Photos by Martin McNelis, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.29 Brandywell Stadium Lone Moor Rd Derry, Northern Ireland BT48 9LA Derry City FC website Brandywell Stadium website Year Opened: 1929 Capacity: 7,700 The Sweet Town of Derry Derry City, known as ‘The Candystripes’ for their distinctive red and white striped shirts were formed in 1928 and have been playing at their Brandywell home since 1929. It is located in the southwest of Derry and is only 10-15 minutes walking distance from the city centre. It is set in the bottom of a valley, flanked by housing, with the (GAA) Gaelic Athletic Association’s Celtic Park adjacent, the city cemetery looming over it on one side and the famous city walls visible high up on the other. Its floodlights are visible from some distance and although the club are from Northern Ireland, they have been playing within the Republic of Ireland league structure since 1985, following a variety of safety and political issues dating back to civil unrest in the 1970s and 80s. The Brandywell’s current capacity is approximately 7,700. It is owned by the local council and is used by community teams of all ages. It has a very distinctive oval type shape to incorporate football and greyhound racing and displays a mixture of modern facilities with some older and traditional features. The club have been allocated funding with a programme of redevelopment works that will be completed in early 2017. The plans indicate a new synthetic pitch, purpose built stand, an upgrade to the perimeter track and car parking facilities around the venue. Food & Beverage 4 The club have a couple of external fast food vans along with a couple of their own outlets selling home made soup, tea, coffee, and confectionaries. Food is of similar standard for the average football ground, with the likes of burgers, chips and gravy proving very popular, along with chips and curry sauce. Drink options are varied with bottles of Coke for sale, along with small polystyrene cups of Coke and hot drinks like tea, coffee, hot chocolate, and soup. Atmosphere 4 Walking up to the game, there is a good positive atmosphere. The fans are passionate and there is a healthy rivalry, more likely because the Dublin teams dominate the Premier League. There are a couple of areas which start songs and bang a drum, with the majority in the left corner near the scoreboard. There are also a small band of fans who congregate on the right hand terrace who are vocal at certain parts of the game. The current Main Stand was built in 1991. It is all seated in red with the stadium name outlined with black seats and runs the length of the pitch, taking it just into both the corners of that side. The away fans are housed in the right hand corner of this stand, with everywhere else designated for the home support. It has a low roof with no supporting pillars and provides possibly the best view of watching a game, despite there being some distance from the pitch due to the dog track and a grass verge. To the left of this stand there is an electric scoreboard which displays the team scores, clock, and relevant notices, with a burger van behind it. You are able to walk around most of the ground and behind the left goal is where there is a variety of activity and intrigue. This part is a standing area and is monitored by a number of stewards before kick off, half time and full time. Fans are not permitted to pass this area for a few minutes at each of those key times as the players and officials are escorted through a passageway that leads to a detached building that provides the changing room facilities. As you make your way around, the ‘Candy Stripes Store’ is located here, with Police control and First Aid huts in front of it. On the corner is the disabled section with two entrances and exits behind on Lone Moor Road. There is also a very small covered terrace on the far left corner which would shelter in the region of one hundred people. There used to be a small stand oddly located here, but this was demolished in 2004. Past this, there is an open terrace which has a mixture of crush barriers for fans who wish to stand and then a few hundred red seats which run four steps deep and covers most of that side of the ground. Despite some changes over the years, this area is still referred to by Derry City fans as ‘the Jungle.’ The dug outs are facing you if you are sitting low down in the middle of the open side across from the Main Stand, therefore you will miss quite a lot of the game if you choose to sit here for the entire 90 minutes. On the right hand corner there is an exit which is opened towards the end of a home match, and behind the right hand goal there is an open, limited standing space dominated by advertising hoardings. Having sat and stood at all parts of the ground throughout the game attended, the best view in my opinion is in the middle on either side of the half way line in the Main Stand. It provides a clear view of all areas of the pitch and you are sheltered from the Irish elements! Neighborhood 4 The ground is 10 minutes walk and five minutes drive from the city centre. There are a couple of small shops and pubs next to the ground, but for more variety you could easily eat and drink in the centre then leave plenty of time to head to the game. The Bentley Bar & Steakhouse in the city centre is a good choice. They have great food and drink options with excellent staff service. The Guildhall, Derry’s Walls, Peace Bridge, Tower Museum and the endless wall murals painted on the side of some of the houses are all worth a visit if you have the time. If you are staying in town, the Maldron Hotel is modern and has been recently upgraded with excellent rooms, bar and breakfast available with friendly accommodating staff. The Travelodge is one of the cheaper options and provides decent value and a good base, located in the centre of town. Fans 4 This is a community club who display patience with a young team. There are a good blend of ages with people attending alone, in small groups and encouragingly a lot of young families. Depending on the opposition and how the team are faring in the league, crowds can vary from 3,000-5,000 for home games. Access 5 The ground is situated a matter of minutes from the city centre if travelling on foot or from the Foyle bus station. Derry/Londonderry train station is slightly further out and will take a few more minutes longer to get to the Brandywell. Street parking is available in among some of the housing and there is an official car park at the back of the Lone Moor Road. The crowd disperses with relative ease and there is not much congestion when exiting. Inside the ground you can move freely around to access the toilets, change of area to watch the game, or to get food and drink. Return on Investment 5 The ticket pricing is very fair. For seating in the Main Stand, an adult it is £12, concessions will cost about £9, and Under 14s are £5. For standing areas, adults are £10, concessions are £8, and Under14s £2. The tickets for home games can be bought at the ground or from a variety of local shops. It is beneficial to get them before hand to avoid any queue congestion in the lead up to kick off. The club use Ticketmaster and each ticket is scanned with the barcode on it. Derry City are a well supported Premier League club and have pricing that is fair and affordable for the average fan, and for those who also wish to bring along friends, relatives and young kids. The standard of football is fair and provides a decent level of entertainment. Extras 4 This is an area steeped in history, good and bad over hundreds of years. The ground is surrounded by the cemetery, Derry’s walls, a large playing field and the imposing Celtic Park Gaelic stadium next door. Final Thoughts A very pleasant, entertaining and almost educational experience. I think any stadium enthusiast would enjoy taking in some of the sights, like the changing rooms set up which are not available at a lot of other grounds in Ireland or the U.K.

Photos by Andrei Ojeda, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Bren Events Center 100 Bren Event Center Dr Irvine, CA 92612 UC-Irvine Anteaters website Bren Events Center website Year Opened: 1987 Capacity: 4,984 Zot Zot The Bren Center, which officially opened in 1988, is a nice intimate venue that serves as the home to many of UC Irvine’s athletic programs. This small, non-descript venue holds just under 5,000 for basketball, guaranteeing that no matter where you are seated, you will never be far away from the action. Upon arriving to The Bren, a statue of an anteater is located just outside the arena’s southeast entrance. A catchphrase that one will hear a lot on game nights, particularly after a made free throw, is Zot Zot, used from the comic strip B.C. Food & Beverage 3 Nothing beyond your usual arena basics. Your options… Standard Fare Hot Dogs, Chili Dogs, Bratwurst, Foot Long Hot Dogs $5-$7.50 Hamburger/Cheeseburger $8-$8.50 Chicken Sandwich $8.50 Snacks Popcorn $4.50-$7.50 Nachos $5/Deluxe Nachos $7.50 Theatre Candy $4.50 Churros, Salted/Cinnamon Pretzel $4.50 Chips $2.50 Drinks Pepsi products $4-$5 Hot Chocolate $3.50 Coffee $4 Bottled water $3.50/Gatorade $4.50 Domestic beer and wine $8/Craft beer $9 Atmosphere 3 In this non-descript venue, don’t expect to be overwhelmed by a huge history of national title banners hanging from the rafters or exhibits honoring famous alumni. The Bren Center does honor the university’s athletic accomplishments, both team and individual wise. On the north end of the arena, you will see a display of banners that honor each athletic team’s national championships. On the other end of the Bren in the concourse, an athletic Hall of Fame can be seen honoring famous UCI athletes. Neighborhood 4 Not far from the Bren is the University Center. Tender Greens, Chick-fil-A, Blaze Pizza, Chipotle, and Taco Bell are some of your pre and postgame dining options at the University Center, as well as the SoCal favorite, In-N-Out. Not far from campus in Newport Beach is Fashion Island, offering a more extensive restaurant selection from both fast food to casual. Fans 3 Coming off a March Madness run that saw their Anteaters advance to the 2nd round, a near capacity crowd was out in force. Throughout the night, chants of “Let’s Go Eaters” and “Zot Zot” can be heard especially after each successful free throw. “Zot Zot” is a rally cry used among the UCI Anteater faithful based on the comic strip B.C., in which the anteaters tongue makes this sound. The comic strip and the university have developed a strong bond over the years. Access 4 UCI is conveniently located near several freeways, particularly the 405, 73, 55 and 5. Several Orange County Transit Authority bus lines run by the campus, including line 79, which has a stop by The Bren. Otherwise, most of the bus lines lay over by the University Center. Atop the seating bowl is a walkway where fans can roam without missing any of the action. There is also an outdoor patio for those who want some fresh air or to go out and stretch. Return on Investment 3 With ticket prices starting at $11 for General Admission and as much as $28, UCI basketball is a good bargain that won’t put a hole in your pocket. The small size of The Bren Center means that you will never be far away from the action. The Bren does not offer much in terms of frills so don’t expect anything to distract you from the game. Extras 3 In the outdoor patio is a beer garden as well as jenga and cornhole games to keep fans occupied before tipoff. Flatscreen TV’s are also provided in the patio to view other college and NBA games. Outside the entrance is a statue of the anteater, which makes for a nice central meeting spot should you be attending with others while arriving separately. The statue is a favorite picture spot for fans as well. Below the statue is a plaque that tells you how UCI received its nickname. Speaking of the anteater, Peter the Anteater is the school’s official mascot and one of the more unique and playful ambassador’s that is a true face of the university. A photo op with Peter should not be passed up. Final Thoughts The UCI program has had some recent connections from the NBA. Max Hazzard, last season’s Big West tournament MVP, is the grandson of former NBA star Walt Hazzard. Colin Welp is the son of Christian Welp, and Jeron Artest is the son of, yup, Ron Artest, known these days as Metta World Peace. The Anteaters of UC Irvine are coming off one of their most successful tournament runs in school history. On the heels of last season’s March Madness run that saw them advance to the second round, the furthest in school history, the Anteaters once again find themselves in a run toward another NCAA post-season berth. If you’re looking to watch a college program that can once again be one of those teams that puts the Madness in to the month of March, a trip to the Bren Center can be worth your while..

Photos courtesy of Dale Birdsley, Jessie Rice, Brad Lookhart, and Brady Griffith Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Brick Breeden Fieldhouse 1 Bobcat Circle Bozeman, MT 59717 Montana State Bobcats website Brick Breeden Fieldhouse website Year Opened: 1956 Capacity: 4,500 The Brick The Brick Breeden Fieldhouse/Max Worthington Arena opened in 1956 and is the home court for the Montana State University men's and women's basketball teams. The versatile dome is also home to MSU indoor track and field and hosts the annual MSU spring rodeo along with concerts, trade shows, graduations, high school tournaments, and numerous other events. The building is named after John "Brick" Breeden who was a member of Montana State's 1929 national champion basketball team known as the Golden Bobcats. Breeden was also a long time basketball coach and athletic director at the school. The arena inside is named after Max Worthington, also a member of the Golden Bobcats, as well as the football team. He served the school for many years as a coach, teacher, and administrator. When it opened, the arena was a one of a kind structure, very ahead of its time. It was built at a time when Montana State was transitioning from a small land grant agricultural and engineering college into a major state university. The spacious building is good in a variety of different roles, but not ideal for one specific purpose. As with anything ahead of its time the building has certain quirks and limitations, but those have been smoothed over by renovations over the years. The most recent renovation completed in the summer of 2014, has attempted to make the arena more comfortable and intimate as a college basketball venue. Food & Beverage 3 The concession stands behind each mezzanine provide typical ballpark fare, with nothing unique or extraordinary. Combo meals, including chips and a 32 oz soda (Pepsi products) feature a brat ($6.50), hot dog ($6), or nachos ($5). There seems to be a little more variety on offer at the concession stands on the south side of the arena, including chicken strips. So if you're not in a hurry, check each one out before making any decisions. I like to snack on a Bobcat cookie ($2) which is an oatmeal and M&M monster cookie. The latest renovation brought in new chair back seats with cup holders to replace the bleachers on the lower level. Unfortunately, the 32 oz. drink that comes with every combo meal does not fit securely in said cup holders. Perhaps, MSU has to use up their inventory of wide based cups before they can order some in with a narrow base that will work with their new cup holders? As with most college owned venues, beer is not available. Atmosphere 3 Anyone with any interest in architecture or engineering will appreciate Worthington Arena's exposed ceiling. Graceful glulam beams arch up and connect to a compression ring at the center of the dome beyond a system of catwalks, lights, and apparatus. Buildings of this size rarely if ever use wooden structural members these days, but in 1956 it was state-of-the-art. The whole building is truly an architectural marvel. In the new configuration, the bleacher seating, which made up approximately half of the arena's capacity, has been replaced with chair back seats. The new lower level seating along both sidelines has armrests and cup holders. The bleachers on both baselines have been replaced with seats with no armrest or cup holders. The new seating gives the arena interior a more modern look. Capacity for Bobcat basketball games has been reduced from 7,250 to 4,500 through the use of large heavy black curtains dropped from the ceiling over much of the upper level seating. These curtains can be easily raised or lowered depending the seating capacity needed. Also, a row of windows around the perimeter of the arena has been covered to block out any natural light so now day games have the same look and feel as night games. A large four-sided video scoreboard hangs over the center of the court. It's become popular for fans to snap a selfie and text it to the video board. There's also the kiss cam, game stats, and other fun things posted on the video board from time to time to keep the fans interested. New lighting and sound system were installed with the recent renovations. Both are tremendous improvements over what was in place before. Worthington Arena has always had a comfortable, non-intimidating, laid back sort of vibe. It's not the most raucous atmosphere one could hope for, but does provide a comfortable place to get out of the house and take in game during Bozeman's chilly winters. Neighborhood 5 Bozeman is a classic university town. There's lots of interesting bars, restaurants, and shopping downtown on Main Street about a mile and a half from the Brick Breeden Fieldhouse. Colombo's Pizza and Pasta and the world famous Pickle Barrel sandwich shop are a short walk across campus on College Street. There is also a small and growing business district right across 11th Street from the Fieldhouse including Spectators Sports Bar and Grill - a popular Bobcat hangout, the Storm Castle Cafe (breakfast and lunch), and I-Ho's Korean Grill. Bridger Brewing, a craft brewery that also serves gourmet pizzas, recently opened right across the street from the Brick. My favorite is the appropriately named Bobcat Brown Ale. If it's a night game, grab a brew and pizza before, Montana's brewery laws dictate that they stop serving after 8 PM. Bozeman is a winter wonderland with world class skiing close by. Bridger Bowl, frequented by MSU students, is just 16 miles from Bozeman. Big Sky Resort and Moonlight Basin are a scenic 50 mile drive away. There are also groomed cross-country ski trails right in the city limits. Ice climbing, back country skiing, and ice fishing are just minutes away from campus up Hyalite Canyon. Fans 3 Bobcat basketball is at a low ebb with a new coaching regime led by Brian Fish. But even in a season where wins have been incredibly rare, Bobcat fans turn out in respectable numbers that would fill the smaller Big Sky Conference venues to overflowing. The excitement picks up after Christmas break when the students, cheerleaders, and especially the band are back in attendance for the game. The Bobcat pep band, cheerleaders, and the mascot Champ do a great job of keeping things lively, even when events on the court don't always give Bobcat fans something to cheer about. As the team improves, the fan and student support should also improve and make the MSU home court more feared by opposing teams. Access 3 Bozeman has excellent airline access for a town of its size. The Bozeman-Yellowstone International Airport is about 10 miles from campus and has daily direct flights from Salt Lake City, Denver, Seattle, and Minneapolis. Public transportation is limited, so if you're flying in it is best to rent a car, which will also allow you to explore the scenic and historic areas around Bozeman. The Brick Breeden Fieldhouse is easy to find. The big dome is visible for miles around. The most direct route is South 11th Avenue via West Main Street. All parking is free, and usually plentiful with lots on the north and south sides of the arena. The north lot, adjacent to Shroyer Gym and the building fills up first, but there is more parking available across 11th Avenue nearer to the high rise dorms. The larger south entrance is adjacent to a large parking lots. The spaces near the arena are reserved for boosters, but the recently paved spaces beyond are a huge improvement. There is a row of handicapped parking spaces near both the north and south entrances, but with basketball games attracting an older crowd these days, the spaces fill up fast so get there early if you need one. There are plenty of restrooms in the facility that are kept clean and functional. The closest restrooms to the seating areas are underneath the upper level of permanent seating. Return on Investment 4 An adult general admission ticket for a men's game is only $10 and parking is free, so Division I Bobcat basketball is a bargain. On select nights, MSU offers a popular $44 deal which gets a family of four tickets, hot dogs, drinks, and a program. Concessions are also reasonable for a college sporting event. If the team can start to string some wins together during this rebuilding process, the Brick should once again be the place to be in Bozeman. Extras 3 A few more items that help make a trip to the Brick worthwhile: The Bobcat pep band has grown by leaps and bounds in recent years and greatly enhances the entire experience of attending a Bobcat basketball game. The Golden Bobcats: The Montana State College men's basketball team from 1927 through 1929 had a 72-4 record and the 1928-29 team was declared national champions by the Helms Foundation (no NCAA tourney back then). The team averaged an astounding 63 points per game in an era where there was a center jump after every made basket and most teams scored in the 20's. They were one of the first teams in the country to employ a fast break. The Golden Bobcats memory is preserved in naming the building after two of its players, a photo and display about the team in the corridor leading to the north entrance/exit, and a national championship banner hanging from the west end of Worthington Arena. The architecture and history of "The Brick" lone make it a venue worth visiting. It was quite visionary to build such a building at a time when it could have easily seated every man, woman, and child living Bozeman with plenty of room left over. Final Thoughts It's hard to think about Bozeman and not imagine the iconic dome of the Brick Breeden Fieldhouse. The building has had so many memorable moments, whether it be a Bobcat basketball game, national championship rodeo, high school state championship, or a four minute indoor mile, in over a half century of existence. If you're in Bozeman and looking for something to do, then check out what's happening at the Brick, because no doubt there's something going on. Whatever the event it's a fun and interesting place to visit.

Photos by Will Halpern, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Brooks Stadium 540 University Blvd Conway, SC 29528 Coastal Carolina Chanticleers website Brooks Stadium website Year Opened: 2003 Capacity: 21,000 Feel the Teal at Coastal Carolina Compared to many universities that are at least a century old, Coastal Carolina University, located in Conway, South Carolina, is relatively young compared to its peers. It was founded in 1954, but it wasn’t until 1993 that the school became an independent university. Ten years later Chanticleer Football was born. A lot of people outside of Conway and the greater Myrtle Beach area probably don’t know what a Chanticleer is or even how to pronounce it; /Shon-ti-Cleer/ is how you pronounce the fierce and cunning rooster from Chaucer’s “Canterbury Tales.” But the unique mascot is not the only unique thing about the team – Brooks Stadium boasts teal turf instead of the usual green, similar to Boise State’s use of blue turf at Albertson's Stadium . The Chanticleers from 2003-15 were in the Big South Conference. They spent one season as an FCS independent, then, the following season in 2017, they stepped up to the Sun Belt Conference in Division 1 FBS football, and are now one of three programs in the Palmetto State at that level. Brooks Stadium has seen a recent expansion to accommodate the team’s rise in leagues. Opening in 2003 with a capacity of just under 6,500 seats, the stadium has seen its most rapid rise in seating capacity this 2019 season, as Brooks Stadium now holds 21,000, which is up from 15,000 last year. The Chanticleers football program is hoping to grow into the stadium over the next few years, as they get used to their success. Food & Beverage 4 Brooks Stadium doesn’t offer a ton of food options, as there are several concessions stands around the stadium that offer the same food items, but there are some unique items and enough variety to suit everyone. Entrées include the expected nachos, chicken tenders, burgers, and Hebrew National hot dogs. Black bean burgers are offered for vegetarians or vegans, as well as BBQ Pork Nachos and the truly unique Singleton Sandwich, which is a cone-shaped pretzel stuffed with Pork BBQ, BBQ sauce, and coleslaw, and it is every bit as delicious as it sounds. Chick-fil-A chicken sandwiches are available as well, and snacks like popcorn and candy are also part of the main concessions stand’s menu. Students can purchase select food with their meal plan (more college stadiums nationwide should adopt this idea). Pepsi products are the soft drink of choice, and a fair amount of beer selections are offered such as Bud Light, Michelob Ultra, and Truly Sparkling Berry. Blue Bunny Ice Cream is also served, and free ice cream sandwiches are also offered – which is a rarity at any sporting event and a great way to combat the hot and muggy temperatures during a 2 pm kickoff. Prices are not too bad; beverages are four dollars each, or five for a souvenir cup with a one-dollar refill. The average price of entrées is six dollars, with hot dogs going for three dollars on the low end and BBQ pork nachos are ten dollars on the high end. The Singleton is six dollars which is on the lower end of most unique food items offered at sporting events. Overall the food is limited but diverse and reasonable enough to suit most people looking for a bite to eat during the game. Atmosphere 4 Brooks Stadium continued its expansion project this 2019 season by adding some premium seating and a second level to the west side stands. The stadium now has two rows of seating on both sides of the stadium, with the east side being the side to sit on to see the logo facing the correct way, or the way you would see it on TV. The east side of the stadium consists of bleachers with backs, except for a section of teal chair back seats on the second level. The seats are wide enough; the west and the north sides of the stadium also consist of bleacher seating, with the latter hosting the student section on the lower end of the section and the Marrio and Josh Norman Field House. The 8.5-million-dollar field house was named after the Norman brothers who played football for the Chanticleers (Josh is currently a cornerback for the Washington Redskins). The south side hosts a large video board as well as views of University Boulevard, the main street through campus, so as you watch video replay you can also see cars driving by, which is not super common at FBS college football stadiums. I’d recommend getting a seat on the stadium’s east side for afternoon games, and the west side for evening games in order to avoid the sun. Coastal Carolina also has a cheerleading squad, and Chauncey the Chanticleer keeps the fans engaged as well. The PA announcer also does a good job keeping the fans excited. Brooks Stadium has all of the makings of a solid college football atmosphere, as there is not a bad seat in the stadium. The main thing missing, unfortunately, is the fan support. This could be because of the Chanticleers facing an FCS opponent during the game I most recently attended, but as the stadium grows the hope is the fan support will too, and provide the needed energy to add to what Brooks Stadium currently has to offer. Neighborhood 4 Brooks Stadium, along with Coastal Carolina Soccer Stadium and Spring Brooks Stadium , home of the 2016 College World Series champion baseball team, is part of the TD Sports Complex at Coastal Carolina University. There is not a whole lot around the stadium itself except for some fast food restaurants and some places on campus, such as Einstein Brothers Bagels and Starbucks. A couple of recommended restaurants are both about ten minutes north of the stadium; Coppers, “where style meets taste,” offers classic southern cuisine in an elegant setting, while Denizelle’s offers southern cuisine as well, with a variety of rotating main and side options such as fried chicken, pork chops, mashed potatoes, and slaw. Conway, though a small town, offers a charming downtown on the Waccamaw River. However, just twenty minutes from Conway is where the real action is – Myrtle Beach is one of the biggest tourist attractions in the US, with over 14 million visitors annually. Myrtle Beach offers tons of restaurants and shops including Broadway at the Beach with over 150 stores, an amusement park, Hard Rock Café, Hollywood Wax Museum, Ripley’s Aquarium, and more. Myrtle Beach offers plenty of shopping closer to the beach, along with Family Kingdom Amusement Park and the Skywheel Myrtle Beach, and plenty of mini and standard golf courses. The beautiful beach right on the Atlantic Ocean is always a draw as well. It’s not often that you can experience a college football game and some of the best beaches in the same day. Comfort Suites at the University, Econo Lodge at the University, and Crossroads Inn & Suites are all about a five-minute drive from Brooks Stadium and are reasonably priced, compared to the hotels at Myrtle Beach, though Bermuda Sands and Boardwalk Beach Resorts are reasonable and very well-located hotels if you’d rather stay when you can hear the waves as you sleep. Fans 3 Fan support for the Chanticleers has been high the last two seasons, leading the Sun Belt in 2017 in the percentage of the stadium filled at a near-sellout 99.73%. It dropped last season to 69.9%, but which was still good enough for third in a ten-team conference. However, as 6,000 more seats are added for this season, bigger doesn’t always mean better, and while it may be the opponent they were facing on my most recent visit, the crowd seemed sparse during the game. Coastal Carolina University enrolls just under 10,500 students, and the metro population of Myrtle Beach is just under half a million, not counting the many tourists, so there should be enough of a population to increase fan attendance. The problem is that football season stretches into the fall, and the beach offseason doesn’t draw as many outside fans to the area as, say, a Myrtle Beach Pelicans game might. Coastal Carolina is also close to but not in Myrtle Beach itself, which might detract visitors with no connection to the university from coming out to cheer on the Chants. The fans who are there are loud, engaged, and are very knowledgeable about the game. A win over Power Five Kansas this season, and with the Jayhawks and rival Appalachian State coming to Brooks Stadium next season, attendance might increase with the bigger stadium, but in a conference whose geographic footprint is so spread out (schools range from the Carolinas to Texas) and without a long football tradition, it might be a few years, and more victories before more fans in teal pack the seats, but the future in Conway looks hopeful. Access 4 Brooks Stadium is located on the southwest corner of Coastal Carolina University in the TD Sports Complex on the intersection of university Blvd running east to west, and Corporal Dennis Lyden Memorial Highway running north to south. It is very easy to get to and traffic is not too bad coming to the stadium, though it is a little tougher leaving. Although parking near the stadium is mainly reserved for donors with a parking pass, there are two lots where fans can park for free: Lot YY off SC 544 and Lot GG off US 501. Complimentary ADA accessible shuttles will take fans to the game every ten minutes. There is also select parking in any parking lot on campus where fans can park for free, unless otherwise noted starting at four hours before kickoff. University parking regulations apply, so make sure to check out any signage. A select number of handicap parking spaces are available next to Brooks Stadium in Lot QQ free of charge with proper identification. The C7 bus runs between downtown Myrtle Beach and Conway, stopping at the university which is about a half-mile from the stadium. The bus runs every hour to Myrtle Beach from the university until 2 pm, and then every two hours until 6 pm when the last bus leaves, so you’ll need to find another form of transportation if the game or your time in Conway extends beyond then. The bus does run until 8, coming back to Conway in case you’re wanting to head to the university for a later game. Coming from Myrtle Beach, the fare is $3 round trip. Myrtle Beach International Airport is about twenty minutes to the east and offers flights to a wide range of cities at often inexpensive prices, as a result of the airport being the hub for the low-cost airline Allegiant. There are several gates around the stadium, including Gate 6, where all the parking shuttles arrive at the stadium. Lines and security are very quick, just be aware of the new clear bag policy that is happening at sports venues across the country. The concourse is easy to walk around and doesn’t get too congested, bathrooms are clean, and there is handicap seating throughout the stadium as well. Return on Investment 4 Attending a game at Brooks Stadium is a fun way to spend an afternoon and won’t set you back too much. Tickets and food are reasonably priced, and watching a game on a field that isn’t the standard green alone is worth the price of admission. Fan Price Guide Tickets: $15-$20 Singleton sandwich/drink: $10 Parking: Free There was nothing I could find on group tickets, but season tickets are available, with access to premium seating and reserved parking. Extras 5 One point for the teal turf that the Chanticleers play on, with point number two for the incredibly unique mascot, and a third point for the Singleton sandwich which is almost as unique as the Chanticleer itself. Point number four goes for the free ice cream sandwiches given out during the game, and finally a point for the close proximity to some of the best beaches in America. Final Thoughts Coastal Carolina football is a program on the rise, having only started in 2003, and moving to the Sun Belt Conference just two years ago. Brooks Stadium is now up to FBS standards, and the Chanticleers are hoping to take that next step towards a winning tradition. It will take some time for the fans and students to truly embrace Coastal football, but with a stadium that provides great sight lines, unique food and beverage offerings, a large video board, and teal turf, the future of Brooks Stadium and Coastal football looks very promising.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Bryce Jordan Center 127 Bryce Jordan Center University Park, PA 16802 Penn State Nittany Lions website Bryce Jordan Center website Year Opened: 1996 Capacity: 15,261 Little Sister of the Poor Stepchild? In a 2011 article written by ESPN.com Dana O’Neil, the Penn State basketball program was referred to as “the little sister of the poor stepchild to football”. She stated that basketball at Penn State is a “winter afterthought given all the tending and care of a vegetable garden positioned in the middle of a nuclear field”. Harsh criticism, indeed! It is undeniable that Happy Valley holds their beloved Nittany Lions football program above all else, but is basketball that terrible? Stories of the basketball team being bumped all over the place to practice for the postseason are out there, but are they that much of an afterthought? Most importantly, is a trip to Penn State to see the Nittany Lions worth your sporting dollar and travel time? The Penn State Nittany Lions have been playing basketball for a VERY long time. Their team was established in 1897 but has struggled for the duration of its incarnation. In 1990, Penn State settled in the Big Ten Conference, bringing the membership of the conference up to 11 institutions. The Nittany Lions have only tasted the Final Four once, in 1954, and have only made the tournament 9 times. They also hold the championship for the 2009 NIT. However, Penn State is a large school with over 45,000 students enrolled. The State College location for Penn State, nestled in central Pennsylvania, between Pittsburgh and Scranton, means there are not a ton of other options in the surrounding area once football is finished. The university itself is located in its specific postal area of University Park. Home for the Nittany Lions is the Bryce Jordan Center, named after former Penn State president, Henry Bryce Jordan. The ingredients are all there for a successful program at Penn State. Catching a game at Penn State will not be the basketball experience of a lifetime, but with a good matchup and a little buzz and you will enjoy your time in Happy Valley. Food & Beverage 4 There are several different options available at the Bryce Jordan Center and you will be satisfied with the selection. The Bryce Jordan Center has several different concession stands for patrons, most offering different menu items. The main concession stands offer hot dogs ($4), grilled chicken, chicken tenders, pizza ($6), pretzels ($4), popcorn ($4), and fries among other items. The Roarin’ Grill offers cheesesteaks, and burgers while the Salada Salads offers a variety of salad options including Buffalo Chicken and Chicken Caesar varieties. The Pretzel Revolution offers a variety of pretzels including stuffed pretzels in Buffalo Chicken, ham and cheese, pizza, and pretzel dogs. Finally, the Hungry Lion BBQ Den offers a variety of barbecue options in the “Den Box” featuring smoked brisket, chorizo, pulled pork, or pulled chicken. Soft drink options in the Bryce Jordan Center are Pepsi products ($4/$5/$6) and can be found in three sizes of fountain soda at most concession stands. Gatorade, coffee, hot cocoa, and bottled water are also available. As with the other programs in the Big Ten Conference, alcohol is not available for purchase in the arena. A couple of items that you should consider purchasing would include one of the stuffed pretzels from the Pretzel Revolution or the Pitt vs. Philly Sandwich from the Roarin’ Grill. Atmosphere 3 The atmosphere at the Bryce Jordan Center is decent, but will not blow you away. Approaching the Bryce Jordan Center from the outside, you will find a building that is aesthetically pleasing for the most part. It is not over-the-top modern-looking and does not have an entrance with tons of green glass, but the red brick and grey siding looks nice enough for the arena which was built in 1996. There are several windows underneath the grey siding of the upper bowl portion, which allow plenty of natural light into the concourse during an afternoon game. The Bryce Jordan Center sits below the watchful eye of Mount Nittany, which can be seen from the lookout point with the provided binoculars. Inside the Bryce Jordan Center, patrons will find maybe a bit too much-exposed concrete in the concourse area. The arena features a single concourse that serves both the upper and lower seating bowls. There are a huge number of banners hanging from the ceiling in the concourse advertising Penn State basketball, both the men's and Lady Lions. Above the entrances of the seating bowl there are murals of significant events in Penn State basketball history including the 1954 Final Four team, as well as the careers of such Nittany Lions as Tim Fraizer and John Amaechi. Inside the seating bowl, patrons will find the court in a north-south configuration. Above the center of the court is an excellent video board to go along with the 360-degree ribbon board encircling the arena. At the south end of the arena hang banners commemorating the achievements of the Nittany Lions basketball team including the 1954 Final Four team, the 2009 NIT Championship team, and the 2001 team that made it to the Sweet 16. Other tournament appearances are also commemorated. There are also several banners honoring the Lady Lions who have seen significantly more success than the men have. Both the north and south ends of the upper bowl are routinely curtained off in an attempt to encourage a more intimate feel. The promotions are what you would expect for a college basketball game. The pep band sits in the south end and plays throughout the game. Both the Lionettes dance team and traditional cheerleaders perform during stoppages in play. The intro for the game is pretty good with the band taking a significant role, especially the drumline. When the players are introduced by the public address announcer, most of the fans in attendance yell out “Penn State” along with the announcer for each player. The seats in the Bryce Jordan Center are your typical plastic, stadium seats. If you are interested in a picture of the court with the logo facing in your direction, then the west side is where you want to be (sections 117-127). You will want to be in the lower bowl if possible, as the upper bowl will feel a lot more spacious. The upper rows of the lower bowl on the west side will provide a great view of the court. Neighborhood 4 There are lots of options for pre and post-game fare in State College. Depending on how hearty a walk you are looking for, taking your car to get something before or after the game is a distinct possibility. The Bryce Jordan Center is located fairly central to the University Park campus. Heading to College Ave, the southern border of the campus will yield a ton of options. Some options you may want to consider include Letterman’s Sports Grill, and Kildare’s Irish Pub. There are also a ton of fast food and chain options on College Ave. Other options you may consider are Spats Cafe or Whiskers, which is in the on-campus Nittany Lion Inn. State College is pretty isolated and as a result, there are not a ton of other options for entertainment. Penn State does offer a variety of other varsity sports including hockey at Pegula Ice Arena and of course football at Beaver Stadium. You may want to consider a hike on one of the trails of nearby Mount Nittany if you are looking for something a little more active. Fans 2 The Penn State experience drops off when it comes to fan support. The Nittany Lions lack the student support that you would normally equate with a top-flight college basketball program. On the date of this particular review, there was not much of a student section to speak of. This particular game brought in a pretty big crowd of over 10,000 but take into consideration that it was a top-flight opponent in Michigan State with a fan base that traveled well. The Nittany Lions attendance is all over the place, but essentially the venue is too big for the crowds that basketball brings in. In 2013-2014, the Nittany Lions drew an average of just over 6,000 fans. They did make a significant jump for the 2014-2015 season, averaging over 8,000 fans, however, those numbers keep them near the bottom of the conference in attendance. The fans that are in the stands are supportive, when not drowned out by visiting fans. They are fairly polite and knowledgeable. However, with generally a poor product on the floor, the team does not give the fans too much to cheer about. Access 5 Getting in and around the Bryce Jordan Center is not a problem at all. The Penn State campus is located north of State College proper and just south of Interstate 99. When getting off the interstate, you will not have to travel through town to get to the arena. Public transit is available at State College. Several different bus lines stop at the front door of the Bryce Jordan Center. The Center Area Transportation Authority (CATA) travels throughout campus and links to major areas of State College and neighboring communities. Check out the CATA website for maps and schedules. There is plenty of parking around the Bryce Jordan Center. Keep in mind that the arena is just across the street from Beaver Stadium, which requires a HUGE number of parking spots on game day. Parking has been listed for a nominal $5, however, for this particular event, there was no attendant when we parked and we were not charged a fee. The gates are fairly spacious and spill right into the concourse. The ticketing areas offer more than enough space and are a little busier than other places since buying tickets at the door is not out of the question. For the number of fans in attendance, the concourses are more than adequate in size. If there were a packed house, this may not be the case. The washroom facilities are more than adequate and lines tend to move very quickly. Return on Investment 4 Penn State basketball is affordable, but the return may be a bit questionable. The most expensive tickets for Penn State basketball are a mere $26 for conference opponents. Non-conference opponents are fewer and there are numerous discounts for youth and seniors. Combine this with decent concession prices and parking that is very cheap and you have a recipe that will not require a ton of money. However, the lack of fan support and the poor showing that the team often produces may make you think twice. However, it is still major college basketball in a major college basketball conference, and that can’t be too bad. Extras 2 Two extra marks for Mount Nittany and the beautiful mountainous surroundings in Happy Valley as well as the beautiful campus of Penn State. Final Thoughts Penn State basketball seems to be in a bit of a chicken-and-egg situation. It lacks in the fan department, but would more fans push the administration to put a stronger emphasis on the basketball program, or would a better basketball product bring out more fans? Either way, there is huge potential in Penn State basketball that is unrealized and it would not be out of the question for the team to make significant strides in the conference and become a more regular participant in the NCAA tournament. However, I’m not sure that Penn State is the little sister of the poor stepchild. The experience seems better than that. ----- Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on Twitter @profan9 and Instagram .

Photos by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Buccaneer Field House 9200 University Blvd Charleston, SC 29423 Charleston Southern Buccaneers website Buccaneer Field House website Year Opened: 1965 Capacity: 881 The Bucs Stop Here Charleston Southern University is a Baptist – affiliated school located in North Charleston, South Carolina. It is a relatively young school, as it was founded in 1964. Today it has grown to an enrollment of 3,459 students on its 300-acre campus. The sports teams at Charleston Southern are known as the Buccaneers and participate in the Big South Conference. The home court for the Buccaneers basketball program is the on-campus CSU Field House, often referred to as the Bucs Dome. The Field House has a capacity of only 881 seats, making it the second smallest Division I arena in the NCAA. This forces the Bucs to play major conference opponents and local rivals in the nearby North Charleston Coliseum . The arena is located at the northeastern end of the Charleston Southern campus. The stands surround the floor, with the students and pep band behind the baskets. Reserved seating is limited to eight rows of chair back seating on one side of the court. All other seating is considered General Admission and features plastic bleacher seating. It is a good idea to arrive early if you have a specific place you want to sit. However, due to the small size of the facility, every seat in the house is close to the action. The Buccaneers have been to one NCAA Tournament and have taken part in two NIT tournaments. Over the years they have won four Big South regular season titles and four Big South tournament titles. Food & Beverage 3 As you would suspect, there is one concession stand at the CSU Field House. It offers a limited number of items, including pizza ($2), hot dogs ($3), popcorn ($3), chips ($1) and candy ($1.50). Beverages include Pepsi brand sodas ($2), water ($2) and Gatorade ($3). On the good side of things all items are relatively inexpensive, making a trip to the concession stand very family friendly for the wallet. Atmosphere 3 A night out at a Bucs game at the CSU Field House is great for basketball purists. The game is the focus of attention without the bells and whistles of many modern arenas. You still have the pep band, the cheerleaders and a few contests to fill the breaks in the action, but don’t expect a lot of extras. On the other hand, the intimacy of the Field House allows you to hear the coach’s instructions to the players from the sidelines, or nearly have a player in your lap as they dive for a ball as it is headed out of bounds. You really feel a part of the game in ways you never would experience in a larger arena. One nice touch in the arena is that the wood floor at center court is stained in the shape of a pirate ship with the CSU crossed swords logo fitting neatly on its sails. CSU Field House harkens back to a different time, and for many, that’s just fine. Neighborhood 3 Charleston Southern University is in a somewhat isolated area away from the city of North Charleston. However, with its easy access to I-26, you can be in the city center or downtown Charleston in a matter of minutes. Two restaurants that locals recommend close to the school are Smokey Bones Bar and Grill and Willie Jewells Old School BBQ, which is famous for its Low Country style of BBQ. As far as accommodations, you can’t get any closer to the school than the Wingate by Wyndham Hotel located next door to the university. You can leave your car at the hotel and just walk to the game. The Hampton Inn is also located in the vicinity of the university. The greater Charleston area is known for its beautiful plantation homes along both the Ashley and Cooper Rivers. Middleton Place is by far the most visited of the homes along the Ashley River. In addition to the beautiful home, it offers beautiful formal gardens and terrific views of the river unspoiled by any development. If you have kids with you, you’ll want to include a visit to the North Charleston Fire Museum. It offers a large collection of vintage fire engines and other firefighting apparatus dating back to the last century. The city of Charleston with its myriad sightseeing options is just over a half hour away from the Charleston Southern campus. Fort Sumter, the Battery, the South Carolina Aquarium are just some of the sites you will want to visit. Lodging in the North Charleston area is much cheaper than the hotels in downtown Charleston. Fans 4 The Bucs Dome can be a very intimidating place to play. The small size of the facility results in the seats practically touching the floor. A vast majority of those seats are occupied by CSU supporters. The sound in the arena can be deafening at times, especially when the Bucs are on a scoring binge or an opponent’s shot is blocked. The Charleston Southern pep band, the cheerleaders and dance squad and Bucky the Buccaneer do a great job in getting the crowd charged up throughout the game. One of the band’s signature highlights is the playing of the spiritual “I’m So Glad,” which has you swaying in the stands and singing along. You’ll feel like you are at a camp meeting. Access 4 Charleston Southern University and the CSU Field House are easily accessed via I-26 at exit 205. The school is located directly off the interstate. The basketball arena is located at the rear of the campus and offers ample free parking. Return on Investment 4 Tickets to a Bucs basketball game are $15 for a reserved seat and $10 to sit in the general admission area. The concession offerings are very limited, but inexpensive in price. Parking is free and abundant just outside of the arena. Lodging in the North Charleston area is much cheaper than hotels in downtown Charleston, which is just a 30-minute drive away. Extras 4 The CSU Hall of Fame is in the hallway leading into the gym. The inexpensive pricing at the concession stand is hard to beat. You can get a great selfie of yourself with the fierce looking Buccaneer in the entry hall outside of the gym. The Charleston Southern campus is very compact and has some beautiful buildings centered around a reflecting pool that are well worth a photo or two. Final Thoughts The priorities at Charleston Southern are faith first and service to the community second and academics third. It still has some very nice athletic facilities, including the CSU Field House, the CSU Ballpark and Buccaneer Field . Being small has not kept CSU from having very competitive teams in the Big South Conference, where they have won numerous championships.

Photos by Eric Moreno, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57 Bulldog Stadium 1 Fleming Dr Seguin, TX 78155 Texas Lutheran Bulldogs website Bulldog Stadium website Year Opened: 2014 Capacity: 1,500 Welcome to the Dog Pound When it comes to college football at the Division III level, few teams have had as much success in recent years as the Texas Lutheran University Bulldogs. Located near the flowing Guadalupe River in Seguin, Texas, Texas Lutheran first fielded a football team in 1912. In the one hundred-plus years since, they have become perennial powers on the gridiron, most recently in the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference. The Bulldogs won three consecutive conference championships from 2014-2016, and earned a trip to the DIII football playoffs in 2014. They achieved all of this recent success from the confines of their new home, Bulldog Stadium, which opened in 2014. While small by college – and most Texas high school – standards, Bulldog Stadium gives Texas Lutheran a unique home field advantage while playing under the South Texas sun. Food & Beverage 1 If you are coming to Bulldog Stadium looking for gourmet, over-the-top, or outlandish food offerings, you might need to grab a bite at the tailgate before the game. However, what the facility lacks in frills, it more than makes up for in frugality. There are two food trailers stationed on opposite ends of the home field stands at the stadium, and these offer your standard food items. These cash-only stations offer hot dogs ($2.50), sausage wraps ($3), bottled water ($2.50) and bottled sodas ($3). However, you can bring in your own food items from outside the stadium – with one exception – alcohol is not allowed in Bulldog Stadium at all. Atmosphere 3 Bulldog Stadium has a great deal in common with many mid-level high school football stadiums; especially those in Texas. I don’t mean this negatively at all, mind you. The layout is very similar, with bleacher style-seating, much larger on the home field side. The all-weather track surrounds the field and the school’s marching band (which will be touched on later) sits in the stands with the student body – this style of stadium allows for the home-team crowd’s energy to be felt from one end of the home stands to the other. A great feature of Bulldog Stadium that was built into the field when it opened are the general admission seats that are on two hills, one in each end zone: Burn’s Berm and Church Hill – each named after a generous donor to the athletic program. These give not only a great vantage point for the on-field action, but also are a great overall way to watch a football game. Neighborhood 3 Located 30 miles northeast of San Antonio, Seguin has become a popular commuter city for those looking to escape from the big-city trappings of the Alamo City. While Seguin has grown – it has a population of just under 28,000 – it still is able to maintain a small-town vibe. The Texas Lutheran University campus is one of the most beautiful in the area, set among sprawling native pecan trees, and not too far from the Guadalupe River. This part of Texas is full of history, especially concerning the Texas Revolution (the city changed its name in 1838 to honor Texas hero Juan Seguin). Driving around the city, you’ll find numerous markers denoting some of the legends and historical events that took place in the area. For nature lovers, Walnut Springs Park is truly something special. It has been revitalized in the past decade, and is now recognized as one of the best small-town urban parks in the state. It is perfect for hiking, biking, swimming, fishing, or just enjoying a day in the outdoors. If you’re looking for something with a little more adrenaline, look no further than ZDT’s Amusement Park. Roller coasters and other thrill-seeking rides abound – and the park is very reasonably priced for families. For dining options, the Dixie Grill has been a favorite of locals for many years, and is located right off Interstate 10; you can’t miss it as you head into Seguin from either the East or the West. Another popular spot is the Powerplant Texas Grill; built on the grounds of an old utility plant on the Guadalupe, this is a popular spot for all kinds of local fare – plus, you can hit the river either before or after your meal. When it comes to hotels, all the usual chain suspects can be found in Seguin, and all are fairly close (not within walking distance though) of Bulldog Stadium. If you want something a little off the beaten path, check out the Olivia Mansion, a B&B housed in an old Victorian-era mansion. You might also look for the Park Plaza Hotel in downtown Seguin. Fans 3 While attendance figures for football in the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference (SCAC), of which TLU is a member, aren’t available colloquially, I can tell you that Bulldog fans show up to support their team in droves. There is something to be said for being the proverbial only game in town – fans will get behind you and come out, and they are also enthusiastic. Tailgating can be found before the game for several hours before the gates open, and there is also a special alumni tailgate that stays open the whole game, and allows fans to mingle during halftime. In recent years, the team has given the home fans a lot to cheer about, and the fans have rewarded their squad with their enthusiasm and their support. While there may not be many, they are a vocal bunch. Access 3 Bulldog Stadium is easily accessible via either Highway 90 or Highway 46. San Antonio is the closest major city to Seguin; Austin is also within shouting distance by traveling the new 130 toll road. From San Antonio, it is just around 30 minutes away; from Austin, a shade under an hour. Signs clearly mark the way, and you won’t be able to miss Bulldog Stadium as it rises from the Seguin hills. Parking is ample at the stadium and is free. One caveat though, seating tends to fill up fast – especially on the visitor’s side. If you’re not interested in sitting on one of the hills, you might want to get there early. Return on Investment 3 A single-game, general admission ticket for games at Bulldog Stadium starts at $10 per person; for children 6-18 (younger get in free) and seniors (65 and up) tickets are only $5. This is a great bargain, especially for a program with the history of success that Texas Lutheran has had. With free parking and the low cost for concessions items, you are getting a bargain at these games. Extras 2 There is not much in the way of extras at Bulldog Stadium; what they do have though is enough to delight the crowd. First, I personally am a sucker for live mascots. The Bulldogs bring out the live version of their mascot, Lucky, before every game to serve as the official greeter for the players as they take the field. The costumed version of Lucky also wins the hearts of fans as he patrols the sidelines, and interacts with kids on the two hills. Like all great college programs, Texas Lutheran boasts their own band. The “Hounds of Sound” sit in the stands with their fellow students, and they do a great job of firing up the crowd. Final Thoughts While Division III action might not be everyone’s cup of tea, I would venture a guess that any attendee will be drawn in by the action, the skill, and the passion of the players. Bulldog Stadium will remind many visitors of a high school facility; however, this is not always a bad thing. Getting the chance to see the action up close in an intimate venue puts all the focus on the players and the game. If you’re in the vicinity during football season, make a visit to Bulldog Stadium in Seguin, TX. Follow Eric Moreno’s Stadium Journey on Twitter at @EricMoreno6477 . Visit Eric Moreno’s writer’s portfolio site at ericmoreno.contently.com .

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Burridge Gymnasium at Ivor Wynne Centre 120 Forsythe Ave N Hamilton, ON L8S 4L8 McMasters Marauders basketball website Burridge Gym website Year Opened: 1966 Capacity: 2,250 The McMaster Way What exactly is the McMaster Way? According to the markings inside the David Braley Athletic Centre, the McMaster Way is about leadership, innovation, commitment, integrity and responsibility. Outsiders would probably say that the McMaster Way is all about success. The McMaster Marauders have a number of successful athletic programs as a part of the university located in Hamilton, Ontario, and one of the most preeminent is the basketball program. McMaster has seen a great deal of success on the basketball court winning Wilson Cups as OUA (Ontario University Athletics) champions in 1970, 1972, 1987, 1994, 1996, 1997 and 2006. The Marauders have yet to bring home the USports National Championship as the best team in all of Canadian university basketball, but they have made a number of appearances in the Final 8 tournament. History for the Marauders runs deep as they are a charter member of what was then the CIAU, the first formal organization for Canadian interuniversity athletics. In 1904 McMaster helped found the CIAU, which would eventually become USports as of 2016. With over 25,000 students, McMaster is a decent sized university which has done well with student support for their athletic teams. The home for Marauders basketball is in the Burridge Gymnasium in the Ivor Wynne Centre. The gymnasium is named after Arthur Burridge, the first Athletics Director of the Marauders. Like the former home of the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, the Ivor Wynne Centre is named after a McMaster athletic alum who would go on to succeed Arthur Burridge as Athletic Director at McMaster, and further build the athletic program to be one of the best in the country. The lineage of athletic directors continues to current AD, and former General Manager of the Toronto Raptors, Glen Grunwald. The McMaster Way continues to be all about putting winning teams on the court and that is worth checking out in Hamilton. Food & Beverage 2 Concession options in the Ivor Wynne Centre are pretty limited. Candy, chocolate bars, chips, cotton candy, caramel corn, nachos, popcorn ($2), and hot dogs ($4) essentially make up the entirety of the concession options. A portable table in the Ivor Wynne Centre in the concourse south of the gymnasium is where you will find concessions. Soda is also available ($1.50) in plastic bottles. If these choices are really not working for you, an alternate consideration may be the Tim Hortons and Booster Juice, which can be found in the attached David Braley Athletics Centre. Atmosphere 3 The Burridge Gymnasium is a solid OUA venue for basketball that just lacks that something more to make it really elite in the conference. The way to get to the Ivor Wynne Centre is essentially through the David Braley Athletics Centre. Named after former Canadian Senator, McMaster Alum and former owner of multiple CFL teams, the Braley Centre is the newest member of the McMaster athletics facility family. The Braley Centre is definitely worth walking through. On the way to the Ivor Wynne Centre and Ron Joyce Stadium, the Braley Centre is the place where all athletic teams are honoured. The McMaster Athletics Hall of Fame can be found here which members include Arthur Burridge, Ivor Wynne, David Braley and legendary hockey icon Syl Apps among others. Recent championship banners and murals for championship teams are found in the halls of the Braley Centre on the way to the Ivor Wynne Centre. The Ivor Wynne Centre is a little more non-descript. Attached to the north of the Ivor Wynne Centre is Burridge Gymnasium. Open windows adjoining the Ivor Wynne Centre to the Burridge Gymnasium gives the gym a more open feeling and gives basketball the opportunity to catch the eye of those passing by. Ticketing, merchandise and concession tables are found in the Ivor Wynne Centre. A dedication plaque greets fans as they enter the gym. The basketball court in the Burridge Gymnasium is in a north-south configuration and fans that want the perfect picture with the centre court logo need to ensure they are sitting on the east side of the court. Twin east and west bleachers are where fans will find themselves sitting on contoured, plastic benches. Bleachers are divided into upper and lower sections, which is fairly common. The centre court sections on both the east and west grandstands feature full, plastic stadium seats, which are more comfortable than the benches. The east side of the court also houses the press boxes above the seating area. The vaulted ceilings of the Burridge Gymnasium create a feeling of a venue that is much larger than it really is. The south side of the gym has a large scoreboard which includes player stats for those on the courts, which is standard in this league. There are also small, simple scoreboards on the east and west side of the gym. The game day production at a Marauders game is about what you would expect for a team in this conference. Most of the production is student run. In one of the south windows, fans can find DJ Jukebox, who provides music and sound effects for the game, including the eagle screech every time Mac scores a basket. What the Burridge Gymnasium is lacking is a real sense of history. Built in the sixties, the venue has held up well and does not look its age, but inside the gym there is a number of permanent advertisements visible, but not one banner for one of the seven Wilson Cups that the Marauders have won. The Marauders history is over 100 years strong and there is not much for fans to see or experience in that sense. Neighbourhood 3 McMaster is located in the Cootes Paradise neighbourhood of Central Hamilton, west of downtown. There are a couple of options in the immediate walking distance from Burridge Gym, but for the most part, you are going to have to hop in your car and head elsewhere. On campus you will find the TwelvEighty Bar & Grill which is owned and run by the McMaster Student Union. If you head just east of the university, to the Westdale neighbourhood, you will find a couple of interesting spots. Along King St W, you may want to try Basilique, The Snooty Fox or Grapes & Hops. If you are looking for other entertainment options in Hamilton, you will have to head closer to downtown. The Lincoln Alexander Centre and Hamilton Place offer a variety of concerts and shows. For something more family oriented, head just out of town to the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum, near the Hamilton Airport, just south of the city. There are other sporting options available. McMaster fields a number of other athletic teams, including a strong football program that plays at Les Prince Field at Ron Joyce Stadium . CFL football is king in Hamilton, and the Hamilton Tiger-Cats play east of downtown at Tim Hortons Field. You can also catch some OHL junior hockey at the FirstOntario Centre, home of the Hamilton Bulldogs. If you are looking for a place to stay in the Hammer, then the Visitors Inn or Admiral Inn are options that are close to the McMaster campus. Fans 3 It is very difficult to assess fans in USports basketball as many teams do not do a great job reporting attendance numbers for games. That being said, all games in the conference draw fans in the hundreds rather than the thousands. McMaster has decent support from the students and community as compared to other programs in Ontario. McMaster averages between 200 and 350 per game. The fans in attendance are supportive of the Marauders but not over the top excitable or vocal. Access 4 Getting in and around Burridge Gymnasium is not too difficult. McMaster is located west of highway 403 and north of Main St W. It is close to the highway for those who are coming out of town. The best way to get into Burridge Gymnasium is through the David Braley Athletic Centre. From there street-like signs will lead to the Ivor Wynne Stadium and Burridge Gymnasium. If you are looking for public transit to the stadium, HSR buses travel right into the campus at McMaster. Check out the HSR website for maps, fares and schedules. There are a number of surface lots on campus where fans may park. There is a cost and most lots require a ticket exit. However, the price is not way over the top and parking can be paid for at the ticketing desk for a reduced price of $3. Getting around the Ivor Wynne Centre is no problem as there is plenty of room for the number of fans in attendance. Washroom facilities are also adequate. Return on Investment 5 Like most USports experiences, McMaster Marauders basketball does not require a large investment and offers a pretty solid return. Marauders tickets run $10 for adults with McMaster students getting in free and non-McMaster students costing only $5. Parking will run you $3 if you pay inside the Ivor Wynne Centre and concession prices are not terrible. OUA basketball is exciting and much better than you may expect. Extras 2 An extra mark for the strong teams that the Marauders have put on the court over the last 30 years. An extra mark for naming the athletic facilities after important McMaster athletic figures like Arthur Burridge and Ivor Wynne. Final Thoughts The McMaster Way has brought great success to the Marauders on the court. The Burridge Gym is a solid spot to catch some university basketball. If you are in Hamilton, take some time and check out the McMaster Marauders and you won’t be disappointed. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on Twitter @profan9 and on Instagram .

Photo Courtesy of Thunder Bay Tourism Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 C.J. Sanders Fieldhouse 983 Oliver Road Thunder Bay, ON P7B 5E1 Lakehead Thunderwolves basketball website C.J. Sanders Fieldhouse website Year Opened: 1968 Capacity: 2,000 Thunderdome Hoops Co-Written with Jordan Scorgie For fifty years the C.J. Sanders Fieldhouse has been the home to Lakehead Athletics. Located in the most remote of locations in the OUA, Thunder Bay, Ontario provides some special travel challenges for the Thunderwolves, but Lakehead has proven to be hearty, providing competitive teams routinely in both basketball and hockey. The Thunderwolves have been playing basketball since 1964. Previously known as the Nor’Westers, Lakehead as a school was founded in 1965 and was formerly known as the Lakehead Technical Institute from 1946 to 1965. Participating in the OUA, the Ontario Conference for USports, Lakehead is a fairly small school with an enrollment of 7,800. The Thunder Bay community is not huge either, with a population of 121,000. Lakehead is really only close to Algoma, which is in Sault Ste. Marie, but is really equidistant to Winnipeg. The Thunderwolves have seen some basketball success, culminating with the 2011 Wilson Cup as conference champions. The C.J. Sanders Fieldhouse is the main athletic facility at Lakehead. It is named after local philanthropist, Carl J. Sanders. The gym is affectionately known as the Thunderdome, Lakehead self-proclaims to have the “Best Fans in Canada.” Considering the turnout that Lakehead gets for basketball and hockey games, they may just be right! Food & Beverage 2 The Thunderdome features a typical menu for an OUA facility. Popcorn, candy, chips and a slice of pizza is available for $3. Water or pop are available for $2.50. No alcohol is available at the game. This is different from the Thunderwolves hockey games, where the local brewing company has beer available. Atmosphere 3 Built in 1968, C.J. Sanders Fieldhouse is not a typical gymnasium to see an OUA basketball game. Due to its age, basketball games have had to adapt to its hanger-like design. This has created a unique but cramped visual experience. Lakehead has forced as many stands and viewing areas into the gymnasium as possible. Despite more limited seating compared to other OUA gyms, this increases the fan noise level and interaction. For example, the benches are an arm’s length away from the fans and players have little room on the sidelines to escape the noise. The most unique aspect of the venue however is the observation track around the gymnasium. This allows fans to really be on top of the action and be a major factor in the game’s outcome. It is intimidating for a visiting player to drive to the bucket and see many fans leaning over and booing directly in front of his shot. On the down side, the seating and viewing areas in the gymnasium are cramped. Even though a game might not be at full capacity, the Fieldhouse can make a fan feel overwhelmed and frustrated to find a good seat or standing spot with enough room. With most court side seats reserved for season ticket holders, it can be a mad dash to find a seat before the game. Neighbourhood 3 Located on Lakehead’s main campus, fans going to C.J. Sanders Fieldhouse have limited nearby options for food. The closest and best option is the campus pub, the Outpost, which has a typical pub menu of burgers, wings, appetizers and beer. The Outpost is a 5 minute walk from the gymnasium, located right beside the campus store. It is best to go here before the game, though, as the restaurant usually closes at 8. If fans are looking for a spot with classier food options or drink varieties, or a place to go after the game, the Caribou Restaurant and Wine Bar is a good choice. It is a 10 minute drive from the gymnasium. Its drink menu features a variety of beers, wine and cocktails, while its food menu features many options including steak, pasta, lamb and duck. The wood oven pizzas are a solid choice. There are not a ton of other sporting options in Thunder Bay. Being a hockey town, the Thunder Bay North Stars, a Tier II Junior A team, are a bit of a draw. However, the top team in TBay is the Lakehead Thunderwolves hockey team, who play in the Fort William Gardens. Even in the winter, though, Thunder Bay is very much an outdoor city. There are plenty of winter activities to keep busy during the season including nordic and cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and ice fishing. It is imperative for all visitors to see the Terry Fox Monument, commemorating the historic Canadian’s ending of the inspiring Marathon of Hope, which happened just outside of Thunder Bay. The Sleeping Giant is also a local must see. For fans who need to try to make a few extra bucks, the Gateway Casinos Thunder Bay is also available. For fans who require a spot to stay near Lakehead, the Holiday Inn Express and TownePlace Suites are good options. Fans 4 Lakehead fans are some of the best in the OUA and make playing in the Thunderdome a truly home advantage. Being so close to the action, the Lakehead fans are truly a factor in the basketball game. From the moment “Thunderstruck” plays to introduce the players to the final buzzer, the Lakehead fans create an atmosphere worth seeing. They know their basketball and they cheer on their team well. One unique aspect of the fan experience is the “Lakehead clap.” After the tip off occurs, it is the Lakehead tradition that the home fans will stand and clap in unison until Lakehead scores a basket. This is a great experience, especially when it takes Lakehead a few minutes to finally get a lay up. Access 3 The C.J. Sanders Fieldhouse is located at the west end of the Lakehead campus. It is just east of Highway 17, the main artery out of town and part of the Trans-Canada Highway. Getting to Lakehead from the highway is not a problem at all. There is a large parking lot right beside the gymnasium for parking. The rate for parking is $1.25 per hour, so a few dollars does the trick to park your car and see the game. Although the parking lot is large, try to arrive 15 to 20 minutes early to get a spot, as the parking lot fills up quickly. Alternatively, the bus system and U-Ride, Thunder Bay’s version of Uber, are available to and from campus before and after the game. Fans wishing to use public transit should check out the Thunder Bay Transit website for fares, maps and schedules. Washrooms in the Fieldhouse are limited and crowded, a drawback to most older arenas and gymnasiums. Also, being an older building, the Fieldhouse is cramped and not as accessible for handicap access as it should be. Getting down to the stands would be difficult for anyone in a wheelchair. Return on Investment 5 An adult ticket to a Lakehead basketball game is $10. Considering the great fan atmosphere, this is a fair price for an OUA basketball game. If interested, Lakehead also offers season tickets for $165. Season ticket holders receive a guaranteed specific seat, complimentary coffee and snacks, right to first refusal on playoff tickets, 2 complimentary admissions and a chance to win the season random draw. Extras 3 An extra mark for Lakehead overcoming the travel challenges of being the most remote team in the conference. An extra mark for significant success found on the court. An extra mark for a strong following aided by being one of the only sporting draws in town. Final Thoughts When in Thunder Bay, a trip to the Thunderdome to see some Lakehead Thunderwolves basketball just might be the ticket to a great evening. The opportunity to see some high calibre basketball in a community that really cares about their team is well worth the minimal investment in a ticket. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on Twitter @profan9 and on Instagram .

Photos by Ryan Norris, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 CEFCU Stadium 1257 S 10th St San Jose, CA 95112 San Jose State Spartans website CEFCU Stadium website Year Opened: 1933 Capacity: 30,456 The Other Spartan Stadium Editor's Note: The stadium's name changed from Spartan Stadium to CEFCU Stadium in mid-2016. San Jose State has fielded a football team since 1893 and won 16 conference championships in that time. Though they may be the third program you think of when thinking of Bay Area college football, the Spartans have a rich player and coach history that includes Bill Walsh, Dick Vermeil, Jeff Garcia, Joe Nedney, Steve DeBerg and perhaps most famous, Glenn “Pop” Warner. Spartan Stadium opened in 1933 and it has primarily been used for San Jose State football. Aside from the Spartans, the stadium has hosted various other minor and professional sports such as lacrosse and men’s and women’s soccer. Most recently, they hosted the San Jose Earthquakes of the original NASL (1974-84) and for their first stint in MLS (1996-2005). The stadium also hosted the Silicon Valley Football Classic from 2000-04 which was a bowl game that pitted schools from the WAC and the then Pac-10. 2013 turned out to be a transitional year for the Spartans. First, San Jose State moved into the Mountain West Conference. This creates greater television coverage and they play tougher competition, fit for a team looking to be nationally-relevant. In addition, their coach Mike MacIntyre left the school to take the job at the University of Colorado . MacIntyre had a very successful tenure at SJSU going 1-10 in 2010 and finishing 11-2 with a Military Bowl victory in 2012. Coach Ron Caragher has taken the reigns for the new phase of Spartans football. To continue this progression to the upper-echelon of Division I football, the university has approved the privately-financed Vermeil-Walsh Athletic Complex. This facility will house new locker rooms, coaches offices, meeting rooms, a hall of fame and athletic training facilities. It will be accessible from outside and inside Spartan Stadium. Food & Beverage 4 The food at Spartan Stadium has been much improved in recent years. They now have a more extensive menu to match their bigger crowds. At the main concession stands the offerings include tri-tip sandwiches ($8), nachos ($4.50) supreme ($6.50), chicken tenders ($8), Polish and Italian sausages ($6), linguica ($6), hot links and jumbo hot dogs ($6). Snacks ($4.50) include Craker Jacks, peanuts, sunflower seeds and soft pretzels. Candy ($3), churros ($3.50) and frozen lemonade ($4.50) are also available. Local Mexican chain Una Mas has a permanent stand near the south end zone and there are two local food trucks parked on the east side of the stadium. Bottled soda and water ($4) and coffee and hot chocolate ($3.50, $5) are the beverage options. Alcohol is not served at Spartan Stadium. Atmosphere 4 A small change has greatly upgraded the atmosphere at Spartan Stadium. A lot of the gray or taupe accents around the stadium have been painted the vibrant blue that the team uses in its uniforms. This has made a huge difference and makes it the stadium more identifiable with team that plays there. All along the very top of the seating are honorees from Spartans teams gone by. Names like Bill Walsh, Pop Warner, Jack Elway and Jeff Garcia highlight this list. A unique aspect of the stadium layout is that the west stands are a traditional boxed-off two deck layout while the east side has a gradual rounded facade. The bleachers, particularly the end zone ones, are certainly showing their age as the seating is bolted into the cement-covered hillside. Another quirky quality of Spartan Stadium is the column-like structure separating the fans from the field. I like the distinct railing as that is how I determined whether the Earthquakes were home or away when watching on TV as a kid. Neighborhood 2 The immediate neighborhood is mostly industrial, pretty vacant for a college football Saturday. The only crowd you’ll find is in the parking lot at the rambunctious tailgates. Spartan Stadium is located two blocks away from San Jose Municipal Stadium which is home to both the San Jose Giants and the Spartans baseball team. Unlike the Spartans basketball team that benefits from being on campus and near downtown, Spartan Stadium needs to be a destination for students. Since they aren’t on campus and aren’t near the bustling downtown area, its pedestrian pregame environment suffers. Driving to good bars and restaurants is a viable option, just ten minutes away. Fans 3 There are a good amount of diehard fans that attend Spartan football games. They are coupled with a resurgence of casual fans have returned to the fray with the successful program. It seems that the upward trend in attendance will continue once the North End Zone project and athletic complex is completed. The one unfortunate aspect is there are about 10,000 seats that are rarely filled on the second deck of the west side of the stadium. Perhaps they will begin to fill out on a consistent basis once SJSU is established in the MWC. In the Bay Area there are two NFL teams and two Pac-12 football schools so San Jose State can sometimes feel like a fifth wheel. However, playing in the Mountain West Conference and the school being a part of the CSU system, it has the chance to carve out its own identity in an area that has been dominated by the other four teams. Where in some regions the school becomes part of the community, it seems that the fans of San Jose State are almost exclusively alumnus. Access 3 Spartan Stadium is easily accessible from either 101 or 280 as exits are only a few blocks away. Parking lots are available on both sides of the stadium for a $20 fee. Getting around inside the stadium is easy as there is plenty of room to walk around most of the stadium. The one exception to this is the narrow walkway that goes up the gradual hill on the east side of the stadium. If your seats are in the middle of those stands, I’d recommend going around the backside and climb the steep stairs to the middle of the section. Unfortunately, the nearest train station is beyond a walk away. It would greatly benefit fans to have a viable public transportation option nearby like they do at Cal or Stanford . Return on Investment 3 $20 gets you a general admission ticket and you can sit near either end zone (I’ve found secondary market tickets for $2). $5 more gets you a reserved seat and a seat back. Chair seating is available in the center section on the west side and are mostly occupied by season ticket holders. Food, though expensive, has improved and you can now get a decent meal at Spartan Stadium. If you’re up for walking (the neighborhood is plenty safe) you can park a few blocks away to avoid the $20 parking charge. On a nice day, I’d actually recommend the walk that way you can stop in the student tailgating areas, complete with two DJs and games. Extras 2 The great football players from the program are honored at the top of the second level on the west side while the bowl wins are acknowledged at the top of the first level. It seems that there has been more acknowledgment of the history of the program in the last few years. I believe that those acknowledgments help to cultivate fan passion. Near where the Vermeil-Walsh Athletic Complex will be there is the Jeff Garcia Hall of Champions. On its website it says it opens 3 hours before kickoff and closes 1 hour before. Unfortunately, on my most recent trip it was closed at least 90 minutes before kickoff. Final Thoughts I have really enjoyed how much the stadium and fan base have improved over the last few years and look to continue attending games here and see the final product when the new athletic complex is completed.

Photos by Miles Markiewicz, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.57 Caesars Superdome 1500 Sugar Bowl Dr New Orleans, LA 70112 Sugar Bowl website Caesars Superdome website Year Opened: 1975 Capacity: 72,003 The Sugar Bowl at the Superdome Note: Sports venue name changed from Mercedes-Benz Superdome to Caesars Superdome July, 2021. There is no greater spectacle in college football than thousands of fans from two schools coming together to play the most important game of the year on a neutral site. It was different last year because for one of the teams, the Allstate Sugar Bowl was the SECOND most important game of the year. It’s one of the many improvements that the College Football Playoff provided in this new era of the game. The great cities of Pasadena and New Orleans were privileged enough to be chosen to host the first “final four” of college football. New Orleans has all of the culture and festivities that make it one of the best destinations in the United States. Located in downtown New Orleans, the Mercedes-Benz Superdome is the pride of the sports community. This venue has already hosted Super Bowls, NCAA Tournament Final Fours and BCS National Championship games. You will feel something special in the air walking from the French Quarter to the Superdome to the beat of thousands of college football fans competing rival cheers. In the case of the 2015 tilt, the exclamations of “O – H” were met with a response of “ROLL TIDE” . Hopefully, you get to see the Superdome for the first time at night because of the way the colors light up its silver exterior. It’s a beautiful sight next to the skyline of the city and leaves a great first impression. Food & Beverage 4 When the Superdome is not hosting the biggest events in sports, it is home to the New Orleans Saints . All of the NFL amenities are available upon any visit, including some excellent food and beverage options. If you have the time and the access, Copeland’s on the club level is “A Signature Blend of Hometown New Orleans” that offers some great seafood and jambalaya bowls famous to the area. After that, you can have a drink at the bar at Copeland’s. Rotolo’s Pizzeria is also a good option for some fantastic cheese sticks. There are also great options available at the concessions, but the lines get pretty long and you’ll end up missing some of the game because of the wait time. These items range from $5.50-$10.75 and include nacho fries (recommended), buffalo chicken sliders, and roast beef debris fries. Also authentic to Louisiana are the Po’ Boys. If you don’t catch one of these submarine sandwiches on Bourbon Street, make sure to try one at the stadium. The “specialty” concessions feature BBQ items at around $12 but may be the best food in the stadium. The pigskin Po’ Boy, pulled pork nachos and smoked BBQ wings are all great choices. The best place for adult beverages is Flavors & Flavors Daiquiris to indulge in some fun drink options authentic to the bayou, including the famous hurricane flavor. Other drink options include large draft beers ($9.50), regular soda ($4.75) and bottled water ($4). Atmosphere 5 The atmosphere really begins when the teams make their way onto the field through the tunnels for the official introductions. The noise that is generated under the dome is nothing compared to what is heard on television. For the Sugar Bowl, both sections of fans engage in a battle of their own: who can drown out the other with fight songs and eruptions after touchdowns are scored. Being under the roof creates an environment of escape, where there is nothing but the two teams battling for the College Football National Championship Game appearance and the pride of their school. The video boards are not very impressive because they are not proportionate to the immense size of the facility, so don’t expect to see helpful replays. Any seat in the stadium provides an adequate view of the action, even if you find yourself at the top of the bow of the upper deck. Neighborhood 5 New Orleans is home to the French Quarter and Bourbon Street, one of the best areas to have a good time in the entire country. This area alone attracts millions of tourists every year for various events and festivities. The first thing you’ll notice are the large amounts of daiquiri/fried chicken bars located every few feet. Start the night with one of these New Orleans treats and you won’t switch to anything else (unless you’re brave enough to try the hand grenade at Tropical Isles). The most fun you’ll have is grabbing a drink at one of the local hangouts like My Bar @ 635 and making your way to the balcony in true New Orleans style. This is your best chance to get on SportsCenter if you’re in town for the Sugar Bowl (camera crews explore the streets at night looking for some good shots of crazy fans). If you’re in the mood for a brew, check out Huge A** Beers for some of the largest alcohol containers you will ever see. Passing by other fans with these large containers will remind you of why you love Bourbon Street. No trip to New Orleans is complete without a trip to Pat O’Brien’s Bar for the original hurricane. They also have a piano bar, but make sure to get there early because it fills up fast. Harrah’s is a fun time for some blackjack or slots after the game and offers first class service at the hotel for guests in town. Fans 5 Alabama and Ohio State have some of the best fans in college football. When these two fan bases combine their efforts at a game of this magnitude, the result is pure magic. It’s fun to see the student sections counter each other – Alabama with the storm of maroon and white pom-poms, Ohio State with a rendition of jumping and chanting to Seven Nation Army by The White Stripes. Once the game begins the tension in the air could put the intensity in the heart of any fan. Every move that was made on the field came with a generous reaction from both sides. A venue like the Superdome creates this interaction between fans because it’s such a great place to watch a game. The facility has so many great moments in sports history and every fan is there to be able to say they witnessed the next one that made its mark – “I was there”. Everybody wants a story. Access 3 Everything in New Orleans is said to be walking distance, but the journey from Bourbon Street will still take about 40 minutes on foot. If you are driving to the game, the traffic is an absolute nightmare and the parking is overpriced ($20-$30). There’s so much congestion on game day that the stadium really isn’t that accessible unless you’re on foot. The Superdome is elevated. You will have to find your gate through massive amounts of people and it can get unsafe if you’re not careful. Arrive early and you shouldn’t have as much of a problem. Once inside the stadium, the concourses are too small to hold the large amount of people and the lines for concessions and restrooms never seem to shorten. You will miss some of the game if you venture to one of these lines. Plan accordingly. Return on Investment 5 It’s no secret that tickets to these big college football games are not cheap, but the Superdome creates a truly unforgettable experience for fans. You’ll never forget the roar of the crowd after your favorite team scores a touchdown or the agonizing feeling of watching the opposing team put six on the scoreboard. There are ways of managing your finances if you decide to throw down the money for a trip to the Superdome. Avoid parking by walking to the stadium, even if you have to spend a night in one of the hotels in the city. Spend your time drinking on Bourbon Street to avoid standing in line for a beer and get a basket of fried chicken before the game to avoid standing in line for food. No matter what you decide to do the experience will be worth it, whether it’s for the Sugar Bowl or a New Orleans Saints game. The atmosphere can’t be beat. Extras 5 One point for the comfortable temperature inside the stadium, especially on a chilly January night. The history of the venue earns another point because you will keep picturing all of the great moments that have happened in the Superdome. A night on Bourbon Street for New Year’s Eve deserves its own story. One more point for watching your alma mater hoist the Sugar Bowl trophy, though I guess this would be a 50-50 shot. Final Thoughts The Mercedes-Benz Superdome is an experience every major sports fan should have, especially if your school is participating in the Sugar Bowl. It will not be a semifinal game for the playoff again until 2018, but this would be the best time to check it out because it is college football at its best. The addition of the French Quarter and Bourbon Street just adds to the excitement. Arrive in town with the appropriate funds and you will have the time of your life.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Calihan Hall 4001 W McNichols Rd Detroit, MI 48221 Detroit Mercy Titans website Calihan Hall website Year Opened: 1952 Capacity: 7,917 Have Mercy! One of College Basketball’s hidden gems is Calihan Hall at the University of Detroit Mercy. In 1877, Detroit College was established and in 1941 the Sisters of Mercy opened Mercy College of Detroit. Both schools were consolidated in 1990 to become the University of Detroit Mercy. A small school with an enrollment of just over 5,000 students, UDM has been playing college basketball since 1905. The Memorial Building was opened in 1952 to further the athletic pursuits of the renamed University of Detroit. The first basketball All-American for the Titans would be Bob Calihan, who would later go on to be the winningest coach in school history. He would see the opening of the facility as coach which would be renamed in his honor in 1977. Another former Detroit Mercy coach was the famous Dick Vitale who would lead UDM to the 1977 NCAA tournament with a 21-game winning streak. His run from 1973 to 1977 would lead him to become head coach of the Detroit Pistons and later a signature college basketball announcer. The court at Calihan Hall would be renamed after Dick Vitale in 2011. Along with Bob Calihan and Dick Vitale, Detroit Mercy would see Detroit basketball royalty run through Calihan Hall in the form of NBA Hall of Famer Dave DeBusschere. Past successes that the Detroit Mercy Titans have enjoyed and basketball celebrities who have walked through the doors are just footnotes in the aura that is Calihan Hall. An old school facility, which just oozes history, Calihan Hall makes fans long for a bunch more friends to share the experience and really make it legendary. Food & Beverage 3 Calihan Hall does not provide the greatest of culinary experiences. However, what is available is definitely affordable. The menu is very limited and includes hot dogs, sausage, nachos, popcorn, pizza and various other snacks. Pizza comes from local provider, Happy’s Pizza. Soda and Powerade is also available with Coca-Cola products on the menu. The top menu item goes for $4 and soda is a bargain at $2 or $3. There is not a ton of variety, but what is available can definitely be had for a good price. Atmosphere 4 The humble exterior of Calihan Hall should not be overstated. Built like a classic hockey barn, Calihan Hall’s white and red exterior definitely helps show its age but being built in the fifties is a far cry from the drab buildings that were built decades later. Entering the building from the south is the best plan and it leads to a modest concourse with plenty of treasure hunting that can be done. The Titans Athletic Hall of Fame is right in the front and well worth exploring. A significant display for NBA Hall of Famer and Detroit’s favorite son, Dave DeBusschere can be found in the front. Also, not to be missed is the display for the court dedication to former coach and ESPN broadcasting legend Dick Vitale. Inside the seating bowl, endless possibilities are immediately evident. Calihan Hall is clearly a venue that would top the charts if full. The court runs from north to south with courtside seating on temporary, modern bleachers on all four sides of the court. The main seating area is well above the courtside seats and the pitch is very steep, lending itself to fantastic sight lines. Old-school, wooden, stadium seats in red or blue surround the court. Choosing a seat on the west side will give a perfect view of the center-court logo. The arched roof keeps all the noise in and lends to the atmosphere. NCAA banners hang above the north side including six NCAA tournament appearances, nine NIT appearances and the 2001 NIT Final Four. Red banners for the Horizon League hang at the south end including the 1994, 1999 and 2012 tournament championships and 1998 and 1999 Conference championships. The retired numbers of Rashad Phillips, Terry Duerod, Terry Tyler, Spencer Haywood, John Long, Dave DeBusschere and Bob Calihan hang proudly among the conference championships. Above center court hangs a four-sided video scoreboard which combines video and classic basketball statistics. The game day production at a Titans game is what can be expected at a college basketball game. Students run across the court with flags to lead off the play at the beginning of each half. The cheerleaders are at one end and the dance team are at the other and both cheer on the Titans and perform during stoppages. The small, but mighty Titans pep band plays from the north end or Section 313. If the stands were full, Calihan Hall would be amazing. Neighborhood 3 The McNichols campus of University of Detroit Mercy is where Calihan Hall can be found. It is located in the Martin Park neighborhood of Detroit. The campus is very nice but surrounded by wrought iron fences and a security gate. It is a clear statement on the surrounding neighborhood. Not the nicest area for sure, there are a number of spots that fans can find something to eat. Probably not high-class establishments, but a number of spots to find a quick, cheap bite to eat. Lou’s Deli, Uptown BBQ and Soulfood, UofD Coney Island, Manhattan Fish and Chicken, Nicky D’s Coney Island and Lucki’s Cheesecakes are all within the immediate area of campus. Detroit is full of other sporting options, which will require a trip in the car to get to. Little Caesars Arena is the home of the Detroit Red Wings of the NHL and Detroit Pistons of the NBA. Not far from LCA are Comerica Park and Ford Field, the respective homes of the Detroit Tigers of MLB and Detroit Lions of the NFL. For other college spots, nearby Ypsilanti, Ann Arbor and Rochester host Eastern Michigan University, University of Michigan and Oakland University. Other entertainment options would include the Greektown and Motor City Casinos. For fans that are looking for some accommodations, there are not many options. Fans should consider heading downtown and the Inn at 97 Winder and the Hilton Garden Downtown are decent choices. Fans 2 Unfortunately, poor results on the court lately have curtailed Detroit sports fans from making it to Calihan Hall. The Titans have averaged between 1,200 and 1,500 fans per game from the 2018 to 2020 seasons. This has ranked near the bottom of the Horizon League in attendance with the Titans topping out at 7th place in the 10-team conference. The game that was reviewed admittedly was at the beginning of the Winter Break and the majority of students were away. However, the fans that were in attendance would definitely be considered die-hards. They are few, but pretty loud and supportive of Detroit Mercy. The game to circle on the schedule for the best experience would be the conference and local rival Oakland Golden Grizzlies game, which easily brings in the biggest crowd of the season. Access 4 Calihan Hall is located on the McNichols Campus of the University of Detroit Mercy in the Martin Park neighborhood of Detroit. It is encircled by a few major roads including Livernois and McNichols Ave. The John C. Lodge Freeway is just south of campus and the neighborhood is northwest of downtown Detroit. Getting to the campus is not difficult and the arena is found on campus, past the security gates. Depending on where fans are coming from, some travel through the city streets may be required, but traffic is not normally an issue. There is plenty of parking available on campus, right outside of Calihan Hall. Parking will run $5. There are two entries at the south end of Calihan Hall. Tickets are available on either side and lineups are not an issue. Return on Investment 5 Attending a Detroit Mercy Titans game is the definition of affordability. Tickets for adults will run for $10 to $15 with discounts for seniors, kids, and staff available. UDM students can get into the game for free. Parking on campus will run $5 and the concession prices are excellent. Combine the low investment with the opportunity to watch Division I College Basketball in one of the hidden gems of a venue and fans can’t complain about the return on investment. Extras 3 An extra mark for the potential for an amazing, old school experience at Calihan Hall. An extra mark for the basketball royalty like Dick Vitale and Dave DeBusschere who have gone through Calihan Hall. An extra mark for that Fencing National Championship banner hanging from the rafters. Final Thoughts Calihan Hall and the Detroit Mercy Titans are most definitely not one of the top programs in the country. However, Calihan Hall is a unique facility and one that true fans really need to take in. It would be amazing to see what a Detroit Mercy Titans game would be like with a full gym. Have Mercy! Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on Twitter @profan9 and on Instagram .

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Henderson Center One John Marshall Drive Huntington, WV 25755 Marshall Thundering Herd website Henderson Center website Year Opened: 1981 Capacity: 9,048 Jam the Cam! Cam Henderson Center was built in 1981, as part of a deal with the West Virginia state legislature – legislators affiliated with Marshall refused to support funds to help build Mountaineer Field at West Virginia University unless Marshall also received a facility. The Center was originally designed to hold over 10,000 fans and had a retractable floor (so that other sports could be played there), but due to construction problems, the retractable floor was eventually replaced, which led to the current capacity of 9,048. Cam Henderson Center is named after former basketball, baseball, and football coach Cam Henderson, who coached at Marshall in the 30s, 40s, and 50s. Henderson is known for originating the fast break and 2-3 zone defense, which are major components of modern basketball. The Center is currently home to the Marshall University basketball teams, but is also occasionally used for volleyball and tennis. Food & Beverage 2 Cam Henderson Center doesn’t have a great selection at its concession stands, but fortunately, college basketball games are not very long. There are only two main dishes (hot dogs and Philly cheesesteak) and only a handful of other items, including kettle corn, popcorn, pretzels, Cracker Jack, candy, and chips. Prices are on the low side, however; everything costs between $2 and $4, except for the Philly cheesesteak, which costs $7, and the kettle corn, which costs $6 and only comes in a large bag. Drink options are exactly what you would expect from a stadium – you can get soda, bottled water, Gatorade, coffee, hot cocoa, or fresh-squeezed lemonade. Drink prices range from $3 to $6, depending on beverage choice and size. There is no alcohol available in Cam Henderson Center, as it is located on campus. Atmosphere 4 Cam Henderson Center provides a decent atmosphere, with great crowd noise and comfortable seating in most areas. The Center is constructed of brick and cement, and has very unique architecture, with walls that angle in until about two-thirds of the way up, when the top portion begins to angle back out. The side facing the dorms also has a series of angled support columns. The inside of the Center is also unique – unlike many basketball arenas, which have plenty of seating on all four sides, at Marshall almost all of the seats are along the sidelines, with only a few seats behind each backboard. The seats along the sidelines angle up sharply, due to the architecture, but since the Center isn’t very big, this doesn’t create any vertigo problems. Most of the seats are chair backs, with the most comfortable ones located in the lower level – seats in this area are padded. There are a few sections with bleachers, namely behind the backboards and at the very top of the facility. There is also plenty of signage inside Cam Henderson Center, in the form of banners commemorating tournament appearances, as well as wall-size pictures of notable former players on the walls out in the concourse. Marshall basketball provides typical entertainment during the game, such as the cheerleaders performing and the mascot playing games with kids during breaks in the action. However, Marshall also does a good job trying to get involved in the local community – for example, during halftime, the cheerleaders perform with local junior cheerleader squads, and the Center also supports pet adoption by bringing animals needing homes in during games. Neighborhood 3 There isn’t much in Huntington besides the university, but there are some interesting attractions around town, and several places to eat before or after the game. The most well-known hangout is Fat Patty’s, which is located on 3rd Avenue, not far from the Center. Specializing in burgers, Fat Patty’s offers a full bar, large TVs, and two happy hours (4pm-7pm & 10pm-1am), and is a big hit with the locals, thanks to its casual atmosphere. There are also plenty of other restaurants along 3rd Avenue, including fast food, as well as fine dining. One of the interesting things you will see dotted around Huntington are painted sculptures of locomotives, which are sponsored by local businesses and painted by local artists. These sculptures are meant to commemorate the importance of railroads in the area’s history. There is also a one-room schoolhouse museum not far from the Center – check out the video to see one of the sculptures and the museum: Fans 4 Marshall basketball fans bring lots of energy to the Cam Henderson Center, and almost all fans show up wearing green. While the Center may not always sell out, there is still a great showing, with a crowd of at least seven or eight thousand strong during a typical game (80-90% capacity), especially later in the season during conference match-ups. The crowd cheers loudly throughout the game, and cheers of “We are Marshall!” and “Let’s go Herd!” are frequent. Most of the fans stay in their seats while the game is going on, so the concourse is pretty deserted, except during halftime. Access 3 Parking during Marshall basketball games is surprisingly difficult, but bathrooms are easily accessible inside the Center, if you know where to look. Cam Henderson Center is located across the street from the football stadium, which has four times the capacity, so it seems like there should be plenty of parking during basketball games. However, most of the regular parking areas, such as the lot outside the football stadium and the nearby parking decks, seem to be reserved for pass holders, and I did not see a single cash lot. The only place to park is on one of the nearby streets, so it might take some time to find a space. On the plus side, street parking is usually free, unless you park next to a meter (these are only free on Sundays). The main entrance is on the 3rd Avenue side, which is closer to parking for most fans, but you can get in on the opposite side. Moving around the stadium is fairly easy, since the concourse is pretty wide, but you may have to fight some lines during halftime. In the seating area itself, there are lots of walkways facing the court, so fans can move around and still watch the game. The bathrooms tend to have long lines during halftime, but if you walk around to the end of the concourse (behind the backboard), you won’t have to wait – this part of the concourse is pretty deserted, since most of the seats are along the sidelines. Return on Investment 3 Attending a game at the Cam Henderson Center is a good experience, but is probably not worthwhile cost-wise, unless you are able to buy cheap tickets. Tickets start at $10 for general admission (nosebleed seating), and go up to $25 (seats closest to the court). While the atmosphere is certainly fun and the crowd is solid, I am not sure the experience is worth $25, especially if you have a large group. Plus, even though the concessions are cheap enough, they are not all that fulfilling, and parking is a little bit of a hassle. It would be a good idea to buy your tickets online in advance, because the cheap seats may sell out if you wait until game day. Extras 3 The architecture is very unique, and it is nice to see that the administration tries to support the community by letting local groups participate on game day. Also, it is a lot of fun to drive around town and do some train-spotting for the colorful sculptures. Final Thoughts If you come to Cam Henderson Center for a game, be sure to arrive early, so you have less trouble finding parking. Also, be sure to wear green, or you definitely will look out of place!

Photo by Rik Sharma, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 Camp Nou Avinguda Aristides Maillol Barcelona, Spain 08208 FC Barcelona website Camp Nou website Year Opened: 1957 Capacity: 99,354 Camp Nou: Barcelona's Theatre of Dreams Barcelona are giants in the Spanish league and having outgrown their old home, they created a new one in the 1950s. It took a few years to build, costing much more than originally anticipated, leaving the club in debt for a while. Originally Camp Nou held 93,053 spectators, but that has since been extended, to become the largest capacity stadium in Europe. UEFA gave it five-star status in the 1998-99 season, when it hosted the Champions League final. Although from the outside it isn’t much to look at, inside it’s a very impressive sight. During its operation, the Camp Nou has not only hosted games played by FC Barcelona, but was also the venue for the World Cup, the 1992 Summer Olympics as well as home games for the Catalan national team. It has also hosted numerous concerts, including Bruce Springsteen, Michael Jackson, and U2. Food & Beverage 3 There are various types of food and drink, all your standard stadium fare. The concession lines are mixed too, depending on when you queue. The lines at half-time can be long. Most of the servers are friendly enough. There are a few sandwiches, from tortilla to ham and cheese. They come in the traditional Spanish baguette form. There are also a few other options, like popcorn and Toblerone chocolate. Coffee and water are available, along with a few types of fizzy drink. The sodas are served in bottles with the lids taken off, as is the norm at many football grounds in Spain. Atmosphere 4 Any arena of this size filled with people is going to be atmospheric, but the Camp Nou is only sometimes electric. The stadium is huge and iconic. The grass is perfectly cut, short, and suitable for the quick, passing football that Barcelona like to play. Before matches start they play music and then the famous club anthem – which they repeat at the end as well. There isn’t usually much entertainment at the ground – they save that for the football itself. However, on some special days they have stalls outside and face painting for kids. Almost all seats have clear views of the pitch. But given how large the stadium is, if you sit in the top rows the players will appear very small. It’s probably best to avoid those seats, though from up there you will have a good tactical overview. Neighborhood 5 The stadium is not in Barcelona’s city centre, but it is easy to reach with various metro lines or bus routes. It’s only a few kilometres away from all the tourist attractions you can dream of in the centre of town. Although the immediate area around the stadium isn’t full of fun places to go, it’s not hard to reach them in the city. Close to the stadium there are various bars and restaurants of the usual “Spanish” type, i.e. places with lots of tapas and fish and meat dishes. However, if you want something a bit different, there is a good pizzeria called De Angelis about 10 minutes walk away from the stadium, by Collblanc metro. Near the stadium there’s not a lot, but you are only a short ride on the metro away from the beach, the Sagrada Familia and all the city’s tourist attractions. There’s no point basing your location in Barcelona around the Camp Nou, because it’s easy to get there, so you may as well be where the fun is. Try staying in the Born district, or Barrio Gotico. Fans 3 Barcelona’s stadium is often filled with tourists, which isn’t great for the atmosphere. There is almost an air of expectation there, that the goals will come, and often they do. Only when things go wrong do the fans start to get loud. Camp Nou attendances range from 70,000 for smaller games to full capacity for the biggest clashes. Barcelona fans chant for independence in the 17th minute of both halves, as well as singing along to the club anthems. For some of the more important games, the club helps create a mosaic or “tifo,” with a message on, the supporters holding up coloured cards to display it. Apart from the odd song, there isn’t a lot of chanting. However they do like whistling the referee and some opponents. Access 4 The stadium is easy to move around in when you are inside and accessible from many parts of the city. Metro tickets are relatively cheap, with a T-10 option for around 10 euros giving customers 10 journeys of any distance. The blue line goes to Collblanc and the green to Les Corts or Maria Cristian. Depending on where you are sitting, any of these might be the best option. Various bus routes will take you to Camp Nou too. Return on Investment 5 Ticket prices vary depending on the opponent and the importance of the game. As a football fan it’s definitely worth taking in a game here once. To watch Lionel Messi, arguably the greatest player of all time, in his “home” is a recommended treat. Watching the Argentine, along with Luis Suarez and Neymar, is something that it is difficult to put a price on. To see three sporting stars with such a level of synchronicity is rare. If you can get in cheaply for a cup match then it could be a great deal, though they are not all guaranteed to play. Extras 5 The Camp Nou “experience” costs €23 and concessions are available for kids and people over 70.It is worth it, because you also get access to the museum and at a historic side like Barcelona, there is plenty to see.The museum also displays several other historically significant pieces, like boots from players as well as Ballon d’Ors.It really is a must see location whether you’re a fan of FC Barcelona or not.The entry is not free, but it won’t set you back much.On days when matches are not played you can also access the press boxes and visit the locker room.You even get to walk down the tunnel from the locker rooms down to the pitch. Final Thoughts If you consider yourself a football fan, you must take in a game at the Camp Nou. A legendary venue with legendary players, set to be one of Europe’s top stadiums for a long time to come.

Photos by Joseph Oakes, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Captains Park 1 University Place Newport News, VA 23606 Christopher Newport Captains website Captains Park website Year Opened: 2004 Capacity: 1,000 Enjoying the Game at Captains Park Christopher Newport University is a public liberal arts university located in Newport News, VA on the banks of the James River, and has an enrollment of just under 5,000. CNU baseball competes in the Division III Capital Athletic Conference. Captains Park opened in 2004 and offers baseball fans free admission and all chair-back seating. Food & Beverage 2 There is one small concession at Captains Park, and it is located on the third base side of the press box facility. Unfortunately, there is not much selection. Bottled water and Pepsi products are available for $2.50. The only food to choose from is bagged chips, peanuts, and candy which range in price from $2-$3. Only cash is accepted at the concession stand. While there is little food selection at Captains Park, fans are allowed to bring in their food and drinks. Atmosphere 3 Captains Park is an impressive ballpark and a more than adequate facility for a Division 3 program. As one enters Captains Park, from either the right or the left field corner, one might think they are entering a mini Davenport Field . Fans can enter Captains Park from either side on a concrete sidewalk above a grassy berm than runs above the dugouts and along each baseline. There are three seating sections behind home plate: a section of chair back seats directly behind home plate and a section of bench back seats on either side. Each section is ten rows high. The sidewalk concourse runs above the seating area. There is a brick façade that serves as the backstop behind home plate. The dimensions of Captains Park are 335 feet to right and left field and 400 feet to straightaway center. The outfield wall features banners with postseason tournament trips and retired jersey numbers. There is a standard scoreboard in right field that features ball, strikes, outs, and the line score. Music is played between innings but it is not excessive. Even though there are three seating options (chair-back seats, bench-back seats, and the grassy berms), fans can sit anywhere they choose as there are no tickets and no admission is charged. This is nice as it enables fans to move around and watch the game from different parts of the park. Neighborhood 4 Captains Park is located on the campus of Christopher Newport University, among several other sports athletic facilities including the softball field and football stadium. Since it is located on campus, there are few places to eat within the immediate area. However, the campus is only located three miles from the popular Oyster Point section of Newport News, which features several restaurants, bars, hotels, and shops. Restaurants include PF Changs, Mellow Mushroom, and other similar chain and local restaurants. The Marriott at City Center in Oyster Point would be an excellent choice if staying overnight. An excellent attraction if visiting Captains Park is the Mariners Museum and Park located right next to the Christopher Newport Campus. The USS Monitor , a Civil war ironclad, is on display at the Mariners Museum. The Ferguson Center for the Arts is located on Christopher Newport’s campus and is a premiere venue for musical, ballet, and theatrical productions. Fans 3 The majority of fans at a Christopher Newport baseball game are players’ families and students. However, nearly all of the fans are decked out in CNU gear and are very much into the game. Captains Park does not have lights; therefore, all games are played during the day. This undoubtedly hurts attendance, especially games during the week. For a weekday game, one might expect a couple of hundred fans in attendance, but for weekend games 500-600, fans are the norm. Access 4 If you are attending a game at Captains Park for the first time, finding the ballpark will be difficult. However, if you follow the signs for TowneBank Stadium (the school’s football stadium), you will find yourself across the street from Captains Park. There are two parking lots next to Captains Park, but those lots require a university parking pass and are therefore unavailable on weekdays. However, free parking is available in a grass field next to the softball field right across the street from Captains Park. Since there is no cost to attend a game at Captains Park, tickets are not required. One can enter the ballpark from sidewalks in either the right or left field corners near the outfield wall. Movement around the ballpark is a breeze via the sidewalks that run around the top of the seating areas. Restrooms are located in the back of the press box facility. The sidewalks that run around the park make the entire ballpark very handicap accessible. Return on Investment 5 Free tickets, free parking, and a free game program make Captains Park an excellent choice to see quality Division 3 college baseball. Extras 2 Many fans bring their dogs to Captains Park, and the large grass berms down both baselines allow plenty of room for fans with dogs to roam around. Captains Park has been the home of the Virginia High School Coaches Association All-Star game for several years. Final Thoughts Captains park is a nice ballpark, especially for the level of baseball played by Christopher Newport University. It is worth a visit if in the area.

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

Photos by Brian O'Sullivan & Sean MacDonald, Stadium Journey Carnesecca Arena FANFARE Score: 4.00 Carnesecca Arena 8000 Utopia Pkwy Jamaica, NY 11439 St. John's Red Storm website Carnesecca Arena website Year Opened: 1961 Capacity: 6,008 The Perfect (Red) Storm New York City is home to some of the most famous teams in all of sports, including the Knicks, the Yankees, and the Rangers. When it comes to college basketball, however, there is a team that holds the crown as one of the Big Apple’s biggest teams: the St. John’s Red Storm. The St. John’s Red Storm men’s basketball team splits their home games between Madison Square Garden in Manhattan and Carnesecca Arena, located on the campus of St. John’s University in Queens. While the bright lights of MSG are most definitely appealing, there is something truly special about being able to play in front of your own crowd on your own campus. The Red Storm have seen moderate success in recent years under the direction of Chris Mullin, the native New Yorker and former NBA star and current Hall of Famer. Although they have yet to have more wins than losses in a season under Mullin, the Red Storm are trending in the right direction, with big wins against Duke and Villanova during the 2017-18 season. Although mostly home to a majority of the smaller opponents for the Red Storm, Carnesecca Arena offers a tremendous atmosphere for any college basketball fan, with a passionate fan base and a great amount of talent on the court. Food & Beverage 4 While there is not much variety in the food available at Carnesecca Arena, the prices are tremendously reasonable for New York City. Concession stands are located behind both sides of the arena, with a nearly mirror image on both sides of the concourse. Traditional options include nachos ($4.50), soft pretzels ($4), and popcorn ($4). If you are looking for something a little bit more substantial, definitely check out the “Stormburger” ($5). Coca-Cola products are served throughout Carnesecca Arena ($4), with water and Powerade ($4) also available at most concession stands. One of the most popular options among fans is the number of combo deals that are available, all of which are named after something basketball related. For example, the “3 Point Play” gives fans a Nathan’s hot dog, a bag of chips, and a drink for only $9. The lack of variety at Carnesecca Arena is most definitely made up for by the reasonable prices. Atmosphere 5 Before attending a game at Carnesecca Arena, you may not know just how much noise just under 6,000 fans can make. With its intimate setting, every seat in the house is right on top of the action and makes you feel like you are right on the court with the players. There are three jumbotrons located throughout the arena, with the two main boards located at each end of the court. It is important to note that if you decide to sit at the top of the seating bowl, it may be difficult to see the jumbotrons, but you will have absolutely no problem seeing the action on the court. The seating sections for fans are limited to the two sides of the court, with the sections seemingly stretching all the way to the ceiling of Carnesecca Arena. There are also two student sections in the arena, with one behind each basket. While this setup may be somewhat unusual, it creates a rocking atmosphere that definitely energizes the Red Storm. Neighborhood 3 The area around St. John’s University is not the best for providing grub or entertainment before or after a game at Carnesecca Arena. There are, however, some options for food and drink near campus. A favorite among fans located just a few blocks away from campus is Acquista Trattoria, which serves up delicious Italian favorites at moderate prices. If you are looking for a place to grab a drink, check out PreGame Sports Bar & Lounge, although it is a little bit farther from campus. If you are willing to venture into Manhattan, the options for food become nearly endless. One hidden gem among New Yorkers for a great bite to eat is Friedman’s, which has locations all throughout the city. Additionally, there are a plethora of other activities located throughout Manhattan and the rest of New York. Fans 5 Since only about half of the Red Storm home games are played at Carnesecca Arena, the fans come out in loyal support of their team when they are in town, especially for big games. The fans have a tremendous knowledge of the game and have an amazing level of attentiveness as well. Given the smaller setup of the arena, the noise of the crowd travels quickly and makes the home court advantage as strong as any team could ask for from their fans. The St. John’s students that attend the games Carnesecca Arena also get into the action on the court, performing a variety of known cheers as well as giving a confidence boost to their team throughout their effort on the court. Access 3 Even though Carnesecca Arena is located within one of the boroughs of New York City, it is not the most accessible arena in the city. Located in the borough of Queens, there are a number of ways to get to the St. John’s campus. If not coming directly from Manhattan, driving is not a bad option, as there is a substantial amount of free parking on campus located directly near the stadium. If coming from Manhattan, however, the two easiest options are either taking the F train on MTA to 169th Street, which is under a mile from campus, or by taking one of the many trains on the Long Island Railroad to the Jamaica stop, which is about two miles from campus. Once on campus, navigating is easy. The arena is centrally located and is located right next to a free parking lot, which is nearly impossible to find in New York City. The inside of Carnesecca Arena provides a great atmosphere, but it is not the most accessible one. The concourse is relatively cramped and can really start to get busy if the concession stands are crowded. Return on Investment 5 Tickets to a Red Storm basketball game vary in price, but are within a reasonable window. For non-premium games, tickets range from $25-$40, with these prices increasing by $5 for premium games. Getting any seat in the house for under $50 in one of the best college basketball conferences in the country is truly magical. With the reasonable prices for food as well, a trip to Carnesecca Arena can be an economically feasible night out. Extras 3 An extra point is awarded for free parking right next to Carnesecca Arena. The support from the local community for the Red Storm is also something really great to see. It is obvious that fans are willing to come out and support their team even when they are struggling. Additionally, even if the Red Storm find themselves in a big hole, the fans stand by them and stay throughout the game. Finally, the two student sections, located behind each basket, deserve a point for their constant level of noise during the game. Final Thoughts While it might not be in the hustle and bustle of Manhattan, Carnesecca Arena is an overlooked gem of college basketball. With its intimate setting and passionate fan base, it is a great place to catch in some quality basketball if you ever find yourself in New York City.

Photos by Stephan Hoogerwaard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Carrow Road Carrow Rd. Norwich, Norfolk NR1 1JE United Kingdom Norwich City FC website Carrow Road website Year Opened: 1935 Capacity: 26,034 Canary Paradise Carrow Road is a football stadium in the city of Norwich, England with 26,018 covered seats, home of the Norwich City Football Club of the Premier League. The stadium has the 3rd smallest capacity in the league. Only the Swansea City and Hull City stadiums are smaller. The Carrow Road stadium was built in 1935 when Norwich City had grown out of its old home stadium. The construction lasted only 82 days. Construction started on the 11th of June 1935 and it was open for the Canaries first home game against West Ham United on the 31st of August 1935. The stadium has been steadily redeveloped since the late 1970s, with all four sides of the ground having new stands. The latest stand is the Jarrold Stand (also known as South Stand) which was built in 2004. The Jarrod Stand is an impressive single-tier stand. This stand-alone can house 8,184 spectators. At one of the sides of this stand, there has been an area created to house the away fans. The stadium has the following stands with their capacity in brackets: Barclay Stand (6,107), The Geoffrey Watling City (North) Stand (4,173), Regency Security Stand (5,799), The South Stand (8,184, including the away section), Aviva Community Stand (1,708) angle between the Jarrold Stand and N&P Stand. There are no standing areas inside Carrow Road as these are prohibited in the top flight of English football. This makes the stadium an A-label ground that is required by the UEFA to play European Cup matches in case Norwich City should qualify. Norwich City Football Club have announced that if they stay in the Premier League there are serious plans to replace the Geoffrey Watling City Stand in a newly built double-tiered 12,000-seater stand. This will raise the capacity of the ground initially to 35,000 seats. Later on, there can be a second tier added to the Jarrold Stand, this would raise the capacity to around 39,000 places. Food & Beverage 3 Inside the ground the food is good. There is a large variety of hamburgers, cheeseburgers, hot dogs, and pies (amongst the choices: chicken curry pie and steak kidney pie). The drinks are of a similar price to most Premier League grounds which I have visited over the last couple of years. Half a litre of Carling or another brand will cost you just under 4 British Pounds. Atmosphere 4 The atmosphere during against local rivals Ipswich Town is very good, just like you would expect at a derby. During this match the Norwich City fans were more vocal, maybe because the home team won the match or maybe they outnumbered the away support. I estimate that there were 2,000 Ipswich supporters allowed inside the ground. Outside Anglia, the derby is called cynically ‘the Old Farm’ referring to the Anglia countryside (mostly farmers) and the big Glasgow derby which is of course called ‘the Old Firm’. Neighborhood 2 The neighbourhood around the stadium is not spectacular. There is a Morrisons supermarket just behind the ground and a new leisure complex called the Riverside has opened just a little further away. The pubs for home and away supporters are closer to the main railway station and on the edge of the city centre. This is where most of the home fans gather for pre-match analyses. So stay close to the city centre when you visit a match at Carrow Road. Fans 4 Most of the Norwich fans who visit a match of their team are dressed in their yellow and green club colours. The nickname of fans is ‘the Canaries’, not only for the colours the fans wear during a match but this little songbird is also in the team crest. The Tractor Boys (nickname for Ipswich fans) were accompanied by a large police force from the train station towards the stadium, to avoid clashes between both supporters groups which have occurred in the past on various occasions. Access 4 We drove by car to Norwich, the ground is well signposted from the A11 and A47. If you stay in the city centre, just leave your car at the hotel. The ground is located just a 15-minute walk from the city centre. Return on Investment 4 We ordered our tickets via the ticket office and these were held for collection on the day of the match. We were appointed seats on the 2nd tier behind one of the goals (Barclays Stand). Please note that prices for matches can vary because matches are graded in A category matches for top games to D category matches for matches against lesser attractive opponents. Therefore prices may vary from GBP 50,- to GBP 20,- for the Barclays and the North & Peterborough stand (both upper and lower tiers). Extras 2 There are just a couple of extras to mention which aren’t spectacular. The club store is housed in the corner of the Geoffrey Watling City Stand and Norwich and Peterborough Stand. Around the stadium, there are limited parking places available with pass holders only having access. The service of the ticket office is rather good as they were prepared to make a ticket reservation for this high-profile match. Final Thoughts When you are enjoying a stay in the English countryside (Anglia) and if you want something else then visit its beautiful villages, castles ruins, and cathedrals, then a visit to a match of Norwich City Football Club is a welcome break. You can experience the real football atmosphere created by passionate Canaries fans. Though the stadium is one of the smallest in the Premier League, the atmosphere you will experience at Carrow Road is probably better than you will find at some of the top teams in the league.

Photos by Andrew Flint, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Centralniy Stadium Ulitsa Repina, 5 Yekaterinburg, Sverdlovskaya oblast’, 620028 Ural Ekaterinburg website Centralniy Stadium website Year Opened: 1957 Capacity: 35,696 Window to Asia Sitting on the border of Europe and Asia, Ekaterinburg lies on one of the world’s most historic trading routes that wound across the entire length of the largest landmass on the planet. The Medieval Ages saw the ancient Silk Road carry spices, precious metals, and exotic food from the Far East. The site where Ekaterinburg is now found was a natural stop before crossing the Ural Mountains. It was the place where Russia’s last royal family was brutally slaughtered, and has grown to become the fourth-largest city in the country. In more recent times, Russian president Boris Yeltsin was born in the city, and a centre dedicated to his political life and the Russian presidency was built a few years ago in the heart of the city. Its sporting prowess is less grand, although the local professional futsal team won the UEFA Futsal Cup in 2008. In the summer of 2018, it will host four matches as the furthest east of the FIFA World Cup host cities in the spectacular Centralniy Stadium (to be named Ekaterinburg Arena for the duration of the tournament). First built in 1957, the original pillared facade has been protected as a listed building, and so has been retained in the redevelopment. There have been two drawn-out phases of redevelopment over the past decade beset with corruption controversies, but the entire revamp is now complete. Russian Football Premier League side Ural Ekaterinburg will take up residency after the World Cup when the capacity will be reduced to around 24,000. Ural were Russian Cup runners up in 2017, and have been a solid mid-table outfit in recent seasons, but have never won a major trophy in their history. Recent luminaries to have featured for them include former Tottenham Hotspur forward Roman Pavlyuchenko, Chilean international Gerson Acevedo, Russia’s talismanic forward Fyodor Smolov, and current star Eric Bicfalvi, capped by Romania. Although the club’s stated ambition is to qualify for Europe while unearthing unknown talents and selling them on, with a spectacular new stadium they may be able to set their sights a little higher. Food & Beverage 3 As with most newly built stadiums in Russia, there is a standard menu of routine fare – hot dogs, french fries, chocolate bars, hot and cold beverages – but the standard of food is not great. That is in the concourse area at least, where the prices are not extortionate. A coffee will set you back around $1.50, while a hot dog is around $2. The sausage is a common variety of boiled meat that is found in Russia that fills a gap in your stomach, but won’t get the taste buds flowing. The better option is to head to the stalls on the ground once you get through the entrance gates, but before heading into the stands themselves. There is a decent choice of local, western, and eastern cuisine to pick from, including pancakes with fillings, cheeseburgers, and shawarma (a kind of wrapped kebab with shredded pork or chicken and special sauce). None of these options will set you back more than $3, but the quality is much higher. Atmosphere 4 The extraordinary design of the stadium with two upper tiers built literally outside the perimeter of the ground itself might make you think the acoustics would suffer, but the roof is curved in such a way that the sound in fact reverberates effectively. The original stands were higher alongside the pitch with the two ends having a lower profile – which is loosely what the stadium will return to once the post-World Cup restructuring is complete – but the noise is developed by the traditional grouping of serious fans behind each goal. For the visit of the larger teams, attendances will be much higher and therefore will create a naturally more intense atmosphere. Spartak Moscow are the country’s best-supported club by far, and have fans in every city, so when they come to town it is guaranteed to impress. While the Centralniy has been remodelled, Ural have played at their training ground in the ugly, industrial quarter of the city in an inconvenient area, so attendances have dropped, but ironically the team have performed better than they have in years while in temporary exile from their main home. If this continues, the atmosphere in more comfortable surroundings will only improve. Neighbourhood 4 The stadium itself is right in the heart of the city, just a 15-minute walk from the landmark Vysotsky Tower – Ekaterinburg’s tallest building with a breathtaking observation floor on the 53rd level – along one of the busiest thoroughfares. The ground is on a small rise on the edge of a residential area that is in itself reasonably quiet, but the wealthy suburbs of the well-to-do are a stone’s throw away. The recommended tourist routes through the city run very close by alongside the stunning waterways that characterise the city centre. Adjacent to main entrance gates is a prison and a maternity ward that the original construction company considered relocating to create more land between the intersecting roads that run past the stadium. There are not a huge number of bars in the immediate vicinity, but if you venture just a few minutes on foot you will find yourself in the busiest part of town without too much trouble. As a result, the neighbourhood is relatively quiet, with newly developed apartment blocks and restaurants springing up behind the ground. Fans 3 Ural are not a club with a long history of tangible success, and as recently as 2015 were saved from relegation to the second tier of Russian football by goal difference alone, so the fans have become accustomed to the dip in quality. A flurry of smart recruitment and reasonable investment has seen the playing squad improve immensely in recent years, with older overpaid veterans being shipped out and their places being taken by younger, hungrier players. The ultras behind the goal will tirelessly belt out chants and songs regardless of the weather or opposition. They hold banners representing the different outlying towns they have come from, with regulars travelling up to 300 km for home matches. The bulk of the crowd take some encouragement before they add to the volume inside the ground, but once the shared chanting between two separate sectors gets going the support for the team becomes more apparent from all angles. A determined club president and hugely popular manager make a ‘good cop, bad cop’ combination with a real identity that fans tune into, although the lack of culture of success has bred a culture of general mildness across the whole fan base. Access 4 The nearest metro stations could be a little closer in an ideal world, but they are still only 15 minutes on foot. The tickets are very cheap – around $0.35 for a single journey – and the only current line on the metro system runs directly from the train station, although the wait between trains on the system can be about 12-15 minutes. If you are brave enough to tackle the minibus system, which is even cheaper and extremely reliable but also very cramped, then you will never need to wait more than a few minutes to catch a bus that’ll take you right outside the ground from the centre and the train station. Depending on how long you plan to stay in the city, the best option for getting to the ground might be to spend some time by the engorged river section that flows by the Yeltsin Centre, and then stroll 20 minutes on foot. Once at the ground itself, security is very smooth, with a large outer perimeter to the grounds broken up by six entrance pavilions where you must go through a bag search and a metal detector. With this in mind, it is advisable to arrive around two hours before kick off if you wish to have plenty of time to soak up the pre-match atmosphere and enjoy the food and drink without needing to rush. Return on Investment 4 The cost of tickets is crazily cheap considering it is for the premier level of football in Russia. For the cheapest seats at the biggest matches, you won’t pay more than $8, and in return for that you will see international players at a completely refurbished venue in comfort. Pre-match entertainment comes in the form of a very vocal emcee over the PA system and some dancers on the pitch, and sometimes some bizarre mayonnaise bottle mascots. The significant investment in the stadium has not translated into a huge hike in ticket prices thankfully, so in terms of value for money it is unbeatable for the sport on offer and the standard of surroundings. The seats are spacious, the grading of the stands is steep so views are excellent from all angles, and the protection from the often harsh winds is infinitely improved from the training ground that had been used for three years. Extras 3 The match program is superb, with a featured in-depth interview with a current player, full background information on the opposition, statistics for the league, and without the clutter of excessive advertising to dilute the content. For longer-lasting memorabilia there is a very slim selection of tiny stands dotted around the stadium grounds which sell team scarves, hats and basic paraphernalia usually found in merchandise stores. There is no official club store yet, as the ground has been redeveloped primarily with the World Cup in mind, but it is unlikely to be huge if and when it is built. The stadium itself is the main attraction other than the football, but in terms of extra value the entertainment isn’t a full-on show. Stilt walkers and face painters can be on duty around the large open space inside the entrance gates, and there is a stage where singers and general children’s entertainers ply their trade, but other than that it is the football that people go for, not the sundries.

Photos by Greg Johnston, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Centre 200 481 George St. Sydney, NS B1P 6R7 Cape Breton Screaming Eagles website Centre 200 website Year Opened: 1987 Capacity: 5,000 The Centre of Cape Breton Centre 200 is named in honour of the 200th anniversary of the founding of Sydney. The arena opened in 1987, as the home of the Cape Breton Oilers of the American Hockey League (AHL). In their nine seasons in Sydney, the Oilers won the Calder Cup once (1993) before moving to Hamilton, Ontario; this was around the same time all AHL teams moved out of the Maritimes. That franchise is now the St. John’s Ice Caps. Hockey returned to Sydney when the Granby Predateurs moved prior to the 1997-98 season. The Screaming Eagles have won their division once and have reached the conference finals twice, but have not advanced further. Marc-Andre Fleury is celebrated as one of the greatest former Eagles players. His #29 jersey hangs in the rafters. Food & Beverage 3 Most concession stands in Centre 200 are located at one end of the arena in a large, open atrium with a high ceiling. The arena offers a basic array of food and drink options. Concessions are well organized with clear signage and with stanchions to avoid congestion at intermission. Quality of food is as expected at a stadium. Prices are reasonable, ranging from $2.75 for a hot dog, up to $5.75 for poutine. Other concessions offer snacks or cafe items. For vegetarians, your options for a high protein meal are non-existent. To quench your thirst, Pepsi products from the fountain or bottle are available. A small variety of Molson and Coors beer are sold by the can. Be sure to bring cash as concessions do not accept credit cards. Two ATM's are available on the concourse. Vendors do not walk the aisle, so you will need to visit a concession stand for a desired item. Overall, the concessions are well maintained and clean, with enough food and drink options to satisfy your cravings. Atmosphere 4 The game day atmosphere inside Centre 200 is exciting for the hockey enthusiast, however the exterior atmosphere is car-dependent and underwhelming. The arena is connected to a casino with bright lights, a well-designed parking area, and sidewalks for the pedestrians. In contrast, the arena's window wall entrance is basic, with poor pedestrian connectivity to the adjacent businesses, major streets, and parking areas. The arena is built with an appropriate symmetry and rhythm of brick, concrete, and glass on the bottom, and corrugated metal siding above. At the right angle, a fan can look through the glass and see the interior seating bowl, which adds to the anticipation of entering the arena. The brightness and openness inside the arena sends a chill of excitement for the event. The concourse runs around the rink with continuous views of the game. The lower seating bowl offers great viewing angles to catch all the action without fans in front obstructing the view. The rink is surrounded by eleven rows of seats except for seven rows at one of the ends. An upper level is located on one side of the rink. It consists of 15 rows with good viewing angles. However, avoid seats in the first two rows (row L & M) due to a railing obstructing the view, and the last five rows (V thru Z) because of poor sound quality and the inability to see the scoreboard. The blue plastic seats are in good shape but with no cup holders. Skyboxes are located on the opposite side of the rink and separate from the main concourse. The four-sided scoreboard hanging from centre ice is small and simple with a good video display. In-game promotions and entertainment is kept simple. Young kids get the chance to play hockey at the intermission to the delight of the crowd. The mascot, Screech, is seen during player introductions and seemingly disappears for the rest of the game. Arena acoustics are fairly poor, as sound from the PA announcer echos around the building. A simple, eclectic mix of music from classic maritime to the classic jock rock songs plays between whistles. Neighborhood 3 Sydney was a booming city back during the two World Wars as the local steel mills were vital to the success of the allied forces. Since then, the economy has been depressed. The steel mills have closed and the population has decreased significantly. Much of the downtown core is still stuck in the past, with out-of-date storefronts and vacant lots. However, a significant effort has made the waterfront a tourist destination. A boardwalk along the Sydney River provides a peaceful walk away from car traffic. The North End neighborhood of Sydney is a pleasant area to explore. Historic houses and churches line the streets dating back to the late 1700s. Centre 200 is located just off George Street, a major thoroughfare of the city, on the fringe of downtown Sydney. Though it is possible to walk from downtown to the arena, the pedestrian access is poor and dangerous, especially at night. George Street is lined with commercial areas including a few bars and restaurants. For lodging, the Cambridge Suites and Holiday Inn are located a few blocks away along the waterfront. For a good dining experience, head to the Governor's Pub & Eatery. Located in the home of Sydney's first mayor, it specializes in home cooked meals and fresh seafood. Fans 4 Screaming Eagle fans are some of the most knowledgeable and attentive fans in the QMJHL. The first seven years saw large crowds at Centre 200, with an average of around 67% of capacity. However, average attendance has steadily declined. Lately, Screaming Eagle games average just under 50% capacity. Fans are fairly quiet throughout the game, but let their feelings be known for good shifts by the home team or questionable calls by the referee. Even without ushers, fans know not to move to or from their seat during play. Overall, the fans are passionate in a unique way. Instead of yelling loudly, they concentrate on the plays and are respectful throughout the game's ups and downs. Access 4 Direct flights to Sydney are available from Toronto and Halifax. A road trip from Halifax takes a scenic 4 1/2 hours. This small city has a population of around 32,000, so the arena is convenient from everywhere in town. To arrive by foot requires a 10-15 minute walk from the downtown core. However, almost everyone drives or takes a taxi. Plenty of free parking spaces are available behind the arena. A CBRM Transit stop is located in front of the arena along George Street and connects Sydney with Cape Breton University, Glace Bay, along with other surrounding communities. A ticket cost $1.75 for a local ride or $3.25 from outlying areas. The main entry is clearly marked by a large illuminated "Centre 200" sign along a two-story window wall. Inside the atrium is the box office and will call. A second entrance is located on the opposite side of the rink. Once doors open, access around the arena is simple and straightforward. The concourse is open to the seating bowl with plenty of room to either walk around or relax during intermission. There are plenty of table seating areas or lounge around with friends in the artistic Adirondack chairs. The arena has plenty of restrooms throughout the concourse. Even during intermission, none of them has a line outside the door. Getting to your seat should not be a problem. With the open concourse, it is easy to see the section numbers, and visualize a route to get there. Very few ushers are available to help if you do happen to get lost. A few security personnel are around, but are not approachable, as most are focused on the game or their cell phone. Patrons in wheelchairs have only three sections to choose from. Unfortunately, all three are located at corners of the rink. Return on Investment 5 Prices for individual game tickets are reasonable for witnessing the highest level of junior hockey. Tickets are $16.75 for an adult, with discounts for seniors, youth, and children. Screaming Eagles offer a "build your own" half season ticket pack for those who can't make every home game. Family packs called "4 for $44" are offered on Sunday day games and includes a postgame skate on the ice. Birthday packages are available for a group of eight or more, including a birthday mention on the video board. The openness of the arena, along with reasonable prices and great viewing angles, help create a memorable overall experience for the fans. Centre 200 checks all of those boxes. Extras 4 +1 for the video booth replaying opponent goals. In-game operators realize that Screaming Eagle fans are also true hockey fans that enjoy seeing great plays, even if the opponent makes that play. +1 for the banners of the arena that celebrate former Screaming Eagles players (Fleury), teams (2003-04 Division Champs), and even the Cape Breton Oilers 1993 Calder Cup championship banner. +1 for Hockey Heritage Hall of Fame. Located in concessions atrium, past local players, referees, and announcers are celebrated with their picture and jersey encased in glass. +1 for the simplicity of the in-game experience. The focus is on the game, not on any theatrics or pyrotechnics. Final Thoughts If you are looking for a place that promotes the action on the ice without all the glitz and glamour you find in many arenas, this is a great venue to see a hockey game. Many arenas are loud, and try too hard to raise the energy of the fans. This becomes distracting and unappealing to the fan and hockey enthusiast. If you enjoy hockey at its purest, a visit to Centre 200 is a must.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Centre Georges-Vezina 643 rue Begin Saguenay, Québec G7H 4N7 Chicoutimi Sagueneens website Centre Georges-Vezina website Year Opened: 1949 Capacity: 4,724 L’eglise du Hockey At one point in time, each member league of the Canadian Hockey League had their own identity. The QMJHL was known for being faster paced, with smaller players, more goal scoring and great goaltenders. No team can be identified with great goaltenders in junior more than the Chicoutimi Saguenéens (sag-nay-en). Chicoutimi would produce four goaltenders in a short period of time who would go on to play in the National Hockey League. Jimmy Waite, Eric Fichaud, Marc Denis and Felix Potvin would have various degrees of NHL success, but it is unprecedented for one junior team to produce so many NHL goaltenders. Chicoutimi has been one of the most stable franchises in the Q, having been around since 1973, and the link to the community is undeniable. The translation of Saguenéens is literally “people from the Saguenay.” Only the Gatineau (Hull) Olympiques and Shawinigan Cataractes have been in the same spot longer than the Saguenéens. Home for the Sags is Centre Georges-Vézina. Named after local legend and legendary Montréal Canadiens goaltender Georges Vézina, the arena is a quintessential Québec hockey barn. Built in 1949 with some key renovations, Centre Georges-Vézina has a capacity of 4,724 and smells of history. The arena is owned by the city of Saguenay, which contains the borough of Chicoutimi. The team is owned by the city of Saguenay and run by an 11 person Board of Directors, who include former Sagueneen and NHL goaltender, Marc Denis. Saguenay is probably a significant drive for most, but definitely worth the trip. Fans who see the Saguenéens will have to enter “l’eglise du hockey” or church of hockey. Food & Beverage 3 Concession options at Centre Georges-Vézina are decent but fairly unspectacular. There are concession stands at the top of the arena, behind the seating in each of the four corners as well as a few stands in the concourses underneath the seating. The expected items can be found at the main concession stands. Hot dogs ($2.75), fries, pogos, onion rings, burgers, grilled cheese and chicken soup can all be found on the menu at very affordable prices. The Québec staple poutine is also available. Combos are available, which is fairly unique for sports venues. For something a little more unique, fans should head beneath the seating area to La Crèmior, a specialty ice cream stand with a huge variety of options. Soft drink options feature Coca-Cola products ($3) as well as hot chocolate, tea, coffee, water and juice. Cans of domestic beer are available at most stands, however fans who are interested in beer will want to head underneath to La Voie Maltée which features a number of local brews including La Sags ($7.25). Atmosphere 4 There is something special about Centre Georges-Vézina. From the exterior, the arena does not look like it was built in 1949. Renovations have clearly taken place over the years, and the mix of red brick and light siding give the building a contemporary look. After passing security, fans empty into the main concourses underneath the seating bowl. Not overly spacious, the concourse does feature the main merchandise store right at the entry point. There are a few pictures of current players and other items including a large growth chart, but nothing over the top. Entry to the seating bowl is at ice level. After entering the seating bowl, fans are immediately sent back in time. The attention is instantly brought to the high peaked ceiling with hardwood bringing the feelings of a hockey barn. The ice surface runs from north to south and the perfect shot of the centre ice logo will be on the west side of the stands. Above the logo is a four sided video board with a traditional scoreclock underneath. The Saguenéens have a number of banners which hang from the rafters. The retired numbers of Alain Côté, Normand Lêveillé, Sylvain Locas, Marc Fortier, Guy Carbonneau, Gilbert Delorme, Éric Fichaud and Félix Potvin all hang proudly. They are joined by coach Richard Martel and his 570 victories, Gervais Munger, a former owner who tragically drowned in Lac-Sainte-Jean and local hockey legend Rolland Héber, who actually discovered Jean Béliveau. They are side by side with the accomplishments of the Saguenéens highlighted by the 1991 Coupe du Président and Trophée Jean-Rougeau as well as the 1994 Coupe du Président. However, the pièce de résistance can be found at the south end of the arena. Above the south end video screen is a large crucifix. A nod to the very strong Catholic roots of the area, it is this crucifix that cements Centre Georges-Vézina as the church of hockey. The game day production in Chicoutimi is about what you would expect in a QMJHL hockey experience. Sago, the Saguenéens mascot, makes his way around the arena, interacting with fans and partaking in on ice promotions. Neighbourhood 3 Chicoutimi in the winter is quite picturesque. Located on the Saguenay River, east of Lac-Ste-Jean, Chicoutimi offers nice views of the river and foothills. It is definitely a spot for winter sports as snowmobiling is pretty big in the area. Tourists also head to the area to see the Fjords. As far as pre and post game spots for fans to get a drink or bite to eat, there are a few. From Centre Georges-Vézina, fans should head to Boulevard Talbot where a number of recognizable chain restaurants reside. Checking out St. Hubert when in Québec is a pretty good idea. A couple of more unique spots to the area would include La Voie Maltée and Le Coq Rôti. As far as other things to do of interest, there are a number of churches in the area that are both historic and offer unique architecture. Cathédrale Saint-François-Xavier would be one to check out. Also for those interested in what the area is most known for, head to Grande-Baie to Musee du Fjord. Chicoutimi does not offer a ton of other sporting options. UQAC is right in town and has a few athletic teams. Otherwise, fans will need to travel south to Québec City for other sporting options. For fans who wish to stay in the area, there are a number of B&B spots along the river. However, the preponderance of French in the region may give fans reason to stay at a more traditional hotel. Le Montagnais Hotel and Convention Center and Comfort Inn Chicoutimi are good selections. Fans 3 The Chicoutimi Saguenéens have been on a bit of a rough road in the last number of years. Given the relative isolation of the team and community attachment the Saguenéens have, greater attendance figures were expected. However, Chicoutimi routinely fills approximately half of the building, averaging around 2,300 fans in the three seasons up to 2018. This ranks the Saguenéens in the middle of the QMJHL. Amid ownership issues, the City has taken the team back, but fans will need to be more supportive at the rink to ensure the long term viability of the team. Access 4 Saguenay has a population of 144,000 and is made up of the boroughs of Chicoutimi, Jonquière La Baie and Laterrière. Getting into the borough is not difficult at all. Centre Georges-Vézina is located between the Saguenay River and highways. The size of the borough does not make for terrible traffic. There is free parking around the arena for those who are willing to get there a little early. For fans who are interested in public transit, there are buses that run on Begin. Check out the Société de Transport du Saguenay website for fares, maps and schedules. The entrance to the north of the building is the main one and houses the ticketing windows. Getting around the arena, especially beneath the seats, can be a challenge. Washrooms are not huge and the seats in the building are on the narrow side. Return on Investment 5 It is hard to say there is a better value for the sporting dollar than the QMJHL. Tickets for the Saguenéens are an affordable $17 or $16. There are discounts for students, seniors and children. Kids are only $5 to get into the arena. Combine that with free parking and very affordable concessions and the investment for hockey in Chicoutimi is not very large. The QMJHL also provides a top notch hockey experience and getting into the Centre Georges-Vézina is a great experience in and of itself. Extras 4 An extra mark for the Saguenéens sporting the “barbershop pole” design which is a throwback to old school hockey jerseys. The double blue stripes are incorporated smartly on their jerseys. An extra mark for the community link the Saguenéens have in Saguenay. An extra mark for Chicoutimi and the geographic beauty of the Fjords. An extra mark for the longevity of the Chicoutimi Saguenéens. Final Thoughts A trip to see Centre Georges-Vézina and the Chicoutimi Saguenéens is truly a trip to see the church of hockey. An old school hockey barn that bleeds history and is a throwback to days of old, a trip through the Q is not complete without Georges-Vézina. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on Twitter @profan9 and on Instagram .

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Centre Ice Rink 644 Fairgrounds Road Harrington, DE 19952 Delaware Thunder website Centre Ice Rink website Year Opened: 2002 Capacity: 700 Hockey In The First State The Centre Ice Arena, also called The Centre or The Centre Ice Rink, is a 700-seat facility built in 2002. It is located on the grounds of the Delaware State Fairgrounds in Harrington, Delaware. The facility hosts ice hockey, figure skating and public skating in the winter, and then hosts the 4-H and FFA exhibits and demonstrations during the Delaware State Fair in the summer. The Delaware State Fair is the annual state fair for the state of Delaware. It is held in the town of Harrington, which is located 16 miles south of Dover. The fair is a ten-day event at the end of July. The Harrington Raceway & Casino is also located at the fairgrounds. It is a harness racing track that opened in 1946 with a casino that opened in 1996. The Delaware Thunder were announced as a member of the Federal Prospects Hockey League in 2019. This is the first professional team to be located in Harrington and one of the few in this small state. The Federal Prospects Hockey League has also previously been known as the Federal Professional Hockey League and the Federal Hockey League. It is an unaffiliated low minor professional league. The league has ten teams located in Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Illinois, Michigan, New York, North Carolina, and Ohio. There is one planned expansion team for 2021. Food & Beverage 3 There is a small concession stand in the lobby area of the Centre. It is nothing much, but the prices are fair and the offerings are decent. Expect hot dogs, hamburgers, pretzels and nachos with Pepsi offerings as the beverage choice. They do offer beer for Thunder games. Atmosphere 4 The Centre Ice Rink is a basic community ice rink with a decent amount of seating on one side and none on the other side. There is also quite an opportunity to stand around the corners right at the glass, as well as seating in the lobby. If you choose the lobby for your seating choice you will be watching through glass and listening through the speakers only. The ice does not have an overhead scoreboard and the center of the roof is offset from the placement of the ice. Centre Ice Rink, Photo by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Neighborhood 3 Harrington is in a rural area south of Dover. The main attraction in the area is the State Fairgrounds and the attached casino and racetrack. There are food offerings at the casino, but there are some other food offerings in the local area, mainly of the fast food variety. If you want more options you can go a few miles north and Dover will have pretty much any food option you can think of. Legendary local chain Grotto Pizza has a couple sports bar locations in Dover. They have never been a favorite of mine, but many fans will flock there. Other great choices include Capriotti’s Sandwich Shop, La Tolteca Restaurant and the 33 West Ale House & Grill. Fans 5 The fans are where this venue really shines. The fans in this rural area has quickly adopted to this team and have shown up in droves. It is a small venue but they have often filled it up past capacity. The fan supporter group is trying to make it a fun experience similar to soccer fan groups. Expect some chanting and the occasional use of drums and percussion. Access 4 The Centre is located right off Highway 13, a major north/south road through Delaware. There is plenty of parking in the area due to the massive state fair complex. There is a lot right by the Centre that fills quickly but you could easily park at the casino and walk over to the ice venue. Return on Investment 4 Tickets run from $14 for general admission up to $20 premium seating. There will also be the opportunity for VIP sections and group seating at various prices. The prices are pretty good and the great attendance has seemed to show that. Extras 3 The pro shop not only sells Thunder merchandise but is also a skating and hockey shop for the use of the other venue users. The casino and state fair complex is an interesting extra. Even if you are not a gambler, a casino can be a great location for decent food options. It is also pretty interesting to visit a state fair complex when a fair is not going on. The variety of buildings and facilities are pretty amazing. I ended up seeing some motorcycle racers practicing at a nearby agriculture building on the grounds. The exuberant fans are another cool extra. It is nice to see an area adopt a sports team at the level seen here in central Delaware. Final Thoughts The Delaware Thunder and the Centre Ice Rink will not be mistaken as a high level professional venue. That does not mean it is not a fun place to watch a hockey game with a great group of fans. A true sports fan will enjoy the experience here.

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Champion Stadium 700 S Victory Way Lake Buena Vista, FL 34747 Atlanta Braves Spring Training website Champion Stadium website Year Opened: 1997 Capacity: 9,500 The Magic of Braves Spring Training The Braves are finishing up their final season at Disney’s Wide World of Sports, but that doesn’t mean the experience has lessened any. A fan favorite destination among spring training sites since it opened in 1997, Champion Stadium is literally on Disney World property in Orlando, which provides travelers the perfect excuse to visit theme parks and take in a baseball game. As the facility frequently hosts baseball games of varying competition levels throughout the year, it doesn’t ever sit in disrepair, and consistently provides a quality viewing experience. Food & Beverage 4 There are a ton of options at Champion Stadium for fans when it comes to food. Everything from cookie dough by the scoop ($5.25), chicken bites ($9 for buffalo or regular), and burgers ($8) is top notch. Each concession stand offers something different, including the popular smoked turkey sandwich ($10.50), applewood-smoked pulled pork ($11.25), and sliced brisket sandwiches ($11.75). The Korean fried chicken ($9) is also a hit among fans, as is the Italian beef sandwich ($12.25). The standards for baseball can also be found in the form of hot dogs with fries ($9.50) and the classic Cracker Jack ($3). Drinks are also varied, from bottled water ($3.50) and sodas ($4.50) to specialty cocktails ($12.50), local specialty drafts ($14, $8 refills) and domestic beers ($12, $7 refills). Atmosphere 4 The spring training home of the Braves sits near the front of the Disney Wide World of Sports complex, so getting into the stadium is easy. Once you are there, the typical Disney charm greets you as Disney Cast Members make up the stadium staff here. This means, you’re destined to experience great customer service. The interior of the stadium itself seems somewhat plain, but at the same time classic and clean. Restrooms are plentiful, as is directional signage. No detail is missed. A fan store in the lower concourse provides a perfect chance for fans to purchase Braves spring training merchandise. The only downside would be some of the side seating in the upper levels that can be obstructed by support pillars. Some of the best seating, however, is the left field lawn and outfield berm seating, as families will frequently spread out blankets and relax under the warm Florida sun while having a great view of the action. Neighborhood 5 The sports complex is located just off of Osceola Parkway, literally across the street from the new entrance for Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Because of this, you’re not far from pretty much everything you need on your trip. For obvious reasons, the best place to stay would be at any of the Disney Resorts – guests of the resorts get free bus transport from the hotels to the starting gates, and then from the finish line back to their hotel. The closest hotels, Disney’s Pop Century and Disney’s Art of Animation are two of the park’s lowest priced resorts. For food, anywhere on Disney Property is a go-to; Kona Café at the Disney Polynesian Resort is a popular stop for sushi and a south seas flavor for dinner, while California Grill at the top of Contemporary Resort is also a popular go-to for a more upscale experience. In addition, popular tourist stops include EPCOT, Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, and the Animal Kingdom theme parks. Also, Disney Springs, which is accessible via bus and car, is home to countless restaurants, bars, and shopping opportunities for the whole family. Fans 4 The fans still pack ’em in here at Disney World. Certain days are more full than others, but games regularly hover around 70% capacity to the naked eye. Being a big family vacation spot, Braves games are a popular stop for young fans with the families. Kids are all over the stadium, and the ability to purchase cheaper tickets in the outfield, as well as special discounted days for Disney Passholders means local fans are frequently mixed in with those visiting Braves fans. Access 3 Getting to the Wide World of Sports is pretty easy, but traffic for certain games can be a pain. Parking is free in the farther parking lots, and $10 for lots closer to the main entrance. The big issue here is the ongoing construction on the roads entering and exiting the facility that frequently backs up. The new entrance to the Hollywood Studios theme park is also along Osceola Parkway, the main route that goes to the entrance of Wide World of Sports, so arriving early can be beneficial to avoid missing first pitch. Thankfully, Disney has signs up all over the stadium notifying fans of the potential backup in traffic when leaving as well. Return on Investment 5 Tickets to Braves games at Champion Stadium start at $15 for outfield berm seats, and reach into the $27 range for actual seating. Upper level seats also offer a great view. Some games also offer discounted pricing for fans who are Disney Passholders in the form of $5 off their game ticket when pre-purchased. This, coupled with the option for free parking, means fans can take in games at Disney without breaking the bank. Top that with the quality food options and you have yourself an enjoyable experience at the ballpark. Extras 3 The in-stadium host frequently boasts about the Braves having the best giveaways in sports, and he may be right. In-game contests for fans often include prices of name-brand luggage, Disney water park tickets, and sports memorabilia. For fans who enter the game early, you can go behind Champion Stadium and catch some of the Braves spring training warm up action, sometimes even scoring an autograph or two. Finally, the first pitch is unique, as alongside each designate is a Disney character, including the likes of Mickey, Goofy, or Pluto. Final Thoughts The experience at Disney’s Wide World of Sports is amazing for fans of all teams, not just the Braves. The PA announcers applaud great plays by both teams, making games at Champion Stadium a celebration of the sport of baseball and not just the home team. Without a doubt, fans should take the chance to take in a game at Disney World before the Braves move to their new home in Southwest Florida.

Photos by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Cherry Field 425 S Cherry Ave Tucson, AZ 85719 Tucson Saguaros website Year Opened: 2008 Capacity: 350 (estimate) Saguaros – Finding a Home Field The Tucson Saquaros are a member of the Independent Pecos League (baseball) and currently play their home games at Tucson Unified School District-owned Cherry Field less than a mile from the University of Arizona in Tucson AZ. They joined the league in 2016 and immediately won the championship their first season. They have bounced around a bit their first few seasons trying to find a permanent home field with games played at Kino Sports Complex (former home of the Arizona Diamondbacks and Chicago White Sox spring training), Reid Park Sports Complex #5, and some games at historic Warren Ballpark in Bisbee as well as games in Winslow at Vargas Field. This 2019 season finds them playing full-time (for the first time) at Cherry Field. The old Cherry Field was demolished and reconstructed in 2008 as part of the Cherry Field Detention Basin which is used for both flood control and Tucson High School athletic teams (and now the Saguaros). The American Legion also hosts tournaments here. The new Cherry Field has two baseball and two softball fields with some removable fencing to allow for soccer or football. Food & Beverage 2 Basic snacks are for purchase at a Saguaros game with hot dogs freshly cooked on a portable grill. Hot dogs ($3), nachos ($4), chips, cookies, peanuts and Sno -cones ($1.50 – $2) round out the menu. Cans of Coke products ($2.50) and water ($2) are the beverage choices. Alcohol is not served. Certainly not a huge variety but with prices ranging from $1 – $4, it’s definitely affordable. Many fans bring in their own frozen bottles of water and snack (multiple bottles are needed in this hot city in the summer). Atmosphere 2 Keep in mind this is Arizona and temperatures easily reach the triple digits even for a 7pm game in late June and July. It is advised to bring sun screen and plenty of water. Bug spray is another item to pack for games. Metal bleachers without backs or handrails behind home and on the third baseline are the permanent seating choices. The third baseline set of bleachers face directly in the sun (a drawback the first few innings) and there is a small set behind home is in the shade. Many fans bring their own folding chairs and set up shop just behind the chain link fence surrounding the infield or up on the concourse/deck area. Cherry Field - Bleachers, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey The sound system is a couple of speakers but not too scratchy. The PA announcer and two other officials sit behind the chain link fence directly behind home plate. A pleasant volume and selection of music is played between innings (after – not during – announcements (yeah!) and walk up songs are played for the Saguaros. The scoreboard is a basic, dot-matrix style with balls, strikes, outs (lit dots) runs, and inning displayed. A traditional batter’s eye is not seen, instead, the center field outfield chain link fence is colored just a little darker. The grass looks remarkably green for an Arizona grass lawn in the summer. Neighborhood 5 Tucson is a great city to visit and Cherry Field is within a few miles of many places to tour, eat, drink, and sleep; though none right smack next to the ballpark. Two breweries close by are Barrio Brewery (brewpub – good beer, even better food) and Iron John’s Brewing Company (independent brewery – no food but nice staff and good beer). At least five or six more are within about two or so miles that include Pueblo Vida Brewing Company, Ten55 Brewing Company, and Sentinel Peak Brewing Company. Welcome Diner (farm to table American fare), Leru’s Fine Mexican Food (known for their tamales), and Barrio’s are nearby eating establishments worth visiting. Tourist attractions include Reid Zoo Park (go in the morning before it gets too hot), Children’s Museum, Arizona History Museum, Sentinel Peak Park “A” Mountain for a view, or stretch those legs and stroll the Presidio Trail – a historic walking trail of downtown Tucson . There are various hotels and motels within a few-mile radius of Cherry Field. Most are along the I-10 corridor but some are downtown Tucson. National brands include LaQuinta and Double Tree, several Marriott brands, and more. For a B&B, check out Adobe Rose Inn. Other sports during baseball season in Tucson are the Tucson Sugar Skulls of the Indoor Football League and FC Tucson of the USL League One. A stadium journeyer may be able to make an extended weekend and see all three depending on schedules. Fans 2 One can easily chat with players before or after game. Fans seem to know the players and vice versa. Though there’re few fans in attendance, the ones who attend are supportive and pleasant and many can be seen wearing an attractive Saguaro ball cap or t-shirt. Access 3 Cherry Field is off I-10 just south of the University of Arizona campus; about a two-hour drive from Phoenix. A small parking lot (no charge) is on the corner of E 13th St and South Kino Pkwy. A locked chain link fence surrounds the complex during the day and opens just a few hours before game time. The venue does not appear to be wheelchair accessible – well, the venue and upper concourse is but getting down to the field consists of four sets of nine steps each. Fortunately, one can park their wheelchair at the top of the concourse and watch the game from there. Restrooms are clean but check for toilet paper first when heading into one of the stalls. Return on Investment 4 The sign says $7.50/adults, $5 military and seniors, children under 6 free. On the day of our visit, we walked in and couldn’t find out where and/or who to pay. Parking is free and concessions are low-priced. It’s an admirable cost if you’re one who enjoys going for the ball game and not the gimmicks. Extras 2 The Saguaros and Cherry Field have two additional items worth noting. One – a really cool looking logo – a Saguaro with spikes coming out of its trunk and branches and a baseball bat across its shoulders beginning the T in Tucson. Saguaros Logo Two, a statue and memorial for Chris Moon is on display in the upper concourse/deck. Moon gave up a scholarship to play baseball at the University of Arizona and instead served his country. He died after stepping on a roadside bomb in Afghanistan. Moon played high school baseball for the Tucson Badgers and the Atlanta Braves showed interest in him drafting him (he went unsigned) in the 35th round. Final Thoughts The Saguaros baseball games are simple and pleasant. They are for those who enjoy the game. Watching baseball in 104 ° F weather does wear you out. I don’t quite know how the players do it. If at all possible, go in the earlier part of the season (late May or early June) and hopefully it won’t be so hot.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Cintas Center FANFARE Score: 4.14 Cintas Center 1624 Herald Ave Cincinnati, OH 45207 Xavier Musketeers website Cintas Center website Year Opened: 2000 Capacity: 10,250 All For One at Xavier’s Cintas Center The Cintas Center is the home of the Xavier University men’s and women’s basketball teams. It was built through private donations as part of the school’s Century Campaign, opening in June 2000 at $46 million. The arena has a capacity of 10,250 and includes a large open concourse, an auxiliary gym, and multiple meeting and event spaces. The Musketeers have flourished, posting a 310-54 record as of this writing. The team also advanced to the Elite 8 of the NCAA Tournament three times since the Cintas Center opened, while the program has made 28 appearances in the post-season tournament. However, as modern as a building as it is, it will go under the knife as construction begins on refreshing suites, adding new seating options, and expanding hospitality and other social areas over the next two summers. The renovations will be completed in time for the 2024/2025 season and will decrease capacity to 10,224. Food & Beverages 4 The Cintas Center offers a fair amount of food that is very traditional for a college basketball game. There is nothing unusual, but the building offers Hoopy Hour before the game. Fans can enjoy $2 discounts 60 minutes before the game. Fans will find hot dogs, nachos, pretzels, chicken tenders, popcorn, chips, peanuts, and candy. The most unusual item is the Cincy pork nachos: barbecue pulled pork covered with cheese and topped with pickled onions and jalapenos. There is a kiosk called the Quatman Cafe, offering freshly made burgers and local Cincinnati Grippo’s barbecue potato chips. If you're looking to wash all that food down, you will find Pepsi products and an assortment of beer from Bud Light, to Sam Adams, to Great Lakes. A lot of the craft beer is located in D'Artagnan's Deck in section 200. There is also White Claw and wine offered at the game. Atmosphere 4 A Xavier game is quite the experience with a rabid student section, along with near-capacity crowds to provide a home-court advantage for the Musketeers. Also, when your team is naturally ranked, it can provide quite the atmosphere for the first-time visitor. The Cintas Center feels more like a multi-purpose venue but is the ideal size for basketball. The main concourse is decorated with giant photographs of the various sports teams that play on campus and more than enough historical photos of Xavier logos from the past. this is perhaps one of the things that stand out as a school has quite an array of word marks and brands from its glorious past. There was also a Hall of Fame that included memorabilia and historic pieces from Xavier’s basketball, football, volleyball, and Olympic sports teams. The Hall of Fame also features a video highlighting the history and tradition of Xavier athletics. Former NBA Draft pick and Musketeer David West has a colorful mural inside the building. The student section produces quite a bit of noise, and they line up very early before a game. They provide a beautiful backdrop to the athletes on the court and bring the decibels up quite a bit. The school has two official mascots, D'Artagnan, and The Blue Bob. A bizarre trio, but beloved figures at the arena. D'Artagnan waves the flag before games, while The Blue Blob looks like a Jim Henson creation. There is not a bad seat in the house, and most of the fans are focused on the court below. Banners are hanging from the rafters, and a modern visual scoreboard looms above the center court. The seating bowl does not wrap all the way around, but the outer concourse does for easy access for visitors. Neighborhood 2 The University Station development near Cintas Center has finally filled in. The mix of campus housing and street-level retail has brought some life to what was long an empty lot at the gateway to the university area. It does feature several food options, but since it is aimed at the college crowd, most are quick service shops like Starbucks and donut bakeries, along with a Gold Star Chili. There are several restaurants just off-campus, including Betta’s Italian Oven, a popular pregame spot near the corner of Cleneay and Montgomery Road. A short drive north on Montgomery will lead you to Gordo’s Pub & Grill (4328 Montgomery), featuring one of the city’s best burgers, along with a creative beer list. Across the street from the campus is one of the city’s best microbreweries, Listerman Brewing Company. The small, unassuming building offers everything from pale ales and IPAs to peanut butter porters and vanilla and cinnamon stouts. A great place to meet before taking in a Musketeers game. Fans 5 It's hard not to be impressed with the number of fans in the building. They are among the loudest and most dedicated in the state and could give some of the larger schools a run for their money as well. The student section makes their presence known and can stand up with the best of them, too. Access 4 If you're coming to the area via the Dana Avenue exit off I-71, it's best to give yourself some time, as the road toward campus can back up before big games. If coming from the north, you may find an easier path by taking SR-562 (a.k.a. the Norwood Lateral, as it runs between the city's two north-south interstates) and exiting at the US-22 (Montgomery Road). Then head west and turn left onto Montgomery. Follow this for a mile, and you'll encounter signs for the large basketball parking lot. Once inside the building, the main concourse wraps around the seating Bowl and allows easy access in and out when necessary. There is plenty of parking surrounding the arena and off the main streets of the neighborhood. Return on Investment 4 The price of tickets through the school could range from $40-$50, but slightly lower on secondary market sites. However, games can sell out fast, and depending on who the team is playing, prices can dip under $20 for non-rivals. Public parking lots are located on the South side of campus. Gameday parking will be available in Lot E off Montgomery Road, and any lot labeled P. There is a charge of a $20 fee for any of these lots. Extras 3 The Cintas Center earns a point for the decorations throughout the concourse, honoring the school's past. It earns an additional point for the Hoopy Hour, where concession prices or slashed a couple of bucks. The third point is awarded to the student section that is on its feet throughout the entire game. The fourth point is to The Blue Bob, one of the most unusual but endearing mascots in college sports. ---- Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel . Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Eric Moreno, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 Circuit of the Americas 9201 Circuit of the Americas Blvd Austin, TX 78617 Circuit of the Americas website EchoPark Texas Grand Prix website Year Opened: 2012 Capacity: 120,000 Circuit of the Americas – EchoPark Texas Grand Prix Envisioned as becoming the premiere motorsports racing facility in the United States, the Circuit of the Americas (COTA) first broke ground on the outskirts of Austin, Texas in 2010 and was opened to the public in 2012. The complex encompasses 1,500 acres and features the 3.41 mile racetrack, Germania Insurance Amphiteater , and Bold Stadium . It has been the site for the Formula 1 US Grand Prix, the MotoGP Red Bull Grand Prix of the Americas, and also serves as the home of the Austin Bold and the Austin Gilgronis of the United Soccer League and Major League Rugby, respectively. In 2020 it was announced that COTA would add an official NASCAR race to its calendar beginning in 2021. The EchoPark Texas Grand Prix would feature races as part of the Camping World Truck Series, Xfinity Series, and Cup Series. A storm blew in from the Gulf of Mexico and put a slight damper on the first major event in Austin since the State of Texas eased its COVID-19 restrictions, however, while the torrential downpour put a damper on the festivities and cut the race short, it did not affect the enthusiasm of the NASCAR faithful that showed up for this historic race. Food & Beverage 5 The food and beverage scene at COTA is nothing short of spectacular. This was my first trip to a NASCAR event and the experience to me was something akin to a cross between a State Fair and a big-time college football game. This is especially true for the food and drink scene. As you enter the main gate, the entire concourse area is filled with food trucks, carnival rides, NASCAR memorabilia trucks, sponsor displays, etc. When it comes to food and drinks, these are, as mentioned, very reminiscent of fairground foods. You can get your funnel cakes, your turkey legs and corn dogs, as well as beer and soft drinks. COTA Concessions, Photo by Eric Moreno, Stadium Journey There are lots of other specialized options to choose from with the food trucks – if you’re adventurous, be on the lookout for Pineapple Ninjaz . As you venture onto the grounds, there are also pop-up stands and food carts selling barbecue, pizza (be on the lookout for Austin staple Southside Flying Pizza at their multiple locations on track grounds), tacos (another Austin favorite, Torchy’s Tacos has a stand), burgers, chicken fingers, nachos, and more. There are also “traditional” concessions kiosks near the main grandstand. Be forewarned that for the rest of 2021 (at least), all the food and beverage operators will be accepting payments by credit and debit card only. Atmosphere 4 The overall look and feel of the event was something I’d never experienced before. Carnival-like is the best way I can describe it. While the weather did all it could to not cooperate, the attendance was still spectacular (more on that in the Fans section). Parking was completely sold out by the third day of racing, including in the RV/camping lots, as legions of motor homes and recreational vehicles filled the grounds of the five parking lots on-site. NASCAR fans are passionate about their sport and their drivers, and this shows up in the stands and on the grounds during race days. Again, the weather did not cooperate, and one has to wonder what it would have been like without any rain. However, those who did show up (and it has been reported that the crowd was anywhere between 40,000 and 50,000) really added to the energy and the excitement of the day. For more seasoned race fans, this might be old hat, but for a newbie like myself, it was awfully impressive. Neighborhood 3 COTA was built in kind of an out-of-the-way location. Much of the surrounding area is rural farmland and industrial businesses. However, the track is only 15-20 minutes from Downtown Austin and all its splendor. Live music, college bars, great restaurants, historical sites, shopping, outdoor activities – it’s all there for visitors in the capital of Texas. When it comes to dining, some of the finest restaurants not only in Texas, but in the country can be found in downtown Austin. Some of my personal favorites include the legendary Franklin BBQ , which routinely earns the crown as the best barbecue joint in the state. It specializes in true Texas barbecue, and lines form literally at the crack of dawn to get in before they sell out. Another personal fave is the oldest restaurant in the state, Scholtz Garten , which serves up old-school German food in honor of some of the region’s original pioneers. In terms of activities, Austin (as mentioned) has everything you could possibly want to do both before and after your trip to COTA. Austin is the live music capital of Texas, and you can find someone playing in just about every joint in town on almost every night. There are also tons of other options for activities for visitors to Austin – for those looking to learn more about Texas’ storied history, the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum is a multi-story immersive museum that tells the complete story of the state from prehistoric times through the Texas Revolution and on into modern times; it is a must-see for history buffs. For outdoor enthusiasts, Lady Bird Lake (named for the former First Lady) offers hiking and biking trails, watercraft rentals (kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, etc.), and more. With the weather usually temperate year-round in Austin, this is the go-to place to be outside in Austin. It also gives you a view at dusk for the Congress Avenue Bridge bats that come out every night from around mid-March through early November. Austin is home to the largest urban colony of Mexican freetail bats in the world with over 1.5 million calling the Congress Avenue bridge home. It’s really a breathtaking site to be hold. Fans 5 NASCAR fans are a passionate bunch, pretty much in the same vein as college football and soccer fans. They care deeply about their sport and their favorite driver/drivers. As mentioned, the expected final crowd was about 40,00-50,000 for the races, which is easily the largest non-football game sporting event crowd I’ve experienced. Despite the weather and despite the current coronavirus precautions, the fans showed up in force. It was impressive to see the massive camping field filled end-to-end with campers and RVs. It was also impressive to see all the signage and paraphernalia (hats, T-shirts, etc.) being sported for specific drivers. Everywhere that there could be fans, there were fans – in the stands, on the grounds, in the hills overlooking the track, in the bridges crossing over the track, everywhere. The fans cheered for the winners and gasped in concern at wrecks and spinouts. They are a great crowd and if this is typical of NASCAR events, it surely must add to the energy, excitement, and spectacle of all races the way it did for this one. Access 3 As was previously mentioned, it is a little tricky to get to COTA for races. If you’re driving, it is about 15-20 minutes from downtown Austin, or about an hour and 45 minutes from San Antonio. The closest highway is state highway 130, which is a toll road. If you are flying in, the track is actually not that far from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport . Public transportation doesn’t head out to COTA, so your only options other than driving yourself are rideshare services. Once on-site, parking is technically limited (there are five lots with ample parking, but they did fill up on the Sunday race day) but is free on race days. When you get on the grounds, there will be a ton of walking; I recommend taking advantage of as many of the free shuttle services (they do work for tips though) as possible so you minimize the racing action you miss. Return on Investment 4 General admission tickets for the COTA NASCAR event are $50 per person with reserved and VIP seating ranging from $90-$125. Concessions are also a little on the higher side as well (a slice of pizza from Southside Flying will run you about $12). In addition, the carnival/midway gaming area all run on tickets, which need to be purchased with cash. If you were looking to do it up right with the family at the races, it will cost you a pretty penny even with parking being free. Still, the racing should help balance out the cost, as you’re getting a full weekend of events with the top drivers on all three NASCAR circuits. Extras 5 This section is where COTA truly excels on race day. In addition to all the games, carnival rides, memorabilia and paraphernalia stands, interactive experiences, and great food and drink options, there is still even more built into your experience at COTA. The centerpiece of the track is its signature observation tower. It can be seen from miles away, looming like a giant over the track. Not only does it add a great look, with its observation deck jutting out into the sky and its double helix staircases invoking something from the future, but it is also allows for visitors to ride to the top and watch the races from a bird’s eye view. COTA also boasts a go-kart track that runs throughout the day in front of the main grandstand even when there aren’t races going on. The experience gives visitors the opportunity to say they raced at COTA, which would make for a great story to tell anyone. One last thing to keep an eye out for is the #COTA sign in front of Bold Stadium. This is a prime selfie/photo op spot, as visitors are invited to fill in the “T” with their own body while taking their photos. Just look for the large crowds waiting to take their turn and you won’t be able to miss it. Follow Eric Moreno’s Stadium Journey on Twitter at @EricMoreno6477 . Visit Eric Moreno’s writer’s portfolio site at ericmoreno.contently.com .

Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 City Ground Pavillion Rd. Nottingham, England NG2 5FJ United Kingdom Nottingham Forest website City Ground website Year Opened: 1898 Capacity: 30,576 The City Ground, Nottingham Forest Soaking in tradition, history and success, Nottingham Forest are one of the sleeping giants of English football. Under the legendary leadership of Brian Clough – who now has a stand named after him – the club won 11 trophies between 1978 and 1991. Since those halcyon days, the club’s fortunes have dwindled, remaining outside of the Premier League for the last decade or so. The first official football match was played by the club in 1866 and they settled at the City Ground in 1898 after a nomadic period in which the club hopped between various grounds in the city. The refurbishment of the Trent End represents the most recent development of the ground, raising its capacity to the current level in preparation for being a host ground as part of England’s hosting of the 1996 European Championships. Plans were mooted for a re-development of the ground in light of England’s bid for the 2018 World Cup. However, the bid’s failure has put paid to this for the near future. Food & Beverage 3 There isn’t a great deal to be excited about with the normal cheap (at least by football’s standards) and cheerful fare on offer. A portion of chips can be purchased in the perimeter of the ground for £2. Once inside, a combo of hot dog, crisps and a drink is on offer for £5.40 while a pint of lager is £3.40. Luckily, there are much better options available to you in the nearby city centre. Bear in mind that, as with Premier League grounds, you cannot take alcohol into the arena. Atmosphere 3 Nottingham Forest appears to be one of a phalanx of clubs that has fallen victim to creating a manufactured atmosphere by blaring out a flurry of music through the loudspeakers. The fans were treated to an eclectic blend of U2, Underworld and the theme tune of the British version of The Apprentice. Luckily, this is a ground that still retains an intimately authentic hue and this created a fine atmosphere as the game progressed and the music died. Before the game, the ground – situated on the South Bank of the River Trent – made things relatively idyllic. A rip-roaring victory for Forest didn’t do any harm either. Neighborhood 4 On route to the ground, you should discover a diverse range of eating and drinking options. If you want something more upmarket, the Riverbank restaurant offers three courses for £17 with the City Ground only a 10 minute stroll away. In the city centre, I picked up a delightful Ostrich burger at The Ostrich Grill for £3.50 which is no more than you will pay for a burger at the ground. Moreover, you can have certainty that it is actually made of meat. In the immediate vicinity of the ground, the Southbank bar on the corner was predictably brimming with activity. It was naturally the place to go for those looking for a quick pre-match refreshment. Do remember that all pubs near the ground should be assumed to be for home fans only. Away fans generally recommend a visit to the Olde Trip to Jerusalem 12th century pub for a charming and enlightening drink before the game. Fans 4 The fans were in fine voice, buoyed by Forest’s elevated position in the Championship table and the eventfulness of the game. Furthermore, the visitors on this occasion were Leicester City meaning it was a local derby. Thus the traveling support was healthy which always contributes to the fervour during the game. Access 4 The public transport links are frequent and consummate. Nottingham rail station is just a 20 minute walk from the ground. Once outside the station, signs for the City Ground will be almost immediately visible. If traveling by air, East Midlands Airport will be your nearest destination. Do note that parking is not available at the ground itself on match days. Finding a space nearby shouldn’t be a problem however provided that you arrive early. The official club website offers a detailed guide to all the available options. Return on Investment 4 Adult tickets vary between £20 and £30 with prices separated into various categories depending on the quality of opposition Forest are playing – this is a common procedure at English clubs. Under 18 tickets are £12 while Under 12s can enter for £6. Forest’s prices are not terribly out of sync with their contemporaries. For a visit to the home of one of English football’s most historic clubs set against the backdrop of one the country’s most vibrant cities, you will certainly get a return on your investment. Extras 3 There is not a great deal to speak of here, at least during the game. An LCD display gives you information relating to the match as the game progresses as well as displaying birthday messages. Official programmes, which are always an excellent souvenir, are available for £3. Stadium tours are offered on the last Friday of every month, costing £6 for adults and £2 for children, offering a fine opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich history of the club.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Community Field 2712 Mt Pleasant St Burlington, IA 52601 Burlington Bees website Community Field website Year Opened: 1947 Capacity: 3,200 Small Town Baseball in Iowa Burlington, Iowa, has the distinction of being the smallest city in full-season minor-league baseball. The town of 25,000 nestled on the banks of the Mississippi River has been home to professional baseball since 1889 and for the majority of the last 130 years, has hosted a ball club of some type. The most popular nickname is the Bees which was first used in 1924 and has been the name of the current Burlington Bees club in the Midwest League since 1993. The home of the Bees is Community Field, a facility that has had an interesting history since debuting in 1947. The 3,200-capacity ballpark’s original grandstand burnt down on June 9, 1971, but no games were lost due to temporary bleachers being installed. The ballpark would be rebuilt in time for the 1973 season. The stadium was upgraded in 1999, including new bleachers and box seating, the elevation of the party deck, and an upgraded scoreboard. This was followed by a much more extensive 2005 renovation that made use of more than $1 million from the Vision Iowa fund. The changes resulted in a fully covered and expanded main concourse, a new press box, a new outer brick facade with wrought iron gates, and a separate building to house team offices, a ticket office, and a team store. The cost of the renovation came in at about $3 million. The ballpark’s most distinguishable feature and what makes it unique to any other ballpark in the country is the canopy that arches over the main concourse behind the grandstand and the first few rows of the grandstand seating itself. Perhaps the ballpark’s other distinct feel is the hometown atmosphere from the small concession stand, affordable pricing, the friendly banter among fans, and the hospitality by the Bees front office. To many, this is what the minor league ballpark should be all about during the spring and summer months. Food & Beverage 4 Surprisingly, there is quite a bit of food that most baseball fans will not find at other stadiums in the country at Community Field. The majority of the menu items are featured at the main concession stand behind the grandstand and most items are well-priced. The Lippy Dog is a must if you happen to be at a game from Thursday to Sunday. The item is made from a giant fried chicken tenderloin that is dipped in buffalo sauce and then served on a hot dog bun with either blue cheese or ranch dressing. The Lippy Dog is the Bees take on the chicken lip, the same item that is served on a stick instead of a bun throughout the state. The price is $5 for an item not found at any other stadium. Another take on an Iowa favorite is the Bees-Rite sandwich which is the club’s take on a Maid-Rite sandwich. The loose-meat hamburger is best enjoyed with pickles, onions, and mustard. The Bees version seems a bit more glued together but equally tasty, even better is that it costs $4. Iowa is also known for pork tenderloin sandwiches, a flattened piece of pork that is breaded and fried and served on a very small bun. Some tenderloins are big enough to share with someone you are at the game with. The cost is $6. The concession stand offers both chicken and hog wings baskets for $7, a hog wing is a pork shank that I first tried last year at a Reading Fightin Phils game. There are also chicken strip baskets, brats, Chicago dogs, corn dogs, cheeseburgers, and hot dogs. There are also macho nachos and taco ‘n bag. You can wash all of these tasty treats down with Pepsi products. The beer selection includes a variety of domestic beers from Budweiser, Coors, and Miller. Coors Banquet, Mich Ultra, and Pabst Blue Ribbon are also included at $4 for a 16-ounce can. A few premium brands will cost you .50 cents more and include Blue Moon, Bud Light Lime, White Claw, Red’s Apple Ale, and Smirnoff wine coolers. Two craft beers are on tap: 6-4-3 Double Play Brew and Kölsch-45 for $5 a pint. Atmosphere 3 The ballpark is small, quaint, and just how you might remember minor league ball from your youth. The grass parking lot offers plenty of space in front of the stadium and small ticket booths are housed by friendly staff who tell you to enjoy the game. There are a few more greeters at the wrought iron gates on both sides of the building that spell out the team’s nickname. The concession stand, team offices, bathrooms, and a small team store that houses every game day program in team history and a trophy case are located in the same building and underneath the large canopy. The area features the four-team championship banners won by the Bees and perhaps the official team mascot Buzz can be seen posing for photos. The grandstand is made up of a majority of bleacher-style seating except for the first four rows of box seating. The party deck located on the first baseline is raised ten feet above the field and features Stingerz Landing which offers four box seats with half-moon tables. The scoreboard just tells the score and does not include a video board and ads fill up the outfield fencing of the field. Homers @ Third is a social and bar area down the third baseline where many conjugate to enjoy a beer or two while viewing the game. The area is slightly lower than the playing field and many lean up against the wooden fence. The area features table tops and stools and is quite busy on Thirsty Thursdays. Neighborhood 2 The ballpark is located in a residential neighborhood and about 3 miles from downtown along the Mississippi River. The Catfish Bend Casino has located two blocks from the ballpark; the casino includes a water park, go-karts, an arcade, and bowling for the kids. There are also bars, restaurants, a spa, and a golf course for adults. If you stay at the hotel, it includes free tickets to the Bees game. A few more places near the ballpark are Dillons BBQ (pulled pork, brisket, and baby back ribs), Lips to Go (chicken lips and even a chicken lip pizza), Maid-Rite (loose meat sandwich), and Gators Grill and Sports Bar (pub food and drinks). Fans 3 There is a collection of fans who reside at Homer's @ Third and share a few stories about the history of the club along with the ballpark itself. There are also a few fans who travel 200 miles round trip to watch the Bees. There is also Dancin’ Bobby who dances to every song that is played over the PA system in between innings. The average attendance for games is around 900 and is among the lowest in all of full-season minor-league baseball. That is not surprising due to the town’s population and the three other Midwest League franchises within 117 miles of Community Field. Access 4 Community Field is located on Mt Pleasant Road about half a mile north of the intersection of Route 34 and 61. The stadium offers a free grass parking lot and once inside, most of the ballpark’s essentials (bathrooms, concession stand, and team store) are located behind the press box and grandstand on the main concourse. Return on Investment 5 The price of a general admission ticket is $8, reserve tickets are $9, and box seats are $10. The ball club offers seating on Stingers Landing that sell for $48 and includes 4-box seats with half-moon tables. The parking is free of charge and concession items include affordable pricing and regional items. The cost of a general admission ticket, a hot dog, pop, and popcorn are $2 on Monday nights. Tuesdays are 2 for 1 and Thirsty Thursdays include two domestic beers for $6. There are also specials on Bud and Busch Light on Friday evening games. Extras 4 Community Field earns a point for its roof that creates a focal point at the ballpark and gives the facility its signature look. Another point for Homers @ Third is that features some of the club's most ardent fans plus a few regulars who enjoy hanging out with friends during the game. A third point for the small-town atmosphere that can only be achieved in a town like Burlington and reminds many of us what minor league baseball once was a few short years ago. The fourth and final point is for the friendly staff that engages in stories either at the concession stand or in the gift shop. Final Thoughts Community Field is a rare treat in the world of minor league baseball and fits in a sort of like a square peg with many of the other ballparks in the Midwest League; however, that is fine, since sometimes it’s nice to attend a baseball game where the action on the diamond is the focal point and childhood memories can conjure through 9 innings of baseball. ---- Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel . Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Constantine Arena 7 Navy Way Kingston, ON K7K 7B4 Royal Military College Paladins website Constantine Arena website Year Opened: 1960 Capacity: 1,500 Under a Canuck’s Protection There is something just a bit more special when watching a college sporting event that involves a military service academy. In the United States Army, Navy and Air Force have a special bond with the fans. In Canada, the military service academy is at a significantly smaller scale. Royal Military College of Canada is located in Kingston, Ontario and competes in the newly rebranded University Sports Canada in the Ontario conference or OUA. The enrollment at RMC is extremely small at just under 1,000 students and the school was established in 1876. Although the sporting options and enrollment at the school has decreased significantly over the years, the premiere team for the RMC Paladins is the ice hockey team. Having iced a team since 1884, the Paladins maintain significant rivalries with the cross-town Queen’s Gaels and Army West Point, who they have played annually since. The hockey team makes their home at Constantine Arena, just across the road from the campus of RMC. Although Constantine may seem pretty ordinary there is something that jumps out at the casual fan right away. In front of the area is a fighter jet. A decommissioned Avro CF-100 Canuck stands guard in front of the arena and Kingston Military Recreation Centre. Other than that, Constantine Arena is sure to bring Canadians back to their own childhood playing minor hockey in one of those simple and cold areas. Food & Beverage 1 A culinary experience at Constantine Arena you will not find. The prevailing strategy at Constantine is BYOTH, or bring your own Tim Hortons. The Tims on the nearby Canadian Forces Base Kingston is a good spot to stop before getting to the game. If you insist on purchasing food at the arena, then you better have some change as vending machines are the only option in the arena. Keep in mind that the arena temperature is quite cold and of the vending machines that you will find in Constantine, none of them sell hot beverages. Atmosphere 2 Constantine Arena is a bit of a throwback, but not in a classic arena sort of way. What Constantine will do, is bring Canadians back to their own days playing minor hockey as kids. Constantine Arena is located across the street from the beautiful campus of RMC. It is a fairly non-descript building that is in the same area as the Kingston Military Community Sports Complex. Immediately, patrons will notice the retired Avro CF-100 Canuck outside of the arena. At the very least, the Canuck brings attention to a building that otherwise requires none. The main entry to Constantine is around what seems like the back of the building. There is also a retired tank behind the building. The exterior is fairly bland with some red brick and siding. Upon entry, fans will notice two things immediately. First, patrons can’t help but notice just how small the arena is. There is not a ton of space in Constantine outside of the main ice surface. Second, fans can’t help but notice how cold the arena is. It is these two items that will bring fans back to their own childhood. It is actually so cold in Constantine that the glass along the boards is often foggy. This is not a big deal as the seating area, five rows of bleacher benches, are all above the glass level. There is netting all around the arena so there is no worry of being hit by a puck. The height of the grandstand combined with the small nature of the arena means that fans are right on top of the action in a pretty unique perspective. The ice surface is west to east orientation with the seating on the south side. The west side of the arena has the simple scoreboard and to the left of it, the first of a number of military flags. The lone flag on the west side is the Canadian Army Flag. On the north side there are also a number of other military flags for various branches of the military including the Intelligence Branch, Royal Canadian Electrical and Mechanical Engineers and Canadian Military Engineers. Finally, on the west side is the lone player banner for Steve Molaski who played for the Paladins from 1983-1988 and scored 205 career points. He is the career scoring leader for RMC. The game day production is extremely simple with nothing much outside of the regular PA announcements that are made during the game. The PA system in Constantine is pretty terrible and at the game being reviewed, one of the two speakers in the arena stopped working. The Paladins need to do more to really make Constantine Arena a true home. RMC has played hockey since 1884 and have a rich history. The Paladins need to do more to show off their vast history in Constantine, especially their special rivalry games with Army West Point. Neighbourhood 5 RMC and Constantine Arena are located just on the other side of the bay, a minute or two from Downtown Kingston. On the south side of LaSalle Causeway is the campus of the Royal Military College of Canada. It is beautiful campus right on the bay. If you are looking for an even better view of downtown and the campus, head up the hill to Fort Henry. At the very least this vantage point offers a wonderful view of RMC and downtown Kingston. Fort Henry also runs tours and a number of events in the summertime. Across the bridge of the LaSalle Causeway is Downtown Kingston. There you will find a number of things to do and places to eat. The Rogers K-Rock Centre, home of the Kingston Frontenacs of the OHL is right there. If you travel west of downtown, you will hit the campus of Queen’s University. Queen’s fields competitive programs in football at Richardson Stadium , basketball at the Athletics and Recreation Centre and hockey at the Kingston Memorial Centre . You may also want to check out Bellevue House, the home of the first Canadian Prime Minister, Sir John A. Macdonald. On campus, you may also find the RMC Museum interesting. There are a ton of places to get a pre or post game meal in downtown Kingston. Just before heading to the game, hit the Tim Hortons on CFB Kingston to get your coffee or hot chocolate before entering the arena. The Toucan, Chez Piggy, Sir John’s Public House, the Merchant Tap House and a number of national and international chain restaurants are all right downtown for you to choose from. There are a few hotels right downtown to choose from also. The Delta Waterfront, Holiday Inn and Confederation Place are good choices and are right by the waterfront. Fans 2 Having an enrollment of just over 1,000 students gives RMC a distinct handicap. The last few years have seen the Paladins struggle to get in the win column. Combine that with competition from cross-town rival Queen’s and the Kingston Frontenacs and you will realize that RMC also struggles at the gate. Keeping in mind that Canadian college hockey generally struggles to draw a strong following and you will see that in reality RMC is not that far off other programs. Typically drawing between 100 and 200 fans, the Paladins are not making waves in the conference, but there are also a number of programs that draw similar fan support. The fans in attendance are tried and true and define die-hard. Considering that the capacity for Constantine Arena is greater than the enrollment at RMC, it would be interesting to see if the Paladins could draw all of the cadets out to see the home side play. That would be a pretty fantastic fan atmosphere. Access 3 Getting in and around Constantine is not too difficult. RMC is located at the crossing of the LaSalle Causeway to downtown Kingston. It is at the southern point of the city and a fair distance from highway 401, the main highway in Southern Ontario. That being said, travelers coming in from out of town will have to travel through a significant part of the city to get to campus. Usually this isn’t terrible, but numerous lights and cross streets can make for slow going. If you are interested in public transit, there are bus stops along LaSalle Causeway and Navy Way. Also, the red Kingston Trolley makes a specific stop at RMC, so getting to the arena should not be a problem. There is no real box office at Constantine. Upon entry to the arena on game day, fans will be met by a student working the door at a temporary table to sell tickets. Cash is the way to go and you will be granted admission, but no physical ticket exists. Getting in and around Constantine can be fun. The grandstand is higher than ice level, requiring patrons to take a flight of stairs up. Handicapped patrons will be required to remain at ice level. Washrooms can be a bit precarious to find, but considering the low number of fans in attendance, getting in and out of the washroom is not too difficult. Return on Investment 5 Some of the above categories may make it seem like Paladins hockey is not the way to go. However, Paladins hockey does offer the cheapest ticket around. Adult admission is a mere $5 and there are discounts for military and kids. Although some areas of the return may not be the greatest, the investment is so small that it makes it really difficult to complain about RMC Paladins hockey. You can’t even rent a movie from your cable company for the cost of a Paladins ticket. Extras 2 An extra mark just for being a Military Service Academy. An extra mark for the staying power of RMC hockey, having remained around since 1884. Final Thoughts It’s true that Constantine Arena is not the nicest arena in University Sports Canada. It’s true that the Royal Military College Paladins are often hamstrung with regards to putting a competitive team on the ice. However, it’s also true that there is something about going to see a game where the national anthem means a little bit more and the knowledge that the players in red and white are making a bit more of a commitment. There’s something about watching a game under the regal military flags and under the watchful eye of a Canuck. RMC Paladins hockey will bring you back to your minor hockey playing days at a price that is ridiculously low. Paladins hockey, although not a destination item, is definitely worth a look if you are in Kingston. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on Twitter @profan9 and on Instagram .

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.28 Cool Insuring Arena 1 Civic Center Plaza Glens Falls, NY 12801 Adirondack Thunder website Cool Insuring Arena website Year Opened: 1979 Capacity: 4,744 Third League’s a Charm? Surely you will understand if the hockey fans of the upstate New York town of Glens Falls have become somewhat jaded. This small town of 14,700 residents built an arena in 1979 to house the top farm team of the Detroit Red Wings. After 20 years and four Calder Cup Championships, the Red Wings folded the team and moved their affiliation to Grand Rapids. The United Hockey League’s Adirondack IceHawks (later renamed the Frostbite) moved into the Civic Center in 2000. The Frostbite suspended operations in 2006, and it looked like the Civic Center had seen the end of professional hockey in Glens Falls. The city and arena got a second chance when the Philadelphia Flyers, looking for a temporary home for their American Hockey League Phantoms, placed the team in Glens Falls in 2009. What was originally planned to be a two-year stay in New York turned into five seasons. The overwhelming support given to the Phantoms by Glens Falls made the city a legitimate option for teams looking for a minor league home. The Calgary Flames stepped in with their AHL affiliate for the 2014-2015 season. The Flames signed a three-year agreement with the Civic Center, but from day one, there were rumors that the Flames would be part of a group of western conference teams that would move their affiliates to a new, Pacific Division of the AHL. This Pacific Division became a reality for the 2015-2016 season, leaving the Glens Falls Civic Center once again without an AHL tenant. Luckily, the building did not go without a team for long. The Flames placed their ECHL team in Glens Falls, christening them the Adirondack Thunder. With the Flames organization’s dismal track record in keeping their farm teams in one place for any significant period, only time will tell if Glens Falls third different minor league will have any staying power. So far, Adirondack hockey fans appear to be taking a ‘wait and see’ approach. Food & Beverage 3 Concession stands are set up in each corner of the arena, with each stand featuring a different theme (Pie in the Sky Pizza, Hot Dog Nation, Black Angus, and Fresh Classics). The menus don’t stray very far from your typical arena fare, and the prices are typical for this level of hockey. You won’t get any gourmet offerings here, but you also won’t need to take out a mortgage to feed yourself at a Flames game, either. There is a decent selection of beers available in bottles at the main stands and draft stands located throughout the concourse. Bud Light, Shock Top, Stella Artois, Labatt’s, and craft brews from local favorite Davidson Brothers can all be found here. Prices start at eight dollars. Thunder fans seeking non-alcoholic beverages can choose from various Pepsi products. Davidson Brothers also operate a pub in Heritage Hall, located underneath the stands during game nights. The Birch room, also located in Heritage Hall, offers a space for birthday parties, events, and buffet-style meals for fans before Friday and Saturday night games. The Ice Lounge, located here, offers discounted drink specials to season ticket holders. Unfortunately, the arrival of the Thunder meant the exit of the classic flaming “A” logo sported by the Adirondack Flames. Fans looking for Thunder merchandise will find a small area of the lobby set aside for sales of the new squad’s gear. Atmosphere 3 The Glens Falls Civic Center has a wonderful old-school feel to it. Part of that feeling is because the arena lacks many of the modern amenities that so many of the newer rinks possess. The center scoreboard is the old dot-matrix style of unit, and two large video screens hang in opposite corners of the rink. One of the highlights of attending a game at the Glens Falls Civic Center in the past was the noise and excitement generated in the old barn. While very little has changed in the game day presentation from the days of the Phantoms and Flames, the atmosphere at the GFCC feels very different this year (2015-2016). While there are still some old-school fans who try to make their presence felt with their non-stop heckling of the opposing team and officials, for the most part fans seem quieter and more subdued than in years past. Perhaps with some on-ice success and continued presence in the community, the team can regain the support of Glens Falls hockey fans. The Thunder employ a mascot, Gunnar, who isn’t too much of a presence during the game, and an ice crew who also take some time to throw t-shirts into the crowd. The team offers 50/50 raffles and jersey raffles to benefit local charities. Overall, the Glens Falls Civic Center and the Thunder put on a very family-friendly event. Neighborhood 4 The Civic Center is located right on the edge of downtown and is easy to get to from all parts of Glens Falls. I know what you may be thinking, what kind of downtown can there be in a town of 15,000? Despite the city’s small size, there are a surprising number of places to eat within walking distance of the Civic Center. Local establishments such as Dango’s, Davidson Brothers, Sandy’s Clam Bar, Sully’s West, and O’Toole’s Pub all attract Adirondack hockey fans before and after games. Fans who visit Glens Falls during hockey season may choose to travel a couple of hours north to the ski areas of the Adirondacks. Hockey historians will be drawn to Lake Placid, home of the 1980 “Miracle on Ice.” During the summer months, the nearby village of Lake George is a popular tourist attraction. Fans 2 Adirondack is averaging a shade over 2,400 fans per game two-thirds through their inaugural season in the ECHL, which ranks them 27th out of the 28 teams in the league. This mark also represents a decrease of 33 percent from their attendance in their final AHL season. Fans in this region are passionate and knowledgeable about their teams, so there is hope that they will return to the GFCC. Some fans at the Civic Center may be a little too loud and vulgar, but their passion is contagious throughout the building. Many fans choose to stand along the railing at the top of the seating bowl throughout the game. With the steep pitch of the stands, it’s a great vantage point from which to take in the game. Access 4 The Glens Falls Civic Center is located in downtown Glens Falls, just a couple of miles from Interstate 87, at the intersections of Routes 9 and 32. While the Greater Glens Falls Transit Company has several routes that serve downtown, most fans drive to the Civic Center for games. There are numerous lots within walking distance of the arena, most charging under $10. There are also many options for on-street parking nearby for fans who arrive early. There isn’t a whole lot of room to maneuver once inside the Civic Center. There is a small entry lobby that contains a concession stand, the New York State Basketball Hall of Fame, and the Adirondack Hockey Hall of Fame. Pass through two sets of doors and you will enter the top of the sharply-pitched seating bowl. There is a single concourse that circles the top of the seating bowl. This walkway can become quite crowded at times, but crowds move around without too much backup. There are restrooms located underneath the seating area which are accessible by stairs at all four corners of the building. Return on Investment 3 Tickets to Adirondack Thunder games range in price from $15-$27, which is a small increase over prices charged last year. Purchasing your tickets on game day will cost you an extra two dollars. Youth tickets can be purchased for $13 and $15 on game days. Since charging more money for a lower level of hockey may not be the best business strategy, the Thunder have come up with some ways for fans to save some money. Buy one get one deal and reduced ticket specials on selected games have been instituted. Factor in inexpensive parking and concessions, and the Adirondack Thunder continue to be an affordable entertainment option for local hockey fans. Extras 2 An extra point is awarded to the Adirondack Hockey Hall of Fame and the New York State Basketball Hall of Fame, which are both located on the concourse outside of the seating bowl. Another extra point is awarded for the Calder Cup Championship Banners still hanging from the rafters of the Civic Center 15 years after the Red Wings left town. Final Thoughts Adirondack hockey fans have been slow to embrace the Thunder and AA hockey after many years in the AHL. The team has stepped up its community presence and the organization is beginning to understand that it will take increased effort to bring local hockey fans back to the Glens Falls Civic Center. The GFCC is a great old hockey barn, and having a stable tenant occupying the building should go a long way toward ensuring a successful franchise after so many years of uncertainty. ---- Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter @PuckmanRI .