founded as a women’s college in 1946, it became coeducational in 1973. Today the school boasts an enrollment of 1,500 students who study in six graduate and undergraduate schools.   Anna Maria’s athletic teams are known as the AMCATS, which is an acronym derived from “Anna Maria College Athletic Team Sports.” The school started sponsoring men’s and women’s hockey in 2018. Beginning in the 2024-25 season, the Amcats hockey teams joined the Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Association. Neither team has appeared in the NCAA D-3 Tournament yet. Both teams play off campus: the men’s team plays at the Horgan Arena in Auburn, and the women’s team plays at Buffone Arena in Worcester.   In the 1970s Bobby Orr and the Big, Bad Bruins were taking Massachusetts and New England by storm. The demand for ice skating rinks all over the region skyrocketed. The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) responded to this demand by building dozens of rinks all over the state. One of these rinks was Horgan Arena in Auburn, a town in central Massachusetts located just to the south of Worcester.   Daniel S. Horgan served as the chief engineer for the Massachusetts Department of Public Works. He settled in Auburn and served as the President of the Auburn Rotary Club. Mr. Horgan passed away in 1973, before the completion of the hockey rink. In recognition of his service to the community, the rink was named in his honor.   Food & Beverage 2    There is a small snack bar in the lobby that serves up a variety of snacks for visiting fans. In this chilly rink, hot coffee, hot chocolate, and tea are the most popular items. If you’re in the mood for something cooler, a variety of slushies are available. Also on the menu are pizza slices, hot dogs, and an assortment of breakfast sandwiches. Fans looking for snacks can grab some nachos, popcorn, pretzel bites, cookies, or ice cream treats. If you’re looking for a soda, candy, or chips, the vending machines in the lobby have you covered. Pepsi products are featured at Horgan Arena.   Atmosphere 2   Community rinks like Horgan Arena don’t have much in the way of amenities that are conducive to creating a lively game-day atmosphere. The Anna Maria staff do their best with the limited resources they have. The DJ does double duty as the PA announcer, filling the rink with noise during play stoppages and doing a nice job keeping fans up to date on game information from his post behind the penalty boxes. If sitting near the temporary speakers set up here, be warned that it will be loud. The DJ here plays more hip-hop music than you may be used to hearing at a hockey game. As someone who is not a fan of the genre, his selection of music is outstanding, if a bit out of place at a hockey game.   There’s a basic scoreboard on the west end of the rink that displays score and time. Some banners are hanging around the facility recognizing the different teams that call Horgan Arena home, but little to identify this as the home of the Amcats besides a small sign under the scoreboard.   Neighborhood 2   Horgan Arena is part of the Auburn Recreational Complex, which also includes a baseball field, softball field, tennis court, basketball courts, dog park, and track. Much of the surrounding area near the Complex is residential, but with two interstates cutting through the area, there is also a significant commercial presence in the area.   The Auburn Mall is a short drive away for fans looking to do a little shopping. Routes 12 and 20 contain the majority of the businesses in town, and fans will find all the typical chain options as they drive through Auburn. Fans looking for some local flavor should check out J. Anthony’s Bar and Grill, Bar One and Sushi, and the Bentley Pub. There is a Comfort Inn and a Holiday Inn Express and Suites near the arena should you be looking to stay in the area after the game.   Fans 1   As you would expect, a crowd at an Anna Maria hockey game is what we at Stadium Journey would call a “friends and family” crowd. Stadium Journey visited Horgan Arena on a snowy Saturday night during semester break, and the crowd in attendance numbered about 50 hardy fans. Everyone in the stands appeared to have some sort of connection with the players on the ice and were enthusiastic in their support of the home team. With the Amcats’ schedule consisting entirely of New England teams, chances are you’ll see a good turnout from visiting fans as well. With the Anna Maria campus located 11 miles away in neighboring Paxton, there’s not a big turnout from the student body. Access 4   Horgan Arena is located in the center of Auburn, MA, a town of about 17,000 residents located just to the southwest of Worcester. Interstates 90 (the Mass Pike) and 290 intersect right near the rink, making it easily accessible from all points in Massachusetts and beyond. The rink itself is located in a mixed residential and commercial neighborhood, which will give visiting hockey fans a few options for things to do before or after an Amcats game.   If anyone has ever been to any of the DCR rinks in Massachusetts, you will notice that they all have an identical design. If you have ever been to a UMass Dartmouth game at Hetland Arena in New Bedford , you’ll be sure to feel a case of déjà vu.   There is a large parking lot adjacent to the arena. Fans will enter a small lobby where the skate shop, vending machines, and snack bar are located. The visiting locker room is also here. It’s also the place to be during intermission, as it’s the only place in the building with heat.   As you enter the rink, seating on the near side consists of molded bleachers while seating on the far side consists of wooden bleachers. There is a standing room available at either end of the rink. Bathrooms are located to your left as you enter. You will be sharing the restrooms with the home team (well, the men’s room). Nets obstruct views of the ice from all points in the facility.   Return on Investment 4   Admission to an Anna Maria hockey game is seven dollars for general admission seating. Parking is free in the large lot adjacent to the rink. Concession prices are reasonable, and visiting an Amcats game is an affordable entertainment option for central Massachusetts sports fans. Extras 1   While nothing is going on at an Amcats game that can be considered extra, an extra point is awarded for the team’s name itself. The acronym is a most clever alternative to the typical Wildcats and such.   Final Thoughts   With the great availability of rinks in the greater Worcester area, it’s kind of surprising that the Anna Maria men’s hockey team has chosen to play so far from campus. Perhaps as the program becomes more established, they will move to a facility closer to home. For now, Horgan Arena serves as an adequate, if unspectacular, home for the Amcats. ----   Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter  and Instagram  @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Harry A. Gampel Pavilion FANFARE Score: 3.86 Harry A. Gampel Pavilion 2095 Hillside Rd Storrs, CT 06269 Connecticut Huskies website Harry A. Gampel Pavilion website Year Opened: 1990 Capacity: 10,299 The Basketball Capital of the World   The University of Connecticut bills itself as “The Basketball Capital of the World.” While fans from certain corners of the country may take issue with this self-designation, a solid argument can be made for its veracity. Not only was the game of basketball invented just a few miles up the road in Springfield, MA, but since 1995 UConn has brought home a combined 17 national titles. The men’s team is reigning back-to-back champions and has won six titles. Their success pales compared to the uber-successful UConn women’s team, which has brought an incredible 11 trophies home to Storrs.   Home for Huskies basketball is the on-campus Harry A. Gampel Pavilion. Built-in 1990, the venue is named after the UConn class of 1943 alumnus who donated one million dollars towards the arena’s completion. The facility serves as home to the men’s and women’s basketball and women’s volleyball teams. The Huskies play a portion of their schedule every season in downtown Hartford at the XL Center,  which has a larger capacity.   Both Husky basketball teams boast impressive resumes. In addition to their six national titles, the UConn men’s team has qualified for 37 NCAA Tournaments and has reached 7 Final Fours. 41 Husky alumni have played in the NBA, including Naismith Hall of Famer Ray Allen.   The women’s team has won 11 national titles, qualified for 35 NCAA Tournaments, and has reached 23 Final Fours. 20 UConn players have been selected in the first round of the WNBA draft, with five of them being the first pick overall. 49 Husky alumni have played in the WNBA, including Naismith Hall of Famers Rebecca Lobo and Swin Cash. Food & Beverage 4   There’s not a whole lot of room at Gampel Pavilion for concession stands. There are cramped concession areas tucked into the four corners of the gym. Stands run by UConn dining offer stadium basics, such as Husky Dogs, burgers, calzones, and mini chicken tacos. Fans looking to save a few dollars can grab a combo meal. There’s a decent variety of snack foods here, too, so hungry Husky fans can pick up some pretzels, nachos, fried dough, popcorn, or even mozzarella sticks.   Coca-Cola products are featured at Gampel Pavilion. Fans looking for adult beverages will find a selection of beer, wine, and mixed drinks at the main stands as well as stands set up specifically for alcohol sales. UConn has partnered with local breweries to make some specialty beers for UConn fans, including Husky Hops by Kinsman Brewing, TwoConn Easy Ale by Two Roads, and UConn Territory by Urban Lodge.   Fans looking for some more unique menu items will find what they’re looking for at stands operated by local favorites Bear BBQ and The Family Brick Oven Pizza. Stadium Journey recommends the Bear Attack, a tray of mac and cheese and cornbread crumbles topped with your choice of brisket or pulled pork.   Atmosphere 5   When you visit Storrs, be ready for a professional show and a raucous atmosphere. Recent renovations have modernized the look and feel of the gym, and the staff here have kept pace. The sound system is top-notch, and the proceedings are moved along with an emcee who keeps the volume and energy level up throughout the game. His counterpoint is the professional PA announcer, who will add the appropriate energy level to the proceedings while keeping the fans informed of the goings on.   The new video boards on either end of the gym are put to good use throughout the game with hype videos, replays, crowd cams, and more. There are giveaways, t-shirt tosses, and other contests to keep the casual fan involved. A student hit a half-court shot during Stadium Journey’s visit to win a $2,000 scholarship.   The student section is packed with rowdy students who come complete with their chants, songs, and routines designed to distract the opponent and entertain themselves. The pep band plays during stoppages and the cheerleaders perform and participate in the promotions. Johnathan the Husky roams the arena interacting with fans. Not content to let the students have all the fun, some UConn superfans get involved in the fun, leading cheers at designated times during the game. Neighborhood 3   The University of Connecticut is located in the village of Storrs, part of the town of Mansfield. Downtown Storrs is located just outside the entrance to campus. Storrs has a population of just over 15,000 residents, which pales in comparison to UConn’s enrollment of 32,000. It’s no surprise that the 4,000-acre UConn campus dominates this small town.   Visitors to Storrs can still find some solid dining options in town. After the game, head to the Mansfield Town Square, where Blaze Pizza, Dog Lane Café, and MOOYAH Burgers are located. Visitors looking for lodging options in town may want to look at the Graduate by Hilton or Spring Hill Inn. If you want more information about things to do in Storrs, check out DowntownStorrs.com .    Since there aren’t a ton of options near UConn, many fans coming to the area will move on to Hartford, located about a 30-minute drive to the west, or the twin casinos of Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun, located about 45 minutes to the southeast.    Fans 5   As you might imagine, demand for tickets for the two-time defending champions is high. For the 2023-24 season, the Huskies sold out 13 home games and boasted their highest average attendance since the 2005-06 season. Stadium Journey visited Storrs on a Saturday afternoon near the end of semester break and Gampel was filled to the rafters with crazed Husky fans. Even the student sections were packed, even though school was not yet back in session.   UConn basketball is the hottest ticket in the state, and fans are proud to call the Husky hoops teams their own. Fans are into the action in a big way, and Gampel can get loud when the Huskies are on a roll. You’ll be sure to find a mix of students, diehard UConn fans, alumni, and locals when you visit Storrs. Despite how hardcore the fanbase is here, this is a place where you can feel comfortable sporting the opposition colors.   Reported attendance for every game thus far in the 2024-25 season has been a sellout of 10,299, even for the so-called “lesser” games that generally drew smaller crowds in the past. Access 3   The University of Connecticut is located in rural Storrs, a small village located about a half-hour drive east of Hartford. Storrs is not directly served by any highways, so fans visiting Gampel Pavilion will have to navigate some country roads to reach campus. Interstate 84 runs about seven miles north of UConn. Complete driving directions to Gampel Pavilion can be found here .   Gampel Pavilion is located on the southwest edge of campus alongside UConn’s other athletic venues, including Tuscano Family Ice Forum , Elliot Ballpark ,  Marrone Stadium, and Burrell Field. Fans who have not been on campus in a while may be surprised by the changes in the area, as the baseball, softball, soccer, lacrosse, and hockey teams all have received new venues in recent years.    There is plenty of parking within a short distance of Gampel Pavilion for fans arriving by car. The South Garage is located right across the street from the arena, with several surface lots, and the larger North Garage is located about a five-minute walk down the street. Just be ready for a slow egress after the game.   Fans enter Gampel Pavilion through one of four entrances at each corner of the facility. Located near these entrances are concession stands and restrooms. There is a single small walkway located halfway up the seating bowl that circles the court. Fans can watch the action while moving around Gampel, but there is no room to stop and loiter here.   Lower-level seats at Gampel are individual blue folding stadium seats. One side of the upper-level seating consists of these same stadium seats, while the rest is made up of molded bleachers without backs. With Gampel’s small size, all seats are right on top of the action and offer excellent views of the court.   Getting around Gampel Pavilion can be difficult, particularly at halftime. Plan your trips around the arena carefully.   Return on Investment 2   With the high demand for UConn tickets and the smallish capacity at Gampel Pavilion, tickets can be difficult to come by. A quick scan of the UConn website shows ticket prices starting at $69 but with only single tickets available as of this writing in mid-January. A look at secondary ticket sites shows even the cheapest tickets starting at $90 and above. It looks like your best bet is to get tickets early on in the season.   Parking in the South Garage right across the street from Gampel Pavilion costs $20. We’ll assume the North Garage is priced similarly. Concessions prices at Husky hoops games are also a bit on the high side, especially when compared to other venues in the area. Extras 5                                                                                                 Gampel Pavilion is split evenly in half, with each side of the facility dedicated to one team. It’s refreshing (and only fair) to see the tremendous women’s program receiving its due here.   Recent renovations to the Gampel Pavilion have removed some of the clutter in the place and have modernized the displays of Husky hoop success. Check out the banners honoring national titles, Hall of Famers, UConn Ring of Honor members, and more.   J. Robert Donnelly Husky Heritage Sports Museum is located just a few minutes from Gampel Pavilion. It is billed as the ultimate destination for Husky fans. Click here  for more information.   UConn Bookstore – While there are no souvenir stands inside Gampel Pavilion (where would you put them?), the UConn Bookstore is right across the street. They have an extensive selection of Husky merchandise, with specials available every game day.   Stadium Journey’s top recommendation for any trip to Storrs is a visit to the UConn Dairy Bar. The Dairy Bar, operated entirely by students, has been in operation since 1953. All products are made fresh on-site. While enjoying your ice cream you can see the cows grazing in the adjacent fields.    Final Thoughts   For some reason, it feels like UConn and Gampel Pavilion get overlooked when people talk about the best college programs and venues in the country. Maybe it’s because no one thinks about New England as a college hoops hotbed. But if you’re planning a basketball Stadium Journey, Gampel should be on your shortlist. Gampel Pavilion combines the best of big-time college basketball with the best of small-town college life. ____   Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter  and Instagram  @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Terry McCutchen, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 The Field House 2600 S. Neal Street Commerce, TX 75428 East Texas A&M Lions website The Field House website Year Opened: 1950 Capacity: 3,055 East Texas A&M University Men’s Basketball East Texas A&M University, formerly Texas A&M University-Commerce, is the fifth-oldest state college or university in Texas, having been founded in 1889. The school opened under the name East Texas Normal College as a training school for teachers in Cooper, Texas. After a fire destroyed the original campus, the school was relocated to its present-day location; the name was changed to East Texas State Normal College when it received full state funding in 1917. In 1923, the school again changed its name, this time to East Texas State Teachers College.   The school voted to remove the word Teachers from its name in 1957, then added university instead of college in 1965, becoming East Texas State University. In 1996, the school was voted into the Texas A&M system, thus becoming Texas A&M-Commerce – this name was used until November 2024, when the school became East Texas A&M to better connect with the region where most of its traditional students reside.   With an enrollment of 11,500 in 2023, this is the third-largest university in the Texas A&M University System. Located in Commerce, which is on the northeast corner of the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex and only 60 miles from downtown Dallas, most of the current student body hails from either the metroplex or one of many small towns in northeast Texas.   ETAMU’s mascot is the Lions, and the school sponsors twelve varsity sports, which have competed since 2022-23 at the NCAA Division I level in the Southland Conference; previously the sports teams had been members of the Lone Star Conference for most of their history. The men’s basketball team was formed in 1916 and won the first of over 20 conference championships in 1931 – they won the NAIA National title in the 1954-55 season and have made the national tournament 19 times.   The home of Lion basketball is The Field House. Built in 1950, The Field House is designed in the shape of an airplane hangar and covers over 69,000 square feet, most of which is continuous hardwood flooring set up to accommodate multiple basketball and volleyball courts. The Quonset-shaped building is quite a contrast to the rest of campus, which is mostly an expanse of new, modern buildings made of brick, lots of glass, and state-of-the-art architecture. With moveable stands, the massive open space and 58’ 58-foot ceilings in The Field House can host five full-court basketball games at the same time. Rumor has it this is the largest non-stop hardwood floor west of the Mississippi River; it is unique and a peek back into a time long past.   Food & Beverage   3 Concessions in The Field House are unspectacular but do offer many of the basic items you have come to expect – food choices include hot dogs, nachos, popcorn, pretzels, assorted chips, and candy, while drinks include Powerade, water, Coca-Cola products, and Dr Pepper. Alcoholic beverages available include Bud Light, Michelob Ultra, White Claw, Beatbox Wine, Dallas Blonde, and local lager Tupp’s Bold Gold.   There is only one concession window with one or two workers, but that is sufficient. The only time there may be a wait longer than one or two people in line is during half-time. Prices are a little higher than what is expected for this level of play, with drinks costing between $4.75 and $7 and snacks costing between $3 and $6, except for nachos which are $7.50, and Beatbox Wine which is $8.   Atmosphere   4 Basketball games inside The Field House are entertaining for all ages. Because the school is located in a smaller community, the NCAA D-I athletics contests are consistently the top entertainment option around here. The Lions are supported by a cheer squad, a dance team, a pep band, and fans of all ages from Commerce and the surrounding towns.   On one end of the gymnasium, there are two large inflatables for children to play on before and during games – the inflatables are within eyesight of the visitor stands and one end of the home stands. When I asked if these were set up at all home games, the gentleman from the inflatables company stated that they were, and said this allows their kids to play so the adults can enjoy the game.   There are crowd participation games that take place during long stoppages of play, and there is also half-time entertainment – at the game I most recently attended there was a game of “basketball” musical chairs involving several children, followed by a scrimmage involving a couple youth basketball teams. All the activities planned created an environment where there was very little downtime when there was no action on the court.   Neighborhood   3 East Texas A&M is located in the northeast Texas community of Commerce. Commerce has a population of approximately 10,000, one of the smallest university towns in the state of Texas. Being in such a small town the college is the center of activity, as well as the largest employer and biggest attraction in the region.   If driving into town from the Dallas area via Highway 24, the main entrance to campus greets you as you enter town. Most of the buildings seen from the road are new and built using sustainable techniques that meet Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification.   The area across Highway 24 from the university consists of convenience stores, fast food restaurants, and major chain stores that reside in Commerce. The neighborhoods that surround ETAMU include a mixture of apartment complexes and modest single-family homes, as well as small duplexes and other rental properties. Within a half mile of campus sit historic, century-old houses that were original to the city. At games during Christmas break, before the start of the spring semester, there is not much life on or around the campus.   If looking for a meal before or after the game, there are a few restaurant choices in town – Luigi’s Italian Restaurant and Lone Star Eatery Grill & Bar are both across the street from campus, while Lulu’s Burgers  and Mariscos del Golfo  are both just a few minutes’ drive away. Fast food establishments across the street from ETAMU include Braum’s, Chicken Express, Sonic, McDonald’s, and Domino's.   For a small town, Commerce has just a few viable hotel options, which include Magnuson Hotel , Lion’s Den Extended Stay , and The Yellow Rose of Texas . Hotels in Greenville, a short 20-minute drive away along Interstate 30, include Hampton Inn & Suites , Best Western Plus Monica Royale , and Comfort Inn & Suites , among others. Sulphur Springs is 30 minutes away along I-30 as well and also has multiple hotel options. In addition, if you are coming from the north Paris and Sherman are both within an hour’s drive, and both have plenty of accommodations to choose from.   Fans   4 Lions fans are a loyal and supportive group; this loyalty is displayed by cheering during the game, led mainly by the pep band, cheerleaders, and the student section. The support led by these three groups goes deeper than just simple cheering, however, as there are also organized chants for specific actions by the opponents. For example, after an opponent substitution, the crowd will count the steps of the player heading to the bench until he is seated, at which time they all yell at top volume, “SIT DOWN!”. Also among the fans are groups of youth basketball teams from surrounding areas, as well as older adults – at a recent game I attended there were three different youth basketball teams in attendance.   Access   3 The Field House at East Texas A&M is easily accessible, sitting on the north end of campus just one block east of TX-24. It sits behind Memorial Stadium, easily visible – just look for the enormous maroon Quonset hut-style building that looks like an airplane hangar. Parking is plentiful, with a large lot extending from the football stadium past the gym, allowing fans to park within a short walk of the entrance. There is no charge for parking, which is an added benefit.   Return On Investment   3 All tickets inside The Field House are general admission, costing $10 or $15 depending on how high in the stands you prefer to sit. A limited number of courtside seats are also available for $30. In addition, once conference games begin in late December, there is at least one men’s and women’s doubleheader against the same opponent for one ticket price.   Concession prices are slightly more here than at most comparable-sized schools, but this is offset by free parking and the no-cost children’s play area.   Extras   3 Free parking within steps of The Field House is worth extra recognition; most schools have prioritized and monetized prime parking spots, so the sacrifice of this income for general public parking is well appreciated.   The unique, historic building that is The Field House provides a memorable game experience – while void of many modern amenities, the gym is a step back in time and a reminder that this is not professional basketball, but a game being played by college students.   What the pep band adds to the atmosphere during the game is worth an extra shout-out; the choreographed chants directed at the opposing team are entertaining, and also help to give some home-court advantage to the Lions.   Final Thoughts East Texas A&M Lion basketball, as a member of the Southland Conference, provides a quality game experience. The game day activities are sure to entertain fans of all ages. Considering The Field House is a venerable edifice, an afternoon or evening spent on the campus of ETAMU is well worth the time invested.   Though there are no current plans in place that I am aware of, I would suggest putting a trip to the northeast Texas campus near the top of my basketball bucket list, to avoid missing a game in the historic Field House.

Facing a $24 million budget deficit for the upcoming fiscal year, Sonoma State University, a public university that is part of the California State University System, announced a slew of budget cuts last week, including the cessation of all eleven of its sports programs at the end of the 2024-25 academic year. The cuts were announced via email by University administrators with virtually no notice to the student body or staff. In the email, administrators stated the cuts were being made to “best serve its current and future students and adapt to a changing higher education landscape.” In addition to the entire athletic department, more than 60 other employees will be losing their jobs. The art history, dance, earth and environmental sciences, economics, French, gender studies, philosophy, theater and women’s studies programs are all being eliminated. Administration pointed to a decade-long decline in enrollment and a resulting loss of tuition, scholarships and grants as a main reason for the budget deficit and need for cuts. The school’s current enrollment stands at under 8,000 students, including both undergraduate and graduate students. Sonoma State athletics has enjoyed some success over the years, winning national titles in women’s soccer in 1990, men’s soccer in 2002 and men’s golf in 2009. Five Sonoma State alumni have reached Major League Baseball (Marshall Brant, Daniel Barone, Tommy Everidge, O’Koyea Dickson and Scott Alexander). Pro Football Hall of Famer Larry Allen attended Sonoma State. Seawolves teams have competed in 105 NCAA Division II Tournaments across 13 sports in their history. In the week since the announcement, there have been actions taken by people trying to save jobs and programs at the school. A complaint has been filed with the Office of Civil Rights, claiming that the school’s decision targets minority students unfairly. The Athletic Department at Sonoma State is more diverse than the student body at large. Meanwhile, affected students try to figure out what happens next, while trying to hold on to what they’ve built at Sonoma State. "On one hand, we're trying to get them somewhere else, but on the other hand we're asking them to fight and that's a lot to put on them," said assistant soccer coach Benjamin Ziemer. "It takes commitment from our family and our friends to get us the opportunity to go to college, and to have that take from athletes and non-athletes alike, it just breaks my heart because I know probably a good amount of those students are not going to be able to go to college again somewhere else," said Joseph Sotelo, a golfer and third-year student.

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Ramsey Center 92 Catamount Road Cullowhee, NC 28723 Western Carolina Catamounts website Ramsey Center website Year Opened: 1986 Capacity: 7,826 Catamount Country Basketball has been played at Western Carolina University since 1928 when it was a junior college. Just a year later, the school would be chartered as a four-year teacher’s college named Western Carolina Teacher’s College. Originally playing as members of what is now the Conference Carolinas starting in 1930, Western Carolina would continue this partnership until 1969 when they left the NAIA ranks to join NCAA’s Division I. After starting their transition as an independent program for the 1969-70 season, the Catamounts have played as members of the Southern Conference since 1977. The highlight of Western Carolina basketball likely came in 1963 when the Catamounts advanced to the NAIA national championship game before losing to Texas Pan-American. 1996 would see another major high-water mark in Catamount basketball history, as the team won the Southern Conference tournament and advanced to their only NCAA Tournament appearance in school history. The 16 seeded Catamounts would give the number 1 seeded Purdue Boilermakers all they could handle, before falling in the final minutes by a score of 73-71. Western Carolina basketball has had three on-campus homes, first playing at Breese Gym which was a product of the Works Progress Act of the New Deal in 1939, until that venue was replaced by Reid Gym in 1956. Reid Gym would be home to Western Carolina basketball for 30 years until it was replaced with today’s home, Liston B. Ramsey Regional Activity Center. All three of these facilities are still in use on campus.   Food & Beverage   3 Concessions are available both on the concourse and on the court level. Options are a bit on the limited side, but the staples are taken care of – hot dogs, personal sized pizzas, jumbo pretzels, and nachos with cheese sauce are available, along with the familiar candy, popcorn, and chips. Both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages are offered. Soft drinks are from the Pepsi family, as is bottled water and Gatorade. A handful of hard seltzers and teas, as well as wine, are also available. Typical nationally recognized beers are offered, as are Sierra Nevada's’ Hazy Little Thing and the Western Carolina Catamount-branded Paws Pilsner.   Atmosphere   3 Ramsey Center is a multi-use facility that hosts concerts, graduations, and other large events, so it is considerably larger than the typical crowd basketball might draw. The upper levels of seating are tarped off, which helps to concentrate more fans around the court itself, while student seating runs the entirety of the seating bowl behind the team benches; both of these go a long way in creating as much of a home court advantage as possible. The seats here are colored with a gradient pattern that emulates the setting mountain sun, which does a good job bringing the personality of the western Carolina mountains into the Ramsey Center. In a bit of subtlety, the interior lighting also creates a purple hue as the backdrop for the arena. A four-sided overhead scoreboard shows a video feed of the game; despite the screens being a bit on the smaller size, they fit the size of the Ramsey Center perfectly. A secondary screen at one end of the court provides individual player statistics, but it uses a screencast computer display which can be a bit busy to sort through. Alternatively, the opposite walls of the seating area have more traditional, time-score-foul scoreboards. In a bit of a throwback to a past era of college basketball, the Cathouse pep band is a featured part of breaks in the action at Ramsey Center, and while popular music still has its place as part of the game experience, the Cathouse band really dominates the time during stoppages in play. Many breaks in the action are filled with on-court games involving both students and members of the general fan base. Though some of the games are what might be found at many other sporting events, a handful are unique twists on old favorites. In all, the game is a fun experience that just seems to be missing the air of excitement that consistency in the win column would bring. Over the past two decades, the Catamounts have struggled to string together consecutive winning seasons, with just two during that period – the atmosphere is right for a truly electric experience that comes with consistent winning. With four coaches since 2017, though, being able to build a stable program appears to have been a challenge; such is life for small school programs, whose coaches who are often poached by schools in larger conferences following a successful run.   Neighborhood   3 On campus, Ramsey Center is in the Western Carolina University concentration of athletic facilities. The eastern concourse of the arena overlooks the adjacent Bob Waters Field at E.J. Whitmore Stadium , home of Catamounts’ football. The town of Cullowhee is nearly exclusively made up of Western Carolina University, so there are a limited number of places to grab a bite to eat near campus. One stop might be Rogers Bros., whose menu is typical pub grub, while Nobel Residence Hall on Centennial Drive houses a selection of options, such as Chili’s and Subway, along with a taproom for local Innovation Brewing. The neighboring town of Sylva has a larger selection of restaurants, both chain and locally owned, as well as the main brewing operations for Innovation Brewing. Throughout the winter months, the Tuckaseegee River is a popular spot for fly fishing. The area is also known for its numerous waterfalls through nearby Cashiers, Franklin, and Highlands. In addition, the Blue Ridge Parkway that runs just west of Cullowhee is known for its picturesque drives. Though Cullowhee itself might not have an abundance of stops to fill the time before or after a game, the area has plenty of options to make a full day of a trip to Catamounts basketball.   Fans   3 Crowds at Ramsey Center do tend to be a bit on the smaller size, averaging roughly 1,800 fans per game; this puts the Catamounts in the lower half of the Southern Conference in terms of attendance overall. Students do their part showing up to support Catamounts basketball – a line for students starts forming more than an hour before the doors open. While students fill much of the seating behind the benches, however, they tend to be a bit more reserved in their enthusiasm, other than a cluster of them at center court. Credit should be given, though, to the Catamounts pep band and their efforts to create a home court atmosphere. Support for the basketball program seems to be split evenly between students and alumni/community members.   Access   3 With no direct interstate access in the immediate vicinity, Cullowhee, North Carolina is not a town that one would just happen upon while passing through the area. The town is most readily accessible from the south via US Highway 23, or from northern points by way of US-74. The mountainous nature of its surroundings also limits the number of roads leading to Cullowhee. Parking is available in close proximity to Ramsey Center, with surface lots concentrated on the west and northwestern sides of the arena – both of these lots are just a short walk across the street. A large parking garage is also found to the south. Inside the facility, an exterior concourse runs around the entirety of the arena and is wide enough to make navigation pretty easy. The top of the seating area is also wide enough to allow fans to move to almost any other part of the arena without losing their view of the court – this set up is a small, but nice feature that helps simplify getting around the arena.   Return on Investment   4 Online tickets for Catamounts basketball games start at $11 for adults and $6 for children. A $3 fee is added to online ticket purchases, so you should factor in roughly $15 per ticket when you attend. Concessions prices at Ramsey Center are as forgiving as you will probably find at any other college basketball arena; given these low costs, the primary factor in terms of return on investment may simply be the time associated with traveling to Cullowhee.   Extras   4 Catamount mascot Paws is an active part of the game experience – the purple accented mountainous feline makes its way around the stands, helping lead the rounds of the Western Carolina fight song, stopping for photos, and assisting with on-court contests. The wall of the southwest entry point displays the story of Henry Logan, who became the first Black intercollegiate athlete in the state of North Carolina in 1968. Logan was a four-time NAIA All-American and still holds the school record for points in a game (60), points in a season (1,049), and career scoring average (30.7). Logan also led the nation in scoring as a senior, averaging 36.2 ppg. The rafters of Ramsey Center recognize the retired numbers of Catamount legends, as well as the accomplishments of the teams that call the venue home, namely men’s and women’s basketball, and volleyball. One banner of note that hangs amongst the Catamounts retired numbers is one recognizing Ronnie Carr, who made the first three-point basket in college basketball history. Western Carolina also might display the largest American flag in all of college basketball during the singing of the National Anthem ; just prior to the start of the song, a massive flag unfurls at the visiting end of the floor, an impressive display of patriotism.   Final Thoughts Western Carolina does a good job at taking what could easily feel like a dated facility and bringing a modern feel to it, helping to create a comfortable college basketball atmosphere that nicely complements the game on the court. But the experience goes beyond just the comfort of the arena – there also seems to be a special connection between the athletic program here and the surrounding community. Unlike larger schools with massive followings, Western Carolina appears to have a deep emotional bond with its students, alumni, and community members; this close-knit relationship helps makes the game experience truly special, going beyond just the action on the court.

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 Ocean Bank Convocation Center 11200 Southwest 8th Street Miami, FL 33199 Florida International Golden Panthers website Ocean Bank Convocation Center website Year Opened: 1986 Capacity: 5,000 College Basketball in Miami’s ‘Burbs FIU basketball isn’t exactly steeped in historic excellence – known more for their hiring and firing of Isiah Thomas as their head coach a decade ago than for consistent winning, the FIU program has had a rough go of it the last few years. Ironically, the team’s facility seems to show the same dreary emotion; in an arena that looks state-of-the-art from the outside and in the lobby, the reality of what awaits inside is rather disappointing. The exterior and lobby are a result of a facelift that makes the venue initially welcoming, akin to that of the Tampa Bay Rays. While the program is doing the best with what they have, however, it clearly shows its age and deficiencies. Food & Beverage 3 There isn’t anything spectacular about the Ocean Bank Convocation Center concession stands, nor is there anything inherently bad. Food is not very expensive either; cheeseburgers cost $9, hot dogs are $8, and salted pretzels are $7, while treats like candy ($3), and chips ($3), cotton candy ($6), and ice cream ($8) are also available. Drinks are $4 for water, soda, or Gatorade, but you can also find lemonade ($3) and Celsius ($8). Beer ranges from $8 to $9. Atmosphere 2 The best thing here is the unique floor design that FIU’s court features – with waves crashing onto a beach on one side and tropical palm trees on the other, the floor definitely stands out. That, however, is where the uniqueness ends. The arena echoes a lot with poor acoustics, so the little noise that is made by the few fans in attendance is amplified, oddly making it seem even more empty. Also, the extremely old lighting in the rafters hums loudly whenever it is turned on, making the arena feel every bit of its nearly 40 years of age. The upper stands were rarely ever opened all the way for fans, and in recent years have been completely folded back into themselves, creating seating only in the bottom-most sections. The blue folding seats have seen an upgrade in recent years, but still remind you more of old high school gymnasium seating than Conference USA college basketball, and the entire inside of the arena seems old, stuck in the midst of the 1980s. In fact, it’s hard to tell any difference between now and when the arena was used for the filming of an episode of Miami Vice, thanks to the wood paneling used for the end zone and upper-level seating sections. The upper concourse is no longer open to the public due to the small size of the crowds, so fans enter at the ground floor and continue into the arena through the ground floor instead of walking up to their seats. The nicest part of the arena is the exterior of the main entrance, which is complete with new entry doors, ticket booths, landscaping, and a statue of a Florida Panther, while the second floor features suites that are available but rarely used. Neighborhood 3 FIU’s arena is located on campus, which makes it convenient to attend for students. Unlike stadiums in the middle of a city, though, there is a sense of security on campus, as you are seemingly separated from the rest of the neighborhood around it. However, there still remains the issue of how that surrounding neighborhood looks, and it isn’t exactly the best in Miami. However, upgrades have come to the Sweetwater area in recent years, thankfully, making it better. While Sweetwater is a town known locally for its political corruption and severe street flooding during hurricanes, a recent increase in restaurants and high-rise apartments across from campus has meant that the immediate area looks better than before. Put a college campus in the middle of it, and you have FIU. The campus itself is growing by the day, with new construction all over the place and new buildings popping up. Ocean Bank Convocation Center is on the far west end of campus, situated in a corner near FIU’s tennis courts and a parking garage. Very few hotels are nearby, making the idea of an overnight trip hard if you want to stay close to the action. Fans 2 It is hard to get really excited about college basketball when few fans show up. Most students who do show up only stay for part of the game, often coming and going throughout the evening – few are actually passionate fans who follow the progress of the team on a game-by-game basis. Some student athletes do attend to support friends on the team, but that also is on an “as I was passing by” basis. One of the most disappointing things is the fact that the arena, as old as it is, looks even more so without fans, and the lack of excitement and electricity in the facility is hard to ignore during college basketball games. Access 3 Getting to any stadium at FIU isn’t too hard, but traffic can sometimes be problematic. As is typical in Miami, traffic backs up right around the exits nearest FIU’s campus on a daily basis. If you find yourself hoping to get to a game and rush hour happens to have lasted a little longer that day, you may be in for a late arrival. That said, plan accordingly and give yourself more time than you think you’ll need – the campus is right off Florida’s Turnpike. Return on Investment 3 Tickets for FIU basketball start at just $8 for general admission seating, and go up to $10 for assigned seats. Courtside seats are impressively priced at just $60, a steal for college basketball in a big market. Parking is plentiful nearby in school lots (Lot 10) and garages (Panther Garage 3), both of which offer parking which can be paid for using your phone. The investment in a ticket, travel, and concessions may be affordable in terms of what you get back, but there simply isn’t anything to get overly excited about here – for the same amount of money and investment of time and travel, one could travel to the eastern side of Miami for another NCAA basketball experience that far outperforms FIU in a better location, or you could go north to Boca Raton for an FAU basketball game. Extras 3 There are often giveaways to students and fans at FIU basketball games, and that is never a bad thing. FIU’s mascot Roary is also a frequent visitor to games, mingling with fans and trying to pump up the energy. Lastly, the FIU dance team, cheerleaders, and band are always on hand to liven up the experience, including the use of a spiral wheel and inflatable mascots to distract visiting free throw shooters. Final Thoughts FIU basketball is doing the best they can with what they have been given. The face lift to the arena was much needed, and has improved the fan experience, but not by much. Unfortunately, a lack of success on the court, mixed with not having a rich history, means this program is often overlooked and skipped by fans in the over-saturated sports market that is Miami.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Goldfarb Gymnasium University Parkway Baltimore MD 21218 Johns Hopkins Blue Jays website Goldfarb Gymnasium website Year Opened: 1965 Capacity: 550 Gold for the Blue Jays Johns Hopkins University is often known for its successful lacrosse programs but it has many sports teams that are very successful. The university was named after its first benefactor, the American entrepreneur, abolitionist, and philanthropist Johns Hopkins. And yes, his name was “Johns”, not “John.” Don’t look like an outsider by pronouncing it wrong. The university is one of the most recognized colleges in America. Thirty-six Nobel Laureates have been affiliated with Johns Hopkins over the years. Famous departments in the university include the Krieger School of Arts and Sciences, the Whiting School of Engineering, the Peabody Institute, the Applied Physics Laboratory, and the Bloomberg School of Public Health. There are also, of course, world-famous affiliated medical hospital campuses as well. The Johns Hopkins University’s sports teams are called the Blue Jays. Most of their teams are Division III and are members of the Centennial Conference, while lacrosse is Division I and plays in the Big Ten. Fencing competes in the Mid-Atlantic Collegiate Fencing Association and the Eastern Women’s Fencing Conference. Goldfarb Gymnasium opened in 1965 and is home to the Blue Jay men's and women's basketball, volleyball, wrestling, and men's and women's fencing teams. Food & Beverage 1 There are no permanent food stands inside of Goldfarb Gymnasium. You should be able to find a vending machine for a quick drink or snack, but you should plan for anything more. Atmosphere 4 Goldfarb Gymnasium is part of the Newton H. White building. There is a nice videoboard, as well as a couple of other scoreboards. It is a bit hard to keep up with the action as so much is happening at the same time. The gym is very small, smaller than many high school gyms. Only half of the seating is used for fencing and may even be only half pushed out even then. You may have to stand to watch the action. Fencing will also likely use the auxiliary gym next door as well as the main Goldfarb Gym. The auxiliary gym has no fixed seating. Because of its small size, both gyms can get very loud. Neighborhood 4 The University is located in the Charles Village and Homewood neighborhoods of Baltimore. There are numerous bars and restaurants in the Charles Village area where Hopkins is located, such as THB Bagels, Gertrude’s at the BMA, and One World Café. The Baltimore Museum of Art, or BMA, is located right next door to campus. Try and stop by and see some of the great masters of the art. It is a real treasure of a museum. And it makes quite a unique pre-game ritual. Baltimore is a great metropolitan city, with many fun and exciting places to spend time both before and after a game. Relatively close to the university is the Mt. Washington neighborhood that straddles I-83 South (known as the Jones Falls Expressway, or the JFX, by locals). The Mt. Washington Tavern is an excellent restaurant with both a fine food and bar food type of menu. The place is large, and there always seems to be room for more. Parking is the biggest problem here, so it would be worth paying the nominal valet charges. There is a Doubletree Hotel located across the street from the university. Right down the street is Miss Shirley’s Café on West Cold Spring Lane. Their fried green tomatoes are quite tasty. They are also quite well known for their breakfast offerings. Also close to Johns Hopkins is the Hampden neighborhood, with its variety of quirky shops and restaurants. Fans 4 The venue is small but you cannot underestimate the fans and the atmosphere they bring to the game. Access 3 The university is not far from the Jones Falls Expressway (I-83). Take the Coldspring Lane exit east and go south on Roland Avenue and it is a short drive to the university. There is paid parking around the campus. Parking may be free on weekends but that varies depending on other events happening on campus. Return on Investment 4 There is no charge to attend regular-season games at Goldfarb Gymnasium. The biggest cost of attendance will be parking, which will vary greatly depending on the day or time. Extras 3 The JHU Hall of Fame in the lobby will show the storied history of the lacrosse program, as well as other teams on campus. The Baltimore Museum of Art is a great place. The highlight of the museum is the Cone Collection. That collection includes works by artists including Matisse, Picasso, Cézanne, Manet, Degas, Gauguin, Van Gogh, and Renoir. Check out the hallway behind the gym and you will see even more history and successes of past Blue Jay teams, not just the ones in the Hall of Fame section. Final Thoughts Goldfarb Gymnasium is a small venue, but watching a cool sport such as fencing, as well as the low cost, you might want to stop in while in the Baltimore area.

For writer Matt Caputo, hockey heaven isn't in Montreal, Edmonton or Boston. It's in Danbury, Connecticut, which is about ninety minutes north of NYC and an hour south of Hartford. Caputo, an adjunct professor at Western Connecticut, is the Damon Runyon of Danbury hockey. Most recently, for the New York Post , Caputo wrote about the first Hawaiian male to play professional hockey . "The Flyin' Hawaiian" plays for the Danbury Hat Tricks, Danbury's current minor league team. You might be familiar with Danbury from the very entertaining Netflix documentary, Crimes and Penalties. A cross between  Slap Shot and The Sopranos, the doc chronicles the trials and tribulations of the Danbury Trashers, the now defunct ultra-popular minor league team. Matt took a few moments to discuss his passion for Danbury hockey and a few other fun things. STADIUM JOURNEY: So, what made you go all in on Danbury hockey? Describe the magic. MATT CAPUTO: Before I get into that, I want to thank you for the invitation to chat with Stadium Journey. I’m in awe of everything the site does to support true sports fans. Being a frequent reader, this is so humbling. To answer your question, I was 25 years old and working at the New York Daily News and a former editor there, Bruce Diamond, tapped me on the shoulder - very much like a hockey coach might - and asked me if I’d be interested in trying out for a new Brooklyn-based pro hockey team playing at the Aviator Sports Center at Floyd Bennett Field. The thing was, I hadn’t played hockey in over a decade and even though I had absolutely no equipment, I told Bruce I’d go try out for the team that Sunday. The next day, a buddy drove me all over Brooklyn to find new equipment and my first pair of hockey skates in ages. I skated around a bit, tried some drills, but the whole thing was crazy. The league, the Northeast Professional Hockey League (NEPHL), was a mess from the start. The season started with three teams, and it was a disaster. Danbury wasn’t in the league, but during the tryout, I learned that the city had evolved into this low-level minor league hockey hot bed in the wake of the Trashers. After the Trashers, people kept trying to start low-level leagues with Danbury as the anchor location of the circuit. When the NEPHL folded, Brooklyn joined the newly forming Federal Hockey League where the Danbury Whalers would take the ice. I knew Danbury from having gone to college there for one year back in 2002-2003, and as I started driving up there to check out games, I realized the community had been deeply impacted by the independent pro hockey culture. Eventually, I convinced a great editor I worked with at Penthouse , John Bolster, to let me write a story that focused on the Danbury Whalers and the lives of the players, staff and fans. I spent a long weekend wandering around the city and hanging out in the rink. I found the people there to have been deeply impacted by the pro hockey tradition that started with the Trashers. I wanted to write about how something so far from the spectacle of big-league sports could fill hearts and win minds. Danbury hockey might not be the stuff of the New York Rangers, but there’s no convincing the local fans that the NHL is more important. So, Penthouse  was sold in a sealed plastic bag at newsstands and bookstores so that you couldn’t just look through the mag and check out the article. It was a shame because people knew about it but could not find it in most cases. The story never appeared online. Late last year, I worked with Dominick Alessandro – a graphic designer and artist who created the Trashers logo and has worked with corporate clients like Pepsi, Colgate and Goya – to re-release the article as a limited edition zine. The first 50 sold raised $1,000 for the Danbury Hat Tricks Booster Club. We brought the story out for its 10-year anniversary. It’s available on Etsy. In 2021, the Trashers documentary, Untold: Crimes and Penalties , came out on Netflix, and I wrote a story for Connecticut   Magazine that aimed at bringing people up to date with the story of Danbury hockey. It was like the Penthouse story but set in the 2021-2022 season. I have also written stories about or related to Danbury hockey for the New York Post and The Hockey News . Right then, I decided I was going to write a book about the Hat Tricks. I went on a few road trips at the end of that season, but ultimately set the book during the next season, wherein Danbury won it all. I pretended to be the equipment manager for the Hat Tricks and rode along for most of the road games the second half the year and mingled with the fans at home games all season. We’re looking for a publisher. STADIUM JOURNEY: Why should someone put the Danbury Ice Arena on their stadium bucket list? What's so special? MATT CAPUTO:  The first thing that comes to mind is the intimacy of the venue itself. There are a lot of great views of the ice. When the Federal League started, Danbury Arena was probably the biggest venue in the league and today it’s one of the smallest. Still, I think every team in the league would rather own a building with a capacity for 2,500 people than rent a much larger venue like other teams do. In Danbury, we’re right on top of the action. The fans sitting in Section 102 have full-on conversations and arguments with players from the other team. This season, an opposing coach threw a water bottle at those fans. During the championship season, I often sat in Section 200 – across from the bleachers – where we the fans are merciless in their pursuit of chirping the opposition. One night, Donnie Olivieri of the Binghamton Black Bears was waiting for the puck to drop. I decided that uttering the “You’re out of your element, Donnie” line from The Big Lebowski would be appropriate, but it backfired. Olivieri scored right off the faceoff and pointed right up at me, placing his index finger over his lips to symbolize that he’d silenced the crowd. STADIUM JOURNEY: What are some must-try spots to pre-game in Danbury? MATT CAPUTO:  If I’m looking for pizza, I go to Stanziato’s Wood Fired Pizza where they have a fantastic menu, super-friendly staff and a pizza named after me. The “Prof. Caputo” combines red, vodka and pesto sauces on one tasty pie. There’s TK’s American Café, which is one of Connecticut’s all-time great sports bars. There are like two dozen TVs, 76 flavors of chicken wings and sports stuff everywhere. Lastly, a lot of the diehards go to the Polish American Citizens Club on Ives Street, where, if you’re in the loop, you can enjoy cheap beers and eats in a really cool clubhouse setting. STADIUM JOURNEY: Where do you go if you want to hang with players after the game? And will the players give regular Joes the time of day? MATT CAPUTO:  Danbury Arena opened a great axe throwing lounge in a space that was once used for storage on the second floor of the arena. It’s called the Axe Tricks Lounge, and the fans who are truly invested in the team mingle there with the players after every game. The Hat Tricks do a great job visiting schools and connecting with kids after the game, but the players in Danbury have always been great about mingling with fans. There are some tight friendships between current and former players and fans of the team. STADIUM JOURNEY: As far as the morning after the game, is there a go-to spot to refuel? MATT CAPUTO:  Holiday Diner is one place you wouldn’t leave hungry; they have classic diner food and milkshakes the kids love. STADIUM JOURNEY: How similar is the Hat Tricks' Federal Prospects Hockey League to the one portrayed in Slap Shot ? MATT CAPUTO:  The Fed is an independent professional sports league. It governs itself. Just like in Slap Shot , we see player-coaches and all the crazy travel that goes into a league that now stretches from Michigan to Mississippi. That said, there’s freedom and creativity in the Fed, it’s not ruled by commercial and corporate interests like the big leagues are. That liberty translates into a lot of fun for fans. It might not be the highest level of player, but it helps players, coaches, broadcasters, sales people and others advance to better jobs. STADIUM JOURNEY: Connecticut has become a hub for elite college hockey. Quinnipiac, UConn and Sacred Heart look like sure things to make the NCAA tournament this year. Yale won the national title in 2013.  What's unique about each of these institution's hockey facilities? MATT CAPUTO:  I had the chance to write about the Quinnipiac, UCONN and Sacred Heart arenas for Connecticut Magazine a couple of years ago. They are all great places to see games, though I don’t get into college hockey as much. I think what makes them unique is that they are part of a new era of college sports. College hockey, and college soccer, to a degree, have always been a little under-utilized by the NCAA. There’s a lot more buzz around college hockey now that all those Connecticut schools have their own on-campus rinks. STADIUM JOURNEY: And your school, Western Connecticut AKA WestConn, is starting a hockey team this year. What can fans expect? MATT CAPUTO:  WestConn has a long tradition of doing college athletics the right way and I expect nothing less. I’m not aware of all the details yet, but I know they plan to play at Danbury Ice Arena. WestConn football and basketball have always enjoyed local support, and I feel strongly that people will support an NCAA DIII hockey team. I’m looking forward to checking it out. (Editor's Note: Western Connecticut will be joining the newly-formed Little East Hockey Conference for the 2025-2026 season along with several other D-III colleges from throughout New England, including UMass Dartmouth, where Stadium Journey President Paul Baker works as an announcer. Instant rivalry.) STADIUM JOURNEY: You're a Queens, New York native, and you've also written about Mets fandom. What do you most remember about Shea Stadium - good, bad, ugly? MATT CAPUTO:  The good has always been that I can get there quickly: Q47 bus right outside my front door went to the 7 Train and I could be at Shea inside a half hour. I always felt like the dimensions were bad; it had a deep outfield that seemed a little unorthodox, but it was a great place to watch a game, and the energy could reach a frenzy if the team was  winning. I remember once giving an usher $5 to let us sit in box seats right before a terrible downpour and rain delay. We were soaking wet just waiting for the Mets and Expos to start playing again. When they did, it felt like there were only 500 people there. The ugliest nights I can remember at Shea Stadium were on the Irish-themed nights when the legendary Irish rock band Black 47 played. Nico Wormworth was their manager; his father was the great jazz drummer Jimmy Wormworth, I remember grabbing his attention during Black 47’s set and chatting with him. The crowd there was crazy and relentless during the entire night, people were urinating everywhere instead of using the restrooms. STADIUM JOURNEY: You wrote a well-known piece for The New York Times on emergency goalies . Has an emergency goalie ever been upgraded to a team regular? What's the greatest emergency goalie success story? MATT CAPUTO:  Sure, in some cases, emergency goalies are often younger players or less experienced guys who are trying to get their chance. Obviously, that’s mostly in the minor leagues. In the NHL, I don’t think any emergency goalie has been invited to training camp or back to the show in any way. Dave Ayers, who drove the ice-resurface machine for the Maple Leafs, got into the game for the Carolina Hurricanes during the 2019-20 season and helped them defeat the team he worked for. Mostly, that story is about how people live their life and how they spend their time. It’s what I like to write about. STADIUM JOURNEY: Of course we had to ask. With hockey booming in Connecticut, is there any chance that the Whalers make a return to the nutmeg state? MATT CAPUTO:  There’s no doubt that people love hockey here, but there are a few things working against it. First: Hartford has a great new AA baseball stadium, a fantastic set-up for USL soccer and there’s still a fanbase for the Wolf Pack. Obviously, you’ve also got UCONN men’s and women’s basketball, as well as football playing in the city. There are some, but not a ton, of corporate interests who could support an NHL team. I think when the NHL looks at expansion, they’re looking at places where the population is growing. People forget that Phoenix was one of the fastest growing cities in Americaat one point. What Hartford does have working for it is that the love of hockey that is so strong in the area. If Springfield Mass and New Haven are counted in the metroplex, then you’ve got a region where there's a strong base of genuine hockey devotion. The Boston Bruins will probably never let it happen, but it never made sense to me that the New York City metropolitan area has three teams, and New England has but one. I’ve heard the Governor has had serious talks with the NHL about what it would take, but that’s the last I’ve heard of anything solid. Matt Caputo can be found on Instagram @MattCaputo Jon Hart is  @manversusball

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Jordan Court in Hitchcock Arena University Ave. Mechanicsburg, PA 17055 Messiah Falcons website Jordan Court in Hitchcock Arena website Year Opened: 2017 Capacity: 2,000 The Falcons Nest Messiah University is a private interdenominational evangelical Christian university in Grantham, Pennsylvania, although the mailing address is in nearby Mechanicsburg. The university began as Messiah Bible School and Missionary Training Home and was part of the Brethren in Christ Church. The name changed over the years going from Messiah Bible School to Messiah College, and in 2020 Messiah University. The university is now interdenominational and not part of the Brethren in Christ Church but still is evangelical with an influence in the Anabaptist, the Radical Pietist, and the Wesleyan holiness movements. The Falcons mascot is named Flex, although he was previously known as Fandango. The Falcons compete in Division III of the NCAA and are a member of the Middle Atlantic Conferences. The Falcons receive some of the biggest support in Division III and boast some of the best attendance of all schools at that level. The Falcons have been very successful in athletics. The men's and women's soccer teams won the NCAA Division III National Championship in 2005, 2008, 2009, and 2012. The Falcons men's soccer team are eleven-time national champions. Messiah University is the only NCAA college to win the men's and women's soccer national championships in the same year, and they have achieved that distinction four times. There also have been national championships in women's softball, and women's field hockey, and numerous individual championships in wrestling and wrestling. The Falcons baseball time are five-time conference champions in 2003, 2005, 2008, 2011, and 2012. Jordan Court in Hitchcock Arena opened at the beginning of the 2017-18 academic year after being renovated. Jordan Court is home to Messiah men’s and women’s volleyball, men’s and women’s basketball, and wrestling. Food & Beverage 3 There are no permanent food stands open for basketball games. The arena is attached to the student center which has a cafe, and there are vending machines all around. There is a sign saying no food or drink in the arena itself. Atmosphere 4 Hitchcock Arena has a true arena-like feel, more than a normal small college gym. This does make it have a pretty good college basketball experience. Messiah does have a very engaged sports fan base, so expect it to get loud at times. The PA system is also very loud, louder than we usually experience at college events. You can also expect music to have contemporary religious music mixed in with secular music. Neighborhood 3 There is not much of a neighborhood in Grantham but one can venture into Mechanicsburg and/or Harrisburg for more things to do before or after a game. There is a Primanti Bros. Restaurant and Bar in Camp Hill if you are feeling like eating a large meal. Vitality Bowls in Mechanicsburg could be a healthier option. Fans 4 Messiah has one of the best fan bases around . They support Falcon sports, no matter which one. If visiting on any given weekend, you are likely to find multiple games going on around campus, with each a healthy attendance . Access 3 Messiah University, itself, is not that hard to access as it is located nearby the Pennsylvania Turnpike, I-83, I-81, and U.S. Route 15. There should be plenty of parking available on campus but check regulations for weeknight games. Return on Investment 5 There is no charge for attending a game at Hitchcock Arena. Parking is also free around campus. Extras 4 The attached student center has a nice cafe and college bookstore which is worth checking out. Go to the nearby Criste Tennis Courts to find a delightful swinging bridge that crosses Yellow Breeches Creek. There is a campus fitness trail that offers a great walking trail around a good part of the Messiah campus. The Climenhaga Homestead is a historic house on campus that was built by the first dean of the college (Asa Climenhaga) as a way to become better connected to the campus and its students. The homestead now houses guest rooms, meeting rooms, and conference facilities. Final Thoughts Messiah University is already a great spot to watch sports with some very engaged fans usually in attendence.

Photos by Terry McCutchen, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 The Field House 2600 S. Neal Street Commerce, TX 75428 East Texas A&M Lions website The Field House website Year Opened: 1950 Capacity: 3,055 East Texas A&M University Women’s Basketball East Texas A&M University, formerly Texas A&M University-Commerce, is the fifth oldest state college/university in Texas, having been founded in 1889. The school opened under the name East Texas Normal College as a training school for teachers in Cooper, Texas. After fire destroyed the original campus, the school was relocated to its present day location in Commerce, Texas. The school received full state funding in 1917, and in 1923 changed its name to East Texas State Teachers College. The school voted to remove the word Teachers from its name in 1957, and changed to a university in 1965, becoming East Texas State University. In 1996 the school was voted into the Texas A&M system, thus becoming Texas A&M-Commerce – this name was used until November 2024 when the school became East Texas A&M in an effort to better connect with the region where most of the traditional students reside. With an enrollment of 11,500 in 2023, this is the third-largest university in the Texas A&M University System. Located in Commerce, in the northeast corner of the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex and a mere 60 miles from downtown Dallas, most of the current student body hails from either the Dallas metroplex or one of many small towns in northeast Texas. ETAMU’s mascot is the Lions; the school sponsors twelve varsity sports and have competed since 2022-23 at the NCAA Division 1 level in the Southland Conference; previously the teams were members of the Lone Star Conference for much of their history. The women’s basketball program began in 1971, making the Elite Eight in 2007 and having qualified for the national tournament five times since their founding. The home of Lady Lion basketball is The Field House. Built in 1950, The Field House is designed in the shape of an airplane hangar and covers over 69,000 square feet, most of which is continuous hardwood flooring lined for multiple basketball and volleyball courts. The Quonset-shaped building is quite in contrast with the rest of campus, which consists mainly of new, modern buildings made of brick, lots of glass, and state-of-the-art architecture. With moveable stands, the massive open space and 58’ ceilings can host five full-court basketball games simultaneously. It is believed to be the largest non-stop hardwood floor west of the Mississippi River; unique and a peek into a time long past.   Food & Beverage   3 Concessions at The Field House are unspectacular but do offer many of the basic items you have come to expect. Food choices include hot dogs, nachos, popcorn, pretzels, assorted chips, and candy. Drinks include Powerade, water, Coca-Cola products, and Dr Pepper. Alcoholic beverages available include Bud Light, Michelob Ultra, White Claw, Beatbox wine, Dallas Blonde, and local lager Tupp’s Bold Gold. There is one concession window with one or two workers, which is sufficient. The only time there may be a wait longer than one or two people is during halftime. Prices are a little higher than what you might expect for this level of play, with drinks costing between $4.75 and $7 and snacks costing between $3 and $6. Nachos do cost $7.50 and Beatbox wine is $8.   Atmosphere   4 Basketball games inside The Field House are entertaining and fun for all ages. Due to the fact the school is located in a smaller community, NCAA D1 athletics are consistently the top entertainment option nearby. The Lady Lions are supported by a cheer squad, dance team, and pep band, as well as fans of all ages from Commerce and surrounding towns. On one end of the gymnasium, there are two large inflatables for children to play on before and during games. The inflatables are within eyesight of the visitor stands and one end of the home stands. When asked if the inflatables were featured at all home games, the gentleman from the inflatables company stated that they were, to allow kids to play so adults could enjoy the game. There are crowd participation games at Lions games that take place during long stoppages in play, as well as half time entertainment. At the most recent game I attended, there was a relay race between a group of young children followed by a scrimmage between two youth basketball teams – all these activities created an environment where there was very little down time when there was no action on the court.   Neighborhood   3 East Texas A&M is located in the northeast Texas community of Commerce. Commerce has a population of approximately 10,000, one of the smallest university towns in the state of Texas. Located in such a small town, the school is the center of activity, largest employer, and biggest attraction in the region. If driving into town from the Dallas area via Highway 24, the main entrance to campus greets you as you enter town. Most of the buildings seen from the road are new and built using sustainable techniques that meet Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification. The area across Highway 24 from the school consists of the convenience stores, fast food restaurants, and major chain stores of Commerce. The neighborhoods that surround ETAMU include a mixture of apartment complexes, modest single-family homes, and small duplexes and other rental properties. Within a half mile of campus sit the historic, century-old houses that were original to the city. For games during Christmas break prior to the start of Spring semester, there is not much life in and around campus. If looking for a meal before or after the game, there are a few restaurant choices in town.  Luigi’s Italian Restaurant and Lone Star Eatery Grill & Bar are both across the street from campus, while Lulu’s Burgers  and Mariscos del Golfo  are both just a few minutes’ drive away. Fast food establishments across from ETAMUl include Braum’s, Chicken Express, Sonic, McDonald’s, and Dominos. For a small town there are just a few viable hotel options, including Magnuson Hotel , Lion’s Den Extended Stay , and The Yellow Rose of Texas . Hotels in Greenville, a short 20-minute drive away on Interstate 30, offers Hampton Inn & Suites , Best Western Plus Monica Royale , and Comfort Inn & Suites , among others. Sulphur Springs is 30 minutes away on I-30 as well, and also has multiple hotel options. Alternatively, if you will be coming from the north, Paris and Sherman are both within an hour’s drive and have plenty of accommodations to choose from.   Fans   4 Lady Lion fans are loyal – their support is displayed through cheering during the game, led mainly by the pep band, cheerleaders, and student section. The support of these groups goes deeper than simple cheering, as they have organized chants for specific actions by their opponents. For example, after an opponent substitution, the crowd will count the steps of the player heading to the bench until she takes her seat on the bench, at which time they all yell at top volume, “SIT DOWN!”. Also among the fans here are groups of youth basketball teams from surrounding communities, as well as many senior adults. At a game I recently attended, there were three different youth basketball teams in attendance.   Access   3 The Field House at East Texas A&M is easily accessible, sitting on the north end of campus just one block east of TX-24. It sits behind Memorial Stadium, easily visible – it will be the enormous maroon Quonset hut-style building that looks like an airplane hangar. Parking is plentiful with a large lot extending from the football stadium past the gym, allowing fans to park within a short walk of the entrance. There is no charge for parking, which is an added benefit.   Return On Investment   3 The experience overall provides about what you would expect for the cost involved. All tickets are general admission for $10 or $15, depending on how high in the stands you prefer to sit. A limited number of courtside seats are available for $30. Once conference games begin in late December, there is also a men’s and women’s double header against the same opponent for one ticket price during every home game. Concession prices are slightly more at The Field House than at most comparably sized schools. This is offset by free parking and the no cost children’s play area.   Extras   3 Free parking within steps of The Field House’s entrance is definitely worth extra recognition. Most schools have prioritized and monetized prime parking spots, so the sacrifice of this income for general public parking is well appreciated. The unique, historic building that is The Field House provides a memorable game experience. While void of many modern amenities, the gym is a step back in time and a reminder that this is not professional basketball, but a game being played by college students. What the pep band adds to the atmosphere during the game is worth an extra shout out; the choreographed chants directed at the opposing team are both entertaining, and also help give some home court advantage to the Lady Lions.   Final Thoughts East Texas A&M Lady Lion basketball, as members of the Southland Conference, provides a quality game experience – the activities are sure to entertain fans of all ages. Stepping into the confines of the venerable building is like taking a stroll into the past; an afternoon or evening spent on the campus of ETAMU is well worth the time invested. It was recently announced that a new multimillion dollar event center has been approved. There is no planned date or other details available at the time of this article, however. Nevertheless, I would suggest putting a trip to this northeast Texas campus near the top of your basketball bucket list, to avoid missing a game in The historic Field House.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.29 American Family Field One Brewers Way Milwaukee, WI 53214 Milwaukee Brewers website American Family Field website Year Opened: 2001 Capacity: 41,900 Baseball, Beer, & Brats at the Brewers Game American Family Field is the home field of the Milwaukee Brewers. Originally known as Miller Park when it opened in 2001, the ballpark is known for its tailgating before the game, its ballpark food of Wisconsin treats, and strong fan support. It houses a fan-shaped retractable roof that opens or closes in 10 minutes.  The ballpark received $500,000 worth of public funds to renovate the stadium. It resulted in a 12,077 square feet video board in center field, a 2,840 square foot board in right field, LED displays, and the creation of the 3rd Street Market Hall with 4 new restaurants in the right field loge level. Before moving into American Family Field, the Brew Crew called County Stadium home from 1970-2000. The ballpark is gone, but the field is now the site of a Little League baseball park, Helfaer Field. It is located near the AAF and it provides the opportunity for kids to run on the field before a Brewers game. The renovations will guarantee the Brewers will stay in town until 2050 (the club’s 80th anniversary since moving from Seattle) and enhance what many considered a ballpark to visit during the season.  Food & Beverage 5 American Family Field was named t he second-best MLB stadium for food by USA Today's 10Best Readers' Choice Awards. This year includes the addition of four new eateries that are located in the 3rd Street Market Hall Annex in the right field loge level and include the following establishments: Kompali Tacos:  Steak tacos, Chicken tacos, Vegetarian Tacos, and Chips and Guacamole. Smokin’ Jack’s BBQ: Texan Sandwich, Pork Shoulder Sandwich, The Smokey Bird Sandwich, and Smoked Meat Nachos. KAWA (Asian fusion) : Crab Rangoon (3 pieces), Spring Roll (4 pieces), Godzilla Roll, and Chicken Fried Rice. Anytime Arepa (Venezuelan):  Brisket and Cheddar Arepa, Chicken and Cheddar Arepa, Black Bean and Cheddar Arepa, Mini Empanadas (3-piece basket – Chicken, Ground Beef, and Cheese) and Tostones and Mild Salsa.  The J. Leinenkugel's Barrel Yard (Loge area in right field) is a restaurant and experience overlooking the field. It features a three-barrel brewing system and brewmaster. The restaurant is opened all-year-round and offers a full menu of steak dishes, chicken wings, Wisconsin cheese boards, cheese soup, and a Wurst platter. Fans enjoy a patio view of the game on the concourse with a wait staff. However, more options specialize in Wisconsin favorites of sausages, burgers, brats, hot dogs, and sausages. A few highlights include the peppered brandy burger with melted Swiss cheese, bacon, and caramelized brandy onions; the Tipsy Polish with caramelized brandy onions, fries, pickled peppers, and Bavarian sprinkles; and the Top of the North hot dog with kraut, jalapeno mayonnaise, bacon, brown mustard, and Super Secret Stadium sauce. The options do not end here; the concession stands serve pizza slices, chicken parmesan sandwiches, giant helmet nachos, Vienna beef hot dogs, chicken tender baskets with fries, and fried cheese curds. The highlight of the beer selection includes the Local Brews bar, located on the lower level near section 207. It serves 24 beers from numerous Wisconsin breweries, including Spotted Cow from New Glarus Brewery, Ninja Dust from One Barrel Brewing Company, and GumbSkull Sea Salt & Lime Lager from PetSkull Brewing Company. Atmosphere 5 Everything begins about 3 hours before the game in the ballpark parking lots. The birth of tailgating was born here when the Braves came to town from Boston, and the tradition continues today with multiple tables, tents, and grills serving up some of the best foods in the major leagues. The stadium is separated into four different levels. Fans enter through the field level (100), and the wrap-around concourse houses an abundance of food and merchandise options. There are also island bars allowing fans to enjoy the game from all four sides of the structure. There are also open views from many parts of the concourse, allowing fans not to miss the action on the diamond. The Loge level (200) is where you will find a few interesting sections that enhance the game day experience. As mentioned earlier, the 3rd Street Market Hall Annex was recently added. The Miller Lite Landing offers sweeping views of the field from above the left-field wall. The area also has a wait staff, drink rails, charging stations, and TV sets. When the roof is open, the view is ideal for pictures from this vantage point. The 300 level is where you will find club-level suites with a wait staff. A few more suite and all-inclusive areas include the Vizzy Loft, Johnsonville Party Deck, and the Association Bank Power Alley. X-Golf is located on the Loge level and features seven state-of-the-art indoor golf simulator bays over two floors – with three bays that offer expansive views of the playing field. Reservations are required. The Terrace level (400) offers some of the better views of the entire stadium.  The ballpark is known for several unique features: Famous Racing Sausages, Bernie’s Chalet, and the Bob Uecker seats in the last row of the stadium in the 400 level. The sausages race between the 6 inning, and featured five different sausage and mini sausage mascots racing from the left field corner to the first baseline. The team’s mascot, Bernie Brewer, will slide down from his chalet after every Brewer home run. The Aurora Health Care® Kids Zone is a special kids' interactive playground located on the Terrace Level behind home plate. The area offers slides, areas to test kid’s speed, pitching, and face painting. Fans can also look around the walls of the ballpark to see team logos, sayings, and murals honoring the Brewers history in the town. Neighborhood 3 American Family Field is 4.3 miles from downtown Milwaukee. It should not be surprising since it was built next to the team’s former home County Stadium. When County Stadium opened in 1953, it was designed with the motorist in mind and was the first major league ballpark constructed outside the city limits. It is best to drive to the game and visit downtown Milwaukee afterward. The Milwaukee Riverwalk is worth a visit on a warm summer day and is accessible to the Milwaukee Public Market which is located in the Historic Third Ward where cobblestone streets line up next to restaurants, shops, and bars. The city is home to the Harley-Davidson Museum and a few brewery tours that include Miller, Lakefront, and Specher. If craving more baseball, the Milwaukee Milkmen  and Lake Country Dockhounds  of the American Association play 15 and 30 minutes respectively from the stadium. Still, the Lakeshore Chinooks of the Northwoods League play less than 20 minutes north along the shoreline at Kapco Park . Fans 5 The Brewers are known for having some of the best fans in the major leagues. The club averages well above 15 other major league teams, and fans are decked in team gear from the powder blue shirts of the 1980s to the current navy blue jerseys. They support their ball club regardless of record on the field. Access 4 Being set outside of downtown, the ballpark is easy to access with multiple lots to choose from before the game. There are 8 preferred parking lots and 3 larger general parking lots that are a little further walk. Once inside, the main concourse is the hub of activities with escalators and elevators available to take you to your proper section. The Molitor Lot is the furthest parking lot but provides the quickest access to I-94. Several restaurants offer shuttle service from downtown Milwaukee, including Brewski's Sports Club, Paulie's Pup & Eatery, Jack's American Pub, and Who's on Third. Return on Investment 4 Brewers tickets are among the cheapest tickets in the major leagues. Based on the   website TickPick , tickets are as low as $5 during the week and as high as $20 during the weekend or giveaway nights. If the Chicago Cubs are in town, the price will be higher, and it's advised to purchase parking passes in advance for a steep discount. General parking Monday through Friday is $13, compared to $15. A preferred parking ticket for a weekend game will cost $20, compared to $40. The Brewers concession prices are in line with many major league ballparks. They are a tad on the high side; however, “The 414 Menu” offers four items a la carte for just $4 each – a junior hot dog, junior nachos, Cracker Jack, and 16 oz. soda is ideal for folks with little kids or on a budget. Extras 4 First, tailgating is among the best in baseball and is a tradition. Take time to arrive early to check out the scene or bring something to eat or drink. The Famous Sausage Race is a must-see at the game and among the team’s favorite traditions, along with Bernie Brewer sliding down his chalet after every Brewers home run. Another extra is when the roof is open, the best part of the ballpark might be the Miller Lite Landing, offering sweeping views of the field from above the left-field wall. Final Thoughts American Family Field is one of those major league ballparks that might not stand out to most, but after a visit, you might want to reconsider. It is known for its tailgating, loyal fans, great food, and racing sausages. Also, ticket prices are among the least expensive in the league, making it affordable for anyone looking to enjoy a game at a major league ballpark during the season. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter   and his YouTube channel .   Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

The Cleveland Guardians are in the midst of a $200 million renovation project that will enhance the gameday experience for many in attendance. Debuting this year are the Terrace Hall and KeyBank North Coast and the completed Blue Moon Terrace Garden on the left field line of the ballpark. All of these areas were inspired by the architecture and imagery of downtown Cleveland, from the West Side Market to the Guardians of Traffic. The KeyBank North Coast is one of those spots that offers a blend of indoor and outdoor seating. The sleek retro vibe of the area features exposed steel and a wood baffle ceiling that adds a touch of nostalgia to anyone with a game ticket who fancies a local craft beer from the many taps at the bar.  The colors of steel, black and old gold, are remarkable in Cleveland, and several of the walls are decorated with colorful murals by local artists. Just upstairs is my favorite section of the ballpark and one that captures the new vision of the ball club. The Blue Moon Terrace Garden is fully completed with the addition of the Jack Daniel's Bar. Located along the left-field concourse, the terrace offers a stunning view of the field, fresh food and drink options, and a lush garden atmosphere that sets a new standard for modern stadium experiences. The social area offers stunning 360-degree views of the Cleveland skyline. Those views are gorgeous. Who knew that Cleveland looked so good? It is one way the team hopes to blend in with the rest of the city’s buildings. A summer heat wave was gripping the Midwest during the visit, but many would rather face these elements than a cold streak in late March.  In addition to drinks, the garden features a rotating menu of shareable plates, small bites, and vegetarian options—aimed at broadening the appeal beyond traditional ballpark fare. Seating is flexible, with high-top tables and lounge areas encouraging mingling and socializing during the game. As with the KeyBank North Coast, there is local artistry, including a giant 3-D mural near the section's entrance. For those not interested in the game of the field, this could be the hippest place in downtown during the afternoon or evening during the baseball season.  To make room for many of these changes, the old hunter green seats were torn out, but capacity has not been altered due to the changes. The additional social spaces have been in check with other ballparks: T-Mobile Park in Seattle, Coors Field in Denver, and Kaufman Stadium in Kansas City. Progressive Field is the 11th-oldest stadium in the major leagues, but it sure doesn’t want to feel that way heading into its fourth decade. “The Blue Moon Terrace Garden is part of our mission to modernize Progressive Field without losing its charm,” said Guardians President of Business Operations Brian Barren. “It’s a place where fans can connect, relax, and enjoy the ballgame in a whole new way.” The new terrace is open to all ticket holders and is already proving to be a hit among both casual attendees and season ticket members. With Progressive Field continuing renovations and fan-focused upgrades through 2026, the Blue Moon Terrace Garden signals a promising shift toward a more immersive and memorable ballpark experience. Ask ChatGPT There was plenty of commotion at the Blue Moon Terrace Garden. Fans were either sitting down or standing with friends having a drink, others watched fervently along the upper rails in hopes of a home run, which was soon granted off the bat to Steven Kwan in the third inning. He would repeat the feat two innings later. To those who prefer to keep score in their seat with a bag of peanuts or a hot dog in hand. There are plenty of areas for that at the stadium. The action on the field is to be taken seriously by the baseball purist, and not the who’s who in a social area.  Attending a major league game has changed since Progressive Field first opened its doors in 1994. A whole new generation of fans has been born, and they like their baseball with a touch of hobnobbing. The reveling with others over a craft beer or hard vodka is the norm, and the Cleveland Guardians hope to appeal to this type of fan.  So far, so good. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter   and his   YouTube channel .   Email at Marc .Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 UPMC Park 110 E 10th St Erie, PA 16501 Erie SeaWolves website UPMC Park website Year Opened: 1995 Capacity: 6,000 A Great Ballpark on the Shores of Lake Erie UPMC Park is the home of the Erie SeaWolves of the Eastern League. The home of the Double-A affiliate of the Detroit Tigers was built in 1995 to lure minor league baseball back to town after a one-year hiatus. The stadium seats 6,000 people, features a unique seating bowl configuration, and has a left wall that is connected to the city’s hockey venue , Erie Insurance Arena. The SeaWolves began as a Pittsburgh Pirates affiliate in the New York-Penn League and proved very popular, setting a league attendance record of 181,815 in their first season. They broke the record in 1997 with 196,212 fans through the turnstiles. The club's popularity was such that it advanced to Double-A ball in 1999, serving as GGthe farm team of the Anaheim Angels. That affiliation would last until 2001 when the Detroit Tigers became the parent club. Minor league baseball in Erie dates back to 1906, and for the majority of those years, the team's name was the Sailors. For much of that history,  games were played at Ainsworth Field. The site was first used in 1913, and in 1947, a new structure was erected. However, by 1993, the facility was outdated and not aligned with the modern standards for minor league stadiums. The team would relocate to Fishkill, New York, and be renamed the Hudson Valley Renegades.  The construction of UPMC Park, originally known as Jerry Uht Park,  provided a sense of pride to the community. The cozy ballpark produced sell-outs and put the city on the map in comparison to the nearby larger markets of Cleveland, Buffalo, and Pittsburgh. Food & Beverage 4 The ballpark selection of food at the many concession stands and kiosks. Fans new to town may want to purchase a few local options that can only be found in Erie.  Smith’s natural casing hot dogs are locally made and offer a wonderful snap with every bite. They are the hot dogs of choice at the ballpark and are one-hundred-percent beef. Pepperoni balls might be the city’s official food, and they can be found at the stadium. The warm balls of dough are stuffed with pepperoni and cheese and then deep-fried. They are the perfect type of snack to enjoy at the ballpark. The third option is the roast ox sandwich, which is a roast beef sandwich served on a hamburger bun with its natural juices.  A few more local options include the Greek Dog, made famous by the local New York Lunch restaurant, and Slow Hat Ice Cream, featuring the following flavors: bourbon caramel pecan, grasshopper pie, graham canyon, and deep sea treasure - served by the scoop down the first base side of the stadium. The alcoholic drinks are varied and offer everything from beer, hard seltzers, lemonade, and canned cocktails. The brand names include Bud Light, Corona, Michelob Ultra, Miller Lite, Yuengling Lager, and varieties from New Belgium and Southern Tier Breweries. You can even get a tall 24-ounce can of Labatt Blue and Busch Light at the game. A few items of note include deep-fried Oreos, a mac and cheese helmet, a chicken and bacon wrap, beer bats, and the South of the Border grill that includes a burrito bowl and super nachos. Pepsi products are the soft drink of choice, and cash and credit are both accepted at most concession stands. Atmosphere 4 You can always tell what the atmosphere will be like an hour before the game. Fans line up outside the main entrance in the right field corner and watch the stadium crew prepare for the game. Giant inflatable rides are positioned in the Flagship Funland area, a small brass band prepares for tonight’s performance, programs are placed on racks, and a soundcheck tests out the PA system. All of this is well before the gates are open to the fans. When the gates open up, the ballpark comes alive. The right field entrance is the hub of activity, including the team gift shop, which is packed with SeaWolves merchandise, ranging from faux back caps, the alternative Moon Mammoths, and their normal on-field fashions. Customers come out of their store with handfuls of shirts, caps, and other items to take back home.  Outside the team store is Celebration Cove, offering numerous picnic tables and standing-room-only seats that line up the left field line. The Flagship Funland is a play area for kids, featuring putt-putt, a bouncy house, basketball nets, and other inflatable slides and rides.  The design is vastly different from the typical Double-A stadium. It offers lower box seating on both sides.  However, the left field seating bowl is a traditional design that incorporates a large area of seats and suites on top with concession areas below. The right field seating area is an upper deck design. Neighborhood 3 The ballpark is downtown and next to the Erie Insurance Arena , where the Erie Otters of the Ontario Hockey League operate from September to March. If in town during the summer months, there are many options a few blocks away, offering indoor and outdoor seating before and after the game. BIGBAR is known for deep-dish pizzas, cheesesteak sandwiches, calzones, and chicken wings, with 22 varieties of sauces and dry rubs. The corner restaurant is a popular destination, but the kitchen closes at 10 pm every day of the week. Further down from the stadium is Calamari’s Squid Row, which features flatbread pizzas, wraps, and chicken parmesan sandwiches, including an outdoor patio. A few spots for a drink or two exist at Cloud 9, Room 33 Speakeasy, and the Plymouth Tavern. There are also two microbreweries near UPMC Park: Voodoo Brewing Company and Lavery Brewing. Voodoo is off the busy State Street and offers a relaxed atmosphere. Lavery features a free parking lot, couches, board games, and a food menu of handheld sandwiches and small bites. The Lake Erie waterfront is worth a visit. There are pirate ship tours, stunning sunset views from The Shoreline Bar & Grill. The Erie Maritime Museum and Bicentennial Tower are two places to visit. Presque Isle State Park is a 3,112-acre state park located on a sandy, curved peninsula that extends into Lake Erie, just 4 miles west of the city. Visitors enjoy hiking trails, beaches, and sunset views. For the baseball traveler, Ainsworth Field is worth checking out. It is less than 3 miles from the SeaWolves home and is a 1947 structure that has seating for 3,000 people. There might be an event taking place during your visit, and adding another baseball game is always a plus in our book. Fans 3 SeaWolves games are well-attended on most weekend nights. The visitor should expect a large crowd ready to enjoy a night out at the ballpark. The fandom has supported the team with record crowds in its 30-plus-year history. Those numbers are not as big as they used to be, but various promotions and giveaways draw in the Erie faithful.  Access 3 UPMC Park is a downtown minor league ballpark and offers very little parking. The best options are to park on the street and pay the meter (25 cents every 20 minutes) until 6 PM. There are private lots near the ballpark that charge a small fee and a few free spots further down the road.  The stadium’s design is unusual, featuring a small concourse that leads fans to their seats. The third base side offers a majority of upper box seating, and the first base side features a majority of lower box seating. The main entrance of the stadium is in the left field corner. Return on Investment 4 There are two price points: $16 for upper box seating and $20 for lower box seating. However, if purchasing within a day of the game, the price is reduced by $3 and $4, respectively. The concession prices are in line with other Eastern League stadiums, and there is quite a variety of options, including 24-ounce cans of beer for $9. The gift shop is brimming with merchandise on the shelves, and a hat and t-shirt combo sells for $40, but expect to pay $28 and up for most team caps and special identities. Extras 4 UPMC Park earns a point for its pre-game celebration at the third base entrance that includes a festive play area for kids, free programs, a live band, and plenty of food options. The second point is for the regional foods that include pepperoni balls, ox tail sandwiches, and Smith’s natural casing wieners.  The design of the ballpark earns a third point. It stands out among other venues in minor league baseball and offers a few quirks, including the hockey arena doubling as the left field wall and stadium club building, offering a rooftop view of the field. Final Thoughts UPMC Park was a fun night at the ballpark. The pre-game ceremonies, food options, merchandise variety, and vantage points place it in a category all of its own in the Eastern League. When you add the city of Erie to your travels, you have a pleasant weekend to spend along the lake with friends and family. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter   and his YouTube channel .   Email at Marc .Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by James Hilchen, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Cheney Stadium 2502 S Tyler St Tacoma, WA 98405 Tacoma Rainiers website Cheney Stadium website Year Opened: 1960 Capacity: 6,500 Home of the Tacoma Rainiers Opened in 1960, Cheney Stadium plays host to the AAA Tacoma Rainiers of the Pacific Coast League. The stadium has a unique history. Cheney Stadium needed to be built in short order in order for Tacoma to obtain the AAA team that was based in Phoenix. The mission succeeded with the stadium being built in a mere three and a half months to meet the Opening Day deadline. In 2011, Cheney underwent a comprehensive $30 million renovation that included luxury suites, a kids play area, more restrooms and concessions and shoring up the main seating area. In addition to the Rainiers, Cheney Stadium hosted the Tacoma Defiance and OL Reign soccer teams in addition to hosting the AAA All-Star Game in 2017. Food & Beverage 4 Cheney Stadium offers up all the items you expect. From hot dogs to burgers to pizza and BBQ sandwiches, there is no shortage of ballpark fare. Cheney takes their concessions one step further. As a nod to their location near the Pacific, give Ivar’s a try. They serve different dishes including fish & chips and clam chowder. If you are feeling adventurous, try an Ivar Dog. The Ivar Dog is a seafood-based hotdog topped with cole slaw and tartar sauce. In addition, Cheney offers up the regular snacks of popcorn, ice cream, cotton candy, pretzels, etc. As for beverages, Cheney serves Coke products. Additionally, there are a multitude of beer and mixed drink options. Want coffee? Stop by Grounds Brew where you will find all sorts of different types of coffee and tea. Concessions run about the norm for minor league baseball. Atmosphere 4 The stadium is aesthetically quite nice. There are no bad seats. One thing you notice quickly is the seating area is a bit steeper than many stadiums. This creates great views of the field without having to worry about partially blocked views if taller fans are sitting in front of you. A video board sits just left of the batter’s eye, with the scoreboard just to the right of the batter’s eye. Down the first base line is a nice grass berm area. The berm gives a great view of the Rainiers bullpen which is near the right field corner. Behind the berm is a kids play area which includes a whiffle ball park. Restrooms and concessions are below the seating deck. On the night I attended, while the crowd was not particularly large, there were no issues with lines for the restrooms or concessions. Neighborhood 3 Cheney Stadium is set in a residential/retail area. As such, there isn’t much in the way of places to walk to before or after the game. However, about 3 miles away, you will find a litany of places in a very scenic area…Commencement Bay. This area is also where you will find most of the hotels in the area. Among your dining options are the E9 Firehouse and Gastropub on Pine St. E9 brews their own beer and, yes, is located in a former firehouse. Down on 6 th  St., we stopped at the Southern Kitchen. If you are a fan of southern cooking, this is your place. Be sure and try the catfish…it’s great! Fans 4 Having attended far more minor league games than I can remember, I was hard pressed to remember too many crowds that were more attentive during the game. A large percentage of fans knew the players, the important situations, and were engaged throughout the game. Access 4 Cheney Stadium is located just off Highway 16 on South Tyler St. and is easy to get to. There are two parking entrances, one in front of the stadium and one behind the stadium in the Foss High School parking lot. On the evening I attended, the stands were about half full and there were no issues getting around the concourse or finding a restroom. Concession lines were minimal and yielded a very short wait, if any. Return on Investment 3 You can get a ticket in the main seating area for about $23. I’d recommend using the Foss High School parking lot for parking as the cost is $10, which is half the cost of the home plate parking lot which is $20. Concessions are about the going rate at all minor league parks. While the cost to attend a game is a little more pricey than other parks, Cheney Stadium offers a fun experience that that gives you a good return on your money. Extras 5 Cheney Stadium has a unique setup. While hard to describe, it is a very enjoyable look. If you like old time light towers, Cheney is your place. The light towers were reclaimed from Seals Park in San Francisco, which is the stadium the San Francisco Giants initially played in when relocating from New York. On a clear day, head up to the left field party deck. Should Mt. Rainier be peaking out, you will have a great view of it. In the concourse, you will find a nice little display of the Tacoma Baseball Hall of Fame. Final point for Rhubarb the Reindeer. Rhubarb is the Rainiers mascot and quite active during the game. Final Thoughts I wasn’t sure what to expect of Cheney Stadium. I walked away very impressed with the stadium and the game presentation the Rainiers staff puts together on a nightly basis. The prices are a little on the high side, but there are some unique factors that make a visit to Cheney Stadium well worth your time.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score:3.86 Rogers Centre 1 Blue Jays Way Toronto, ON M5V 1J3 Canada Toronto Blue Jays website Rogers Centre website Year Opened: 1989 Capacity: 39,150 Rogers Ballpark In the perennial world of ballpark construction, it seems that Rogers Centre has completed the lion’s share of the significant changes that President Mark Shapiro stated would turn “the stadium into a ballpark.”  Opened in 1989, the SkyDome was an innovative marvel with the first ever retractable roof and the first large video screen dubbed the JumboTron.  Over time the opening of Oriole Park at Camden Yards drastically changed the direction of ballpark construction.  MLB teams were commissioning the building of ballparks and multi-purpose stadiums, like SkyDome, became a thing of the past.  SkyDome was renamed Rogers Centre after it was purchased by Rogers Communications and in 2014 a major shift was undertaken.  The Toronto Argonauts of the Canadian Football League were informed that they would no longer be allowed to play at Rogers Centre.  The major changes began.  New turf was installed and the major task of creating a true dirt infield was undertaken, replacing the old sliding pits.  The focus then turned to the fan experience, which is where the biggest changes took place. From 2022 to 2025 hundreds of millions of dollars were invested in Rogers Centre to change the infrastructure and try to create a ballpark experience.  Every seat was replaced.  New social areas were created.  The lower bowl was completely replaced, removing the old track system that moved the seats for a football configuration to a permanent seating area where seats were reoriented towards home plate. The Toronto Blue Jays played their first season in 1977 at Exhibition Stadium.  The ultimate success found its way to the shores of Lake Ontario with the 1992 and 1993 World Series championships.  Joe Carter’s World Series ending home run of 1993 is one of the most iconic baseball scenes ever.  Renewed success has found the Jays in 2025 with a surprising surge to the top of the American League East, bringing capacity crowds back to Rogers Centre. Food & Beverage 4 Rogers Centre provides a solid culinary experience for patrons.  Hot dogs, burgers, nachos, and popcorn are all readily available.  There are several different hot dog and burger options.  Pizza is provided by Pizza Nova and soft drinks are provided by the Coca-Cola family of beverages.  The alcoholic beverage and specifically beer options are massive. Fans could head to the WestJet Flight Deck on the second level past centrefield for possibly the best beer selection in the building.  For fans who are looking for something a little more unique, grabbing a chicken sandwich at Mary Brown’s, a Canadian chain originating from Newfoundland, or some Apple Brisket or Jerk Chicken Nachos, would be the way to go.  The Cubano Panini at the TD Park Social is also a good choice.  Rogers Centre has increased the number of “Tap and Go” facilities offering a quick in and out for easy to grab items.  Of particular interest are Loonie Dog Tuesdays.  Hot Dogs are only $1 on these special days and the variety of concession items definitely decreases on these days to accommodate the massive promotion.  On the day of this review, a record number of hot dogs were purchased at over 92,000. Atmosphere 4 The biggest area of deficiency at Rogers Centre remains the exterior.  Dominated by exposed concrete, Rogers Centre is a massive structure.  The entrances remain bland as compared to contemporary ballparks and there is no “main entrance” to the stadium.  The north side of the stadium, where the Marriott which is part of Rogers Centre, would probably be considered the front.  Also, compared to modern ballparks, the footprint of the grounds is relatively small with not too much space around the exterior of the stadium.  Two bronze sculptures at the top of the north side of Rogers Centre, “The Crowd” and “The Fans” highlight the exterior and the bronze statue of Rogers founder, Ted Rogers, is found at the south, by Bremner Blvd. The inside of the Rogers Centre can be dark.  The 100 level is generally the spot to be before the game.  The best concessions can be found here and past left field, the pre and post-game show with Jamie Campbell of Rogers Sportsnet can be found.  The 100-level concourses are fairly open, considering the age of the building.  The new videoboard is even more massive than before and has engulfed an entire level and taken over where Sightlines restaurant used to be.  Above the videoboard are the championship banners of the 1985, 1989, 1991, and 2015 American League East banners along with the 2016 and 2020 Wild Card banners.  Nestled neatly in there are the 1992 and 1993 World Series banners.  Hall of Fame banners for Pat Gillick and Roy Halladay also hang proudly with the championships.  The Jays nod to history continues with the level of excellence, located on the facia of the fourth level and includes Halladay and Gillick, joined by Tom Cheek, Carlos Delgado, Joe Carter, George Bell, Tony Fernandez, Dave Stieb, Paul Beeston, Cito Gaston and Jose Bautista.  After an MLB investigation into alleged sexual misconduct and his placement on the ineligible list, Baseball Hall of Fame member Roberto Alomar has been removed from the Level of Excellence and his Hall of Fame banner removed. In the 500 level, all of the seats have been removed and replaced with larger, more modern, plastic blue seats.  The right field and left field sides of the Jumbotron each have new social areas.  The right field area is where fans will find the Corona Rooftop Patio, a bar area that often features live pre-game music.  The left field side is where fans will find the TD Park Social area, which features Muskoka chairs, cornhole, and a huge chalkboard. Each side, although similar, has a different vibe and both have been extremely popular.  The bullpens have been raised and each is well within shouting distance of fans.  The symmetrical outfield fence design has been jettisoned for some differing heights and distances, making it a little more unique than previous.  The visitors bullpen in right field is also near a new area, the Schneider’s Porch, which is on the 100 level and popular as well.  Rogers Landing and Club 328 are also popular areas in the lower bowl.  All of the 100 level seats have also been replaced and improved sightlines have come with the new seating orientation, specifically in the outfield corners.  The outfield dimensions have also changed slightly and there are now a few other corners and wall heights that generally make the ballpark more interesting. The game day production at Rogers Centre is good.  At one time, the Blue Jays went overboard with sound effects between pitches.  That has been toned down a bit.  The Jays promotion team does their thing throughout the stands and the Jays mascot, Ace, interacts with fans.  Typical baseball promotions and the like are peppered throughout the game, but the highlight of the Jays experience is the Seventh Inning Stretch.  Before the seemingly mandated “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” the Jays play their song and the eerily catchy “OK Blue Jays” is belted out to the delight of the crowd. Neighbourhood 5 Rogers Centre is perfectly located. There is not a better location in the city for the Blue Jays to be.  Downtown Toronto is a fantastic spot to make an afternoon, a weekend or an entire vacation.  There are a huge number of locations where one can eat before or after the game.  However, as with many spots, the pandemic has changed the face of the city’s culinary industry.  Fans looking for a true culinary experience, may want to ascend to the top of the CN Tower to the 360 Restaurant.  For fans looking for a more traditional pre-game experience then The Loose Moose, The Pint Public House, or Steam Whistle Brewery are good options.  Front Street and Bremner Blvd have a plethora of dining options. New to the area is the Sportsnet Grill, which is located inside the Toronto Marriott and offers views of the field where fans can eat and drink and watch the game. An entire vacation can be had in downtown Toronto.  The CN Tower and Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada are right there by the Rogers Centre.  The Rogers Centre does offer tours, however they are not nearly as good as they should be.  The Theatre District may be second only to Broadway in New York City as far as stage entertainment is concerned.  The Eaton Centre is a fantastic place to shop.  Right across the road from the Rogers Centre is Toronto Railway Museum.  Fans may also want to take the Steam Whistle Brewery Tour, which is also across the road.  However, no trip to Toronto is complete without a trip to see the Hockey Hall of Fame.  For fans looking for other sports, Toronto FC , Toronto Argonauts , Toronto Raptors , Toronto Marlies , Toronto Sceptres and Toronto Maple Leafs  all play within minutes of the Rogers Centre.  The University of Toronto is just north of the Rogers Centre and the Varsity Blues field football , basketball  and hockey  teams among others.  A truly unique experience may be to check out Toronto Metropolitan University Bold hockey  or basketball  at the former Maple Leaf Gardens. Of course there are a ton of places that you could stay in downtown Toronto.  A unique experience would be to stay right in the stadium at the Toronto Marriott City Centre.  Another unique experience would be to stay at one of the most significant historical hotels in all of Canada, the Royal York.  A little more affordable would be the Delta and Strathcona, however you are going to pay to stay downtown no matter what you choose. Fans 4 With increased checks in the win column in 2025, there have been plenty more fans going through the turnstiles at Rogers Centre.  For the 2025 season, the Jays are averaging over 33,500 per game.  This is good for 10th in MLB and an improvement over the 2024 season.  Generally speaking, Jays fans are relatively quiet, as are most southern Ontario fans, but they can definitely get loud when the time is right.  With the colder months requiring the roof closed, the noise can get off the charts with the noise staying in the building.   Access 3 The Rogers Centre can be challenging to get to as downtown Toronto traffic can be difficult.  Rogers Centre is located right by the Lakeshore in downtown Toronto.  Driving to the stadium will be difficult as motorists must take either the Gardiner Expressway or Lakeshore Blvd.  Hitting the road earlier as opposed to later is always the best idea.  With the increased attendance due to a more consistent team on the field and the new ballpark features, driving away from Rogers Centre has become increasingly frustrating and time consuming. The bad traffic downtown is mitigated by the fantastic public transit options.  Rogers Centre is just a couple of blocks from Union Station.  The TTC subway, GO Transit and Via Rail are all major presences in Union Station.  Along Spadina you will find the TTC street car.  Any public transit info can be found at the TTC  and GO Transit websites. Decent parking can be found downtown, however depending on the day it can greatly fluctuate.  Most days you can find parking within walking distance of the Rogers Centre for around $15.   On one of those special days, the same parking space can go for $40.  The face of downtown Toronto is constantly changing and the parking situation becomes more perilous with the increase in condominium construction.  ParkWhiz and SpotHero options are now more prevalent downtown and should be consulted. Although there have been improvements outside the stadium as well, there are a number of spots where attention needs to be paid when walking.  Many areas with interlocking brick are in need of repair or replacement and some of the ground is uneven.  The concourses in Rogers Centre are pretty wide and getting around is not too difficult.  The stadium would have benefitted from escalators.  The majority of fans will travel up and down with long trips around traditional stadium ramps.  The washroom facilities are plentiful, and on most days more than adequate. Return on Investment 3 The success of the 2025 Blue Jays coupled with the physical improvements of the ballpark have led to an increase in the cost of attending a Jays game.  A General Admission ticket is now available at $20 and pushes fans into the Bullpen Bleachers or into one of the social areas.  The cheapest outfield ticket is now $37 with tickets for low 500 level seats behind home plate increased to $48.  Tickets in the 100 level begin at $93.  In previous years the Blue Jays fared favourably on the Fan Cost Index, but an updated version would find the Jays climbing the ladder of expensive MLB experiences.  Parking is decently priced and concessions are about what one would expect.  The product on the field has been great for the 2025 season and the gameday production in Toronto is solid.   Extras 4 An extra mark for the return of the ORIGINAL Okay Blue Jays.  The early 2000s saw the Jays’ anthem “modernized” with a horrible backbeat.  There is no doubt the original is better. An extra mark for the innovation that the Rogers Centre brought to Major League Baseball.  The huge videoboard, upgraded luxury boxes, retractable roof and in stadium restaurants were all pioneered in Toronto. An extra mark for ballpark tours returning to Rogers Centre. An extra mark for the transition of Rogers Centre from stadium to ballpark. Final Thoughts The majority of renovations at Rogers Centre are now complete as is the transition from stadium to ballpark.  The Toronto Blue Jays experience remains strong, but the price has increased to go along with it.  The improvements to Rogers Centre are definitely worth checking out. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube , Twitter , Threads  and Instagram @profan9.

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Breese Stevens Field 917 East Mifflin Street Madison, WI 53703 Forward Madison FC website Breese Stevens Field website Year Opened: 1926 Capacity: 5,000 Full Mingo Breese Stevens Field was built in 1926 as part of Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal through the Civil Works Administration. Over the years, the stadium has seen a wide range of uses – it first served as the home of the Madison Blues, a minor league baseball team that played as a Chicago Cubs affiliate in 1942. In 1982, the ballpark welcomed the Madison Muskies, the Class A affiliate of the Oakland Athletics , for their inaugural season in the Midwest League. Today, Breese Stevens Field is best known as the home pitch of Forward Madison of USL League One, but it also hosts the Madison 56ers of the United Premier Soccer League, Madison East High School athletics, the Madison Radicals of ultimate frisbee, and soon Madison’s entry into the USL Super League, a top-tier women’s professional soccer league. Madison’s unofficial slogan, Keep Madison Weird, has been fully embraced by Forward Madison. The club’s crest features a flamingo, one of the last birds expected to be associated with Wisconsin’s northern climate, a deliberate nod to the city’s tradition of plastic pink flamingos. In 1979, the University of Wisconsin’s satirical Pail and Shovel Party planted more than 1,000 flamingos on Bascom Hill, the campus’ main quadrangle, in a prank that became an enduring symbol of Madison’s quirky spirit. From that tradition emerged Forward Madison’s nickname, the Mingos.   Food & Beverage   5 Breese Stevens Field offers a wide variety of gameday food and drinks, blending local favorites with classic stadium fare. The south end of the stadium has more traditional stands built into the stadium’s original grandstand, while the north end features a food hall vibe with several options housed in converted shipping containers. Fans can enjoy entrees like the Wisconsin Double burger on a pretzel bun, bacon Munster cheeseburgers, chicken tender baskets, bratwurst, hot dogs, and a vegetarian Southwestern sweet potato burger. Tacos with pork carnitas or smoked chicken with crema, onion, and lime, and loaded nachos with optional meat provide fresh, customizable choices, while Tamale Land serves shredded beef, chicken and cheese, or green chili and corn tamales. Snackables include Wisconsin cheese curds, French fries, Bavarian pretzels, ice cream novelties, and an assortment of candy. One of the most creative touches is the ‘Promotion/Relegation’ stand, where menu items compete head-to-head, with the more popular of the two remaining on the menu while the other is dropped. Beverage options range from Pepsi products, Gatorade, and lemonade to Bubblr sparkling flavors such as Cherry Guava and Pitaya Berry, along with bottled water. Alcoholic offerings include draft beers like New Glarus Spotted Cow, Bell’s Oberon Ale, Leinie’s Tropical Hazy IPA, and selections from local breweries such as One Barrel Brewing and Lake Louie Brewing. Canned cocktails and Wollersheim wines, including Blushing Rose, Prairie Fume, and Scarlet Fume round out the drink menu. By blending regional specialties with traditional favorites, the menu at Breese Stevens Field provides fans with a well-rounded selection of choices.   Atmosphere   4 Breese Stevens Field is certainly a historic relic from a time of stadium design gone by. The Mediterranean Revival design was constructed with brick and locally sourced stone from Hoyt Park in Madison, then finished with terracotta tile. The south end still reflects its baseball roots, where the former grandstand has been repurposed into the Baer Balcony, a ticketed, covered group seating area. Most seating runs along the west sideline, with VIP field suites opposite, while the north end belongs to The Flock; Forward Madison’s supporters’ section, known as The Flock End, packs the bleachers behind the goal, where many fans stand right along the ad boards, about as close to the action as any fan could hope for. The Flock brings a festive atmosphere that rivals many larger soccer venues. Weekend matches often include pregame tailgates and a march to the stadium, while weekday games have a more relaxed vibe. In years past, the Flock added to the atmosphere with a pyrotechnic smoke display, bellowing from a large cauldron resembling a coffee mug marked Wake the Flock Up. That tradition appears to have been discontinued, and while its absence does not ruin the experience, it is a small disappointment since such displays help create a more international soccer feel. Beyond the antics of The Flock, there is not much in the way of in-game entertainment or fan engagement, but soccer’s non-stop pace doesn’t naturally lend itself to breaks in the action anyway, other than a hydration break when the temperatures are high. In truth, the flow of the match is engaging enough that it is refreshing to simply enjoy the game in its uninterrupted form.   Neighborhood   4 Located on the Madison Isthmus between Lake Mendota and Lake Monona, Breese Stevens Field serves as a buffer between the Tenney-Lapham neighborhood and East Washington Avenue, one of the main arteries into downtown Madison. In recent years, the area has seen significant development, most notably the modern Galaxie High Rise Apartments, which have several balconies draped with banners supporting the Mingos. Across the street, additional projects include new condominiums, office space, and restaurants, as well as Hotel Indigo and the Moxy hotel, both within walking distance of the stadium. Directly west of the venue are two of Madison’s well-regarded restaurants, Little Tibet Madison and Hot Lunch, while to the south, Salvatore’s Tomato Pies (Livingston) offers another local favorite, and the ground floor of the Galaxie features LJ’s Sports Tavern and Grille just steps from the south gates. Madison is not short on points of interest, in general. Less than a mile from Breese Stevens Field is the Wisconsin state capitol building, which offers self-guided tours; the campus of the University of Wisconsin–Madison is on the opposite side of the isthmus, which borders the shores of Lake Mendota. In the summer months, Madison also hosts the Madison Mallards  of the Northwoods League, a summer collegiate baseball league. Lastly, just outside Madison in Middleton is the National Mustard Museum, a quirky stop many visitors are sure to relish.   Fans   4 Forward Madison is known for its passionate and loyal supporters – that energy is led by The Flock, a collection of five supporters’ groups: Los Rebeldes de Mingo City, AccessiMingos, Featherstone Flamingos, La Barra 608, and Mingo Ladies. The atmosphere, however, extends well beyond the supporters’ section. Throughout the stands, fans proudly wear flamingo-themed prints, shorts, shirts, and scarves in the club’s vibrant light blue and pink. This area’s passion for their Mingos is reflected in their attendance – Forward Madison consistently ranks in the league’s top third, drawing an average of roughly 4,000 fans per match and standing among the most well-supported clubs in League One.   Access   3 Parking is available in any of the eight lots around the stadium , with the Galaxie lot offering the most convenience. Early arrivals can find a decent amount of street parking nearby. Fans are asked not to park in the neighborhood west of the stadium; street parking along East Washington Avenue or on nearby side streets to the east is encouraged instead. Other lots and garages are promoted on game day as well, and the team also promotes fans to take advantage of the bike valet at Gate 8 along Mifflin Street. Breese Stevens Field features only three points of entry, which can lead to long lines when the gates first open. Once the initial rush passes, however, entry becomes relatively smooth. Historic stadiums often come with constraints that limit potential improvements. At Breese Stevens Field, the only way to move from one end of the pitch to the other is via a walkway that passes directly in front of fans along the touch line, blocking the view for those in the front rows. Limited pathways and blocked sightlines make moving around the stadium one of the most noticeable drawbacks to the overall experience.   Return on Investment   4 Tickets start at $22 for entry to the supporters’ section at the north end of the stadium; this might feel slightly high, but demand for tickets keeps pricing at this level. The club does not operate any parking lots. Instead, fans are directed to nearby privately owned garages, with spaces generally available for around $10 per car. Street parking is free, though the club asks visitors to avoid parking in the neighborhood directly around the stadium. Still, it is more of a neighborly request than an actual parking restriction. Street parking along East Washington Street, or on side streets on the east side of the stadium, is suggested instead. Concessions and apparel can feel pricey compared with other aspects of the match day experience. Fans can get better value with ticket packages under $25, which often include a drink, a snack, or even a Forward Madison scarf. Planning with these packages is an easy way to enjoy the full experience without overspending.   Extras   3 Forward Madison features one of the most extensive team stores in League One. Flamboyance, as it is called, occupies a large portion of the area beneath one side of the original grandstand. A kids' play area has been part of the stadium experience in years past, though it does not appear to be consistent, and seems to have been replaced in some areas by tented group outing spaces. Instead, a mini petting zoo offers a rare attraction compared to most sporting events, drawing not just children but plenty of adult visitors, too. Stonework just outside the southeast entrance commemorates the stadium as a CWA project; such historic pieces are increasingly rare, and their preservation makes them worth noting.   Final Thoughts It can be difficult to maintain a historic stadium as a comfortable venue for sporting events while also preserving its historical integrity. Breese Stevens Field does a good job of retaining its historic charm while still providing a terrific setting for professional soccer. There are aspects of the experience that could be improved, not because they overly detract from fans’ current enjoyment, but simply to make the overall visit more comfortable. Nevertheless, Forward Madison and the community have completely adopted the Mingos mentality, which embraces the fun and “weird” side of Madison’s personality as a city.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 Block Stadium 1601 E. 144th St. East Chicago, IN 46312 East Chicago Thunder website Block Stadium website Year Opened: 1942 Capacity: 3,500 East Chicago's Block Stadium is Ready for Business Block Stadium has been the home to baseball in East Chicago, Indiana, for many years and went through a $5.5 million renovation in 2021 and 2022 that transformed the historic grandstand into a full-fledged ballpark worthy of a summer collegiate baseball team. That occurred in 2025 with the creation of the East Chicago Thunder of the Region Collegiate Baseball League . The stadium debuted on Memorial Day in 1942 and was a gift to the city by the Block family, who owned the Inland Steel Company. Work on the $40,000 stadium began in July 1940 and is dedicated to the memory of E.J. (Jimmy) Block, who suddenly passed away in 1939. He was an avid baseball fan and played for regional teams. Its opening was accompanied by a large parade by the U.S. Army Band, area high school bands, and a flag-raising ceremony by a contingent of U.S. Army troops. Vendors made their way throughout the large covered grandstand selling peanuts, popcorn, pop, and candy to the 20,000 who were on hand for the opening ceremonies. The stadium was used for a variety of activities:  football, baseball, soccer, boxing, wrestling, and even the occasional open-air opera. It could be expanded to accommodate up to 12,000 people.  It included a ticket window, canteen, lockers, and showers for the players and a public comfort station when it opened. The stadium hosted the East Chicago Conquistadors of the independent Mid-America League, known more for their uniform controversy.  Today, it’s the home to the East Chicago Central High School baseball team, the Calumet College of St. Joseph Crimson Wave, and the East Chicago Post 369 American Legion club in addition to the Thunder. Food & Beverage 3 Block Stadium houses a concession stand that serves hot dogs, nachos, peanuts, candy, snacks, and soda. However, there are home dates where food trucks are brought in to offer an array of ballpark food. During our visit, there were Loli’s Mexican and Kona Ice.  These options are great to have, but not being able to grab a hot dog and a soda at the ballpark is against all laws of baseball. If you are looking for a cold beer, you won’t find it at Block Stadium, but according to league commissioner Dave Sutkowski, that could change in the future. Atmosphere 3 Block Stadium is a beautiful ballpark that offers a covered grandstand. The renovations turned the venue into an impressive baseball stadium. Fans enter under the giant stadium marquee into an open area where food trucks and the concession stand are located. Signage hangs from the light poles honoring former players who played at the stadium, including former major league outfielder Kenny Lofton. The grandstand is made up of metal bleacher seating and several rows of plastic seats. A thick netting protects fans from foul balls, and the original stadium’s framework and pillars add a nostalgic feel to the game. There is a small scoreboard with video features in left field. Another old-time touch is the two light towers that are in foul territory on the right and left field lines. The Thunder does not offer a merchandise stand, announcements on the PA, or in-game promotions to engage the crowd in between innings. The team does not feature a merchandise table, nor are there game day lineups or standings anywhere inside the stadium.  Neighborhood 3 The stadium borders a residential neighborhood and the school’s equally impressive football stadium. East Chicago is a city of 29,000 residents and is located in The Region of Northwest Indiana, 24 miles from Chicago. It is home to ArcelorMittal Indiana Harbor Works, the largest steel mill in the country, U.S. Steel’s East Chicago Tin, and the Indiana Harbor and Ship Canal complex. Indianapolis Avenue features various eateries, shops, and other commercial retail stores in town and the neighboring cities of Hammond and Munster. Bugatti’s Steak and Pasta is located along Lake Michigan and offers fine dining, the Cavalier Inn offers Polish cuisine in a relaxed setting, and Johnel’s Restaurant offers American fare. Saul’s Chicago Style Grill offers iconic Chicago-style hot dogs, gyros, and Italian beef, and Millo’s Pizza Shack has deep-dish, stuffed, and thin-crust style pizzas on its menu. Two of Indiana’s best breweries are near East Chicago. Three Floyds Brewery & Pub is world-renowned for its beers and is worth a visit. The brewery gets very busy, but visitors can enjoy a Gumballhead, Lazersnake, Zombie Dust, or Yum Yum on draft. 18th Street Brewery is located in Hammond and also offers a place to eat, while you can order a Candi Crushable, Devil’s Cup, or the Best Patio Pils. Fans 2 There were a few fans in attendance due to Mother Nature dropping buckets of rain over the stadium. The faithful audience cheered on their hometown squad, while a few were there for the nearby visiting Lake County Corndogs team. Access 4 Block Stadium is easily accessible by car and offers a parking lot and plenty of street parking near the entrance. The stadium is north of I-90 and west of US-12. Once inside, there is more than enough room to roam, and crowds don’t appear to get crowded enough to cause congestion at the concession stand. Return on Investment 3 An adult ticket is $8, and a senior citizen and children's tickets are $5; and kids under 12 years old are free. The parking is free, and concession prices are well below what you would expect at a ballpark.  Extras 2 Block Stadium has been updated quite handsomely. It looks modern but holds its old-school charm. The main entrance marquee is a nice addition to the stadium and stands out along with the exterior plaza design. Final Thoughts Stadiums of this magnitude don’t usually get the royal treatment of a $5.5 million renovation, but it has transformed the old place into a beautiful new palace for baseball. If the game day atmosphere can feature more of what fans expect at a summer collegiate game, then this will be the place to be in the area. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter   and his YouTube channel .  Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Does baseball on an island work? Dave and Paul examine the truly unique phenomenon of FNB Field, home of the Harrisburg Senators. Grab a beer and take in the latest episode of Stadium Journey's Obstructed Views. ⚾🏟️ __________________________________________________________________________________ You can find Stadium Journey's review of FNB Field and the Harrisburg Senators game day experience here.

Photos by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 AdventHealth Stadium 755 Braves Blvd Rome, GA 30161 Rome Emperors website AdventHealth Stadium website Year Opened: 2003 Capacity: 5,105 Hail To The Emperors! Rome, GA has been a member of the Atlanta Braves farm system since 2003, when the Macon Braves relocated to NW Georgia and a brand-new ballpark, then known as State Mutual Stadium. The team played at a low level of competition in the South Atlantic League. Over the years the then Rome Braves won two South Atlantic League titles (2003, 2016). They also brought home three half-season titles (2006, 2012, 2018). In 2021, the South Atlantic League and Macon moved up to the High A level of competition as a part of the massive realignment in the MiLB. In the fall of 2023, the Rome Braves made a major decision…. to go back (actually… way, way back!) to the future, as they rebranded themselves as the Rome Emperors. Oh, they still are the High A affiliate of the Atlanta Braves, but they now have separate ownership at the local level. The city they represent got its name from ancient Rome, as both cities are built between seven hills with several rivers that run through them. The Emperor portion of the name denotes one who leads, not follows, and is all-powerful. However, the team did not want a knockoff of the Little Caesar pizza character to serve as its mascot. What would represent them the best? The answer was a penguin, an Emperor Penguin named Julius to be exact. Emperor penguins are the largest species of penguins as they rule their lands, and conquer whatever challenges they face. This penguin wears a toga consisting of the regal colors of gold, red, white, and black…. the new uniform colors of the Rome ballclub. Finishing out the new look are the Roman columns that are on the front of the Rome baseball caps. The response to the changes has been, as you would suspect…. world-beating! The Emperors’ temple is now known as AdventHealth Stadium, after a change in the sponsorship agreement in 2022.  The ballpark seats 5,000, with additional room available for fans on the natural berms in the outfield. The field dimensions are LF 335’, CF 401’, and RF 330’. Food & Beverage 4 The Emperors offer a wide variety of foods at their three concession stands along the concourse that runs underneath the stands. The Georgia Grill and the Empire Eatery have identical menus, with one stand servicing the third base side of the stadium and the other servicing the first base line. Their menus include an extra-large pizza slice ($8), nachos ($6), hot dogs ($5), hamburgers ($8), a Brutus burger, a platter ($21) sausages ($7), crackerjacks ($5), popcorn ($7), and boiled peanuts ($5). The Los Pinguenos stand offers the “Julius Catch” platter with three cornbread-dusted catfish filets with malt vinegar fries and tartar sauce ($17). The stand also offers ballpark nachos ($8), extreme nachos ($11), regular nachos ($6), walking tacos ($9), taco salads ($9), and churro bites ($5). Frozen Treats is a separate concession stand that sells dessert items. It offers Mason Jar Icees ($12), ice cream sundaes ($6), Oatly Ice Cream bars ($5), and candy ($4). Beverages sold at AdventHealth Stadium include Coca-Cola brand sodas ($6 for 24 oz size), bottled water ($4), and Powerade Energy drinks ($6). Adult beverages include Miller and Coors brand beers ($7 for 16 oz size) or 16 oz craft beers ($8). The ballpark offers special savings on specific food items during weekday games. Fans can enjoy $2 Tuesdays where popcorn, hot dogs, and drinks are each two bucks. Double Dog Wednesday allows fans to bring their dogs to the ballpark and get two hot dogs for the price of one. Thirsty Thursdays offers beers for $2 for a 12-ounce draft. On Sunday Fun Day children under 12 can eat for free at the ballpark. They are also allowed to run the bases following the Sunday games. Atmosphere 4 The staff at AdventHeath Stadium work hard to ensure that fans at an Emperors game have a good time. They are not overly officious about enforcing where you sit if there are plenty of empty seats. The seating bowl is close to the action, and there’s not a bad seat in the house. There is some sort of game or entertainment on the field when there is a break in the action. The Emperors’ Team store was enlarged and restocked with all new and rebranded merchandise in time for the 2024 season.  It is located along the concourse behind home plate. The team store opens at 10 am on game days. Otherwise, it is open 10-6 Monday-Friday during the season. Home Run Hill is a great place to spread out a blanket and watch the action on the field while seated on a grass slope. Fans are welcome to sit on the berms that hug both the first and third base lines. Neighborhood 3 AdventHealth Stadium is located on Veterans Memorial Highway, which is the perimeter highway around downtown Rome. The only other business nearby is the Bella Roma restaurant which sells Italian food. It is adjacent to the stadium. Downtown Rome is only three miles from the ballpark, and it is well worth the short drive before or after the Emperors’ game. The city is famous for its three rivers that made it a center for transportation as well as a textile center, due to the many mills located in the city during the 1800’s. The city is also home to Berry College, which has the world’s largest college campus based on acreage. Rome also has several historical sites related to the Cherokee Indian Nation. The Trail of Tears began in the Rome area and ended in Oklahoma. There are numerous bars and restaurants in the downtown area. Fans 4 Emperor fans are very proud of their hometown team. They are night shy about telling you about all the former Rome players who have gone on to “The Show” sixty miles down the highway at Truist Park. The new team name has also energized the fans, as it much more to the city of Rome in both a modern and ancient way (after all… When in Rome!) There is a Kid’s Zone with games, inflatables, and a bounce house located near the right field foul pole. In addition to the food and drink specials during the week, AdventHealth Stadium also has some non-food-related promotions for fans.  T-Shirt Tuesdays provide fans with special Emperors T-shirts with various designs throughout the season. Fireworks Fridays include a colorful end to the work week with a bang. In addition, the Emperors will hold several Bobblehead nights featuring different players from both Emperors and the Atlanta Braves. Access 3 All roads lead to Rome…. If you don’t mind traveling 30 miles off the interstate! Directions from Atlanta: Take I-75 North to exit 190 (Rome-Canton) Turn left off exit and follow Highway 411/20 towards Rome for 22 miles. At the intersection of Highway 411 and Highway 1 (Veterans Memorial Highway) turn right. Follow Highway 1 for seven miles. The stadium will be on your right at the intersection of Veterans Memorial Highway and Riverside Parkway. Directions from Chattanooga: Take I-75 South to Exit 312 (Calhoun). Turn right at the end of the exit onto Highway 52 West towards Rome for 20 miles. Once in Rome, turn right at Calvary Baptist Church (Veterans Memorial Highway /Highway 1. The stadium will be on your right in 1.5 miles at the intersection of Veterans Memorial Highway and Riverside Parkway. Ballpark gates open one hour before the first pitch. Return on Investment 4 Parking is $5 per car. There is also overnight parking available for RV’s in this lot for $30 a night. AdventHealth Stadium is a cashless facility. Tickets sold the day of the game will be $2 more. Tickets are available at several different price points. Diamond-level seats (run from dugout to dugout behind home plate): $17 Tuesday/Thursday and $21 Friday-Sunday Dugout seats (front row seats beyond dugout to foul pole): $14 Tuesdays/Thursdays and $21 Friday-Sunday General Admission (seats above the concourse level): GA seats can also sit on the grass berms in the outfield Tuesdays/Thursdays $9 Friday- Sundays $12 Extras 2 Most of the current Atlanta Braves baseball team got their start at the Class A level of professional baseball with the team in Rome at AdventHealth Stadium. These players include Ronald Acuna, Ozzie Albies, Bryce Elders, Jeff Francoeur, Max Fried, Michael Harris, Jason Heyward, Craig Kimbrel, Brian McCann, Charlie Morton, Austin Riley, Mike Soroka and Spencer Strider. The new owners of the ballclub want to make AdventHealth Stadium more available to the community on a year-round basis as well as when the Emperors are on the road in-season. Amongst the events added to the stadium’s schedule are a sports collector trade show (April), a Night of Hope Concert (April), an Emperors Summer Camp (July), a Penguin Waddle 3km/5km/10km Run (July), a community Toga-Yoga event in August, a Rome-tober Beer Fest (October), Beer, Bags and BBQ (November) and Winter Wonderland (Thanksgiving – December 29). To learn more about any of these events, please call (706) 378-5120. Final Thoughts The Rome Emperors have pulled off a very successful rebranding of their franchise to the delight of their loyal fans. The red, gold, black, and white colors of the team are now found throughout the Classic City. As the saying goes, when in Rome do as the Romans do…. Enjoy a night out at AdventHealth Park.

Photos by Matt Finnigan, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Hillsboro Stadium 4450 NW 229th Ave Hillsboro, OR 97124 Hillsboro Hops website Hillsboro Stadium website Year Opened: 2013 Capacity: 4,500 Hillsboro Hops With Baseball, Beer Editor's Note: In March 2024, the venue name changed from Ron Tonkin Field to Hillsboro Stadium. Baseball and beer have complemented one another perfectly for decades. Professional baseball teams sell beer at their stadiums but do not generally market the relationship between suds and strikeouts. The High Class-A, western division Hillsboro Hops are a notable exception and their ballpark, Ron Tonkin Field, enables even non-beer drinkers to enjoy a serendipitous baseball experience in a venue that opened in 2013 and 4,500 fans. Tonkin Field is located in Hillsboro, Oregon, 15 miles northeast of downtown Portland. According to a 2020 report from the Colorado-based Brewers Association, Hillsboro sits in one of the nation’s most prolific craft brewing states. Oregon has a total of 312 craft breweries (11th most in the nation), with 9.6 such breweries per capita (7th most in the nation). The Hops are nicknamed after a key brewing ingredient grown in Oregon (the second-largest hop growing state by volume), and have a mascot, Barley T. Hop, styled after the flower of the hop plant. The Hops celebrate the importance of brewing in the Beaver State throughout the ballpark. In August 2021, for instance, the Hops hosted a pre-game craft brewing festival that attracted numerous local brewers and fans from as far away as Austin, Texas. Couple the celebration of beer with a beautiful stadium, replete with seats close to the action, high-quality ballpark food, and the chance to watch the Arizona Diamondbacks ’ players of the future, and fans will enjoy a game at Tonkin Field. Food & Beverage 4 A wide variety of culinary options are offered at Tonkin Field, so much so that coming to the ballpark hungry may call for an amuse bouche while evaluating what to order. Smartly, the Hops have made online ordering available at concessions stands behind seats on both the first and third base lines. Fans can order food from their seats, retrieve the food when ready, and avoid spending an inning or two waiting in a line. The familiar favorites can all be found at Tonkin Field, with a cheeseburger and French fry basket ($10), chicken tenders and fries ($10), and hot dogs ($5). Fans wanting something slightly different can order a blue cheese bacon burger ($11), bacon cheeseburger ($11), or a burger topped with a bratwurst ($12), all with fries. Coca-Cola products are served, with a 32-ounce drink ($6), a 21-ounce drink ($5), and a 16-ounce drink ($4) on the menu. Bottled water ($4) and bottled soda ($5) are also available at most concession stands at Tonkin Field. The Hops have devoted one concession stand to barbecue: chicken and pulled pork are offered for $10 and served with chips, while BBQ nachos sell for $10. Quality, hand-made Mexican fare is available, as well, with tacos, enchiladas, and quesadillas all served on freshly grilled tortillas. Vegetarians will find plenty of options, too. A veggie burger and fries sells for $10, as does a veggie wrap (grilled vegetables with a hummus spread wrapped in a tomato basil tortilla). A veggie dog is available for $5. Not surprisingly, a broad panoply of beers is sold throughout Tonkin Field. Premium beers include those brewed by Crux, Migration Brewing Co., Deschutes, and several others. Those beers sell for $9 (20 ounces) and $8 (16 ounces). Domestic beers sell for $8 and $7, respectively, for those sizes. Mixed drinks are available for $8-$9, depending on size, and wine is available for $8-$10, depending on brand. Like many teams, the Hops sell ice cream in miniature batting helmets ($8) or waffle cones ($6). The Hops, however, have 12 flavors of hand-scooped ice cream available. Most ballparks sell soft serve ice cream, but not here. The flavors are also more exotic than the typical chocolate-and-vanilla, with local favorites huckleberry and mountain blackberry sold along with such flavors as moose tracks, cotton candy, espresso chip, and birthday cake. Atmosphere 4 Tonkin Field has one main entrance, behind home plate. Fans enter on ground level, pass the team shop, and walk up a set of stairs to reach the stadium’s concourse. The seating bowl spans from just beyond third base to just beyond first base, with bullpens situated beyond the outfield walls. Seats are very close to the field, bringing fans close to the game’s action. Groups have several types of party rooms available to them. Several party decks and suites provide views from behind home plate; a picnic area in the right field corner can accommodate as many as 2,000 people. Because of Tonkin Field’s orientation of home plate facing southwest, the sun sets behind the first base side of the stadium. The setting sun thus poses a retina-burning challenge to fans sitting along the third base line. At evening games, fans should consider seats on the first base side of the stadium. Fans on the third base side whose vision survives several innings of direct sun can reap the reward of a beautiful sunset. The stadium has a crisp, clear public address system. Fortunately (given the close dimensions of seating to speakers), music is played at a lower volume than the PA announcer’s voice. Walkup songs are played for the home team and, in true MiLB fashion, visitors’ walkup songs relate somehow to the batter’s name (Vancouver’s Orelvis Martinez received “Don’t Be Cruel” by Elvis Presley, as an example). Neighborhood 3 Hillsboro’s Gordon Faber Recreation Complex surrounds Tonkin Field, so fans do not have restaurants, bars, and other attractions within easy walking distance of the ballpark. Those amenities are a short drive away, however. Several bars and restaurants sit just to Tonkin Field’s southeast, including McMenamins Cornelius Pass Roadhouse, Pho Tango Bistro, the Front Row Bar & Grill, Oasis Lebanese Cuisine, and O Sushi. Fast food is available there, too, including Wendy’s, Panda Express, Jack in the Box, and Big Town Hero. Fans looking for pre or post-game craft beer do not need to look far. Three Mugs Brewing Company is approximately two miles from the ballpark. Although it does not serve food, Three Mugs has more than 20 beers on tap and in cans. Just under three miles from Tonkin Field, Deep Space Brewing offers four “flagship” beers and rotates more than 12 others through its taps. Many more craft breweries can easily be found in Hillsboro and beyond. Several chain hotels are within a short driving distance of Tonkin Field. Staybridge Suites, Hampton Inn, TownePlace Suites by Marriott, Aloft, Residence Inn, Embassy Suites, and Extended Stay America are all within a 10-minute drive. The Orenco is a more luxurious option, with free wine tastings and various styles of rooms. Fans 3 The Hops’ faithful may not reach large numbers, but they do know baseball and pay attention to the game. The Hops have frequently seen sellouts since debuting in Hillsboro in 2013, providing a level of support that helped the franchise move from short-season low-A in 2019 to its full-season high-A affiliation in 2021. Although the crowds do not match those at higher levels of baseball, the crowd at Tonkin Field is engaged and enthusiastic. Craft brewing is celebrated throughout the stadium, both with the beer available at concession stands, Tonkin Field’s décor, and even the mascot itself. This distinguishes the Hops from other sports franchises that disregard what makes their cities unique. Access 3 Tonkin Field is most accessible to those coming by car. Parking is plentiful, as the stadium’s parking lot also serves the softball fields in the Faber Recreation Complex. One note: fans wanting to park near Tonkin Field’s home plate entrance should drive until reaching the end of the parking lot. Otherwise, a longer walk awaits. Mass transit is an option, albeit a tricky one. Portland’s Metropolitan Area Express, or “MAX,” light rail connects Hillsboro with downtown Portland via the Blue Line. However, Hillsboro’s MAX station is more than two miles from the stadium and requires a 45-minute walk. The Hops typically operate a shuttle between Tonkin Field and the MAX station, but suspended that service for the 2021 season. Alternatively, fans can take the 47 bus to the station at NE Century and Evergreen Parkway (North) and walk approximately 10 minutes to Tonkin Field. Inside, wide concourses and abundant standing-room areas enable fans to spread out and enjoy nice sight lines of the game. The ticket window, situated just outside the home plate entrance, is well staffed and efficient. Restrooms are kept clean and are near the seating areas. Return on Investment 4 The Hops provide an excellent return on investment. Parking costs $5, with game tickets ranging between $7 (general admission) and $20 (premium box). There is not a bad seat in the stadium, so even a general admission ticket will permit fans to enjoy the game. Food is quite reasonable at Tonkin Field. Burgers and fries are sold together as “baskets” starting at $10. The Hops also offer a combination meal for $18 consisting of a hot dog, a choice of potato chips, and a medium soda. A kids’ meal costs $6 and includes a hot dog, fresh fruit, and juice. Game programs are available for free via QR code. Signs placed throughout Tonkin Field enable fans to pull up a copy of a high-quality, well designed game program on their phones. Extras 3 The Hops earn a bonus point for introducing online ordering at their concession stands. This enables fans to enjoy the game – not a wait for food. Another point goes to the Hops for great fan relations staff. Immediately upon reaching the concourse, the Hops have a guest relations table with posters, information, and several of the team’s trophies. Ushers gladly take photos of fans posing with Barley and provide directions to seats, prioritizing fan enjoyment. A final point is awarded because, at least for 2021, the Hops’ staff is working double duty. Tonkin Field is also home to the Vancouver Canadians, a division rival. After the Canadian government closed the border with the United States because of the global pandemic, the Hops organization offered to host the Canadians in 2021. Hops employees have thus served two baseball teams, doubling their work but not in any manner diminishing the quality of the fan experience. Final Thoughts The Hops have created an environment that highlights everything that makes minor league baseball so enjoyable: inexpensive tickets and food, involved fans, and a beautiful stadium. The team’s thoughtful celebration of Oregon’s place as a craft beer mecca blends well with the action on the field, yet even non-beer drinkers will enjoy themselves. A game at Tonkin Field is well worth the “hop” from anywhere in Oregon. Follow Matt Finnigan’s stadium journeys on Twitter @mattfinniganco

Photos by Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.29 Modern Woodmen Park 209 S Gaines St Davenport, IA 52802 Quad Cities River Bandits website Modern Woodmen Park website Year Opened: 1931 Capacity: 7,140 NOTE: I attended the River Bandits game on Sunday, July 14, 2024. To complete a review of the stadium experience wouldn't be a fair representation. In addition to being incredibly hot and humid, the Mississippi River (literally feet from the stadium) was in flood stage. As such, many roads were closed, parking lots were underwater, etc. I've updated a few things from my previous review and hopefully can return in 2025 to do a complete review. Ferris Wheels and Fantastic Views Modern Woodmen Park opened in 1931 as Municipal Stadium. The stadium seats 4,024 and can hold many more with a large number of open seating bleachers, a few grass berms, and eight group areas that are mostly standing room only. It sits on the banks of the Mississippi River in Davenport, Iowa, and is the home stadium for the Quad Cities River Bandits, of the Midwest League. The River Bandits began an affiliation with the Houston Astros beginning in 2013. In the past few seasons, a sky deck has been added along with a 20′ x 35′ video board in left field. In 2014, the park added a 110′ Ferris wheel beyond the left field wall. The Ferris wheel is a very popular attraction. Modern Woodmen Park is the oldest stadium used continuously (since 1960) for Minor League Baseball. Food & Beverage 4 Food is served in the traditional concourse style. Outside of the traditional baseball fare, which is all available, there are a few items worth mentioning. The ballpark has your typical standard fare with a few extra surprises, which, unfortunately, weren't open for the game I attended (see bold type above). Pepsi products are available from the fountain in various sizes or bottles are also available. Draft beer is sold throughout the concourse for those who want the name brands, such as Budweiser, Bud Light, Miller Lite, etc. The Good Hops craft beer stand is located on the first base side. Here, you have your choice of many microbrews. Atmosphere 5 The view from Modern Woodmen Park qualifies as one of the best in baseball. Albuquerque has a spectacular view of the Sandia Mountains, Salt Lake has a spectacular view of mountains, and Modern Woodmen’s view of the Mississippi and the Centennial Bridge is just as amazing. The view at night with Centennial Bridge lit up is worth the price of admission by itself. Between the Ferris wheel and left field wall is a grass berm where fans can sit. The general admission seats are down the left field line and although they are bleachers, they do have backs so they aren’t as uncomfortable as regular bleachers. Down the right field line is a play area for kids including a jumper, rock climbing wall, and speed pitch game. There are picnic tables and other seats in the play area that allow for watching the game and keeping an eye on the kids at the same time. A nice feature of the park is that you can walk around the field. There is a walkway behind the batters eye that allows for great views of the river and bridge while standing right on top of the Mississippi. Neighborhood 4 The Quad Cities have a lot to offer. Front Street Brewery is located down the road and is worth a look. The main brewery and restaurant are over 100 years old. It’s a great place to stop before or after the game. Numerous fans mention Boozie’s Bar and Grille as another place to stop. Boozie’s has traditional bar food and the burgers are top-notch. Just across the river in Moline, Illinois is the Bier Stube, a great German food/pub. They have a friendly staff and some quality German food. There are numerous museums within a few blocks of the stadium, including the German American Heritage Center and the Figge Art Museum. If traveling to the Quad Cities with children, the John Deere Pavilion is located in Moline. For any child that likes big mechanized equipment, this is the place for them. They can climb in all the different farming equipment and the visit is free. Fans 3 With so much to do, the fan’s attention isn’t always on the field. With rides, games, and views, some fans come for reasons other than to watch the game. However, there are quite a few of the hardcore fans that follow every pitch and know their team. Access 4 Modern Woodmen Park is located right off the Centennial Bridge and is easy to find. Parking at the stadium is $5. There is another parking lot west of the bridge where parking is free. When the ballpark is full, getting through the concourse can take some effort. Many mobile concession areas in the concourse along with lines at the permanent concession stands cause some gridlock. The restrooms are clean and sufficient for the size of the park. Return on Investment 5 Tickets range from $2 (yes, $2) to $17 when buying before game day, running $1 more when purchased on game day. Prices vary throughout the week, but on some game days, you can get berm and/or bleacher seats for just $2. Whatever level of seating you choose, it is well worth the money. Parking cost is minimal at $5 or free just down the street. With the food prices being in line with other ballparks, Modern Woodmen Park is well worth the money. Extras 5 I will add an extra point for the views because five stars just aren’t enough. Especially for night games, you can’t beat the scenery. Recommended you sit between home plate and third base for the best view of the bridge and a comfortable stadium seat. An extra point goes to the game day staff. They are very pleasant and willing to help make the fan experience the best it can be. An extra point is awarded for a ceremonial rock at the base of the American flag in left field. The large rock, encased in plastic, has the names of all the local men and women who lost their lives in defense of our nation. Also in left field, there is a tribute to Dorothy Kohn Wulf, the fan of the century. A nice feature is more apparent later in summer. Behind the bullpen down the left field line is a small cornfield. The cornfield is an ode to the Field of Dreams movie site located a couple of hours away in Dyersville (and well worth the trip). The final extra point goes to some of the great promotions. Fireworks are every Friday and look tremendous with the scenic backdrop. Sundays are great for autograph seekers. Every Sunday, the players are on the field to sign autographs before the game. Final Thoughts Anyone who is a baseball fan simply must come to Modern Woodmen Park. The views can’t be beaten, the staff is super friendly, and the prices are very reasonable. Plan a trip to Modern Woodmen Park and enjoy!