Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Kunkel Aquatic Center / McGinness Pool 650 College Ave Lancaster, PA 17603 Franklin & Marshall Diplomats website Kunkel/McGinness website Year Opened: 1995 Capacity: 480 A Diplomatic Court Franklin & Marshall College (“F&M”) is a private college in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. It was established in 1787. The school was originally named for Benjamin Franklin, but in 1836 it was merged with a college named for the fourth Chief Justice of the United States John Marshall. Famous alumni include Roy Scheider, Treat Williams, and the late Commissioner of Baseball, Bowie Kuhn. The college’s sports teams are called the Diplomats and mainly compete in the Centennial Conference at the NCAA Division III level. McGinness Pool is part of the Kunkel Aquatic Center. According to the school: "The Kunkel Aquatic Center is the premier aquatic facility in the Mid-Atlantic region and one of the most impressive facilities in all of Division III. It hosts championships at the collegiate, high school, and numerous age-group levels. The 21,200 square-foot facility houses the 25-yard x 50-meter McGinness Pool with a 480-seat spectator gallery. It features two varsity locker rooms, and two public locker rooms and has a state-of-the-art UV purification system that allows for lower chlorine levels in the pool. This results in better air quality and less impact to the swimmers from higher chlorine levels." Before 1995, the F&M swimming teams competed in Fackenthal Pool, which opened in 1931 near the center of campus and has since been incorporated into the Roschel Performing Arts Center. Food & Beverage 1 There are no food offerings in the facility except for a couple of vending machines. Atmosphere 3 The aquatic center is very impressive. The seating area sounds like it would be small at only 480 seats, but that is plenty big enough for fans to enjoy and provide some cheering. Most fans are family or friends, but that does not mean it isn't full of joyful atmosphere. Outside the swim facility is a Hall of Fame and some trophy cases. Neighborhood 3 The college is located just north of downtown, right near Clipper Magazine Stadium. There are many shops and restaurants right near the stadium. The Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant and The Fridge are some great options within easy walking distance. Besides downtown, the main commercial areas of the Lancaster area are the outlet’s area east on Route 30 and surrounding the Park City Center Shopping Mall north of downtown. Fans 2 This is truly a friends and family-only type of sports venue. Access 4 Lancaster is an easy area to navigate. Routes 30 and 222 are large roads that any tourist visiting the area will be more than familiar with. Even though the college is located in a busy town, you will seldom find traffic to be too bad. Lancaster is located about half an hour from the state capital Harrisburg. It is also about an hour and a half to Baltimore and the same distance to Philadelphia. There are many parking spaces around the college. Return on Investment 5 There is no price to attend sporting events at Franklin & Marshall. Extras 2 The trophy cases have some interesting sports history in them. Check out neighboring Clipper Magazine Stadium before or after the match to see a nice quality independent league baseball stadium. Final Thoughts Kunkel Aquatic Center, and the McGinness Pool, is a truly impressive facility at which to enjoy some swimming competitions.

Photos by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Pechanga Arena 3500 Sports Arena Blvd San Diego, CA 92110 Map It San Diego Seals website Pechanga Arena website Year Opened: 1966 Capacity: 12,920 Seals Lax The San Diego Seals are members of the National Lacrosse League (NL L), beginning play in the 2018-2019 season.  They have been successful, enjoying winning seasons since their inception.  In their five years of play (the NLL was cancelled during the pandemic), they have made it to the playoffs four times and to the second round twice.  They have not yet made it to the finals. The Seals play their home games at Pechanga Arena in the Midway District of San Diego, CA.   Pechanga Arena also hosts the San Diego Gulls (AHL hockey).  It is also home to a variety of other entertainment such as concerts, Disney on Ice, Harlem Globetrotters, and more.  A busy and popular Kobey’s Swap Meet is held every weekend in the parking lot of the arena.    Built in 1966, the arena is set up to be functiona l,  no t like th e whiz-bang marvels built these days for sports facilities.  It serves the Seals well from a fan perspective. There’s been talk of building a new arena on the same site as the existing one.  The proposition also includes an entertainment district (shops, dining, urban parks, etc.) and affordable housing.  We’ll keep our eyes open for any progress on this proposal. Food & Beverage 3 The arena has a decent number of concessions; many serve only adult beverages. Some are closed as the lacrosse team does not draw as many fans as the hockey team or concerts.   Be sure to walk the entire concourse to find the open concession stands and carts th at match  your taste buds. Pizza Port slices (cheese, pepperoni, jalapeno pepperoni, BBQ chicken) run $9 - $9.75.  Arena Grill serves hot dogs, hamburgers, vegan sausages and burgers, chicken baskets, nachos, fries, etc.   Nicolosi’s (Italian) sells meatball mac and cheese, 6” meatball hero, vegan mac and cheese ($13 - $18), as well as traditional fare and beverages. Small kiosks include lemonade, mini donuts, hand-dipped corn dogs, caramel apples, yummy-looking frozen dipped bananas, and Dippin’ Dots. Bottled sodas (Coca-Cola brands), water, iced tea, Monster Energy, and Powerade cost $6 - $7. A Cutwater Cocktail Bar, Elysian Brewing Company, and Breitbard’s Tap Haus have vast selections of beers on tap and in cans (domestic and local craft).  Local craft includes brews from Eppig, Golden Road, Karl Strauss, Kona, Pizza Port, Stone, and Elysian, and cost $18.  Many stands have cocktails and wines ($16 - $18). Pechanga Arena Breitbard's Tap Haus, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey The choices are suitable for a meal or a snack if you arrive hungry and thirsty. The Stella Artois Lounge is a premium entertainment area available for rent and/or membership and includes a posh bar and other VIP features. The arena is missing one thing - tables to eat any purchased food.  Instead, fans have to bring their refreshments to their seats.  Atmosphere 4 Although old, the arena serves the lacrosse team very well. Two levels of average-width cushioned sea ts (without cup holders) m ake up the seating.  Fans enter the middle of the seating area and walk up or down to their seats.  The second level is about 15 steps up.  No handrails are available for the top nine rows on either level.   Those uneasy with steps should get seats in row nine as that’s the top row when walking in. Handicapped and wheelchair seating is available along the inner walkway.   Staff curtains off the second level behind both goal nets.  Every seat has a decent view of the action on th e court. Though the arena does not have suites, it offers premium seating along certain areas of the inner concourse, and Rady Ch ildren’s Cove premium field level seating choice behind one of the goals with partitioned tables and its own beverage station.  Pechanga Arena Rady Children's Cove, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey It’s chilly inside.  Wear a long-sleeved shirt and bring a sweatshirt and/or jacket.  A suitably sized scoreboard hangs above center court.  It shows the game action video, the score, shots on goal, time remaining, and quarter.  Closed captioning is not available.  At the game of this review, I noticed many delayed media timeouts, which annoyingly halted the flow of the game.  The Seals have an impressive pyrotechnic opening and introduction.  As with all box lacrosse contests, to pump the crowd, music plays constantly.  When an opposing player goes to the penalty box (the sin bin), the announcer cleverly calls “[player’s name] makes the walk of shame…shame…shame…”  The crowd is also entertained by a dance team (the Sirens) and a mascot dressed as a seal (Salty).  Other in-game entertainment includes fan participative contests like a milk chug challenge, selfies, t-shirt tosses, a military hero of the game, and a junior lacrosse scrimmage during halftime.  It is all ve ry well executed and not over the top. Neighborhood 4 The area directly surrounding the rink is bustling with shopping centers, and within just one to three miles, plenty of choices for eating, drinking, and merriment are available.  Ocean Beach Pier is just three miles from the venue and is where visitors can watch the surfers (or surf themselves), walk along the beach, swim, or sunbathe in the warmer months.  Or stroll the neighborhood shops, restaurants, and brewpubs.   It’s a great place to visit.  Sea World San Diego is a little over two miles. Historic Old Town is just a mile away; both are worth visiting.  A plethora of places to eat and drink are within a few miles.  We recommend the Long Story Irish Pub (though finding parking may be difficult), Phil’s BBQ , and Cocino de Barrio (Mexican).  Within walking distance of the arena are staples like Chick-fil-A, McDonald’s, Chili’s, Broken Yolk, and Buffalo Wild Wings (though we do not recommend this Broken Yolk and BWW). For the hop head, the go-to brewery for Seals fans is Bay City Brewing , right across the parking lot.  Plenty of other breweries are close by:  Deft Brewing (European style brews), Stone Brewing (in Liberty Station – serves food), and if visiting Ocean Beach, check out Ocean Beach Brewery (serves food), Kilowatt Brewing, or Pizza Port (Brewpub).  Many, many more are within five miles of the arena. A Wyndham Garden Inn is across the street from Pechanga Arena, and a Ramada Inn is a block and a half away.  Many other hotels with varied prices are within just a mile or two of Pechanga Arena, so pick your preference.  Sports fans can attend other games in the area during lacrosse season, including the AHL Gulls.  The University of San Diego is two to three miles from the arena.  You may be able to catch a Toreros baseball, basketball, football, or other athletic games. San Diego is a fantastic city to tour, so make a day or weekend of it when attending a Seals game! Fans 3 There’s an energy in the crowd, and you just can’t help getting excited when the Seals score a goal.  Lots of families, kids, and school lacrosse teams are in attendance.  Visitors see plenty of purple, yellow, and black (the Seals’ colors) in the crowd.  The fans certainly don’t follo w lacrosse eti quette as they leave and enter during play action.  At the game of this review, the lower level was about 65% full.  The average attendance is between 5,000 and 6,000 fans per game.  This puts the team in the mid to bottom half of the NLL attendance ranking. Access 4 Getting to the arena is easy.  It is right off the I-8 and I-5 Interstates in the Midway District of San Diego, a tad over a mile from Old Town San Diego and a little over three miles from the San Diego Airport.   Plenty of parking is available in lots surrounding the venue for $15.  The box office is on the north side of the building (Kurtz Street side).  Public transportation is available and takes 30 – 45 minutes with multiple changes if coming from the airport.  Check the San Diego MTS trip planner to see if this is an option from where you are.  If not, Uber and Lyft drop-off and pickup are on the south side of the venue near the gas station and Chick-fil-A.  It is easy and painless to get through security and scanning of the ticket.  Clear 12” x 6” x 12” stadium sports bags are allowed.  Fans can walk the entire concourse.   Unfortunately, tickets are only available through AXS – an online ticket provider.  Fans purchasing tickets at the box office must download the AXS app to their phone to get their tickets.  The Seals do not offer hardcopy tickets.  ADA seating is provided on the inner concourse surrounding the court.  The arena has sufficient restrooms for a lacrosse game, but they are tight, with minimal room to maneuver (at least in the ladies).  Return on Investment 3 Seals box lacrosse games are fun and worth your sports dollar investment.  We recommend eating or drinking before heading to the game, as concession prices are the expected high stadium prices. Tickets run $21 - $80.  A three-game ticket package offers a discount and is a good deal if planning on seeing more than one match a season.  Groups of 10+ get a reduced rate, so corral your friends, work buddies, or social group members and come and enjoy an exciting evening out! Parking is $15.  If time and your location permit, consider using public transportation.  The stadium only accepts purchases via credit card, including parking. Every game has a special event, such as Heritage nights, Stick Up for a Cure night, Margaritaville nights, etc., and may include tailgating parties or giveaways. Extras 4 Photos on the concourse walls portray famous events and entertainers who performed at Pechanga Arena over the years.  It is worth the effort to stroll the concourse perusing the historic concerts performed here. The team broadcasts a motivating video that energizes the crowd and gears them into a lacrosse frame of mind before the players take the court.  When the announcer introduces the players, spectacular shooting flames, smoke, and hoopla abound. One retired jersey number hangs from the rafters , #17 Bro die Merrill. Pechanga Arena Bro die Merrill Retired Jersey, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Finally, praise to the crew who successfull y transform  the arena from a hockey rink to a lacrosse court in under 24 hours. Final Thoughts The venue has a lot of history on display and is a throwback to an earlier time when arenas were designed to be functional fan facilities.  Box lacrosse is a fun, lively game to watch, and a San Diego Seals gam e delivers that sports enjoyment pleasure.  Check out In Lacrosse We Trust for all lacrosse coverage.

Maddie with UVM basketball player May Kotsopoulos. When she was young, UVM fans called her "Mini-May." If there's ever a Mount Rushmore for University of Vermont (UVM) basketball fans, Maddie Ahmadi will be first ballot. She eats, lives and breathes Catamount hoops. These days, she's in the honors program at the University of North Carolina. But while she's physically in Chapel Hill, Maddie's heart remains in the Green Mountain State, rooting on her beloved Catamounts. Maddie took a few moments to discuss her passion. STADIUM JOURNEY: So where were you when Sorrentine unforgettably heaved it from "the parking lot" in Worcester twenty years ago? Describe your feelings, memories. MADDIE AHMADI:  My parents were never going to miss that game, so they brought their 6-month-old daughter along to Worcester. Some babies wear headphones during loud games, but not me. My parents were smart enough to introduce me to the joyous sounds of March Madness at an early age. They like to say that I slept through the entire game. Now, I can sleep through just about anything. I don’t remember Sorrentine’s actual shot, but it is certainly a point of pride that I was there. University of Vermont athletics is truly one of the greatest gifts my parents ever gave me, and I like to think my love of green and gold started back in March 2005.  STADIUM JOURNEY: How many games, total, men's, women's high school, have you seen at Patrick Gymnasium? If there's a record, I'm guessing that you're near the top. Describe the Patrick Gym experience. Will you be sad to see it finally go?  MADDIE AHMADI:  While I would love to hold that record, I don’t even think I can claim the top spot within my own family. My Dad certainly has me beat. He was the manager of the UVM women’s basketball team while he was a student. Since then, he consistently shows up. That said, I would estimate that I’ve attended roughly 450 games. My Dad has likely attended double that. I know Patrick Gym like the back of my hand – the tunnels, the smells, the atmosphere, and the people who make it so great. Patrick Gym is what you get when you mix energy, passion and community. It’s an electrifying environment complete with the perfect combination of old bleachers and a rarely-accurate shot clock. While I support a new arena for the growth of the program and recruitment purposes, I think the Universe doesn’t want to see the end of Patrick Gym. Until it does, I am content celebrating the joys of UVM basketball in the 1963 high school-esque miracle of a facility.  UVM men's coach John Becker cutting down the nets after another championship.  STADIUM JOURNEY: Did you spend a lot of time at Gutterson Fieldhouse watching hockey games? What's special about this venue? MADDIE AHMADI:  I love The Gut. As an Essex High School graduate, I remember watching my friends win plenty of hockey championships. For a long time, we had UVM hockey season tickets. After a while, and as other sports began to take center stage - go soccer! - we slowly attended less hockey games. I love the energy in The Gut, but it does not compare to Patrick Gym, or lately, Virtue Field.  STADIUM JOURNEY: After practically growing up in Patrick Gym, what's it like watching games in the Dean Dome? Surreal?  MADDIE AHMADI:  I love college basketball, but not for the athleticism or glamour. I love the people and the community that it fosters. While the Dean Dome is special, and the student section is unlike anything, I can’t hear what the players are yelling, or recognize the entire community, like I can at Patrick Gym. To be frank, I often skip UNC games to watch my Cats on ESPN+. Thursday through Sunday is my favorite half of the week.  Maddie doing a UNC student broadcast. STADIUM JOURNEY: Has the UNC/Duke rivalry mellowed since Coach K and Coach Williams retired? It sure seems like it, but you're on the ground. MADDIE AHMADI:  Eh. I still hate Duke. You’d be hard-pressed to find anyone on this campus that can tolerate a Blue Devil. The rivalry is alive and well. Rushing Franklin Street last year will go down as one of my top 10 college experiences. All that’s to say, I despise Albany the most. Albany men's basketball taught me what a rivalry feels like. I grew up crying on the way home from then-SEFCU arena after a devastating loss. I refused to wear purple. That place is the antithesis of Patrick Gym.  STADIUM JOURNEY: Who mentored you and helped make you the person that you are today?  MADDIE AHMADI:  My admiration for UVM basketball comes from my parents. They both prioritize community and connection. UVM is their community and they make an effort to always remain connected. Growing up, I sought to connect with my community by serving on my school board, interning with local media, and supporting the state in any way I could. I learned that from my parents and have them to thank for who I am today. Loyalty is everything.  Maddie and family STADIUM JOURNEY: So you've been away from the Green Mountain State for a few months. What spots do you make sure to hit when you're back? MADDIE AHMADI:  Let me lay out the ideal day. First, you need to take a trip to Handy’s Lunch in Burlington for breakfast. I always get a McHandy with bacon and a McHandy with sausage on bulkie rolls. The bulkie rolls are key. Then, take a trip to Church Street and check out some local shops. You will soon realize there are not very many shops in the area and that you'll need something else to do. Luckily, it should be almost time for a 2 pm UVM women’s basketball game. From 2 pm to 4 pm, you will watch the women take down Albany, all while playing stifling defense. You’ll have a short break before the men’s game, so grab dinner at The Gryphon. You must try the sweet potato nachos. They are delectable. Then, head back to Patrick and watch the men play from 7 pm to 9 pm. If we avoid overtime, you might be able to catch a late-night show at the Flynn Theater post-game. Oh, for pizza, I highly recommend Piesanos.   STADIUM JOURNEY: Same question for your adapted home, Chapel Hill. MADDIE AHMADI:  If you are ever in Chapel Hill, you need to grab breakfast at The Carolina Coffee Shop. Despite the deceptive name, the establishment is much more than a coffee shop. They have the best cornflake French toast. Last year, I saw Patriots QB Drake Maye dining with his teammates there quite often. After breakfast, there are lovely botanical gardens on campus that you could explore. You should also be sure to attend one of our great sporting events. UNC has excellent women’s field hockey, women’s soccer, lacrosse, the list goes on. There’s always something. You can dine at Top of the Hill, it’s an iconic restaurant that overlooks Franklin Street. Make sure you get the hush puppies. Take in the Southern charm.  Maddie with UVM women's basketball broadcaster Maura Sheridan STADIUM JOURNEY: This is perhaps the most important question: What's the story behind your poem "' Twas the Night Before (UVM) Madness "? MADDIE AHMADI:  Ha! The poem is a funny story. I was extremely disappointed when I found out that the America East Championship, and subsequent NCAA tournament, was cancelled in 2020. It’s the highlight of my year. I decided that I needed to channel that disappointment into writing, I am a journalist after all. It may have been the easiest piece I’ve ever written. The words, and emotions, just flowed. Jon Hart is  @manversusball

With the surge of WNBA popularity, record-breaking attendance records this 2024 season, and the playoffs underway, it’s time for Stadium Journey to release its ranking for WNBA arenas.  While some arenas are shared with brethren NBA, G-League, or NHL teams, others are shared with college teams or played in an arena hosting various concerts and other entertainment events throughout the year. Stadium Journey ranks arenas based on their unique FANFARE rating scale, which incorporates a venue’s food, atmosphere, neighborhood, fans, accessibility, value, and other factors to create an overall score.  When two or more venues are tied, Stadium Journey consults its Council of Elders to break the tie.  The WNBA competition was fierce this season and many games were sellouts!   Enjoy our list and be sure to share your favorite(s) on our Facebook and Twitter (X) pages. 1.     Climate Pledge Arena – Seattle Storm 4.29 Marc Viquez - Climate Pledge Arena is a building that stands out among the rest of the WNBA and the nation. The interaction with fans and the team provides an ideal atmosphere for a first-time visitor, and the neighborhood is worth spending a few hours at before or after the game. When you add free mass transportation to the game, visiting the building is a must in Seattle. 2.     Gainbridge Fieldhouse – Indiana Fever 4.29 Marc Viquez - The fieldhouse still boasts an impressive collection of memorabilia showcasing the game of basketball in the state. There is an array of items from former professional clubs from the city, local high schools, and the major universities and colleges in the state. 3.     Target Center – Minnesota Lynx 4.14 Lloyd Brown - The stands fill as quickly as the Target Center doors open, as fans do not even want to miss the warmups. Be sure to look up at all the various championship banners the Lynx have earned at the Target Center over the years. It is a great way to get fired up before the game even starts. 4.     Footprint Center – Phoenix Mercury 4.00 Meg Minard - Attending a Mercury basketball game is an enjoyable afternoon/evening out. If you haven’t been to the arena in a while, come check out some summer hoops at Footprint Center in downtown Phoenix.   5.      Crypto.com Arena – Los Angeles Sparks 4.00 Andrei Ojeda - L.A. Sparks basketball is the type of entertainment that is perfect for that type of fan who wants to see some great basketball action live without leaving a huge hole on the wallet.  They provide quite an entertaining professional basketball experience.   6.     Michelob Ultra Arena – Las Vegas Aces 3.86 Lloyd Brown - You are going to have a great time at a Las Vegas Aces game at the Michelob ULTRA Arena. Terrific basketball, Vegas-style entertainment during the breaks, and easy access to food, drink, and gambling add up to a very entertaining evening! 7.     Mohegan Sun Arena – Connecticut Sun 3.86 Paul Baker - While a casino in the woods of eastern Connecticut may not be the first place that comes to mind when thinking of where to bring the family for an evening of sporting fun, the Mohegan Sun Arena is an excellent facility. There is something for everyone at Mohegan Sun, even the younger fans. 8.     Entertainment and Sports Arena – Washington Mystics 3.86 Gregory Koch - The Washington Mystics are drawing sellout crowds to the Entertainment & Sports Arena nearly every game and seem to be outgrowing their home there very quickly. Someday soon, they may move back to Capital One Arena, but for now, a Mystics game at the ESA is a great experience. 9.     Wintrust Arena – Chicago Sky 3.57 Lloyd Brown - The Wintrust Arena is a worthy home court for a championship team. It has excellent views of the game action from any of its seating areas, and features a wonderful audiovisual package, with a huge center-hung video board. It has easy access for fans, as it is located on multiple bus and train routes in a city that lives on public transit. 10.   Barclays Center – New York Liberty 3.57 Lloyd Brown - The Liberty organization does a great job of maintaining a high energy level throughout the games. Ellie, the team’s elephant mascot, roams the stands, leading the cheers and posing with fans for selfies along the way. The team has a fan participation activity on the court during breaks in the action. 11.   Gateway Center Arena at College Park – Atlanta Dream 3.29 Lloyd Brown - The Atlanta Dream finally has a home of its own for the first time in its 15 years of existence. It is working closely with its neighbors to make professional sports more accessible to communities on the Southside of Atlanta. 12.   College Park Center – Dallas Wings 3.14 Lloyd Brown - The Wings home at the College Park Center is easy to get to from almost anywhere in the Dallas metroplex. It provides the team with an arena that is right-sized for the average WNBA crowd. There is little or no evidence that the arena primarily serves as a college sports venue, as the team’s blue and green color scheme is carried throughout the facility for their home games.

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 John Sessions Stadium River Rd Jacksonville, FL 32211 Jacksonville Dolphins website John Sessions Stadium website Year Opened: 1994 Capacity: 1,500 Between the River and the Ocean Jacksonville University is one of several institutions of higher learning in the city that field baseball teams, alongside Edward Waters and the University of North Florida . Lacking a pro baseball team closer than Tampa , however, the city is probably most well-known for its MiLB franchise, the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp . The Jacksonville Dolphins play their home games at John Sessions Stadium, an on-campus facility nestled among the school’s other athletic facilities. The small venue opened in 1994, holds 1500 fans, and was most recently renovated in 2008, when a new scoreboard, entrance, and backstop were added.   Food & Beverage   3 The facility has one concessions stand just inside the main entrance, which is punnily named the Con“Sessions” Stand, reusing the baseball venue’s name; both the stadium and its concession stand are named after John Sessions, a member of JU’s first graduating class and proud supporter of JU athletics, especially baseball. This stand offers a basic menu including what you would probably expect to find at this level, including hot dogs, burgers, nachos, pretzels, popcorn, chips, candy, and snow cones, as well as soda, bottled water, beer, and wine.  Prices may be a tad on the high side, with main dishes running $6 and bottled water/soda coming in at $3/$4, but the addition of beer and wine is a nice perk, given many college sports venues don’t offer alcohol.   Atmosphere   2 Baseball at John Sessions Stadium is pretty low key; the crowd is miniscule, and there isn’t anything going on besides the game itself, although the facility itself is nicely done. The stands don’t appear dated at all, there are lots of JU color pops, and there are myriad photos and other nods to past JU players, as well as homages to past tournament and regional appearances; there is even a small Dolphins team gear stand right next to the concessions stand. The ticket office has some nice décor as well – through the window you can see a giant Jacksonville University banner bracketed by two JU baseball uniforms.   Neighborhood   4 Jacksonville University and John Sessions Stadium are located on the east and south sides of the curving St. Johns River, about 15 miles west of the beaches. Certainly beachfront activities are an option if you are in town for several days for a full three-day series, which baseball fans are accustomed to at any level, but there are also some great restaurants to be found closer to the university itself. Two well-known sandwich shops are The Sheik and Blue Boy, while Tabouleh Café and Trap House Chicken are great if you are looking for wings or Mediterranean, and of course Jacksonville also features numerous seafood restaurant and breakfast eateries, the latter of which always seem prevalent in beachside towns.   Fans   1 Attendance at John Sessions Stadium is almost non-existent during Jacksonville Dolphins baseball games – the stands can often be nearly empty, and you may see more visiting fans than home fans sitting in the chairback seats. Most fans sit in front of the press box, facing home plate, but there are two additional sections of seating, one on the first base side and another on the third base side. There is no seating in the outfield.   Access   4 There are no issues getting to, or in and out of, Sessions Stadium, other than possibly some lingering construction along one edge of the main parking lot. There is a huge parking lot on the first base side of the field, along Dolphin Drive after you pass through the gate when you come onto campus – most fans will park there and walk around to the main entrance, although insiders know there is additional parking closer to the entrance itself, if you keep driving around after you see the first, large parking area. Once inside the facility there are no issues moving around, especially given the typically small crowd size. There may be a short line for concessions, however, as there is only one stand serving the whole park – so at a busy game there might be a bit of a wait.   Return on Investment   3 Parking is free for JU baseball, and admission is only $10, although they stop selling tickets (and thus let you in free), starting around the fourth or fifth inning. Given the lack of amenities here, this might be a good way to spend an evening depending on what kind of experience you are looking for. If you are bringing a large group, you will probably have more fun at a Jumbo Shrimp game, for example, although you will likely pay a bit more for it.   Extras   2 There are a couple of dolphin statues on campus, including one carved from the stump of a tree felled by Hurricane Irma, and the team offers free electronic programs at its baseball games via a QR code, but otherwise there is not much going on at John Sessions Stadium during Jacksonville University Dolphins baseball, save for the simplicity of the game itself.

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Daytona International Speedway 1801 W International Speedway Blvd Daytona Beach, FL 32114 Roar Before the 24 website Daytona International Speedway website Year Opened: 1959 Capacity: 167.785 Roaring at Daytona A week before the historic Rolex 24 , Daytona International Speedway is already buzzing with race action. An event that used to be held three weeks before the current date, the Roar Before the 24 has now become part of the fabric that makes up IMSA’s return to racing in January. Featuring three different racing series, this event is mostly a three-day test session for those in the IMSA WeatherTech Series and Michelin Pilot Challenge. However, for the VP Challenge series, this weekend features two races in their season kick-off. With stellar weather in January, this seaside raceway showcases why race fans flock to Florida in the winter. No doubt, this is becoming a must-see event right in line with the Rolex 24  for diehard fans. Kids 12 and under are free, and there is plenty to see all race weekend long.   Food & Beverage   3 During the Roar, there aren’t as many food trucks and pop-up bars to see as you have during the Rolex 24 . The main stop is the paddock cafe, featuring chicken tenders and fries ($15), cheeseburgers and fries ($15), hot dogs ($6), corn dogs ($7), nachos ($7), beer ($9-$11), soda ($5.50), and various other snacks. The main grandstands are closed off this weekend to fans, limiting the food options. Atmosphere   4 The Roar features a lot of the things you’ll find at the Rolex 24 , just on a smaller scale. The infield campfires grow more numerous and the party picks up only as the night darkens, just like at the 24 . There are night practice sessions, and two races for the VP Challenge series. Fans are invited on a pre-race grid walk before the VP race on Saturday, and victory lane is also open to fans for those races. The track itself is stunning as well – there are numerous grandstands in the infield for fans to watch the action from, and the track invites local Boy Scouts troops to come camp for the weekend in the infield during the Roar. Neighborhood   4 Daytona is a party town from days gone past when tourists flocked to the beaches during the summer months. However, the sun isn’t always so warm in North Florida in January. Nonetheless, the beaches are still just a few miles away from the track. In addition, right across the street from the track sit numerous stores, malls, and restaurants – from Chipotle and Panera to Olive Garden and Longhorn Steakhouse, there are plenty of places to shop and eat during your stay. The most popular spot is now One Daytona, a shopping and dining district that features the likes of PF Chang’s, 4 Rivers BBQ, and even the Daytona Marriott Autograph Collection Hotel.   Fans   3 The fans at the Roar are like no others in racing – they are diehards who know the sport inside and out and are not afraid to show their allegiance to their favorite driver, team, or car manufacturer. They also know how to party like few others, but are also among the most welcoming in the sport. Any one of the various campsites will have a campfire going with a TV playing a broadcast of the race – you’re always welcome to pull up a chair and take in the atmosphere. During the Roar many of the fans are kids, as the track invites countless Boy Scouts troops from the area to come and camp at the track during the weekend. That said, there simply aren’t near as many fans at the Roar as there are during the Rolex 24.   Access   5 Parking at the Roar is plentiful; not only are there on-site parking lots for those with various parking passes, but the track also has various off-site parking options for fans to use, as long as you’re willing to walk. For those who would rather take a ride, trams are also available to shuttle you in and out of the track from numerous parking lots, as well as take you from one point to another at the track itself. You can also wander the facility as you wish, with any ticket granting you access to the various infield grandstand seating areas. On top of that, Daytona International Airport is literally across the street from the track, and hotels in the area are numerous, including the Daytona Marriott Autograph Collection Hotel, a Hilton Garden Inn, and others.   Return on Investment   5 The Roar is a race to be added to any sports fan’s list of must-see events, especially if you are a diehard sportscar fan. Tickets for the roar start at $15 for Friday/Sunday and just $20 for Saturday and go up from there, with various options for multi-day access and infield parking and camping available. Kids 12 and under are free of charge, which makes this a no-brainer for families as well. Extras   2 All tickets get you into the garage and paddock area at Daytona, which features fantastic views of the track and paddock from the rooftop patio decks. Fans can also get a look into the team preparations, thanks to the viewing windows in each garage bay. In addition, the biggest plus that few other races offer is the fan walk before the race starts on Saturday; fans can get up close to the cars on pit road, and have an up-front seat for the driver introductions.   Final Thoughts Taking a trip to Daytona for the Roar Before the 24 is a visit worth taking. Anyone who is a race fan should attend, and with Daytona’s famed high banks, the action is non-stop. The sound of sportscars fills the air all day and night for three days, ramping up the excitement for the Rolex 24  the following weekend.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Minto Sports Complex Arena 801 King Edward Avenue Ottawa, ON K1N 1A2 Ottawa Gee Gees website Minto Sports Complex Arena website Year Opened: 2001 Capacity: 1,200 Horse Hockey Upon hearing about the USports team the Ottawa Gee-Gees, one of the first questions asked is “What the heck is a Gee-Gee?”  The University of Ottawa was established in 1848 and is one of Canada’s oldest institutions.  It is one of only two fully bilingual universities in Ontario and currently boasts nearly 49,000 students.  Ottawa first iced a hockey team in 1889.  The team played as the Garnet and Grey, referring to the colours they wore, and the term Gee-Gee was first used in the 1940s.  Gee-Gee also refers to a British horse racing term, indicating the first horse out of the gate.  The Gee-Gees play in USports in the Ontario conference, OUA, in the East Division. Home for the Gee-Gees hockey program is the Minto Sports Complex.  Built in 2001 to replace the Minto Arena, the university owned facility has been a practice facility for a number of NHL teams, a host facility for the Francophone Games and an office for Hockey Canada.  The University of Ottawa will host the 2025 University Cup, the USports National Championship. Food & Beverage 4 Concession options at Minto Sports Complex are a fairly unique situation.  A temporary stand is in the hall for fans to purchase very basic options.  Hot dogs, popcorn, chocolate, chips, coffee, hot chocolate and soft drinks are on the menu.  What puts the concession score at the next level in Ottawa is the presence of the Nox Bar and Grill.  With windows overlooking the ice surface, Nox is a full service bar and restaurant where fans can grab some food and drink and still see the game.  Stopping in before or after the Gee-Gees play is also a possibility. Atmosphere 3 The Minto Sports Complex has an attractive, light brick exterior with maroon and blue siding at the top of the building.  There are Gee-Gees markings on the outside letting fans know they are in the right spot.  This is contrary to Monpetit Hall, home of Gee-Gees basketball, which is up the street and looks more like an unmarked bomb shelter than a sports venue.  The parking garage is attached to the complex to the east, which is not overly attractive, but does ease any stress fans may have about where to park.  Inside the lobby, fans will find it not unattractive, but not overly functional for spectator hockey.  It is not clear where fans need to go enter the arena, so stopping at the information desk may be necessary.  Heading to the elevator to head up is the best idea.  Using the stairs may be confusing for fans and bring them back into the parking garage.  The upper lobby of the complex is full of garnet and grey and Gee-Gees markings.  Of interest may be the large windows that look out to Matt Anthony Field to the east, home of Gee-Gees soccer.  Inside the arena, the ice is oriented from south to north with all of the seating on the east side.  Seating consists of 8 rows of molded plastic bench seats on concrete steps.  The scoreclock is at the north end while the windows of Nox are on the south side.  The north side of the arena has massive Gee-Gees markings including reminders that it is the home of the Garnet and Grey or “Le Gris et Grenat.”  There are some banners hanging on the south end of the arena including the 1985 QUAA championship and 1961 OSLAA championship, previous conference the Gee-Gees played in.  Beside the championship banners are three very attractive banners commemorating the inductees into the Gee-Gees Hockey Hall of Fame from 2005, 2007 and 2024.  There are also some women’s hockey banners closer to the seating on the east side.  The main issue with the banners is that they are practically illegible as the protective netting circles the ice surface on three sides.  Placing the banners closer to the seating would give them more prominence. The gameday atmosphere at a Gee-Gees hockey game is very simple.  There are no promotions that are prevalent at other venues of a similar level.  The PA system is decent and the announcer does a good job, but fans do need to be able to separate the French from English announcements, which quickly meld together. Neighbourhood 4 The Minto Sports Complex is located on the campus of the University of Ottawa in the Sandy Hill neighbourhood of the city.  It is approximately 2 km from Parliament Hill and offers a number of places nearby for pre or postgame food and drink.  Some options include Fathers & Sons, In’s Kitchen, No Forks Given and Elgin Street Diner.  There are plenty of other sporting options in Ottawa for fans to take in.  The University of Ottawa fields a number of Gee-Gee teams including basketball, hockey and football.  Carleton University also fields Ravens basketball , football  and hockey teams.  The annual Panda Game between Carleton and Ottawa is a local event worth checking out.  The Colonel By Classic is also a rivalry game played at TD Arena between Ottawa and Carleton.  Canadian Tire Centre in Kanata is home to the Ottawa Senators  and Ottawa Black Bears.  Other sporting options include the Ottawa 67’s , Ottawa RedBlacks , Ottawa Blackjacks, Ottawa Charge and Ottawa Titans .  Ottawa also has a plethora of other tourist options including skating on the Rideau Canal, Parliament Hill, the Canadian war Museum and Museum of Nature to name a few.  For fans wishing to stay near campus, the Embassy Suites is a good option. Fans 2 For the 2024-2025 season the Ottawa Gee-Gees have averaged 135 fans per game.  At the time, this ranked 17th in the OUA.  The previous season, the Gee-Gees averaged 230 fans per game, but this figure is inflated by the Colonel By Classic, played at TD Arena against the Carleton Ravens.  Fans in attendance are fairly quiet and the Gee-Gees do get some moderate support from students.   Access 4 The Minto Sports Complex is located on the campus of the University of Ottawa in the Sandy Hill neighbourhood of Ottawa.  It is on the northeast corner of King Edward Ave/Lees Drive and Mann Ave.  It is immediately north of Highway 417, so getting to the arena should not be too difficult.  However, fans should keep in mind that traffic in Ottawa can be an issue and there are plenty of twists and turns in the city.  There is a large parking garage attached to the complex where fans can purchase parking.  For fans wishing to take public transit, there are bus stops on Mann and King Edward.  Fans should consult the Ottawa-Carleton Transpo  website for fares, schedules and maps.  Getting around the complex is not difficult, however, it can be confusing for fans who enter off the street to find where they are to go to have their ticket scanned.  Washroom facilities are decent in the complex. Return on Investment 4 USports hockey offers great value for a small investment.  Gee-Gees tickets can be purchased online.  Adults are $12 with youth and students going for $7.  It will cost an extra $3 to purchase a ticket at the door so pre purchasing online is recommended.  Parking will cost a few dollars in the parcade next to the arena and concessions are not very expensive.  The hockey is a high calibre and fans will definitely enjoy the experience. Extras 3 An extra mark for University of Ottawa being a fully bilingual school. An extra mark for the unique Gee-Gees name. An extra mark for the Ottawa rivalry with the Carleton Ravens. Final Thoughts Taking in an Ottawa Gee-Gees hockey game will give fans the opportunity to take in some solid hockey at a very cheap price in a decent environment.  The Minto Sports Complex Arena offers a decent hockey environment in one of the best tourist destinations in Canada.  If attending an Ottawa hockey game, fans will be able to answer the question “What the heck is a Gee-Gee?” Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube , Twitter , Threads  and Instagram @profan9.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Shadek Stadium 423 W Liberty Street Lancaster, PA 17603 Franklin & Marshall Diplomats website Shadek Stadium website Year Opened: 2017 Capacity: 2,500 A Diplomatic Field Franklin & Marshall College (“F&M”) is a private college in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. It was established in 1787. The school was originally named for Benjamin Franklin, but in 1836 it was merged with a college named for the fourth Chief Justice of the United States John Marshall. Famous alumni include Roy Scheider, Treat Williams, and the late Commissioner of Baseball, Bowie Kuhn. The college’s sports teams are called the Diplomats and mainly compete in the Centennial Conference at the NCAA Division III level. This new stadium replaced 4,000 seat Sponaugle–Williamson Field in 2017. The former home was built in 1920 as Williamson Field, although the playing surface dates back to the 1890s. Sponaugle–Williamson Field was named after S. Woodrow Sponaugle, who coached football and basketball, in addition to being the athletic director at F&M for 15 years. He shares the stadium’s dedication with Henry S. Williamson, who was a trustee of the college from 1894 to 1917. Shadek Stadium is named for Larry Shadek, class of 1972. The stadium is located on Franklin & Marshall’s North Campus, formerly the site of Armstrong World Industries, just north of Clipper Magazine Stadium, home of the Lancaster Barnstormers of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball. Shadek seats about 2,500, about 1,500 fewer than the old field. Food & Beverage 2 There is a simple concession stand located in the middle of the main grandstand. The food offerings are slim, but if you need a hot dog and/or hot chocolate during the game this will do just fine. Otherwise, you may want to wait until after the game for more food options. The stand is large enough that the food offerings could be easily enhanced. Atmosphere 3 The new stadium doesn’t have the historical charm of the college’s old facility. But the setting is ideal and the design is very nice. There is a large stand on the home side of the field, with a smaller one on the opposing side. You can walk easily from one side to the other on the south side of the stadium. There is also a nice grass berm for additional seating along that walkway. The stadium also has lights, which allows night games, a feature not available at the old facility. Neighborhood 3 The stadium is located just north of downtown, right near Clipper Magazine Stadium. So make sure to walk around downtown before the game. There are many shops and restaurants right near the stadium. The Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant, College Corner Cafe, and The Fridge are some great options within easy walking distance. Besides downtown, the main commercial areas of the Lancaster area are the outlet’s area east on Route 30 and surrounding the Park City Center Shopping Mall north of downtown. Fans 4 The stadium seemed very loud for its small size. I could not tell if the fans were just that loud, or if the design creates a louder environment. Either way, the stadium makes for a great atmosphere for fans. Access 4 Lancaster is an easy area to navigate. Routes 30 and 222 are large roads that any tourist visit to the area will be more than familiar with. Even though the stadium is located in a busy town, you will seldom find traffic to be too bad. Lancaster is located about half an hour from the state capital Harrisburg. It is also about an hour and a half to Baltimore and the same distance to Philadelphia. There are many parking spaces around the college. Return on Investment 4 There is no price to attend games at Franklin & Marshall. When it seems that even high schools games charge at least $5, the free admission seems like a steal. Coupled with the free parking and the low concession prices, it is such a steal. Extras 3 Everyone may not like artificial playing surfaces, but the two-tone color of the artificial turf is nicely designed. There are some nice athletic history items on display within the center entrance to the stadium. Check out neighboring Clipper Magazine Stadium before or after the game to see a nice quality independent league baseball stadium. Final Thoughts Shadek Stadium is a simple stadium, located within a pleasant area of Lancaster. The low cost of attendance, as well as the fairly high quality of Diplomats football, makes this stadium a must-visit.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 CSI Companies Court @ UNF Arena 11852 University of North Florida Drive Jacksonville, FL 32224 North Florida Ospreys website UNF Arena website Year Opened: 1993 Capacity: 5,800 Birds of Trey The University of North Florida is a relatively young school, being founded in Jacksonville, Florida in 1965.  Today it boasts over 16,000 students and athletic teams that compete at the Division I level of the NCAA.  The North Florida Ospreys have been competing in men’s basketball since 1992 when they began in NAIA.  They quickly moved up to Division II and in 2005 they moved to Division I.  The Ospreys have settled in the Atlantic Sun Conference, where they have won the regular season title three times and the Atlantic Sun Tournament, granting their only berth in the NCAA Tournament, in 2015.  During their tenure, the Ospreys have leaned into their identity as a 3-point shooting team, dubbing themselves the Birds of Trey. Home for the Ospreys is UNF Arena.  Located on campus in Jacksonville, UNF Arena opened in 1993, just after the Ospreys began their first season, and has a capacity of 5,800.  Inside UNF Arena is CSI Companies Court, which is named after a local staffing and recruiting company. Food & Beverage 3 The concession stand is located in the main lobby.  It has a simple menu that provides the basics in arena fare.  Fans will find hot dogs, burgers, pizza, pretzels, nachos and popcorn.  Beverages include soda, water, coffee along with wine seltzer and beer.  The selection is basic and fans won’t go hungry, but there is also nothing that will peak the imagination. Atmosphere 3 UNF Arena is located on campus at University of North Florida and is a solid venue for mid-major college basketball.  The exterior consists of brown brick and concrete trim in a cube-like shape.  The main entry is from the west side where a large courtyard, perfect for pre-game gathering, is found.  The courtyard hosts a large osprey fountain.  Entering from the west, fans will pass under a large, corrugated concrete overhang.  After entering UNF Arena, fans will find themselves in a clean and bright lobby with plenty of Ospreys logos.  A plethora of display cases are found in the lobby and there is plenty to peak the attention of fans before heading in to find their seats.  One of the more unique cases finds itself under the landing of the staircase.  This large display case is mostly dedicated to the North Florida rivalry with crosstown Jacksonville University.  The Ospreys and Dolphins share the River City Rumble and play for the Old Wooden Barrel.  Although too new to hit the consciousness of the average college basketball fan, it is a great attempt by both schools to stoke interest in their teams.  A set of stairs takes fans up to the club section where the athletics Hall of Fame display can be found. Upon entering the main part of the arena, fans are met with CSI Companies Court, which is east-west oriented.  That perfect center court picture is going to come from the north side.  Again, there are plenty of North Florida Ospreys markings inside the arena, which is clean and attractive.  The east end is the student section and the west end is where the perch, or club seating, is found.  The north and south seating is divided into upper and lower levels, with the retractable lower levels featuring cushioned arena seats and the upper levels, contoured plastic bench seats.  The championship banners hang above the club section on the west end including the tournament berths, three Atlantic Sun regular season championships and 2015 Atlantic Sun Tournament Championship.  There is also a banner honoring Dallas Moore, who has the distinction of a career 2,437 points, most by any player at a Florida Division I school.  There are simple scoreclocks that hang at the east and west ends and videoboard above center court. However, they lack any statistics, including points by players. The gameday production is typical of a mid-major college basketball game.  The game that was reviewed was during the winter break and the UNF campus was very quiet.  This was definitely not the typical gameday environment.  The team is led on the court by flag bearers and the cheer team performs stunts during pregame and play stoppages.  The mascot, Ozzie the Osprey, and the UNF Pep Band are normally at Osprey games, however, they were not present at the game that was reviewed.  During a North Florida free-throw, the cheerleaders and fans raise their hands up and if the shot is good, everyone yells “Swoop!”  For those who are new, it is even indicated on the court. Of course, the 3-point baskets are tracked with an intern hanging a “3” on the railing that separates the upper and lower levels on the south side. Neighborhood 4 UNF Arena is located on the campus of the University of North Florida in the Sans Pareil neighborhood of Jacksonville.  There are a number of options for pre or post game food and drink that are not too far away.  They include RH Rooftop Restaurant, Ted’s Montana Grill, Prata Italia and Bazille.  There are a number of other sporting events in Jacksonville.  Of course, checking out the cross-town rival Jacksonville Dolphins  is a plan when in town.  Other options include the Jacksonville Jaguars , Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp , and Jacksonville Icemen .  Annually, Jacksonville hosts the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl  and the Florida-Georgia College Football game.  Other tourist options in the area include the Jacksonville Zoo, St. Augustine Alligator Farm, Jacksonville Arboretum and Botanical Gardens and of course, the beaches. For fans wishing to stay in the area, the Holiday Inn is very close to campus. Fans 3 The game that was reviewed was during winter break and campus was very quiet.  That being said, the North Florida Ospreys typically average over 1,600 fans per game.  This ranks them 7th in the Atlantic Sun Conference at the time of writing.  With a capacity of over 5,000 at UNF Arena, there is plenty of room to grow and more fans in the stands will help provide a better college basketball environment.  The fans that were in attendance were knowledgeable and supportive of the Ospreys.   Access 4 UNF Arena is located on the campus of the University of North Florida in the Sans Pareil neighborhood of Jacksonville.  Campus is located east of I-295, south of US-90 and north of US-202.  Getting to campus and the arena is not too difficult.  There is plenty of parking on campus, and for the game that was reviewed the parking garage south of UNF Arena was free.  For fans wishing to take public transit to the game, there are buses that travel University of North Florida Drive.  Fans should consult the Jacksonville Transit Authority  website for fares, maps and schedules. Getting around the arena is not difficult at all and the washroom facilities are adequate for the facility.  Return on Investment 4 Taking in a North Florida Ospreys game provides a solid return on investment.  Tickets for the Ospreys start at $15 for the General Admission upper levels and $20 for the reserved lower levels.  Concession prices are good and parking was free for the event that was reviewed.  The product on the court is solid and UNF does a good job of presenting the game.  Fans will have a good experience at North Florida. Extras 2 An extra mark that North Florida has with Jacksonville.  The schools face off in the River City Rumble and play for the Old Wooden Barrel. An extra mark for North Florida leaning into their 3-point identity. Final Thoughts Taking in a North Florida Ospreys basketball game while in the Jacksonville area is a great way to get a sporting fix.  CSI Companies Court @ UNF Arena is a bright and clean facility that is a solid mid-major college basketball venue.  With any luck, the Ospreys will be hitting 3-pointers, proving to all those in attendance, that they truly are the Birds of Trey. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube , Twitter , Threads  and Instagram @profan9.

Photos by Michael Davis, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Moody Coliseum 6024 Airline Rd Dallas, TX 75205 SMU Mustangs website Moody Coliseum website Year Opened: 1956 Capacity: 7,000 The ACC’s Smallest Basketball Gem Southern Methodist University’s basketball team, a member of the Atlantic Coast Conference, plays on campus in Moody Coliseum, located just north of downtown Dallas. Moody Coliseum originally opened on December 3, 1956 – the multi-purpose coliseum is a large part of SMU’s University Park neighborhood, housing not only SMU athletics, but also concerts and academic ceremonies, as well as basketball and volleyball camps. However, Moody Coliseum’s most famous moment could be when the coliseum served as the temporary home for the Dallas Mavericks  in 1984; that game was titled “Moody Madness”, as the Mavericks came away with an upset playoff win versus the Seattle Supersonics. Over the years, Moody Coliseum has had minor renovations, keeping the gym current with the times. However, in 2013 it was time for Moody Coliseum to undergo a major renovation project – that renovation would update the main lobby, bring in new concessions and wider concourses, improve the lighting and seating, provide luxury boxes, give the building wi-fi capability and new locker rooms, and would also bring in an LED scoreboard, LED signage around the arena, and a new floor scheme. This renovation, at a cost of $40 million, transformed the old-school gym into an updated arena for SMU basketball. Following the renovation, Moody Coliseum re-opened on January 4, 2014 to a sellout crowd, with an upset win over the then # 4-ranked and eventual National Champion Connecticut Huskies .   Food & Beverage   3 Moody Coliseum’s concessions have been updated to having areas to pick up your items before moving to the cashier. There are plenty of these locations on both sides of the arena, but this leaves the concession menu to the basics. The menu at these stands is the typical fare of pepperoni or cheese pizza for $8, nachos for $8, or hot dogs and pretzels for $7. Other stadium fare, such as peanuts, bagged popcorn, potato chips, large cookies, and Minute Maid Italian ice cost a little less. SMU’s basketball concessions also offer Antone’s Famous Po’Boy sandwiches. The lone concession stand that offers anything outside the basics is a local Tex-Mex eatery called Mi Cocina, which offers loaded nachos or a taco salad for $17, or quesadillas and tacos available for $14, while chips and salsa are $10. SMU athletics serves Coca-Cola products on campus, so for a $7, 32oz souvenir cup you have a choice of Coke, Coke Zero, Diet Coke, Mr. Pibb, or Sprite. Along with the soda offerings, there is also Powerade ($6) and Dasani bottled water ($5). Beer and wine are also sold inside Moody Coliseum; the selection of domestic beer is limited to three choices, including Miller Lite, Coors Light, and Michelob Ultra for $10. There’s a local craft pilsner available as well, and in addition to beer, wine and Truly seltzer are also served.   Atmosphere   3 Moody Coliseum has all the modern accessories that fans enjoy, but what really makes Moody Coliseum special is the intimate feel of its basketball gymnasium. The arena’s 7,000 seats and great sightlines are a big part of an atmosphere that larger venues just can’t capture. The biggest asset of this type of atmosphere is that the fans can easily get involved with the game. The coliseum has three levels of seating, the 100 level, the 200 level, and the suite level. The suite level is above the 200 level and runs along the sideline across from the team benches. In the lower 100 level, however, the seating is dominated by SMU students, leaving only the seats across from the team benches as premium seating. The students, known as “The Stampede”, surround the baseline and bench sidelines inside the facility. They are continuously loud and energetic, and provide such an intimidating atmosphere that it contributes to Moody Coliseum having a home-court advantage for the Mustangs. The wonderful playing of college band music is alive and well inside Moody Coliseum, as one of the best bands in college sports, the Mustang Band, is positioned in section 100 behind the baseline. In addition, the SMU cheerleaders and pom squad are positioned along the baseline on opposite sides; each group works tirelessly throughout the game to entertain the crowd. The Mustangs mascot, Peruna, also not only entertains but engages the crowd, and gets the already loud and festive student section to become even more involved throughout the game. The atmosphere inside Moody Coliseum can become electric for games, but this hasn’t been a constant. However, SMU being in a new conference could be just what they need to bring back the Moody Magic, which once made this venue one of the most exciting atmospheres in college basketball.   Neighborhood   4 Moody Coliseum is on the beautiful campus of Southern Methodist University – the campus itself covers 243 acres with an enrollment of about 11,000 students. The neighborhood surrounding campus is called University Park, located just north of downtown Dallas off I-75. Within a short distance is Mockingbird Station, a development of shops, dining, and apartment complexes that were built around the Mockingbird DART light rail stop. Mockingbird Station has about 11 different restaurants and 18 shops – the most popular spot is the Londoner Pub. The complex also includes the Angelika Film Center, which provides an 8-screen theater (complete with stadium seating) devoted to independent and specialty films. In addition, just a short walk from Mockingbird Station is Campisi’s Restaurant, a Dallas staple since 1946. If you can’t find what you’re looking for at Mockingbird Station, just walk a few blocks north on SMU Boulevard and you’ll find Torchy’s Tacos, Milo Butterfingers, and the Barley House. The Barley House is the perfect college bar, especially if you plan to partake in alcoholic beverages, with its large list of beers on tap from breweries around the state. Of course, the DART light rail can easily get you to plenty of other pre or postgame activities, with downtown Dallas being just a short commute south. There is plenty of lodging around the SMU campus, with downtown Dallas being a short distance away and accessible via the DART light rail. However, if you want to stay in the area there is the Beeman Hotel on North Central Expressway, a short walk from campus near SMU Boulevard, located just across the highway from the main local attraction here, the George W. Bush Presidential Library. Besides the library there is also the Meadows Museum, just off the main boulevard on SMU’s campus, which is well worth your time to visit. The public transit and location near Dallas provide plenty of tourist attractions and a wide range of restaurants and lodging for any fan attending a game at SMU.   Fans   3 There are various levels of fandom when it comes to college sports; the fans that grew up rooting for a certain school, the alumni of the school, and of course the current students. The SMU fans and alumni combine to form a wonderful fan base, but it is the current students that are the heart and soul of Moody Coliseum, who continue to bring the arena to life game after game. The students, known as “The Stampede”, provide the support that has helped give Moody Coliseum such a homecourt advantage. They sit courtside between the two team benches, and the bigger the game, the more those seats are full and loud. As for the rest of the fans, it depends on the visiting team and the day of the game – for Saturday games, the capacity is much higher than during weekday games. Overall, the fans are what you would expect from a school that is just putting on their basketball shoes in a historically known basketball conference.   Access   4 Southern Methodist University is in University Park, just north of downtown Dallas. Moody Coliseum is located on the SMU campus and is accessible from I-75 near the George W. Bush Presidential Library. SMU’s campus doesn’t provide the most ideal parking situation for sporting events, but the campus is accessible via public transportation. There are four cash parking areas around the coliseum: Moody Garage, Binkley Garage, Meadows Garage, and Westcott Surface Lot, all of which cost $25 and are close and accessible to Moody Coliseum. Otherwise, there is also free parking at Expressway Tower or at Dallas Area Rail Transportation’s Mockingbird Station. The DART light rail is a great option for fans not familiar with the Dallas traffic; Mockingbird Station is a major stop on the Red, Orange, and Blue lines, so you can reach the station from most of the DFW area, including the DFW airport. Once you get to Moody Coliseum there is only one main entrance for the general public. After walking thru metal detectors, fans walk into the Nancy and Richard Rogers Lobby – this lobby houses the ticket office, the Mustangs Pro Shop, and other items, such as free programs. The concourse is well lit and there is plenty of signage to help you navigate around the arena. The concourse can become crowded at high-traffic points during the game, such as before the game, at halftime, and after the game.   Return on Investment   4 The recent conference realignment has put SMU back into a power 5 conference; although football is still king in Texas, entering a traditionally strong basketball conference can only improve the SMU basketball program. SMU uses a flex system for single game ACC conference games – if you are not familiar with this, flex pricing means there are price increases or decreases depending on ticket demand. ACC conference game tickets start the season with typical ACC prices, as they range from $25 to $40 per game, except the Duke game, which is $165. By the end of the season, however, conference games are down to $17 to $23. It is not that SMU is a bad team; it is just that the current SMU basketball demand isn’t there. You can always expect Duke and North Carolina to have premier ticket prices, but always check third party websites to compare with prices on SMU’s website – there are some great deals for tickets during the season, and free parking can also be found nearby. Concessions here have average prices compared to sports venues. Overall, a visit to the SMU campus, along with a game inside Moody Coliseum, is well worth the price and trip for sports enthusiasts.   Extras   3 Moody Coliseum itself has been around since 1956 and continues to keep SMU athletics engaged with other college basketball teams around the country, via serving as the home court for SMU’s men’s and women’s basketball, as well as volleyball. Moody Coliseum offers excitement for college basketball in a football-driven state and provides an atmosphere rivaling other basketball powerhouses. Former President George W. Bush is a constant presence at SMU basketball games, along with players from the Dallas Mavericks and the Dallas Cowboys . The SMU Hall of Fame, located on the east side concourse, is a real tribute to the school’s history and students, with SMU student-athlete plaques depicting their athletic accomplishments, opposite a wall mural of a pre-renovated Moody Coliseum.   Final Thoughts Although the first season in the ACC didn’t exactly take off for the Mustangs in terms of larger attendance at Moody Coliseum, being able to watch ACC basketball, in the smallest ACC arena with a high return on investment, makes this facility a basketball gem for any college basketball fan.

Photos by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Pechanga Arena 3500 Sports Arena Blvd San Diego, CA 92110 San Diego Gulls website Pechanga Arena website Year Opened: 1966 Capacity: 12,920 Gulls in San Diego The San Diego Gulls are members of the American Hockey League (AHL) and skate their home games at the 50+-year-old Pechanga Arena, known by locals as The Sports Arena.  Built in 1966, the arena also hosts the NLL (box lacrosse) San Diego Seals.  It is also home to other entertainment such as concerts, Disney on Ice, Harlem Globetrotters, and more.  A busy and popular Kobey’s Swap Meet is held every weekend in the parking lot of the arena.     The team began operating in 2015 after relocating from Norfolk, VA.  It is the sixth hockey team to play at the arena, the fifth with the name ‘Gulls.’  The h ockey team’s parent club is the nearby NHL Anaheim Ducks, roughly an hour and a half drive away.  This close distance makes player call-ups/downs relatively easy for the teams and players.  The Ontario Reign (about a two-hour drive) is the Gulls' biggest rivalry, though I’m guessing the newest team to the AHL, the Coachella Valley Firebirds , comes in a close second (a tad over a two-hour drive).  Although an older facility, the gameday staff, operations, and team put on an entertaining evening of hockey at Pechanga Arena. Food & Beverage 4 The arena has a surprisingly vast number and variety of concessio ns, although they come with Ca lifornia prices.  Be sure to walk the entire concourse before making your selection.  Pechanga Arena Concourse, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Pizza Port slices (cheese, pepperoni, jalapeno pepperoni, BBQ chicken) run $9 - $9.75.  Arena Grill serves hot dogs, hamburgers, vegan sausages and burgers, chicken baskets, nachos, fries, etc.   Nicolosi’s (Italian) sells meatball mac and cheese, 6” meatball hero, vegan mac and cheese ($13 - $18), as well as traditional fare and beverages. Small kiosks include lemonade, mini donuts, hand-dipped corn dogs, caramel apples, yummy-looking frozen dipped bananas, and Dippin’ Dots. Bottled sodas (Coca-Cola brands), water, iced tea, Monster Energy, and Powerade cost $6 - $7. Several breweries and cocktail stands line the concourse. A Cutwater Cocktail Bar, Elysian Brewing Company, and Breitbard’s Tap Haus have vast selections of beers on tap and in cans (domestic and local craft).  Local craft includes brews from Eppig, Golden Road, Karl Strauss, Kona, Pizza Port, Stone, and Elysian, and cost $18.  Many stands have cocktails and wines ($16 - $18).  On Fridays, Light the Lamp Lager by local Mason Ale Works is sold for $5 (+ service charge). The Stella Artois Lounge is a premium entertainment area available for rent and/or membership and includes a posh bar and other VIP features. The arena lacks tables to eat your purchased food.  Instead, fans have to bring their refreshments to their seats.  Atmosphere 4 Although old, the arena serves the hockey team very well. Two levels of average-width cushioned seats (without cup holders) make up the seating.  Fans enter the middle of the seating area and walk up or down to their seats.  The second level is about 15 steps up.  No handrails are available for the top nine rows on either level.   Those uneasy with steps should get seats in row nine as that’s the top row when walking in. Handicapped and wheelchair seating is available along the inner walkway.  Every seat has a decent view of the action on the ice.  Ushers have a puck-in-play sign and use them perfectly. It’s a bit chilly; it IS  an ice rink.  A sweatshirt and jacket are needed.  The music is acceptable; it’s loud enough to energize the crowd, but not painfully loud-- a welcome element in sports these days.   Closed captioning is not available.  A suitably sized scoreboard hangs above center ice.  It shows the game action video, the period, shots on goal, penalties and time left, and the score.  Two small dot matrix boards are located above the seating area behind the goals.  Besides the game, other activities include chuck a puck, pee wee hockey, t-shirt toss, etc.  Gulliver, a mascot dressed up as a seagull, roams the stands.  When playing a team from Canada, the vocalist sings both the US and the Canadian anthem, and bo th countries’ fla gs hang from the rafters. Neighborhood 4 The area directly surrounding the rink is bustling with shopping centers, and within just one to three miles, plenty of choices for eating, drinking, and merriment are available.  Ocean Beach Pier is just three miles from the venue and is where visitors can watch the surfers (or surf themselves), walk along the beach, swim, or sunbathe in the warmer months.  Or stroll the neighborhood shops, restaurants, and brewpubs.   It’s a great place to visit.  Sea World San Diego is a little over two miles. Historic Old Town is just a mile away; both are worth visiting.  A plethora of places to eat and drink are within a few miles.  We recommend the Long Story Irish Pub (though finding parking may be difficult), Phil’s BBQ, and Cochino de Barrio (Mexican).  Within walking distance of the arena are staples like Chick-fil-A, McDonald’s, Chili’s, Broken Yolk, and Buffalo Wild Wings (though we do not recommend this Broken Yolk and BWW). For the hop head, the go-to brewery for Gulls fans is Bay City Brewing , right across the parking lot.  Plenty of other breweries are close by:  Deft Brewing (European style brews), Stone Brewing (in Liberty Station – serves food), and if visiting Ocean Beach, check out Ocean Beach Brewery (serves food), Kilowatt Brewing, or Pizza Port (Brewpub).  Many, many more are within five miles of the rink. A Wyndham Garden Inn is across the street from Pechanga Arena, and a Ramada Inn is a block and a half away.  Many other hotels with varied prices are within just a mile or two of Pechanga Arena, so pick your preference.  Sports fans can attend other games in the area duri ng hockey sea son, including the NLL Seals .  The University of San Diego is two to three miles from the arena.  You may be able to catch a Toreros baseball , basketball , football , or other athletic games. San Diego is a fantastic city to tour, so make a day or weekend of it when attending a Gulls game! Fans 4 The Gulls fan base is strong.  The fans get excited and loud when the Gulls score a goal and are even more energized when they think a fight is about to start or if a t -shirt is about to be tossed into the seating area. Visitors will see multiple Gulls jersey designs in the stands and plenty of Anaheim Ducks gear too.  The Gulls average around 7K fans per game.  Theme nights and weekends draw more fans to the arena. Access 3 Getting to the arena is easy.  It is right off the I-8 and I-5 Interstates in the Midway District of San Diego, a tad over a mile from Old Town San Diego and a little over three miles from the San Diego Airport.   Plenty of parking is available in lots surrounding the venue for $15.  The box office is on the north side of the building (Kurtz Street side).  Getting out of the parking lot after a game is a mess.  We recommend just hanging out for 20 minutes or more for a smoother, easier exit. Public transportation is available and takes 30 – 45 minutes with multiple changes if coming from the airport.  Check the San Diego MTS trip planner to see if this is an option from where you are.  If not, Uber and Lyft drop-off and pickup are on the south side of the venue near the ARCO gas station and Chick-fil-A.  It is easy and painless to get through security and scanning of the ticket.  Clear 12” x 6” x 12” stadium sports bags are allowed.  Fans can walk the entire concourse.  Unfortunately, tickets are only available through AXS – an online ticket provider.  Fans purchasing tickets at the box office must download the AXS app to their phone to get their tickets.  The Gulls do not offer hardcopy tickets.  ADA seating is provided on the inner concourse surrounding the ice surface.  The arena has sufficient restrooms for a hockey game, but they are tight, on the messy side, and have minimal room to maneuver (at least in the ladies).  Return on Investment 3 The Gulls provide an excellent game day experience even with beer prices ($18) being higher than the parking price ($15).  But, if you go on a Friday, you can get a beer for $5. The price of tickets varies based on the date a nd the op ponent.  They generally cost $22 - $54 (plus $5 - $12 fees). Military and First Responders get discounted rates at all games.  The team offers College Night games where students can purchase tickets for $15.   And season tickets, mini-plans, and groups get discounted ticket prices.  The Gulls offer many theme nights throughout the season, often with giveaways. Food prices are high, but this is San Diego; visitors from out of town need to remember to pack a bit more of that legal tender when heading to this city. Have a beer at Bay City Brewing (or another local brewery) before or after the game at half the price.  If time and your location permit, consider using public transportation. Extras 4 The one retired number hanging from the banners is #20 Willie O’Ree who played for the WHL (Western Hockey League San Diego Gulls in the late 1960’s and e arly 1970’s and is a member of the Hockey Hall of Fame.  Photos on the concourse walls portray famous events and entertainers who performed at Pechanga Arena over the years.  It is definitely worth the effort to stroll the concourse looking at and reviewing these images. The organization boasts a huge merchandise stand on the concourse with a huge variety of t-shirts, jerseys, hats and other memorabilia.  It’s well worth perusing when walking the concourse. The Gulls have several Special Jersey nights throughout the season.  The game of this review was Bill Walton nigh t, and the players wore nifty-looking tied-dyed jerseys.  San Diego Gulls Special Jerseys, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Final Thoughts The venue has a lot of history on display and is a throwback to an earlier time when arenas were designed to be functional fan facilities.  The fan game day experience is memorable.  There’s been talk of building a new arena on the same site as the existing one.  The proposition also includes an entertainment district (shops, dining, urban parks, etc.) and affordable housing.  We’ll keep our eyes open for any progress on this proposal.

Photos by Andrei Ojeda, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.86 PETCO Park 100 Park Blvd San Diego, CA 92101 Map It San Diego Padres website PETCO Park website Year Opened: 2004 Capacity: 42,445 America's Finest Park From 1969-2003 the San Diego Padres MLB franchise called Mission Valley their home. From San Diego to Jack Murphy to Qualcomm, the Friars had their share of memorable moments from Steve Garvey’s 2-run walk-off in Game 4 of the 1984 NLCS to the hitting prowess provided by Mr. Padre Tony Gwynn. The Padres would make two World Series appearances during their days in Mission Valley in 1984 and 1998.  Now in its 21st year of operation, Petco Park has hosted five post season appearances and is primed for another exciting playoff chase. Food & Beverage 5 There is no shortage of dining options   at Petco Park ranging from the traditional hot dogs to an array of fare.   There are your usual ballpark options such as the Friar Frank, the half-pound Big Slugger Dog and bratwurst and local favorites Randy Jones BBQ and Hodad’s. A single bacon cheeseburger from Hodads with all the fixings piled high is big enough to satisfy even the biggest appetites. Cardiff’s Seaside Market has a cart located in the both lower and upper concourse on the third base side  serving up some tasty Burgundy BBQ tri-tip sandwiches as well as a generous helping of Burgundy Pepper tri-tip nachos, affectionately known to locals as Cardiff Crack.   Also available at Cardiff Seaside’s main marketplace in the lower concourse, and another fan favorite, is the banana bread pudding . Served in a souvenir replica of the Western Metal Supply Co. building , this collectible container adds to the appeal of the dessert which fans greatly enjoy. If craving this sought-out dessert, you will want to get to the marketplace early as it tends to sell out rather quickly.   A popular addition to the lineup is the Lob Dog .   It's a grilled chorizo sausage topped with grilled lobster tail, served on a brioche bun with charred lemon garlic aioli, chives, and a lemon slice for garnish. The dish is cooked on a special Santa Maria grill and presented in a boat-shaped box at just under $40! Petco Park offers a wide variety of local craft beers and microbrews. Among the options are Ballast Point, Karl Strauss, Mission Brewery, as well as your typical ballpark variety of Anheuser Busch/Budweiser products. If there’s one brew that you must try at Petco if only to soak in the local brew experience, it’s the San Diego Pale Ale .394. The brew is a simple Pale Ale that pays tribute to Mr. Padre, Tony Gwynn, and his highest season batting average, .394, accomplished in 1994. Coke products provide non-alcoholic options with fountain stations located throughout the yard for free refills. Atmosphere 5 Coming off their exciting 2024 campaign, expectations for this season’s team remain high and the enthusiasm throughout the stands has been evident. The recently renovated Gallagher Square , located beyond the outfield seating area is a good way for the casual fan to spend a day at Petco Park. The recent $20 million renovations to Gallagher Square present fans with more room to maneuver, as  well as an updated video board along the Sycuan concert stage, leveled tiered lawn seating and a vastly improved kids play area that features the world’s largest climbable bat and an off-leash dog park. Gallagher Square, Photo by Andrei Ojeda, Stadium Journey Another addition fans will notice to Gallagher Square is the leveled terrace named after Mr. Padre himself, Tony Gwynn. Fans will also notice the relocation of the Tony Gwynn Statue in the upper deck of the terrace. The terrace has a pedestrian tunnel leading to the staging area of Gallagher Square. The tunnel features tributes to Mr. Padre including a six-minute video highlighting some of his accomplishments.  Tony Gwinn Tunnel, Photo by Andrei Ojeda, Stadium Journey San Diego has long been known for its military presence. Military exhibits are on display behind the lower right field stands should you choose to arrive early to view them. A statue of former legendary broadcaster, Jerry Coleman, a former Marine Veteran, is located inside the right field entrance gates. Sunday afternoon games bring out a strong military presence as one of the four branches of uniformed military personnel make their presence at the yard with the Padres donning their military themed uniforms. Neighborhood 5 Petco Park Exterior, Photo by Andrei Ojeda, Stadium Journey Since Petco Park’s opening in 2004, the vibe around the surrounding neighborhood has continually increased as more residency, as well as pre- and post-game entertainment and dining options continue to develop. The Gaslamp is the place many fans venture to with its wide variety of bars and restaurants. Bub’s at the Ballpark and The Blind Burro are some of the nearby favorites. Bar Basic, with its brick warehouse vibe as well as its signature Mashed White Pie, is also another neighborhood favorite a stone’s throw away from the yard. Fans 5 Coming off the excitement of last season’s playoff run, the level of enthusiasm continues to rise. Capacity crowds are the norm, and with another team ready for another exciting playoff chase, Petco Park could once again set another yearly attendance record. The enthusiasm among the Friar Faithful is at a fever pitch, especially when their World Champion rivals up I-5 are in town. Access 5 The downtown location of Petco Park allows for easy access, with parking lots scattered throughout the area. If you park in one of the further lots toward Broadway St to save some dough, the walk to the ballpark is approximately only 15 minutes. If you and your buddies want to do a little pre-game tailgate, Tailgate Park provides fans a small lot to grill, socialize and consume beverages before heading inside the yard. The experience at Tailgate Park is a bit scaled-down. Among the restrictions from your usual tailgate, the use of charcoal is not allowed on the premises as only gas cooking grills are allowed on the lot.  The SDMTS Trolley  is another great for Padres fans who wish to avoid the hassles of driving to the game with park and ride lots available throughout various spots throughout the city. If traveling from points north of San Diego toward Oceanside, the Coaster   provides rail service throughout the season to the Santa Fe Depot station where fans can connect free with their Coaster ticket on the SDMTS Trolley to Petco Park and back. Return service on the Coaster departs one hour after the last out or the conclusion of post-game fireworks. The latest Coaster departure is midnight. Gallagher Square Space, Photo by Andrei Ojeda, Stadium Journey Return on Investment 4 On most nights, you can get a “Park Pass” starting at $25. The pass allows fans to roam throughout the park without any restrictions. For games that aren’t filled, you should have no trouble finding a seat at the upper level. Otherwise, for games where attendance is expected to reach full capacity the “Park Pass,” while still allowing fans to roam the yard, permits fans access to Gallagher Square. Tickets inside the seating bowl for most games also start at $25, with a significant bump when certain teams, such as the Dodgers or Yankees, are in town. With crowds mostly reaching capacity status, it would be worth the few extra bucks for a seat inside the actual seating areas. Extras 5 Located behind the batter’s backdrop at the Gallagher Square, the Sycuan Stage is the first outdoor concert venue of its kind to be included inside an MLB park. Before ballgames, a local DJ spins beats from the stage. Two of Petco Park’s celebrated landmarks are statues of Hall of Famers Trevor Hoffman and Tony Gwynn. The statue of Tony Gwynn has been a very popular meeting spot for years and the Trevor Hoffman statue makes for another popular pregame meeting spot as well. The Padres Hall of Fame features a timeline of Padres and other baseball history in San Diego, as well as other photos and artifacts and an interactive video display that allows fans to view a profile of a past Padres legend. Outside the Hall of Fame at the Plaza are plaques displaying players in Cooperstown who donned the Padre uniform at some point in their career. The Breitbard Hall of Fame is located on the field concourse inside the Western Metal Supply Co. The building has a display of 153 plaques honoring athletes that left an impact on San Diego, both native San Diegans and those who played for a San Diego organization. A bronze bust of Johnny Ritchey can be viewed at the Breitbard Hall of Fame. A native of San Diego, Ritchey would be the first black ballplayer to break the color barrier in the AAA Pacific Coast League one year after Jackie Robinson would break the MLB color barrier during a time when MLB’s furthest team west was in St. Louis. The historic Western Metal Supply Co. building, Petco Park’s signature feature, is nicely incorporated into the yard, located by the left field corner, with rooftop viewing available throughout most games. The building also houses the main team store as well as several suites and The Loft, a sports bar on the building’s 4th floor that offers your standard ballpark brews and bites with several screens and pool and foosball tables. The Loft is open to all game-day patrons. Bringing the little ones to the yard? A miniature playground and a whiffle ball field are there for your little ones to enjoy. Gallagher Square also operates as a public park during the day as well as non-game days. If you should find yourself at an afternoon game, the playground remains open after the game for you and your young ones to work off some of that extra energy from the few innings worth of cotton candy and ice cream consumed. A plaza of retired numbers that once stood atop the batter’s backdrop can be viewed at the plaza inside the gate located at the corner of Tony Gwynn Drive and Trevor Hoffman Way. In section 114, San Diego’s high school baseball and softball make their presence known. The “San Diego Section” features hats from San Diego County high school teams that compete in CIF (California Interscholastic Federation) play. The display is also accompanied by two interactive screens where fans can search schools and professional players from those schools. Climbable Bat, Photo by Andrei Ojeda, Stadium Journey Final Thoughts Petco Park continues to play a huge role in the revitalization of the local area throughout the East Village. With a vibrant neighborhood and enthusiastic fans coming in droves along with one of the more picturesque parks among the 30, it’s no wonder Petco Park continually  ranks high among ballpark experts in America’s Finest City. ----- Follow and view all of Andrei’s journeys on Instagram   @thestadiumjourneyman and   @dreiinla .

Photos by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Surprise Stadium 15930 N Bullard Ave Surprise, AZ 85374 Map It Surprise Saguaros website Surprise Stadium website Year Opened: 2003 Capacity: 10,714 Sah-WAR-ohs Built in 2002, Surprise Stadium is the spring training home for MLB’s Texas Rangers and Kansas City Royals . The stadium is part of the Surprise Recreation Campus in Surprise, AZ, which is in the farthest northwest corner of the Phoenix Metropolitan area. The stadium has a capacity of 10,714 and is the most distant stadium from central Phoenix and the airport. In the fall, the baseball stadium is home to the Arizona Fall League (AFL) Surprise Saguaros (pronounced Sah-WAR-ohs). The Arizona Fall League is a developmental instructional baseball league played in various spring training complexes in the Greater Phoenix area. The season lasts a little over a month, during October and November.  Each Major League baseball team sends seven top prospects to the league to continue their development and for additional practice. For the 2024 season, the Astros, Royals, Orioles, Guardians, and Rangers sent players from their minor league teams to join the Saguaros. These affiliations change over the years. The Surprise Saguaros have won three AFL Championships, most recently in 2023. Food & Beverage 2 One concession stand on the concourse behind home plate is open for Saguaros games, and that’s enough.  The selection during the 2024 season includes bratwurst sausages ($6.25), monster hot dogs ($6.25), and nachos ($5.75). There’s usually an additional Manager’s Special, like chicken tenders. Snacks include Bavarian pretzels, popcorn, peanuts, and Snickers ice cream pops ($2.75 - $5.50). Drinks range from $3.25 - $5.50 an d include water, sweet tea, and fountain soda (Coca-Cola and Dr Pepper brands). The concession stand sells a variety of domestic and craft canned beer ($7.75 - $10.25).  A Desert Cactus Margarita (with two shots of tequila) costs $14.25. It’s enough to satisfy a hungry Saguaro fan.  Fans can bring in their own bottles of water and snacks. Atmosphere 4 Surprise Stadium offers a low-key, pleasantly delightful afternoon or evening of baseball. A 360-degree concourse surrounds the field, good for getting your steps in without missing the action on the diamond. Standard green fold-down stadium seats with cupholders stretch from foul pole to foul pole, though the sections beyond the dugouts are tarped of f for the Fall League. F ans walk down to their seats from the concourse. The second level is closed to fans for Fall League games. Handicapped seating lines the rim of the seating area on the concourse. Fans can sit wherever they prefer, which is standard for all Fall League games. We recommend bringing a rag or towel; you may need to wipe bird droppings off a seat. The infield concourse is sheltered in the event o f inclement wea ther. A medium-thick net extends across all seating. Sit in the seats above the bullpens for an inning or two to experience a unique and different viewpoint of the game. The music volume is fine, a little loud but tolerable under the speakers.  The person responsible for playing the music does a good job and only plays it pregame and between innings, as it should be.    Sit in section 113 to be out from under the speakers (though this section is in the sun during afternoon games). The field is remarkably green and plush, unusual for the hot and dry conditions in Arizona, especially this past 2024 summer. The scoreboard sits in the left field berm and provides some advertisements, the line score, and the batter’s name and photo (if they have it). The Saguaros staff set up a merchandise table on the concourse behind home plate. It offers merchandise for not only the Saguaros but other Fall League teams as well.  Fans can pick up team rosters and starting lineups at this table. Surprise Stadium Merchandise Table, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Neighborhood 3 Surprise, AZ is known for having many active adult communities and residences. Many northerners migrate south for the winter or relocate permanently to the area for its warm weather. Surprise does not have a ‘downtown’ area and is more piecemeal with communities and strip malls. Construction crews are building more and more structures as the city grows in popularity. Across the street from the stadium are the city-owned and operated tennis and racquet courts, the Surprise Community Park (walking trails, fishing pond, and picnic area), an aquatic center, and the library. For places to stay near the ballpark, a Residence Inn , Holiday Inn Express , and a Hilton Garden Inn  are all about ½ mile from the stadium. Places to eat and drink before or after the game require a vehicle. Man y chains and fast food pla ces are along Bell Rd. For non-chain suggestions, try Bonfire Craft Kitchen and Tap House , Saigon Kitchen  (Vietnamese), or Irish Wolfhound Pub . State 48 Brewery has a brewpub a little over two miles from the stadium. If outdoor activities interest you, at least eight golf courses dot the Surprise landscape, or take a hike at the White Tank Mountain Regional Park (17 miles from the ballpark). The closest Fall League venue is Peoria Sports Complex, home of the Peoria Javelinas , 10 miles east. Camelback Ranch, where the AFL Glendale Desert Dogs  play, is about a 30-minute drive. Fans 3 Fans who attend Fall League games tend to be scouts, autograph hunters, or those who enjoy the game itself and not all the extras that occur in minor and major league parks throughout North America.  Fans applaud all good plays regardless of team. The Saguaros draw about 300 – 500 fans per game.  Weekend games have a higher attendance.  The fan base tends to increase as the season progresses . Access 2 Surprise Stadium is 40 miles from Sky Harbor Airport. No public transportation is available from the airport, nor does Surprise have local bus service options. Driving is the only option. One entrance is open for Fall League games, behind center field.  The closest spot to park is the West Fastball Dr parking lot.  Parking is free for Fall League games. It’s one of the rare baseball venues where the ticket booth is outside center field, behind the batter’s eye. The third baseline gates open for exiting after the game, making the walking distance shorter.  The Saguaros provide golf cart-like transportation from the entrance to the seating area (and back) for those who need it.  Clear stadium bags are allowed, though the signs indicating such are not easy to read and do not make fans feel welcome. The 360-degree concourse is comfortably wide. Clean and serviceable restrooms are open on the inner concourse. Return on Investment 4 As with everything else, prices have increased.  Single game tickets are $13 (seniors 55+ and teens 11 – 17 are $11). Kids 10 and under get in free. If you live in the area or plan on attending 12 or more games, a season pass is a less expensive way to go. A single admission season pass is $155; a double admission pass is $185 (less if you are 55+). Parking is free, as it is at all Fall League parks. Attending a baseball game on a warm fall day or evening for the game is worth the price and Surprise Stadium does a good job at keeping it baseball. . Extras 3 The stadium features a Hall of Fame, highlighting plaques honoring both Royals and Rangers players, managers, and local community role models. Paper copies of the starting lineup and rosters are available upon entry or at the souvenir table, a good thing for fans who keep score. The shrubbery in the batter’s eye this 2024 season makes me chuckle as the saguaro looks like it’s giving the fan base the finger (gotta love Mother Nature). Surprise Stadium Batter's Eye, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Depending on which game you attend, you may see members of the nearby Luke Air Force base present the colors, sing the national anthem, and throw out the first pitch.    When the game day announcer recognizes armed force members and veterans in the stands during the game, a good portion of the Saguaros players applaud and wave their hats in appreciation of their service.  Final Thoughts Surprise Stadium is an attractive stadium and all staff members are quite pleasant. Fans attending Sah-WAR-ohs games here enjoy their time.

Photos by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Peoria Sports Complex 16101 N 83rd Ave Peoria, AZ 85382 Peoria Javelinas website Peoria Sports Complex website Year Opened: 1994 Capacity: 12,882 Peoria Javelinas Baseball The Peoria Javelinas are one of six teams playing in the Arizona Fall League. The Arizona Fall League is a developmental instructional baseball league played in various spring training complexes in the Greater Phoenix area. The season lasts six weeks, during October and November. Major league teams send some of their most highly touted prospects to play in the league for additional practice. For those not familiar with the term, javelinas are nasty pig-like mammals (though they’re not actually in the pig family) often seen in the Arizona wild.  The ball players are much more approachable and friendly than the animals. For the 2024 season, the Padres, Mariners, Braves, Brewers, and Marlins sent players from their minor league teams to join the Javelinas. The Javelinas play at the Peoria Sports Complex, home to the San Diego Padres and Seattle Mariners for spring training, and the ACL (Arizona Complex League) Padres in the summer. NPB (Nippon Professional Baseball), Nippon-Ham Fighters KBO (Korean Baseball Organization), Doosan Bears, Lotte Giants, and NC Dinos have used the facility for their spring training in the past. It is owned and managed by the city of Peoria. The two best features of the Peoria Sports Complex are the spectacular sunset views and the scoreboard. Food & Beverage 2 The stadium does not offer a lot of fare for Fall League games. One concession stand is open.  The concession prices are a tad lower than other venues in the league. Food choices are jumbo hot dogs ($4.99), nachos ($6.49), soft pretzels ($4.99), popcorn ($3.99), chips ($2.99), and candy ($3.99).  A footlong hot dog costs $9.49. Bottled soda (Pepsi) is $4.99, and water is $3.99 .  A 24 oz can of domestic beer is $9.99, while premium beer cans are $10.99.  Canned beer selections are Michelob Ultra, Hop Knot IPA, 805, Modelo, Angry Orchard, and Truly.  The food choices won’t wow you but are okay for a snack.  You can bring in your own water and snacks. We recommend eating elsewhere before or after the game and getting something here as a snack if needed. Atmosphere 3 Javelina g ames are a peaceful baseball-watching experience. The Peoria Sports Complex seating is staggered blue stadium fold-down seats on three levels with a small walkway between the first two. They have decent legroom but are a tad narrow.  You can sit anywhere you want in the main stadium; the outfield lawn is closed off for most games. Row O has more legroom than other rows. Seats behind home plate and on the first base side get the shade first for day games.  Fans can still watch net-free baseball in sections past the dugouts.  Accessible seating lines the walkway. Be sure to visit the third base patio deck (third level). It’s a great place to catch some foul balls and see that beautiful sunset. Peoria Sports Complex, Third Base Patio, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey The scoreboard is the best in the Arizona Fall League. It is easy to read without binoculars. It shows the lineup for both teams (white letters on a black background), the name, number, position, and MLB affiliate of each player, which is great for learning the players’ names that will likely be in the majors in the future. The line score is displayed as well. The pitch clock is attached to the batter’s eye in center field. It’s difficult to read during day games because of the sun, but it is simple to read at night games. The music volume is just fine. Thankfully, the organization does not play music between each pitch and batter, just between innings. This allows fans to talk with each other without competin g against the music. The sounds of the game are delightfully magnified, with few in the seats and no music. The cracks of the bat, players calling for fly balls, and calls by the umpire - you can hear it all. The PA announcer does an excellent job. With a strong, clear voice, he calls almost all the batter and pitcher changes. Nicely done! Game day operations have an occasional t-shirt toss.  Stop by the merchandise counter on the concourse and complete a raffle ticket to win a prize, announced in the 8th inning.  Neighborhood 4 The stadium is in the heart of the P83 Entertainment District in Peoria, AZ, a northwest suburb of Phoenix. Retail, restaurants, hotels, apartment and office complexes, movie theaters, and shopping all abound next to the stadium, mostly on the north side. Over 15 restaurants, bars, and fast food are within a block or two. Many are chain restaurants if that’s what you prefer. However, we recommend The Social on 83rd  (good for weekend brunch). We also suggest Pho For Days (Vietnamese) and Revolu Modern Taqueria + Bar (Mexican). Besides shopping, a Harkins and an AMC movie theater are nearby, as is an Air Trampoline and Adventure Park for those a little more adventurous. To get in a few easy steps, take a stroll (or bike ride) on New River Trail . Downtown Phoenix is around 20 miles away. Several hotels are within walking distance. The LaQuinta Inn & Suites  is the closest. A Hampton Inn, Comfort Suite, and Residence Inn are .3 miles from the park. Other Fall League teams to visit when in town are the Glendale Desert Dogs  and the Surprise Saguaros. Check if the Arizona Cardinals  or the Phoenix Suns  are playing at home during your visit. Fans 3 Fans who visit the Fall League and the Javelinas are fans of the game. Lots of retired folks are in attendance. Families and kids are seen more on weekend or evening games. And there are lots of autograph hunters.  Scouts generally sit up behind home plate. Average attendance runs close to 400 fans a game. Access 3 Peoria Sports Complex is less than a half mile off Loop 101 (Bell Road exit) in the northwest suburbs of Phoenix. Bell Road / 83rd Ave is a traffic mess when leaving an afternoon game or getting to a weekday evening game. Parking is free. Only Gate B is open for Javelinas games (home plate entrance) on the corner of N 83rd and Stadium Way. The stadium is a 30-minute or so drive from Sky Harbor Airport. Public transportation is not easily available from the airport; riders must make multiple transfers, and travel time takes close to 2 ½ hours. The concourses are wide open. Minimal pedestrian congestion is found at a Javelinas game. Restrooms ar e plentiful and clean (at least the ladies). Return on Investment 4 Single-game tickets are $13 (seniors 55+ and teens 11 - 17 are $11). Kids 10 and under get in free. If you live in the area or are planning on attending 12 or more games, a season pass is a less expensive way to go.  A single admission season pass is $155; a double admission pass is $185 (both are less if you are 55+). Concessions, though limited, are priced lower here than at other Fall League parks.  And there’s no charge for parking (none of the Arizona Fall League stadiums charge for parking). Attending a baseball game on a warm fall day or evening is worth the price. . Extras 2 Both the PA announcer and the scoreboard deserve extra mention s. Final Thoughts Attending a Javelina   baseball game at Peoria Sports Complex is a marvelous experience, especially for a baseball purist.  If you are planning on visiting any Fall League venues, be sure to put Peoria on the list.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 Cullen Field House 400 East Ave. Warwick, RI 02886 CC of Rhode Island Knights men's basketball website Vincent A. Cullen Field House website Year Opened: 1979 Capacity: 3,000 Knight Time in Rhode Island   The Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) is the only community college in the state of Rhode Island and the largest community college in New England. Founded in 1964 as Rhode Island Junior College, it moved out of its original home in Providence when land was donated to the school by the Knight Estate in the neighboring city of Warwick in 1972. Today the school’s 16,000 students study at six campuses throughout the state working towards five different Associate Degrees.   The school sponsors teams in three men’s sports and four women’s sports. The teams are called the Knights in honor of the Knight Estate. The basketball program has been a leader among local community college teams since the 60s. Today CCRI competes in NJCAA Division III along with several other schools throughout New England. Over their history, the men's teams have won 19 Regional Championships and appeared in 12 National Tournaments, reaching the championship game in 1991 and 2012. The women's teams have won 13 Regional Championships and appeared in 10 National Tournaments.   CCRI’s basketball teams play in the Vincent A. Cullen Field House, named for the school’s longtime professor, Director of Athletics and men’s basketball coach. During his tenure, Cullen compiled a record of 711-258. His teams qualified for the NJCAA tournament 13 times.    Food & Beverage 0   There are no concessions to be found at Cullen Field House. Not even a vending machine in sight. Fans are able to bring in their own refreshments to enjoy during the game.   Atmosphere 2   The game day presentation is pretty much what you would expect it to be at this level of basketball. There’s not a lot of extra bells and whistles to be found at CCRI, but the staff do a good job putting on a representative show. Much of the noise in the gym comes from the bleachers, where friends and family of the players (from both teams) are into the game and cheer on their favorite players enthusiastically.   There is no cheerleading squad or pep band like you would see at most bigger schools, but that doesn’t mean Cullen Field House is quiet during a game. Music plays over a good sound system, and the PA announcer adds a bit of excitement to the proceedings while keeping the fans informed. Amusingly, the PA system uses different speakers than the music, so the noise comes from a different end of the gym depending on what sounds are playing. It’s not quite as trippy as listening to Pink Floyd with headphones on, but it was amusing, nonetheless. Brand new scoreboards were installed for the 2024-25 season and hang on both ends of the court. They display basic game information. Additional upgrades to the facility made in 2024 include new wall pads and plans for a new weight room.   Neighborhood 4   The area around CCRI is a busy commercial district, featuring two shopping malls and Warwick’s main business drag, Route 2. There are no shortage of dining and lodging options just a short drive from campus. Just be aware that this is not really a walkable neighborhood. Traffic is heavy and a car is needed to best move about the area.   Virtually every national chain restaurant you can think of can be found in the area. Fans looking for a bit of regional flavor close to CCRI will need to venture further out into Warwick to try Iron Works or the Tree House Tavern, as well as local chains Chelo’s and Iggy’s, famous for their clam cakes and chowder. Of course, Providence is known as one of the top mid-sized cities in the nation for culinary options, and it is located just a 15-minute drive from CCRI.   Visiting fans looking to stay near campus will find a Crowne Plaza hotel right up the street from CCRI, and with T.F. Green Rhode Island Airport located just four miles from the school, you'll find plenty of lodging options in the area.   The city of Warwick boasts a couple of nice state parks, Goddard and Rocky Point, the latter located on the site of the old amusement park. With Providence located just 15 minutes away, and the seaside towns of Newport and Narragansett located about a half hour’s drive away, CCRI is centrally located for anyone looking to explore the best of Rhode Island.   Fans 2   A CCRI crowd is definitely what we at Stadium Journey call a “friends and family” type of crowd. Colleges at this level generally don’t release attendance figures, but the crowd during Stadium Journey’s visit on a Saturday afternoon during semester break numbered about 100 people. Weekday games generally draw larger crowds, as students will head over to the Field House after classes end.    Everyone in the stands has a personal connection with the players on the court and are not shy about letting everyone know about who their favorite player is. It’s a very tight-knit crowd here at the Cullen Field House, as everyone seemed to know everyone else in the stands. Since the Knights’ schedule consists of other area community colleges, you’ll be sure to find a good representation of visiting fans in the stands as well.   Access 4   The Knight campus of the Community College of Rhode Island is located in Warwick, the third largest city in the state. Warwick boasts a population of about 83,000 residents and is located 12 miles south of Providence. CCRI is very easy to get to, as it is located right off Interstate 95 via exit 28. Fans using public transportation will be pleased to know that RIPTA’s  13, 23 and 29 busses all serve the CCRI campus.   CCRI’s Knight campus consists of one hulking building, designed by the architecture firm of Perkins and Will in 1972 to house all the school’s academic, social and recreational facilities in a single building. The enormous structure varies in height from four to six stories. This building is a fine example of the brutalist architecture in vogue at the time (see also the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth ). This style of architecture has lost its appeal over time, and CCRI was named the eighth ugliest campus in the United States by the lifestyle website Complex in 2019.   A very large parking lot is located adjacent to CCRI’s main building. Given the school’s status as a commuter school, this is both expected and necessary. It’s another example of how the school was designed for function, not style. Spots in this lot are a bit of a walk from the Cullen Field House.   The Cullen Field House is located behind the main building. It’s pretty much the only structure on campus that is not part of the main building. There are numerous parking spots near the Field House, but they are marked as reserved. This might not be an issue when coming to CCRI for a basketball game at night or on the weekend, though.   Fans will enter Cullen Field House at the top floor of the building and descend a set of stairs to the basketball court. An elevator is located here for fans who require it. There are nice views of the court from the stairway, but fans are discouraged from standing here. All seating is located on the west side of the court and consists of wooden bleachers. Two small rest rooms serve the gym. Return on Investment 5   There is no charge to attend a Knights basketball game. Parking is free as well in the gigantic parking lot at CCRI. With no concessions at Cullen Field House, you won’t reach for your wallet at all during your visit. As a bonus, most days, the women’s and men’s team play doubleheaders, meaning you’ll get to watch two games for the price of none!   Extras 2   Banners hang all over the Cullen Field House walls honoring CCRI District and regional champions from both the men’s and women’s teams. As part of recent improvements to the gym, new banners are being made and will be hung soon.   As you enter Cullen Field House and descend the stairs to the basketball court, you’ll pass through the CCRI Athletic Hall of Fame, which contains mementos from the school’s sporting history. Notable individuals are honored here as well. Final Thoughts   Junior college basketball may be overlooked by many when considering stadium journeys, but small gyms like the Cullen Field House combine quality play, affordability and an intimate setting to provide alternatives to the expense and crowds of big-time college hoops.   Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter  and Instagram  @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Constellation Field 1 Stadium Drive Sugar Land, TX 77498 Sugar Land Space Cowboys website Constellation Field website Year Opened: 2012 Capacity: 7,500 Traveling Through Space with the Cowboys The Sugar Land Space Cowboys made their debut for the 2022 Pacific Coast League season. It was a bold new name for the Houston Astros Triple-A affiliate that is a 30-minute ride from Minute Maid Park . The space connection between the two organizations hopes to solidify a partnership that began in 2020 after MLB cut ties with 40 ball clubs in the minor leagues. The team began operations as the Sugar Land Skeeters in the independent Atlantic League in 2012. A league where most of its members were situated in eastern Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Long Island, New York. The hope at the time of its expansion into Texas was to have more cities nearby, but by the time the ball club left in 2021, the closest opponent was 1,130 miles away in High Point, North Carolina. Constellation Field cost $37 million to build and includes 7,500 seats, a wraparound concourse, and a Texas-shaped scoreboard. The focus is for fans to enjoy various food and drink options and allow time for the kids to enjoy areas such as the Splash Zone and Playland behind the center field. Food & Beverage 4 Constellation Field has an eclectic abundance of food from your normal ballpark snacks to a few local options. The Galactic Grill stands are the main areas for your favorites that include hot dogs, corn dogs, chicken tenders, burgers, fries, pretzels, peanuts, popcorn, and soda. If you are with the kids, this is the spot, but also check out the bottomless popcorn buckets at the Buttered & Boozed stand on the 1st base side of the concourse. The regional options include nachos that include barbecue and Buffalo chicken style at the TEX-MEX stand and a few feet from it is the Burger Kitchen that serves scratch-made burgers and chicken tender baskets. These are more of the grown-up variety and come in huge portions. Not so huge are the slices at The Slice Pizza Spot where fans can purchase a regular slice or one topped with pepperoni. Once again, perhaps a stop for the little ones. Behind the outfield concourse is probably the best spot for barbecue and for around under $15 gets you a two-meat combo of either brisket, pulled pork, sausage links, or sliced brisket. The beer options include macro brands from Miller, Modello, and Much Ultra, but also Houston’s own St. Arnold Brewing Company. The 20-ounce cans are available out of the coolers in the grab-and-go section. Another area brewery, Karbach Brewing Company sells the Crawford Bock cans that are designed like the Astros tequila sunrise uniforms of 1975-1986. Atmosphere 4 An honest-to-goodness atmosphere that is a collection of die-hards and casual fans enjoying a night out of baseball with friends and family. The ballpark has a little bit of everything that begins with a nice look at the ballpark exterior and main entrance located down the third baseline. The Pool Pavilion is located in the left field corner, is geared towards children only, and includes water spouts to cool them off during the hot summer heat. Adjacent to the pool is the kid’s play land that features a brand new sports court and playground options. The Bud Light Ice House features a bar, outdoor games, and Adirondack chairs behind the center field wall. Next door to the bar is the splash zone, another area for the kids to get wet during the game, and is open to any single ticket holder. The area features buckets of water raining down on the kids, while they forget a baseball game is taking place. The Grass Land is where the lawn seats are located and features a nice even slope to enjoy the game, a small narrow bridge connects the seating area with the main concourse. There are also a few inflatable rides for the kids down the third base end of the concourse. This is among the better kids’ zones at a minor-league ballpark. Orion is the official mascot of the team and he can be found throughout the stadium. The souvenir shop offers an ample amount of team merchandise from t-shirts, caps, and official team jerseys. The colorful look, styles, and branding could keep visitors busy for a while in the crowded shop. The scoreboard lights up with the team colors of light blue, orange, and navy blue once it gets dark. Neighborhood 3 Sugar Land is one of the most affluent and fastest-growing cities in Texas. Its population has boomed from 24,529 in 1990 to 117,869 in 2018. A former company town that was home to Imperial Sugar only became a general law city in 1959. Current plans call for transforming the former Imperial Sugar plant into a mix-used lifestyle center that looks to open sometime in 2019. The 850,000 square foot area will be within walking/biking distance of the ballpark and features an upscale restaurant and retail space, residential units, a hotel, and the Ft. Bend Children’s Discovery Center. All around the ballpark you can see residential and retail complexes popping up that will create a walking and livable space for the ballpark. Downtown Houston is 19 miles away, but traffic can seem much further. There are enough restaurants and places to keep you busy in Sugar Land. Sugar Land Square is a primary entertainment district featuring restaurants, sidewalk cafes, shopping venues, and a public plaza. Jupiter Pizza and Waffle Company, The Rouxpour, The Sugar Refinery, and The Burning Pear are just a few of the local options to choose from at the square. If you are in search of Tex-Mex and barbecue options, Brookstone BBQ, Rudy’s Bar-B-Que, Torchy’s Tacos, Lopez Mexican Restaurant, and Lupe Tortilla are among the options. Fans 3 The Cowboys average attendance was 3,412 fans per game this past season, well over 1,000 fewer who saw them play as the Skeeters in the season before the pandemic. The stadium experience was not too much different when there were the Skeeters and many parents enjoyed a break with their children running around the kids zone in the outfield. Access 4 The ballpark is easy to navigate through games. The concourse is wide, wraps around the field, and offers plenty of signage for exits, concessions, and bathrooms. The stadium itself is located a few miles off Highway 90 and near Interstate 69. The only spot that gets a bit cumbersome is walking behind the pool pavilion toward the kid’s play area. Return on Investment 4 The lowest ticket for a game is $10 and parking is equal in price. All ticket purchases are digital and cannot be purchased at the team’s box office at the stadium. The cost of food and drinks averages as low as a regular hot dog at $6.19 to as high as $12.99 for barbecue nachos. Merchandise is plenty and there are various styles and colors to choose from at the gift shop. The ballpark is officially a Triple-A ballpark, but still the Double-A design that was quite popular in the Atlantic League when it was built. Extras 4 Sugar Land receives a point for the Texas-shaped scoreboard, somewhat reminiscent of the one that stood at Arlington Stadium between 1972-1993. The scoreboard is a definite focal point of the ballpark and lights up after a club wins. The kids zone offers a splash pad playground and areas for outdoor games. The spaced theme areas include the Galatic Grill, a mural featuring the club’s mascot, and the playing of the Jonzons Crew 1983 song “Space Cowboy” after a win. The final point is for the indoor batting cage that is available for fans during the game. Final Thoughts Constellation Field offers a nice alternative for baseball in the Houston area; it is a place where families can sit back and enjoy a night out without paying for an arm and a leg. There is plenty of activity to keep the kids busy and numerous seating options to make it a decent night of baseball.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Smokey Joe Williams Field 950 S Austin St. Seguin, TX 78155 Seguin River Monsters website Smokey Joe Wiliams Field website Year Opened: 1960 Capacity: 1,200 River Monsters Make Smokey Joe Home The Seguin River Monsters are members of the Texas Collegiate League and play at Smokey Joe Williams Field. The ballpark is named after the hometown hero who played 28 years in the Negro Leagues from 1903-1932. Williams was considered the best Negro League pitcher in a 1952 poll, edging out Satchel Paige, and would have a career 20-7-1 record with 12 shutouts against major league teams in exhibition play. He would be enshrined in Cooperstown in 1999. Two years later, the ballpark would be renamed in his honor. The baseball field opened as Fairgrounds Park in 1960 and was part of a complex that houses the Seguin Arena for rodeos, Seguin Coliseum, volleyball courts, and softball fields. The Guadalupe County Fair is held annually on the grounds. There is a lot of activity taking place at any given time, as baseball, rodeo shows, and league volleyball matches could all take place at the same time. The River Monsters began operations in 2022, and the ballpark is also home to the Seguin High School Matadors baseball program. The Matadors are building a new home, but its presence is felt on signage around the stadium. The Matadors’ name appears on the outfield wall to its 1960 State Championship banner in the main concourse. However, it has not been home to minor league or summer collegiate baseball since the 1976 Seguin Toros operated in the Gulf State League. The Toros made national headlines when its owner refused to pay for lodging in Corpus Christi, insisting players make the 330-mile drive between each game. Players then brought out tents and sleeping bags to sleep on the beach after the second game, after making the round trip commute. The club folded after the season with a 29-48 record. Just in case you were wondering, a river monster is a colloquialism for a catfish. It became the 20th city to call the league home, adopting the colors green and blue. For a city with a hall of fame pitcher and only one season of minor league baseball, the River Monsters hope to satisfy its fans with a baseball game during the summer months. Food & Beverage 3 There is one main concession stand underneath the grandstand that handles all of the food and drink during games. The items include hot dogs, nachos, candy, peanuts, popcorn, ice cream, and Hot Cheetos covered with cheese. The soda options include Coke products and the Texas mandatory drinks of Big Red and Dr. Pepper. However, the stadium was not selling beer, but it could change in the future. The food products are not varied, but the hot dogs were steamed and tasty. The cheese-covered Hot Cheetos made for a different type of ballpark snack, and ice cream helmets were available. The only problem is that the ice cream sold out rather quickly. It’s suggested to have dinner before the game since the items here are clearly for snacking. Hot Cheetos at Smokey Joe Park, Photo by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Atmosphere 3 The covered grandstand can hold around 900 people and comprise aluminum bleachers. A simple press box is located at the top of the grandstand seating, while open bleacher seats are on each baseline. The club has set up a few banners around the concourse to promote its brand, but that does not include the team mascot. What was interesting was the number of children chasing foul balls out of the ballpark throughout the night. Kids were running in pairs to collect the elusive baseball souvenir, with a few picking up two on the night. When they weren’t chasing foul balls, they were chasing one another down the third-base side of the field in the open spaces. A table is set up with limited tech merchandise near the entrance, a local band played Take Me Out the Ballpark during the 7th inning stretch, and the sound system was working quite well with the PA announcer coming through loud and clear. There were no promotions on the field in-between innings, no silly sound effects, or an overabundance of advertisement. It was simple baseball with a nice gathering on a cool Texas evening. Neighborhood 3 Seguin is 30 miles east of San Antonio and offers a downtown square surrounded by a courthouse. Some eateries range from local barbecue to Italian cuisine. It is advised to eat something before the game, and there are more than enough establishments to choose from in town. Dixie Grill specializes in Southern comfort food, Johnnie’s Bar-B-Que is a local area staple, Mary’s Tex-Mex is worth a visit, and Hawaiian Bros Island Grill offers a taste of Hawaii. There are still more, including The Powerplant, Giuseppe’s Italian Grill, 1838 Grill, and Kirby’s Korner for specialized burgers. If you are a fan of craft beer, Seguin Brewing Company has a few pints ready to drink. Fans 3 Seguin is a new franchise on the TCL, but the fan base appears to be paying attention. A great crowd was on hand that provided a pleasant backdrop to the game, including Little Leaguers, season ticket holders, and curious onlookers enjoying the new team in town. The concession lines are packed, and kids were able to keep the balls they fetched in the parking lot. Access 4 Smokey Joe Williams Field is easy to access. It consists of a covered grandstand with concessions and bathrooms on the main concourse. The parking is free of charge and easy to find with signs throughout the city. Return on Investment 4 The price of a ticket is $6 and is one of the best deals in any league in the state. The concession prices are reasonable, and so is the merchandise. Parking is free for all home games, and Seguin is a great town to spend a few hours in before the game. Extras 3 The River Monsters earn a point for a local band playing “Take Me Out the Ballgame”. The second point is for the tasty food that includes steamed hot dogs and cheese-covered Hot Cheetos. The last point is for the kids chasing and keeping foul balls instead of returning them for a food item. Final Thoughts There is a lot to enjoy at a River Monsters game, but there is a lot more to improve. The promotions and on-field gimmicks did not take place during our visit, and one could imagine what could have been done with all those kids in the audience. It was a shame to see little merchandise, but that could be due to the current shipping situation. The club has a wonderful ballpark to play in and needs a little more seasoning to make it a truly enjoyable experience Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on YouTube @ballparkhunter, Twitter @ballparkhunter , and Instagram .

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Bing Crosby Stadium 200 E 8th Street Front Royal, VA 22630 Front Royal Cardinals website Bing Crosby Stadiums website Year Opened: 1953 Capacity: 1,500 Baseball Beyond the Blue Ridge The Valley Baseball League is an 11-team collegiate summer wood-bat baseball league nestled in Virginia’s scenic Shenandoah Valley. The Valley, as it is simply known to most Virginians, runs north-south across most of the western portion of the state. The VBL includes teams in many small towns across the region, ranging from Winchester in the northwestern part of the state line to several teams in the I-64 corridor a couple hours south. The Front Royal Cardinals joined the VBL in 1984, playing their home games in Bing Crosby Stadium, at the time already over 30 years old. The stadium underwent major renovations in 2006, over a half century after it opened, to create the current version of the venue. In addition to hosting the Cardinals over the summer, Bing Crosby Stadium also hosts several local high school teams as well as other events such as football games and concerts throughout the year. It is located in Gertrude E. Miller Recreational Park, a Warren County park that also includes a playground, picnic pavilion, athletic fields, and a swimming pool, among other facilities. Bing Crosby himself was instrumental in fundraising for the stadium that bears his name and donated a good portion of the money himself. The city threw a Bing Crosby Day parade in his honor, and there is a plaque honoring his efforts near the entrance. Food & Beverage 4 Bing Crosby Stadium has a good selection of food and beverage, and the prices are all extremely affordable. Main courses include hot dogs ($2.50), pizza slices ($3 for cheese or $3.50 for pepperoni), nachos ($3), hamburgers ($3.50, with cheese costing 50 cents extra), and an Italian sausage, which is the most expensive option at just $5. Snacks include tootsie pops for just a quarter, chips and ring pops for $1 each, assorted candy for $1.50, sunflower seeds for $1.50, and a good-sized bag of peanuts for just $2. Fans looking to satisfy their sweet tooth can buy various ice cream bars for between $1 and $3 – the variety is quite extensive. Drinks include Gatorade for $2.50, water for $1, soda for $2.50, and coffee or hot chocolate for $1. Both cash and credit cards are accepted. If these were the only options, Bing Crosby Stadium would earn an average score in this category. However, the Cardinals partner with C&C Frozen Treats, a local ice cream company, which sells homemade ice cream and Italian Ice out of a truck on the concourse. The flavors are extensive and the ice cream is amazing. Prices range from $5 to $9 depending on the size, and you can get your ice cream in a Cardinals helmet for $3 extra. Atmosphere 4 Entering Bing Crosby Stadium is like taking a step back in time. Once you purchase your tickets at the window, you will walk through a gate onto a spacious concourse. The concession stand will be right in front of you, and you can walk to either side to find restrooms and a ramp which will take you up to the seating bowl. Most of the seats are in a covered grandstand that you see at many historic ballparks – there are reserved chairbacks behind home plate and ledge seats on either side. There are some conventional bleachers further down the lines that are not undercover. All seats offer a great view of the action, although it will be through a net. There is a scoreboard in left-centerfield which shows the linescore and other basic information. There are train tracks beyond the outfield fence and trains can be heard passing and blowing their horn throughout the night. The Cardinals play music over the PA system during breaks in the action and have separate walk-up music for each batter, but beyond that there isn’t a lot going on here. No between-inning contests, nothing really to keep fans engaged beyond the game and a 50/50 raffle. That is OK though – the game is enough, it is why many fans are here. Neighborhood 3 Front Royal is a small town in the Shenandoah Valley, but that does not mean there is nothing to do here. Still, you won’t find nearly the same variety you’d get an hour to the east in the D.C. suburbs. L’Dees Pancake House is a local favorite for breakfast but closes at 2 PM (1 PM on Sundays), so is not an option for fans coming in for a night game. Castiglia’s is an Italian restaurant that is quite popular as well. There are a few hotel options, but most of them are your basic motels. The nicest option is probably a Hampton Inn just off I-66 a few miles from the stadium. Most of the nicer options are closer to the highway; as you get closer to the ballpark, the only options are motels. There are a lot of scenic options in the Front Royal area as well, including Skyline Drive, Shenandoah National Park, and Skyline Caverns. Front Royal is also known as the Canoe Capital of Virginia, and many locals enjoy canoeing on the Shenandoah River. Fans 5 The Front Royal Cardinals draw reasonably well for the Valley League at several hundred fans a game. Of course, like at all ballparks, some nights will draw better than others – a gorgeous Saturday night will draw better than if the weather is iffy or if it’s a mid-week game, but all in all, the fans do show up. Not only that, they are loud and passionate. Part of this may be due to the covered grandstand trapping crowd noise, but this seems like the loudest ballpark in the league. When the Cardinals make a big play, or even when the lineup is introduced at the start of the game, the crowd can get very into it, much more so than at other stadiums in the league. While the Cardinals don’t lead the Valley League in attendance, they do lead the league in crowd passion and energy. Access 3 Front Royal is located in the Shenandoah Valley, about 90 minutes west of Washington, D.C. via I-66. Coming from the east (such as from DC), take Exit 13 off the interstate. Coming from the west (such as if coming from the I-81 corridor), take Exit 6. Either way, the stadium will be a few miles away via local roads. There is a small lot right next to the stadium, and many fans park on the grass nearby as well – just look for the other cars if you’re unsure what grass you can park on and what grass you can’t. There is also ample parking throughout the rest of Miller Park as well if the lot is full and you actually want to park on pavement. Just be prepared to walk a bit. The good news is the parking’s free and the stadium is fairly close to the highway, but the bad news is it’s in the middle of nowhere and far from any major population center. Return on Investment 5 Tickets are just $5 for adults, $3 for children 6-12 and seniors 60+, and free for children under six. Reserved chairbacks behind home plate cost $5 extra. However, all seats offer a great view of the action so unless having a chairback is important to you, there is no need to splurge on these reserved seats. Throw in the incredibly affordable concessions and free parking, and it’s entirely possible to bring a family of four to the game and feed them for under $40 total. This is truly a great deal. Extras 4 A merchandise table is next to the entrance selling Cardinals merchandise at very affordable prices. There is also a marquee hanging above the concourse honoring Bing Crosby’s first performance. There are game programs available at the merchandise table, which are basic but free. One final star for all the staff at Bing Crosby Park who are incredibly helpful and polite. Everyone from the ticket seller to the merchandise stand worker to the employees at the concession stands is absolutely incredible. Final Thoughts Bing Crosby Stadium is a historic baseball ballpark located in the scenic Shenandoah Valley. This gorgeous venue boasts some of the greatest fans in the Valley League. While the stadium doesn’t have all the bells and whistles of more modern stadiums, that just adds to the charm. On a summer night in the Valley, be sure to check out a Front Royal Cardinals game at Bing Crosby Stadium.

Photo by Kirsten Richards, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.46 Jamsil Baseball Stadium Jamsil 1-Dong, Songpa-gu Seoul, South Korea Doosan Bears website Jamsil Baseball Stadium website Year Opened: 1982 Capacity: 27,000 The Joy of Jamsil Stadium Jamsil Stadium is the home to two KBO (Korea Baseball Organization) teams – the Doosan Bears and the LG Twins . Home and away games are scheduled for the two teams with the stadium in mind – there are very few days over the season with no baseball at Jamsil Stadium, not counting the league’s Monday rest day. The Doosan Bears were inaugurated in January 1982 as the first team in the Korea Baseball Organization and have been playing since the league’s first game in March 1982. They have been league champions three times (1982, 1995, 2001). The Doosan Bears were one of the first teams to provide information about the team and the stadium in English and have a strong following in the expat community in Seoul. Jamsil is the biggest stadium in the KBO and fills up on weekends. Doosan has a passionate fan base – passionate enough to formally protest team decisions or lack thereof at the stadium – and seeing a game live can be a loud and intense experience. Jamsil is very easy to get to, very easy to navigate once you are there and the fans are energetic, loud and lots of fun. It’s a great experience. Food & Beverage 4 Fried chicken is the food of choice at baseball games in Korea. Jamsil Stadium supplies fried chicken via numerous KFC shopfronts around the stadium. Burger King and GS25 convenience stores are the other regular shopfront appearances throughout the stadium. There are also a couple of Dominos outlets. Outside the stadium is a raft of interesting Korean snacks and iced beer and soju (super-cheap Korean vodka) that you can take into the stadium with you. There are also more Burger King and KFC outlets, along with a Smoothie King, a Dominos, and a Dunkin Donuts. You are also welcome to bring anything from home that you might want inside the stadium. Umbrellas are a popular choice for protection from both the sun and the rain. The prices and proportions for food and drink are standard. Most meals are designed for two or three people at minimum. Cass and Hite are the available beers from GS25 and run at regular convenience shop prices – approximately 2000 won (about $2 USD) per can. There is a pop-up food court between the stadium and subway after the game and it’s worth stopping (if you can find a spot) for some jeon – the Korean chives-and-everything enormous pancake that you accompany with makgeolli, a fermented rice or wheat alcoholic drink that is pleasantly sour and absolutely refreshing when icy cold. Atmosphere 5 For those of us old enough to remember the 1988 Olympics, the main Olympic stadium is a surprisingly constant presence when outside the third base side of the stadium. Sadly it is not visible from inside the stadium. It is however, well worth a visit if you have time before the game. There is a steady and constant stream of people and noise around the stadium from about two hours before the game – pretty much from the moment the ticket window opens. Long queues form to take a turn in the pitching speed contest and friends are constantly meeting up to go to the game together. There is really enjoyable people watching to be had prior to a game, and plenty of pop-up outdoor restaurants and bars to choose from. A wander around the entire outside of the stadium will bring you to a statue of the Doosan mascot which is a very popular photo-opportunity for families. You will also find the main team shops right next to each other, but the shop will only be open if the team is playing at the stadium on the day. Both shops are open for LG Twins vs Doosan Bears derbies, but otherwise it is one or the other. The atmosphere inside the game is electric, especially if Doosan is winning. Chanting and cheering carries on regardless of the score, but the crowd is definitely more excited when the team is doing well. When the crowd is in full voice, the echo bouncing back from the other side of the field booms in your chest and your throat. A seat above and in sight of the cheering platform is the most enjoyable spot for people seeking the experience of a Korean baseball game. They run from 10,000 to 12,000 won (approximately $9.75 – $11.75 USD). A spot a little below the cheering platform, or spending more money on a table or VIP seat might suit someone more interested in the game and the game alone. The crowd in the cheap outfield seats joins in with a lot of the chanting, but can quickly fall out of sync with the infield led by the cheerleaders. The seating at Jamsil is tight, with very little room between the rows. Given the steepness of the pitch in the upper reaches of the stadium, it can often feel safer to vacate your seat altogether to allow people in and out of the row. Or be ready to catch falling humans when someone can’t navigate around your knee. It’s also worth keeping an eye on what’s happening behind you, as someone attempting to wobble past in the row above can end with very hot noodles sliding down your back, or a knee in your head. The premium seating has much more space and amenities such as tables, etc. The first base side really catches the sun and afternoon games and are unpleasantly hot as early as spring training. Throughout the height of summer, games start later in the evening but I would still avoid that side of the stadium if possible. The home team takes the third base side and this area is in the shade much earlier. The right field general admission seats are also shaded much earlier than the left field seats if you choose to sit in the outfield. The scoreboard is huge and easy to read from everywhere except the outfield seating. Doosan also produce a lot of their animations and introductions with English subtitles, so it is very easy to follow for the English speaking visitor. Neighborhood 4 There is an enjoyable amount of game-related activity in the area immediately surrounding the stadium prior to the game, but not as much happening if you were to visit in the morning. The Sports Complex Subway station has vendors selling baseball merchandise and memorabilia and there is another large shop selling gear from all of the KBO teams between the subway station and the stadium. After the game, you can take a very casual stroll to Sincheon – about a five minute walk heading left from the baseball stadium. The very nearest hotels to the stadium are here. They are mostly “love motels,” but there are some that are easier to book in advance and check-in prior to midnight. If you do get stuck without an accommodation, love motels are a life-saver – usually mid-range prices, all the amenities, super-clean and there’s always a room available. Sincheon is another one of Seoul’s very organized and contained nightlife districts – there are just a lot more batting cages open until the early hours of the morning in Sincheon than in other places. And there’s a lot more batting cages catering to left-handed hitters than elsewhere in the city. Restaurants and bars are open until very late in Sincheon and there are a lot of them. The streets are still full at 2am on a Friday night. There is also another baseball merchandise shop on Olympic-ro when walking toward Sincheon from the stadium. Fans 5 The Doosan fans at Jamsil are very welcoming and very happy to teach strangers the chants and songs to join in the cheering. When Doosan are playing at home, the team and the fans take the third base side. Doosan fans are very knowledgeable about their team and hold strong opinions on the actions of management. Access 4 Jamsil Stadium is located in the southern part of Seoul on subway line 2 (Outer circle line). It is four subway stops from the Dong Seoul bus station (one of the major bus stations in Seoul) and six subway stops from Gangnam. Exiting the subway at the Baseball Stadium exit will put you about 40 meters from the ticket office at the stadium. There are a large number of intra-city buses that go straight past the stadium as well as parking for approximately 2,500 cars over several parking lots near the stadium. As with the two other KBO stadiums accessible from Seoul’s huge subway system, subway is the cheapest, fastest and most enjoyable way to get to and from a game. Tickets are about 1,200 won (about $1.20 USD) each way. It is a much longer haul from Incheon International Airport, taking about 2 hours whether you go direct by bus 6008 or take the subway (lines A and 2, change at Hongik University Station). It’s about 45 minutes from central Seoul station to Jamsil via the subway. Accommodations and some nightlife can also be found at Coex, the huge Seoul Exhibition centre accessible from Samseong station one stop towards Gangnam, plus the accommodation and nightlife around Gangnam station. Getting to and from the stadium is very easy, but moving around inside the stadium is a little trickier. The space between the rows of seating is very tight. The concourse spaces away from field are large, light and airy, but the concourse facing the field is narrow and there are huge steps from the throughways down to the concourse. These steps are very difficult to navigate for the movement impaired, but toddlers and children have great fun with them. Return on Investment 5 Going to see the Doosan Bears at Jamsil Stadium is great value. For the price of a movie ticket you get 3+ hours of non-stop interactive fun. Regardless of which way your tastes lean, there is food and beverage to satisfy every craving. Doosan fans are very welcoming and it is very easy to get into the swing of cheering and chanting for the home team. . Extras 4 Jamsil has a lot of extras for the family with kids that aren’t that keen on the baseball or too young to concentrate for the duration of a game. There is a playroom that offers a child-minding service and a PC room in which to abandon social-media addicted teenagers. Smoking is forbidden in the main area of the stadium and the smoking rooms are nicely sealed off from the main sections. The smell of cigarette smoke never intrudes in the internal or external concourses. The presence of the Olympic stadium cannot be overstated. It is really noticeable from most places outside of the stadium. The stadium is also very close to the Han River. Final Thoughts So much more could have been done to take advantage of the location of the stadium. Talks with LG and Doosan have been underway for years to build a new stadium, but there has yet to be any commitment made. For now, this is a great place to go and see baseball.

Photos by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 San Manuel Stadium 280 South E St San Bernardino, CA 92410 Map It Inland Empire 66ers of San Bernardino website San Manuel Stadium website Year Opened: 1966 Capacity: 5,000 Inland Empire on Route 66 The Inland Empire 66ers, named after historic Route 66, are the single-A baseball team (California League) of the nearby Anaheim Angels. The Inland Empire is a region in Southern California and includes cities like San Bernardino, Ontario, Riverside, and Rancho Cucamonga. Baseball has been played in San Bernardino as far back as 1899. San Manuel  Stadium, home of the 66ers, opened in 1996 and is an enjoyable venue in which to watch minor league baseball. The current team began as the Spirit playing in Fiscalini Field. When San Manuel Stadium opened in 1996, the team’s name switched to the Stampede. In 2003, a rebranding competition resulted in the name changing to the Inland Empire 66ers. The team has also been an affiliate of the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Seattle Mariners. The stadium is named after San Manuel, a successful casino in nearby Highlands, CA, operated by the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians. It provides a typical minor league baseball game day event. The staff is incredibly friendly and welcoming. Food & Beverage 4 The stadium has several concession stands (though not all may be open based on game day attendance), providing a variety of nourishment choices. Delicious looking classic and BBQ Smash burgers, spicy chicken sandwiches, chicken tenders, and footlong hot dogs run $12 - $17.  A third-base concession stand sells BBQ brisket nachos, brisket sandwiches, footlong dogs, and bacon-wrapped street dogs for $13 - $18.  A stand selling just wings offers 6 and 10-piece baskets (traditional or boneless) with fries for $14.50 - $21. The concession stands also offer traditional snacks like popcorn, pretzels, seeds, peanuts, nachos, chips, Cracker Jack, candy, etc.  Pepsi products are served ($6.25 - $8 ).  Premium and domestic beers are $8.50 - $15, depending on size and brand.  A separate beer kiosk sells four beers on tap or in cans for a dollar or two less than the concession stands.  The Deville Beverage Co, located down the third base side of the concourse, sells tap beers, canned cocktails, and slushies from $5 - $14.  This area has a few tables and chairs to eat and drink, but the music is too loud (at least pre-game ) to have a conversation. Tents offer kettle corn, funnel cake, cotton candy, lemonade, and shaved ice. Outside food or beverages are not allowed in the stadium. Deville Beverage Co at San Manuel Stadium, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Atmosphere 3 San Manuel Stadium is a typical minor league baseball venue and provides a decent game day experience. Seats are standard green fold-down stadium seats with cupholders, and provide average width and decent legroom. The stadium has two levels of seating separated by a small walkway. The upper level and third base side get shade first. Some suites are adjacent to the press box above the upper level. Handicapped seating and wheelchair spaces are available at the top of the first level on the walkway. Party tents are down on both the third and first baseline concourses. A net goes all the way down the lines, so watching the game net-free is not an option at this stadium (except maybe from the party tents). The seats behind the visitor’s dugout (first base side) contain the ‘Toyota Redlands Garage Suite.’ Fans can rent this suite area for $32 a person, which includes free beer, food packages, comfortable, cushioned seats, up-close action of the game, and more. San Manuel Stadium Toyota Redlands Garage Suite, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey On clear days, parts of the San Bernardino Mountains, like Big Bear and Lake Arrowhead, can be seen in the distance. It makes for an attractive background. A tall building beyond left field ruins some of the views of the mountain range. The video scoreboard displays players’ photos and stats, the line score, the lineup, and some advertisements. It can be a tad difficult to read during a late afternoon/early evening game because of the setting sun glare. Except for the line score, no closed captioning is offered (common for minor-league baseball). Starting lineups are also provided on a whiteboard down the third base concourse area if a fan wants to prerecord their scorecard. Lights flash and a horn blows when the 66ers get a home run. The music person plays ‘noise’ between almost every pitch, and, unfortunately, it’s the same four or five snippets. This could be annoying to some baseball fans in attendance. The venue provides misters for the home dugout, but not for the visiting team’s dugout. Between-inning contests include things like trivia questions, racing with the mascot contests (where the contestant always wins), a dance team, etc. Kids run across the outfield at the beginning of the 7th inning. That’s quite adorable. Neighborhood 2 Safety doesn’t appear to be an issue, but there’s not much within walking distance of the stadium.  A nearby place to hang out pre o r post-game i s just not convenient.    The neighborhood does have a few American and Mexican fast food places within a half mile. Several breweries are within five or so miles:  Ritual Brewing, Escape Craft Brewery, and 3 Iron Brewing.  Consider Rose Apple Thai for local, delicious Thai cuisine (about four miles from the stadium). Side Note:   The concessions at San Manuel Stadium likely offer better options on cuisine than anywhere else in the immediate area, so this is one of the few stadiums where it is a better choice to eat at the game rather than in the local neighborhood. A few economy hotels (Econo Lodge, Motel 6, etc.)  are about a mile north of the stadium.  Many more well-known chain hotels are 3 – 5 miles from the stadium. If vacationing in San Bernardino, check out Silverwood Lake or Big Bear Lake for outdoor activity. San Bernardino is also know n for h aving the first McDonald’s hamburger joint.  One may also want to check out the National Orange Show Event Center to see what events are taking place during your visit to San Bernardino.  Another sports team nearby during baseball season is the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes (MiLB).  The 66ers parent team, the Los Angeles Angels , is about an hour’s drive away.  Fans 3 Attendance records put the Inland Empire 66ers as either the first or second-highest average attendance in the California League for the last few seasons, currently at around 2,100+ fans per game.  The average number is about 600 or so lower than attendance pre-COVID.  Fans that attend applaud at good plays and appreciate good defensive performances by either team. Access 3 San Manuel Stadium is not far off I-10.  San Bernardino – Downtown Metrolink Station is within walking distance of the stadium.  Ontario International Airport is the closest commercial airport to the venue (a little over 20 miles).    The venue charges $10 to park at the stadium, which seems high for a single-A venue.  Security performs a bag check when entering the stadium; non-clear bags are allowed. When entering the stadium, the concourse is behind the seating structure, and the playing field is not visible. Fans  walk through a short underpass to get to the seating area. Plenty of nearby handicapped spaces are in the parking lot.  Bathrooms are sufficient for the crowds and serve their purpose. Return on Investment 3 Tickets range from $12 to $22. Our recommendation:  Get the general admission ticket ($12) and sit where you want after the game starts. The team offers daily deals to help reduce the cost of attending a game, so keep these in mind. Tuesday  - $2 parking, tickets, hot dogs, and tacos Wednesday  - Bring your canine friend and sit in the lawn section Thursday  - $2 Coors Light Friday  - $1 hot dogs and $5 lawn seats Saturday  – A giveaway day Sunday  – Family Sundays.  Check their website for events. The parking price ($10) seems high to me for a single-A game.  Concession and drink prices are the expected stadium prices.  I recommend going on a Tuesday for the most affordable day. Extras 5 An MIA/POW seat is placed on the concourse to honor men and women who left to fight for our country but never returned. Be sure to pick up a descriptive game notes packet at the customer service desk.  It even has a scoresheet pre-typed with the starting lineup and some stats. Below the press box, four retired numbers are displayed:  43 - Chen, 42 – Robinson. 24 – Griffey Jr., 25 – Dauher An excellent merchandise shop is available, though it does not sell hat pins. The 66ers rebrand as the San Bernardino Cucuys (bogeyman) and the Redland Pickers several times a season.  The team wears special-branded uniforms, the merchandise store sells shirts and jerseys, and the video board brands the special-branded team name. Final Thoughts The Inland Empire 66ers provide fabulous customer service and a decent game-day experience.  Go with family and friends on a Tuesday and get an inexpensive, enjoyable evening out.

Photos by Steve Bieniek, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Stambaugh Stadium 577 Fifth Ave Youngstown, OH 44555 Youngstown State Penguins website Stambaugh Stadium website Year Opened: 1982 Capacity: 20,630 Cold as Ice The Youngstown State Penguins are one of the premier teams in the FCS division of college football; the proof is in the four National Championships that the Penguins own. Youngstown is another rust belt city that is truly defined by the people that call it home, and this shows at YSU football games. The stadium itself is also a reflection of the city; perhaps it’s a little worn, but it can still get the job done on game day. Food & Beverage 3 Stambaugh Stadium concessions can be described in one simple word: standard. You won’t have any unique options, maybe outside of the grill concession on one end of the stadium. The grill offers some appetizing menu items and is the most expensive concession stand, but it still won’t kill your wallet. A chicken sandwich, bag of chips, and a drink will run you around $9.50. Other options include a personal UNO pizza ($4.50), Italian sausage ($5), bratwurst ($4), or a pulled pork sandwich ($5). The quality of the food itself in the stadium leaves a little to be desired. The nachos and cheese menu item included a very small bag of nachos and a small amount of cheese, and all of the pizzas looked a little overdone. The concession stand workers are mostly students as well, so if you order a pizza and it looks pretty bad, expect for the attendant to go ahead and give it to you anyway. The best quality is going to come from the grill. Also, there are no alcohol sales in the stadium. These aren’t the worst concessions ever seen, but there are much better aspects to this stadium. Atmosphere 3 Walking into Stambaugh Stadium gives you that “Saturday game day” feeling. Before you get to the stadium, you’ll see the YSU band playing in a courtyard, fans tailgating in one parking lot, and crowds of people gathered all around the stadium. Once in the stadium, be sure to visit the Hall of Gridiron Glory to see some of the great moments in YSU athletic history. At the end of the Hall there is a small shrine to Jim Tressel, so that should give you a little perspective of the YSU success, if you’re unfamiliar with the school’s football history. One unique feature at YSU games takes place as the band is playing. The announcer will actually start to rap over the microphone just before the team enters the stadium. If that doesn’t get you ready to bring out the team, the great school band and cheerleaders will put the mood over the top. Youngstown State is very much just a small scale version of an FBS game. In fact, the enthusiasm and atmosphere actually beats out some FBS schools in the region with ease. The one and only thing that may disrupt your personal atmosphere is that it seems as though a lot of people just sit wherever they want. Several different people could sit in front of and behind you throughout the game. If you go to the game with someone else, you may want to take separate turns going to and from the restroom or concession stand just to avoid any awkward moments with someone else taking your seats. I realize there are general admission sections, but it just seems as though the whole stadium acts as general admission. Neighborhood 4 The stadium sits right on the Youngstown State campus. You will more than likely park in a campus garage or parking lot. The walk to the stadium through the campus is a typical scenic and relaxing campus walk. Make sure to walk into the campus Rec Center to go through the great University Store, across from the Beeghley Physical Education Center. The store will definitely have any of the YSU gear that you desire. During game days there is one parking lot for tailgating; again giving you the feeling of a small scale FBS school. There is some tailgating, but not lines and lines of cars and tailgaters. Fans 4 Stambaugh Stadium is a fairly big stadium, holding over 20,000 people. It’s really great to see that the Penguins can fill up the stadium on a Saturday, even with Youngstown not being anything close to a big city, and big time college football only a few short hours away. The fans will show up in droves, some early and some pretty late. There is a small student section on the visitors’ side, which is inaccessible to fans on the home side. This is a typical small university crowd in that some fans seem very into the game, and some use it as simply a social event. One tip for the Youngstown faithful may be to make sure there are enough fans on the opposite side of the stadium before they start the “We Are……Youngstown” chant. Some students sit on the opposite side of the stadium, but not enough of them had shown up to carry the chant on their side when it started. As always, though, YSU deserves an A for effort. Access 2 There are several parking garages and lots around the campus. Most will have a $5 fee, and if you park too far away, a shuttle will be around to take you directly to the stadium. Even though the shuttle is available, it probably is not necessary. The one thing that is true for the parking garages, the stadium concession areas, and the stadium aisles is that everything seems to be shrunken by a few feet as compared to any other garage or stadium. The parking garages are small and if you sit on an aisle in the stadium, you’re sure to get bumped several times during a game. Also, getting around during halftime is almost impossible. By comparison, the bathrooms are huge and will easily accommodate the crowds. Getting in and out of the stadium should be easy enough for everyone. One very odd part of the stadium is the fact that you will either be on the home side or the visitors/student side and there is no possibility of walking over to the other side. It’s just a little awkward, so just make sure you go in on the correct side. The student section is on the opposite side of the home fans, so perhaps moving this section would help hype up some emotions for the home team. Return on Investment 4 A general admission ticket will run you $12, which is a steal, especially to watch a team that can compete with a lot of FBS schools. The history of one of the great FCS football teams makes a trip to Youngstown an exciting experience. You’re not going to get any extravagant amenities at Stambaugh Stadium, but good football is something that will be assured. There are a lot worse things you could do on a Saturday afternoon. Extras 1 The championship history of the Youngstown State Penguins football teams is worth an extra point. The team won FCS Championships in 1991, 1993, 1994, and 1997. Final Thoughts To say that Stambaugh Stadium could use some updating is an understatement, but the people and team of Youngstown pull this stadium through with flying colors. The Penguins will be sure to offer an entertaining game, and as a result, this stadium offers everything a hardcore or casual football fan could need.

Photos by Gregory Koch and Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Hersheypark Arena 100 W Hersheypark Dr. Hershey, PA 17033 Lebanon Valley Flying Dutchmen website Hersheypark Arena website Year Opened: 1936 Capacity: 7,286 A Piece of History at Hersheypark Arena Hersheypark Arena is a historic hockey venue in the town of Hershey, Pennsylvania. From 1936 to 2002, this classic hockey barn was home to the Hershey Bears of the Atlantic Hockey League (AHL). In the 1960s, it played host to three Philadelphia Warriors games, including the one when Wilt Chamberlain scored 100 points. This building is full of history, but it has not had a professional tenant since the Bears moved to the newly built Giant Center elsewhere in Hersheypark in 2002. However, the arena is still home to hockey. The Flying Dutchmen of Lebanon Valley College, located about a 15-minute drive away in Annville, play their home games at Hersheypark Arena. The Dutchmen compete at the Division III level, the lowest level of college hockey, in the Middle Atlantic Conference, known as the MAC for short. The arena is also home to the Hershey Cubs junior hockey team as well as assorted middle school and high school athletic and music events. However, most events where a large crowd is expected are now held at Giant Center. Despite popular belief, Lebanon Valley's "Flying Dutchmen" nickname comes not from the ghost ship of legend but from the Pennsylvania Dutch (actually Germans) who settled the area of Central Pennsylvania known as Pennsylvania Dutch County. Food & Beverage 3 There are signs for a food court at Hersheypark Arena, located through a doorway in one corner of the arena's ring concourse. You will find signage for many different stands, including pizza, burgers, and even a Subway, but only one stand is open. Here you will find a basic menu, with chicken strips, hot dogs, and cheeseburgers being the only meal options. French fries and candy (Hershey's products. naturally) are available as well, and soda, bottled water, and Gatorade are available to drink. Prices are quite reasonable, with the chicken tenders at $6.25 being the most expensive option. With the other stands still having the signage up but not being open, it feels like a food court at abandoned malls where most of the businesses have closed but still have the signage up that has been there since the 80s or 90s. As you will see in the rest of this review, this is not atypical for this arena.    Atmosphere 4 Hersheypark Arena is a building with decades of history, and most of the arena is as it was when the Bears moved out in 2002, and as it had been for some time before that. Hand-painted signs direct fans to the various seating sections, and although it still says reserved like it was when the Bears played here, all seating is general admission for LVC games. Other hand-painted signs surround the rink marking off various locations. Even the no-smoking signs are hand-painted. Signage throughout the arena honors historic moments that happened here, including Wilt Chamberlain's 100-point game and the Hershey Bears' Calder Cup championships. (For those who are unaware, the Calder Cup is the AHL equivalent of the Stanley Cup, awarded to the champion each season.) Although there are two levels of seats at Hersheypark Arena, only the lower level of blue wooden seats is open for Lebanon Valley games. The rows of seats closest to the glass have been gutted, so fans who like to sit there will be disappointed. However, you will still be up close to the action wherever you sit. The upper level, with its garish burnt gold color scheme that feels like something out of a shopping mall in the 1980s, is visible, although fans cannot go up there. This color scheme seems very retro, as you would never see a major arena use it today. Like so much else in this building, it contributes to the historic feel. There are scoreboards behind both goals showing only the most basic information - the score, the clock, the period, and any penalties. One unusual quirk is that these scoreboards are incapable of displaying any time greater than 19:59. When the period starts, they will display 0:00, and then one second later, they will change to 19:59. They also do not display tenths of a second in the final minute of a period. This also means that before the game starts, the clock counting down to puck drop will have to loop around several times. Do not be alarmed if you arrive early and the clock shows only five minutes until the game starts. While the history and charm of Hersheypark Arena merit a high score in this category regardless, Lebanon Valley does make some effort to improve the fan experience further. A spotlight shines on the ice before the match as the referees come out, but oddly enough it returns to full lighting before the players take the ice. There is music during breaks in the action, including organ music reminiscent of the days when there was a live organ here for Bears games. Neighborhood 5 Hersheypark Arena is part of the larger Hersheypark complex. Although the amusement park itself is closed during the winter when college hockey is going on, there are other places fans can visit. Hershey's Chocolate World is located across the parking lot from the arena and is a family-friendly venue featuring chocolate tours, chocolate tastings, chocolate mascots, and so much more. (We should point out that the chocolate mascots are costumed characters whose costumes look like chocolate bars. They are not made out of chocolate. Unlike the Pop-Tarts Bowl , there are no edible mascots here.) The Hershey Story Museum includes displays on the history of chocolate and a Chocolate Lab where kids can make their candy. Fans without small children, or who don't want to deal with kids on a sugar rush, will find plenty of things to do in town as well. Troegs Brewery offers tours and tastings in addition to a full menu of food. There are plenty of hotels for fans staying overnight, which will be much more affordable in the winter months than they would be in the summer. Fans 2 Lebanon Valley draws a few hundred fans a game, which is decent for Division III, but as this arena seats several thousand, they don't come close to filling even the lower bowl. The fans who do show up are knowledgeable about the team and the sport, and you can often overhear them having insightful conversations with each other about the action on the ice. However, they're simply aren't that many people who show up, particularly given the size of the arena. Access 4 US Routes 422 and 322 and Interstates 83 and 76 all run through or near Hershey, so there are many ways into town. Once you get to Hersheypark itself, take the Hersheypark Drive loop road through the complex and follow the signs for the arena. You will have to drive through a parking gate at some point, which may or may not be staffed with an attendant depending on what is going on elsewhere in the complex. If there is an attendant, let them know you are going to a Lebanon Valley game at Hersheypark Arena and they will let you through for free. The arena is near the back of the complex, with a spacious lot available adjacent to it that is more than big enough for the crowds. If there is an event going on before the LVC game, such as a Hershey Cubs junior hockey game or a public skate, there may be people still parked there when you arrive. These will clear out at least an hour before the puck drop of the Flying Dutchmen game. Only one entrance to the building is open for Lebanon Valley games - Entrance 4, on the right front side of the arena. This will take you into a small lobby that has one doorway to the seating bowl. A narrow concourse rings the entire seating bowl, with other doorways off of it leading to restrooms and the concession stand. This narrow setup, combined with forcing the entire crowd through a small point of entry, would have been extremely crowded for a sold-out Bears game back in the day but is not a problem at all for the couple hundred fans Lebanon Valley draws. Likewise, the restrooms might have gotten crowded when the Bears were drawing thousands of fans, but are more than sufficient for what the Dutchmen draw. As at many old arenas, the seats are quite narrow, but with the small crowds, you will have room to spread out and will not feel cramped. Getting out of the arena after the game is easy. Since you are near the end of the one-way loop road, it is far easier than getting in since you can be back on the main road in under a minute instead of having to drive through the entire complex. Return on Investment 5 Admission to Lebanon Valley games is free, and parking is also free. While free parking is often given at lower levels, keep in mind it can be quite expensive at the nearby Giant Center or at Hersheypark itself when it is open in the summer. So being able to park here for free is a good deal. Concessions are also quite affordable, particularly considering you are in a major tourist destination. All of this makes a Lebanon Valley hockey game an excellent value. Extras 3 One point for the building itself is that, looks much as it did when it opened in 1936. With hand-painted signs around the arena and old-time standings boards showing historic AHL standings, this is an arena right out of another era. A second star for the signage honoring all the history that happened here, from the Bears' league championships to Wilt Chamberlain's 100-point game. A third and final star for the banner hanging from the rafters honoring Lebanon Valley's 2001 ECAC Northeast conference championship and NCAA Tournament appearance. Final Thoughts Hersheypark Arena is a historic hockey barn from another era. At almost 90 years old and still going strong, the arena hasn't changed much over the years. So much history has happened here, and just walking in feels like taking a step back in time. Although Lebanon Valley doesn't draw anywhere near the crowds the Bears once did, a visit to Hersheypark Arena should be on every hockey fan's bucket list for history alone.

Photos by Eric Moreno, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 D. W. Rutledge Stadium 900 S. Seguin Road Converse, TX 78109 Judson Rockets website D. W. Rutledge Stadium website Year Opened: 1959 Capacity: 10,000 Historic Launchpad for Football Greatness High school football is king in the state of Texas. Few teams have reigned atop the mountain as state champions more than the co-occupants of D. W. Rutledge Stadium – the Judson High School Rockets. Located in a suburb of Converse, Texas, Judson High School has reached the Texas state football championship 11 times, and won the final prize a remarkable six times. During the entirety of this run of dominance, Judson also holds the record for the most consecutive winning seasons in the state’s history, spanning 41 seasons up through 2017 – the Rockets have called the site now known as D. W. Rutledge Stadium home for that entire time. Named in honor of their legendary former coach, the stadium was originally built in 1959, and was originally named Judson Stadium. As the district grew, the Karen Wagner High School Thunderbirds began playing at D.W. Rutledge Stadium in 2005, and the Veterans Memorial Patriots start varsity play in 2018 – Rutledge Stadium was remodeled in 2008 to accommodate that growth. The stadium, home to so much history and greatness in decades past, has been reborn to carry on the legacy into the 21st century. Food & Beverage 2 Concessions at D. W. Rutledge Stadium are quite frankly surprisingly well-above par – especially for a high school sports-only facility. One of the things that separates it from many similar stadiums is that the concessions stands – one each on the home and visitor sides – take credit cards. On the menu are the traditional favorites: popcorn, candy, pickles, nachos, bottled water, soda, and sports drinks. These are all available for $2-$3 each. Also available are hamburgers and chicken burgers (each $5), hot dogs and sausage wraps ($2.50 and $3 respectively), and chili cheese fries ($3). An added bonus – especially on cold fall Friday nights at the stadium – is Starbucks coffee, available for $3. Atmosphere 3 Calling D. W. Rutledge Stadium a “cathedral” of high school athletics might be a bit of an oversell, but not by much. The facility has all the great features of an old-school stadium, but thanks to the renovations, it has a lot of the new bells and whistles of modern facilities. These include a massive coaches/press box, and a high-tech full-color jumbotron. Judson fans have earned a strong reputation for “bringing it” at all home games at D. W. Rutledge Stadium; Wagner fans are quickly gaining a reputation of their own for filling up the stands and supplying the energy. Especially with bigger games – such as during district play – the venue is rocking with energy and with excitement that can be felt from down the block. If you plan on attending a game at D. W. Rutledge Stadium, I would personally recommend the year-end clash between Judson and Wagner – while the annual Hammer Bowl is one of the area’s newest rivalries, the atmosphere at D. W. Rutledge Stadium becomes electric when the two teams meet. Neighborhood 4 The city of Converse is one of the largest suburbs of San Antonio, which is one of the most visited tourist cities in the U.S. As mentioned in previous reviews of the area, San Antonio is ripe with attractions of any and all kinds, and you are bound to find something of interest to suit whatever your mood is. If you are interested in continuing an evening of sports, horse racing season overlaps with the high school football one. Located in nearby Selma, Texas, is one of the state’s finest establishments dedicated to the sport of kings, Retama Park. A truly gorgeous facility, Retama Park is a fan-favorite among both novices and hardcore devotees of the sport. Make sure to check their online calendar, as they frequently have theme nights that are pretty popular, including dollar night which feature $1 hot dogs, sodas, and racing programs. First-time visitors to San Antonio must visit the city’s historic Downtown, home to many of the area’s most famous attractions, including the Alamo, River Walk, Market Square, and Tower of the Americas. The Alamo, River Walk, and Market Square all offer free admittance. For dining options, San Antonio is renowned as a city where you can find good eats on just about every corner. However, if you choose to stay in Converse proper, there are more than enough choices. All of your usual chain restaurants can be found; if you are looking for something beyond that, check out a couple of local favorites: Rocket’s Feed Restaurant Bakery and Papa Dante’s Restaurant. When it comes to hotels, the same circumstance as dining can be said. You can find whatever you want in San Antonio, but in Converse proper, you have options as well. Every chain you can think of, from the highest end to the most budget friendly can be found within striking distance of the city. If you’re looking beyond the normal chains, I would recommend staying in San Antonio. Some choices include the art deco-styled Hotel Havana, or heavy on cozy A Yellow Rose Bed and Breakfast. Fans 4 There have been numerous books, TV series, and films written about how passionate people in Texas are about high school football. If you attend a game at D. W. Rutledge Stadium, you will get a glimpse of that passion. Regardless of the matchup, you can expect to see the home field stands filled. Judson Rockets fans are especially loyal and passionate toward their team, and they have been rewarded with that loyalty over the years with victories. While Wagner doesn’t yet have the same history as their older sister school, fans still come out in impressive numbers. One can only anticipate that Veterans Memorial fans will do the same, as it is in their pedigree. When you come to a Judson Rockets, though, you can expect the stands to be filled with red and to be fully engaged throughout the entirety of the game. Overall, few venues in South Texas can match that which is found at D. W. Rutledge Stadium. Access 4 If you plan on attending at game at D. W. Rutledge Stadium, you should have no problem accessing it whatsoever. Converse, again, is just a few miles outside of San Antonio as you head north on Interstate 10. If you’re flying in from anywhere in the country, the San Antonio International Airport is your best bet. You can also head in from Austin, the next nearest big city, which is just under an hour and a half north of both San Antonio and Converse. A little bit of an insider’s tip – Austin-Bergstrom International Airport in Austin often has less expensive flight packages into the area. When going to D. W. Rutledge Stadium, there is no cost for parking, and there is ample amount of it thanks to the 2008 renovation. Also, one point to be aware of – while concessions accept credit cards, the admission gates do not. Return on Investment 2 Single game general admission tickets at D. W. Rutledge Stadium are $8 per person, which is pretty much the standard going rate for high school games in the area these days. This is by no means a bad thing. D. W. Rutledge Stadium has great sight lines, a great atmosphere, and – usually – great teams that compete there on a week in and week out basis. When you couple the price for admission with the low-cost for concessions, and the zero cost you pay for parking, what you get is worth the price. Extras 1 In terms of “extras,” what D. W. Rutledge Stadium offers is pretty much what is standard at all high school games. There are the bands, the cheerleaders, and dance teams, and there are also the half-time shows, the mascots, and the boosters. The main selling point of the stadium is its history and the football on the field. This is by no means a negative, it’s just a fact. In cases like D. W. Rutledge Stadium, that’s all you need. Final Thoughts Bottom line, D. W. Rutledge Stadium is a great venue for high school football. You will highly enjoy yourself at games there, no matter which team you happen to see. When attending games there, you’ll get caught up in the history of the stadium. It is everywhere. There are few finer venues for high school football in South Texas than D.W. Rutledge Stadium, so do yourself a favor and catch a game there when you have the chance. Follow Eric Moreno’s Stadium Journey on Twitter at @EricMoreno6477 . Visit Eric Moreno’s writer’s portfolio site at ericmoreno.contently.com .

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 1.86 DeVore Stadium 900 Otay Lakes Rd Chula Vista, CA 91910 Southwestern College Jaguars website DeVore Stadium website Capacity: 7,200 Under the Mountains DeVore Stadium is home to the Southwestern College Jaguars, who play college football as part of the California Community College Athletic Association (CCCAA). Though technically a community college, the school generally refers to itself simply as Southwestern College, or SWC for short. DeVore Stadium is named after a former president and superintendent of the college. Food & Beverage 0 There are no food and beverages offered at DeVore Stadium, although there are concessions stands which were used at one time. However, fans are welcome to bring food and beverages into the stadium – I saw everything from Taco Bell takeout to foil-covered aluminum pans filled with home cooking. Atmosphere 2 Though there have been some recent, upscale upgrades here, including the athletics building behind one end zone and a modern press box, the Jaguars don’t have a lot here besides the game itself. They do have a cheerleading squad entertaining fans from the home side of the field, and the setting is also very pleasant, with great views of San Miguel Mountain in the distance. The seating here consists entirely of stone steps on both sides, not unlike Harvard Stadium and much of Rice Stadium – there are no bleacher benches nor chairbacks, but the steps are actually surprisingly comfortable (albeit a little cold on your derriere, especially during night games). Neighborhood 3 Chula Vista, CA is located about 15 to 30 minutes south of San Diego depending on traffic. There are a couple of fast food restaurants right outside the stadium – in fact you can see them from the stands, such as Carl’s Jr. and Subway. Chula Vista is named for its location between San Diego Bay and the coastal mountain foothills nearby. Major attractions in town include Sesame Place San Diego (a theme and water park for children) and Living Coast Discovery Center (a nature center), and Chula Vista is also home to one of the US’ year-round Olympic training facilities. The city also boasts several golf courses. Fans 1 Few fans show up for Southwestern Jaguars football games, and many of them are actually visiting fans. There is some Southwestern team gear being worn, but most of the home fans seem to be either friends or family members of the players themselves. Access 4 Getting to DeVore Stadium is pretty easy, as major roads take you down from San Diego, and there is very little traffic in the vicinity, due to the very small attendance. Moving around the stadium is similarly easy – you are free to walk all the way around the stadium and sit (or stand) wherever you want. Return on Investment 2 Tickets to Jags football are only $10, and parking is free. If you decide to bring your own food that is a help, but if you didn’t plan for this you may be disappointed by the lack of concessions. Extras 1 There is no mascot and no band that I saw, but there is a cool looking Jaguars logo at midfield, and some bright red Jags signage dotted around.

Photo courtesy of Rio Grande Valley FC Toros Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 HEB Park 1616 S. Raul Longoria Road Edinburg, TX 78542 Rio Grande Valley FC Toros website HEB Park website Year Opened: 2017 Capacity: 9,735 The Toros are Thriving in the Rio Grande Valley The Rio Grande Valley of South Texas is an area of the state unlike any other. The blending of American and Mexican culture is everywhere. With the palm tree-lined streets and nearly year-round warm weather, it is possible to close your eyes and imagine you are in another country entirely. In recent years, the Edinburg-McAllen metro area has seen a renaissance of industry and growth moving into the area. Edinburg especially has been the beneficiary of this growth, as it has found itself the recipient of a United Soccer League franchise. The Rio Grande Valley FC Toros were founded in 2015 and began playing in 2016. To go along with their status as a professional sports town, the team ownership and the city collaborated on a beautiful, state of the art facility for their club: HEB Park, which opened at the beginning of 2017. Sleek and modern, the stadium has quickly become a fan favorite. Food & Beverage 4 Visitors to HEB Park will have all of their food and drink needs met. There are four main concessions areas – two in each of the stadium’s two concourses. The areas serve all the traditional game fare, such as hot dogs, nachos, popcorn, pretzels, candy, soda, and draft beer. There are two stands that offer a pared down menu of the hamburger chain, Fuddruckers. Two of the locations also offer French toast on a stick. Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen also has a pop-up tent stand, that offers a pared down menu in the open area walkway in the north end of the stadium. You can also buy fruit cups at scattered pop ups, and at a few of the concessions kiosks. Another highlight, especially for adults, is the smoothie stand located in the east concourse. This vendor serves various sizes of traditional, fruity smoothies that are appropriate for all ages. However, they also serve “adult smoothies”, which combine the tasty drinks with alcoholic “enhancements”. Another highlight is the beautiful Scoreboard Bar in the north concourse area. Modeled after a similar structure at Avaya Stadium in San Jose, CA, this full-service bar serves as the base of the main scoreboard at HEB Park. It is a full-service bar and a hub of activity throughout the game (which will be discussed further later in this review). Atmosphere 4 Being so close to the Mexican border, where the sport of futbol is a national obsession, makes HEB Park in Edinburg the perfect spot for the Rio Grande Valley FC Toros. The parking lot of HEB Park is a sea of activity before the start of games, as fans do a healthy dose of tailgating for several hours prior to game time. The stands are awash in Toros orange, and it is quite impressive how quickly the area has embraced the new team. Fans wear t-shirts, jerseys/kits, and scarves – albeit in a lighter than usual fabric, as temperatures on the pitch can get up into the 100-plus degrees during the summer. There is also an official fan club, The Stampede, which has taken up residence in the west concourse bleachers. With their chanting, cheering and drum banging (they bring their own drums to the game), they supply a constant stream of energy that infects the home crowd throughout the stadium. The acoustics, despite being open-ended on each side, are perfect for soccer. Also adding to the atmosphere is the aforementioned Scoreboard Bar, which becomes a hub for fans who need to stretch their legs, grab a quick bite and/or meet up with some fellow soccer enthusiasts. There is a live music stage set up adjacent to the bar, which also enhances the game watching experience. Once the Rio Grande Valley FC Toros start to develop a culture of winning, and HEB Park begins to attract even more high-profile “friendlies”, you can expect an even more electric atmosphere in the stadium. Neighborhood 3 It does take an effort to get to the Rio Grande Valley from any of the large cities in Texas. You can fly many large commercial airlines to nearby McAllen. Driving though, it is almost three and a half hours from San Antonio and almost five from Austin. However, once you’re down there, Edinburg, McAllen, Mission (the birthplace of Tom Landry), Harlingen, Weslaco, and even Brownsville are all within “shouting” distance. If you bring your passport, you can easily get to Reynosa and Rio Bravo across the U.S. border. This large metro area offers an abundance of activities (it is the birding capital of the United States if you are a nature lover), as well as many hotel and restaurant options. If you are looking for a bite to eat, you have to try out some authentic Tex-Mex/Mexican cuisine – I can personally vouch for Costa Messa Restaurant as being one of the best in the area. Fans 4 I really can’t say enough about how enthusiastic and knowledgeable Toros fans are. It probably helps that the area has a long affinity for the sport (the Edinburg-McAllen-Mission metro area has close to 500 weekend and amateur soccer clubs), and that affinity shows up during Toros games at HEB Park. Fans here cheer on breakaways, on defensive stops, on shots on goals, and, of course, on actual home team goals. You’ll find lots of orange, you’ll find lots of Toros team gear, and you’ll find the stands quite packed (they are averaging just over 6,000 for weekend games this season) for every game. Access 3 As mentioned, it does take a little bit of work to get to Edinburg and HEB Park. But, once you’re there, the stadium is located off one of the main highways (Interstate 69) and two of the city’s main thoroughfares (Freddy Gonzales Drive and Raul Longoria Road, respectively). Since the stadium just opened, there is not much in the way of signage leading the way there; that is anticipated to change in the not too distant future though. Also, there is just the main entrance to the parking lot, and that has the potential to bottleneck, especially close to game time, so plan accordingly. However, on the bright side, parking is ample and free. Return on Investment 3 You can get quite a bargain at HEB Park in terms of ticket prices if you go at certain times. Normally, ticket prices for Toros games range from the low of $9 per ticket to the high of $40. On certain nights, however, general admission tickets can be had for $5 as part of the stadium’s “Four Corners” option – make sure to check the calendar for when these are available. Concessions costs are right in step with other minor league facilities; you can expect to pay around $5-$10 per person for your trip to the snack bar depending on what you get. Again, as parking is free, you can expect a real bargain at HEB Park for Rio Grande Valley FC Toros games. Extras 3 HEB Park has all the bells and whistles that most “new” stadiums have. One interesting feature is the luxury suites/boxes; instead of being high up in the stands, they are slightly raised at pitch level. Fans in the boxes are right on top of the on-field action. Additional “extras” include the club’s mascot, a currently unnamed anthropomorphic bull, and the team’s cheerleaders, the Toros girls. You can expect to see both wandering the concourses and stands throughout the games, and they are easily accessible for photo opportunities. There is also a very well-stocked team store near the main stadium entrance on the east concourse. Final Thoughts I was not sure what to expect in my trip to this part of Texas to see minor league soccer. I have to say I came away extremely impressed with both. Flat out, HEB Park is beautiful, and I feel it is safe to say that it has little to no rival in the world of minor league soccer, and it probably could rival many major league facilities. It is truly the crown jewel of the United Soccer League. If you are in the Rio Grande Valley, HEB Park is a must visit. I believe you will be as captivated by the place as I was. Follow Eric Moreno’s Stadium Journey on Twitter at @EricMoreno6477 . Visit Eric Moreno’s writer’s portfolio site at ericmoreno.contently.com .

Photos by Michael Davis, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.43 OGE Energy Field at the USA Softball Hall of Fame Complex 2801 NE 50th St Oklahoma City, OK 73111 Women’s College World Series website OGE Energy Field at the USA Softball Hall of Fame Complex website Year Opened: 1987 Capacity: 7,300 NCAA Women’s College World Series OGE Energy Field at the USA Softball Hall of Fame Complex is a 7,300-seat multi-purpose stadium in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. The stadium was renamed in 2017, when the Amateur Softball Association rebranded to USA Softball. Formerly known as ASA Hall of Fame Stadium, the venue is the centerpiece of the USA Softball Hall of Fame Complex, which includes the USA Hall of Fame and Museum. The stadium opened in 1987 and had extensive renovations from September 2013 through 2015. The facility hosts various softball tournaments throughout the year, but none more popular than the NCAA College World Series. The Women’s College World Series (WCWS) consists of the final 8 women’s college softball teams, advancing from a field of 32 teams, around the country. The NCAA WCWS began in 1982, when the UCLA Bruins defeated the Fresno State Bulldogs 2-0 in 8 innings. The series was first played along with the Men’s College World Series in Omaha, Nebraska from 1982 until 1987, and then moved to Sunnyvale, California from 1988-1989. Oklahoma City has hosted the event every year since 1990, except in 1996 when Columbus, Georgia, in preparation to host Olympic softball in Atlanta, was awarded the NCAA Women’s College World Series. OGE Energy Field at the USA Softball Hall of Fame Complex is also the site for the World Cup of Softball and the Big 12 softball conference championship. Food & Beverage 4 The food and beverage selections here may not compete with the big league ballparks, but there are plenty of food options around the stadium. There are two permanent concessions buildings, one on each side of the diamond, on the upper concourse. All the ballpark favorites are available – hot dogs, chili cheese, corn dog bites, Frito chili pie, nachos, pretzels, fries, burgers, BBQ sandwiches, chicken tenders, and a walking taco. These items might not sound exciting, but the prices ranging between $3 and $6 can make your wallet smile. The beverages are Coke products with prices ranging from $3 for the small to $6 for the souvenir cup. Powerade is only $3, while water is $2, and there is also a water station available to fill those empty bottles. The stadium does serve alcohol, however, everyone that wishes to buy alcohol must first get a wrist band. The alcohol selections are simple – either Coors Lite or Miller Lite for $5 (16oz), or Modelo, Corona Premier, or Mike’s Hard (24oz) for $7. There are also food trucks parked behind the outfield bleachers for fans, which keeps you from having to walk all around the stadium for food if your seats are back there. Both sides of the diamond have food trucks as well, with Dippin’ Dots, sno cones, and funnel cake offered. Note that there are no outside food or drinks allowed inside OGE Energy Field at the USA Softball Hall of Fame Complex. Atmosphere 5 The Women’s College World Series is the final portion of the NCAA Division I Softball Championship for college softball in the United States. The tournament format consists of two four-team double-elimination brackets. The winners of each bracket then compete in a best-of-three series to determine the Division I WCWS National Champion. The Women’s College World Series surpasses itself on a yearly basis with record crowds. The games are played in sessions with two games per session, except for the best-of-three series and the if-necessary session. OGE Energy Field at the USA Softball Hall of Fame Complex has a dirt infield and a grass outfield surface, with dimension of 200ft along the lines, and 220ft to center field, with the seating behind each dugout reserved for the participating teams. The atmosphere at WCWS begins as soon as the teams arrive in Oklahoma City. The day before the tournament begins, fans can spend the day at the facility at Open Practice Day, which is free to the public. During the day all teams will showcase the abilities and talents that helped them reach the final 8. There will be autograph sessions by USA Softball players during the day as well. The next day begins with the Women’s College World Series Fan Fest. The fan fest is located outside the stadium, and is situated at the drop off/pick up point for fans using the parking shuttles. The WCWS Fan Fest is a FREE fan fest for fans of all ages! Take part in a variety of activities, including exclusive autograph sessions from ESPN talent such as Beth Mowins, Jessica Mendoza, and Michelle Smith, or enjoy sport activations and product displays, championship merchandise and more! Be at the epicenter of softball fun with events for the entire family. But as much fun as Fan Fest provides, the games themselves is where the WCWS becomes an amazing experience. Every inning seems to get exciting as the teams compete. There is in-stadium entertainment throughout, with competitions like minor league baseball games thrown in. In addition, the USA Softball team players in the crowd get acknowledged during games and interact with fans. There is also plenty of history in the form of WCWS quizzes shown on the video board, so fans can enjoy re-living past WCWS games. The fans here just simply love softball, and the energy that is created is one of the best atmospheres in sports. Neighborhood 4 The College World Series has found a permanent home in Oklahoma City’s Adventure District. The district is in the northeast Oklahoma City between the crossroads of Interstates 35 and 44. There isn’t much in the immediate vicinity in terms of restaurants (you can only find eateries like Subway or Sonic) or hotels, however, there are plenty of tourist attractions around the USA Softball Hall of Fame Complex. The complex is across the road from the Oklahoma State Firefighters Museum, and just a short walk from the Oklahoma City Zoo, Science Museum Oklahoma, and Remington Park and Casino. In addition, the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum and Cinemark Tinseltown Movie theater are just up the road near Interstate 44. And for the avid golfer, there is the Lincoln Park Golf Course, which has two impressive championship courses. The heart of downtown Oklahoma City is 7 miles away, which is a short 15-minute drive from the USA Hall of Fame Complex. Bricktown has numerous restaurants and lodging for softball fans, as well as Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark , the center of Bricktown and home to the Oklahoma City Dodgers Triple AAA team, who are affiliated with the Los Angeles Dodgers . The restaurants are along Bricktown’s canal (like San Antonio’s Riverwalk) – Mickey Mantle’s Steakhouse, local country singer Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar & Grill, Fuzzy Taco Shop, Melting Pot, and Chelinos Mexican all are great places to visit while in Oklahoma City. Also, the Bricktown Brewery and TapWerks Ale House and Café are great spots to enjoy some local made brews. Hampton Inn & Suites, Sheraton Oklahoma City Downtown, or the Renaissance Oklahoma City Convention Center are a few of the many choices for lodging in Oklahoma City. See this link for a list of USA Softball Hall of Fame Complex Hotel Partners. There is so much to do around Oklahoma City that you won’t see everything in one weekend visit. But while there are a lot of tourist attractions around the complex, however, there isn’t one more popular or more of a must visit than Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum. This museum is the heart and soul for all Americans, and will be a visit that you’ll never forget. Fans 5 There are 8 participants in the Women’s College World Series. The fans from those 8 participants travel from all over the country to watch their team, family, friends, and daughters play softball, and the games are quickly becoming sell-outs, especially when the local Oklahoma Sooners are one of the participants. Even without the Sooners, there is a dedicated softball fan base that renews season tickets to the Women’s College World Series. A couple of statements from fans: “I don’t have a horse in the race, but I love the way these girls play the game.” and “This is my 12th consecutive year that I have these seats, and I can’t think of any place better.” The fans are serious, loud, supportive, and truly love being at the event. However, the most impressive thing that I noticed was the genuine appreciation for all the teams and players. No matter what team the fans are rooting for, if a player makes a tough play they are cheered because fans appreciate it. Access 4 OGE Energy Field at the USA Softball Hall of Fame Complex is seven miles northeast of downtown Oklahoma City, and 0.1 miles from I-35 off exit 132A (NE 50th Street). The venue will be on your right as you exit, and there is parking on the Hall of Fame grounds for $20, but those passes will sell out, so you can also park across the street and in grass lots near the stadium for a fee. However, the best option is free parking, which is located at Remington Park Racing and Casino about a 1/4-mile from the stadium. A free shuttle bus will pick up at Remington Park on Eastern and Grand Boulevard, and will take fans to and from the stadium. The shuttle bus runs every 10 minutes each day, and will run through the last game after all fans have been dropped off. The entrance gates are behind home plate, and the flow into the stadium is quick despite possible lines. There are two concourses – the main concourse is above the seating area, as the stadium sits in a bowl, and fans walk an incline up to the gates. Access to the outfield area and bleachers is a little congested, as fans must navigate over a step-bridge from either side of the outfield. The reserved seating has back supports, while the outfield bleachers do not, and this is a difference maker when spending 8 hours at the facility. The main seating area has bathrooms while the outfield bleachers have port-a-potties available for use. The stadium does provide ADA accessible seats, and there is public transportation throughout Oklahoma City on METRO transit. Overall, access to the stadium, parking, entry, and sitting are quite easy for fans. Return on Investment 5 The Women’s College World Series has a solid annual ticket fan base. These fans buy All-session tickets and are offered renewal to their seats each year – only after the renewal deposit process is complete are tickets are made available to the public. GP tickets, which are subject to availability, begin in December. Ticket prices are $25 per session (2-games) except the if-necessary session, which costs $20. Children younger than two years of age do not need a ticket provided they can sit on the lap of a ticketed adult. If the series sells out, $25 standing room only tickets are available on game day at the box office (there is no advance selling of SRO tickets). However, WCWS reserved seats are sold by third-party resellers. The free parking, low cost concessions, top-level softball competition, and a fun-filled atmosphere ranks this event as a must visit for any sports fan. Extras 4 The amazing overall atmosphere that USA Softball promotes in the volunteers, event staff, access to the teams, and the teams themselves is great to see. The Women’s College World Series is well-organized and promotes everything that is good in the sport of softball. The return on investment, atmosphere, and the quality of the participants creates a tournament that is truly one of the best trips to visit in the country for a sports fan. Final Thoughts There is a lot to see in the Oklahoma City area, however, the atmosphere during the Women’s College World Series is incredible. The atmosphere, fans, and great softball are so mesmerizing that a day trip will turn into a weekend trip because the place will just grab hold of you. The success of the WCWS in Oklahoma continues to grow in numbers, so much that there are plans to continue upgrading the fan experience at OGE Energy Field at the USA Softball Hall of Fame Complex – in 2020, a renovation plan to add an upper deck to the stadium is proof the game of softball is growing, and that Oklahoma City is the capital of the softball world.

Photos by Sean MacDonald Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Meiji Jingu Stadium Kasumigaoka-cho 13 Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 160-0013 Japan Tokyo Yakult Swallows website Meiji Jingu Stadium website Year Opened: 1926 Capacity: 37,933 The Meiji Jingu Shrine (to Baseball) Meiji Jingu Stadium is the second oldest of the Japanese ballparks, having been built in 1926, just two years after Koshien. It’s gone through several renovations since then but is still one of the best stadium experiences you can have in Japan.It is located in the Aoyama district of Central Tokyo and is relatively close to the Meiji Jingu Shrine, the organization that actually owns the stadium. The home team is the Tokyo Yakult Swallows, who play in the Central League, and are owned by Yakult, a company most famous for their yogurt-like drinks. Jingu also hosts countless college and high school games during the year and is one of the most widely-recognized ballparks in the country. Food & Beverage 3 There are a number of small concessions on the very narrow concourse, offering typical Japanese snacks but nothing out of the ordinary. I would recommend the spicy chicken stick at 200 yen, and if you want to try something slightly offbeat, go for the takoyaki, which are small bits of octopus stuffed in batter and then fried. If you are really hungry, try a bento box, which are good value at between 600-850 yen. Drinks can be bought in your seat from one of the dozens of vendors who are carting kegs of beer on their back or on a tray in front. Rather than try the ballpark food though, most fans pick up their eats on the way to the stadium. As you walk up the main street from Gaienmae subway station, you will be presented with several small tables selling sandwiches, noodles, gyoza, and other snacks. Beer is also much cheaper here, but you must pour it into a cup when you enter the stadium (although they don’t actually check your belongings). I highly recommend this option as you get more variety at a better price. The only problem is that it can get quite crowded and you might have difficulty backtracking as the masses walk toward the stadium. If you are looking for some post-game fun, stop in at the Hub Pub just three minutes away, again on this street. It’s one of several branches of a faux-English establishment that serves drinks and pub food at reasonable prices. If you want to enjoy a more traditional Japanese experience, try Toan right next door. It’s an izakaya serving tofu and chicken dishes and is really quite good. However, it is small and fills up quickly, so you might want to make a dinner reservation as you walk to a weekend afternoon game. Atmosphere 4 Jingu is often quiet, particularly during night games which draw fewer fans, but I saw a Saturday afternoon affair with nearly 27,000 filling the ballpark. It was a perfect afternoon for baseball, hot but not humid, the outfield stands filled with cheering supporters, colorful beer vendors parading up and down the aisles, the bright green artificial turf, truly a quintessential Japanese baseball experience. Unfortunately, though, there was one element that the Swallows recently introduced that I found highly bothersome: the stadium DJ. This guy is a glorified PA announcer that spends his time shouting into a mike from 30 minutes before the game right to the end, making every inning break a cacophonic catastrophe. His presence destroys the atmosphere for me, but as he only exists for Swallows games, I won’t dock more than a point. Neighborhood 3 The stadium is part of a larger sports complex that includes National Stadium, a soccer and track facility that hosted the 1964 Summer Olympics, Chichibunomiya Rugby Stadium, a couple of gymnasiums, and even a smaller baseball field that doubles as a golf range. It is a very central location, but the large number of other venues make it somewhat weak as a true neighborhood. There are restaurants and shops along Aoyama-dori, just south of the ballpark, but little worth noting from a tourist point of view, at least in the immediate vicinity. Once you get more than a mile away though, you can see the bright lights of Shibuya, or the nightclubs of Roppongi, or the two faces of Shinjuku, all within a short walk or subway ride. Fans 5 Yakult fans are among the best, and have the most famous celebration in the country. Whenever the Swallows score, the fans (not just those in the outfield, but almost everybody on the first base side) curse the opponents, break out tiny plastic umbrellas and sing “Tokyo Ondo,” a famous traditional tune. It is a great sight and sound and worth checking out on YouTube. Nothing is more disappointing than visiting Jingu and seeing the Swallows shutout. The game I saw had loud cheering in left field too, with the visiting Nippon Ham Fighter fans providing the noise during the top half of each inning. I also noticed that fans tended to stay seated here during the action, something that I appreciate. Overall, a great fan experience. Access 3 The closest station to Jingu is Gaienmae on the Ginza line, the oldest subway in Tokyo. From here, it’s about a 5-minute walk to the stadium, with the sidewalk quite narrow in some places. This is where you would buy your food or stop at the pub as mentioned above. You’ll also walk by the rugby ground. After the game, the crowd spills out onto the street as you return to the station. The Ginza line train can be quite crowded at this time, so I prefer to walk a few extra blocks to Aoyama Itchome station, which has some other lines that are far less busy. There are several other stations within walking distance but the Gaienmae approach is the best as that is where you can stock up on food and beer. Once inside the stadium, you will find the only concourse to be very narrow. Hey, the place is 85 years old, so no complaining! Even with the tight quarters, I never have had trouble navigating, because most fans spend the game in their seats, since they bring their food in with them. You will need to enter by the gate printed on your ticket, but once inside, you can roam about the seating bowl as long as you haven’t found yourself in the unreserved seats. Those areas are separate and you can’t move back and forth. The facilities here are very limited, and I noticed lines for both men and women throughout the game. If you need to take a break, try to beat the post-inning rush. Return on Investment 4 Tickets at Tokyo Yakult Swallows games are reasonably priced, with the most expensive only 4,500 yen ($56). The single seating bowl is quite flat for the first 13 rows, then slightly steeper for the next 12 rows, before the final 20 rows rise quite quickly. There is a walkway in front of row 14, and the main concourse is in front of row 26, so avoid those rows if you hate having people walking in front of you during the game. I recommend the 2,600 yen B seats that are in the top few rows – the reason being that there is a fence that stretches the whole way down the line, right to the foul pole. Unlike protective netting, this fence really harms the sightlines and is the worst thing about Jingu. There are big bars between each section of fence that can destroy your pictures if you are unlucky enough to have a seat there. Only in the top 6 rows or so can you have an unobstructed view of the action. As you move down the line, the seats don’t face home so you will be craning your neck to watch the action. The low seats beyond the bases are some of the worst in Japan so try to avoid those. The seats are numbered from 0 directly behind the plate and increase in both directions down the lines. I was in seat 154 well down the first base line so you can use that as a guide. For those who wish to sit with the cheering sections, the outfield is a separate area and the cheapest place to sit. Sections A to L comprise the right field side, while M to X takes up left field. There is also one covered section which is called the second floor. On a hot summer’s day, this is the only reprieve you will have from the sun, and it fills up quickly. I enjoy the view from here as the field stretches out beneath you and the city beckons beyond. What I really like at Jingu is that you are afforded the freedom to move around in the main bowl. I never had anybody check my ticket and when it got too hot in my assigned seat, I zoomed over to the cooler side of the ballpark and sat in an open seat without receiving a second glance. Very non-Japanese and makes up for all the poor seating options and hence the ROI is a healthy 4 out of 5. Extras 4 Being such an old stadium, there isn’t much else here besides the ballpark. The scoreboard used to have the batting average and home runs for each player in the lineup but this has been replaced by advertising, which really detracts from its appearance. The relatively new video screen is nice, but nothing extraordinary. On the indoor concourse directly behind home plate, you’ll find a plaque commemorating the stadium along with some signed plaques from an all-star game in 1997. This comes with a roster with pictures of all the players, including a baby-faced Ichiro Suzuki and is worth looking for. The clubhouse is outside the ballpark so the Swallows players have to walk, in uniform, past hordes of fans to get into the stadium. This gives you a chance to take some good shots if you are so inclined, but the fans are respectful and autographs are not sought out here. The actual structure is similar to a Roman coliseum on the outside, with arched entryways that make for a compelling first impression. Sadly, the gates are now strewn with plastic fencing and garish signs that keep fans in order while entering, but ruin the effect of the original architecture. The worst thing about Jingu is the aforementioned fence that stretches from home plate all the way down to the foul pole. It’s ugly and pointless. At the game I attended, a young man sitting in the 10th row was dinged by a line drive which he probably couldn’t see in time due to the fence. Even worse, it took the game staff a while to check on him (he had to leave the game with a bruise). Despite all this negativity, Jingu will always have a special place in my heart, as it was here that I saw the Swallows win the Japanese championship in my first summer in the country, back in 1997. Final Thoughts Meiji Jingu Stadium is a must-see for any baseball fan visiting Tokyo. When the weather is nice and the crowd is hopping, a better baseball experience is difficult to find. And even if it’s not raining, don’t forget to bring your umbrella.

Photos by Eric Moreno, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Q2 Stadium 10414 McKalla Place Austin, TX 78758 Austin FC website Q2 Stadium website Year Opened: 2021 Capacity: 20,738 Q2 Stadium – Austin FC In 2018, after the relocation of Columbus Crew SC to Austin proved unsuccessful, Major League Soccer (MLS) announced they would award an expansion franchise to the state capitol of Texas in time for the 2021 season. Construction began on the stadium, located in the North Burnet area of the city, and was completed in time to host Austin FC’s inaugural season. The home opener took place in June of 2021, and both the team and their home have proven to be an immediate hit with the fans in Austin, routinely reaching capacity for their home games. Q2 Stadium was designed to be sleek, modern, and inclusive, as well as to embody the spirit of Austin and its inhabitants – that mission was accomplished. Food & Beverage 5 Great thought and care was put into the design of Q2 Stadium, and this was especially true for its concessions. There are numerous concessions stands on the main concourse, including two chain restaurants with Austin roots in Double Dave’s Pizzaworks and Pluckers Wing Bar . While you can’t go wrong with a slice of pizza or an order of wings while you take in a match at Q2, these are hardly your only options – far from it in, in fact. Two of the main food groups that Texas is known for – tacos and barbecue – are well represented at Q2 Stadium. Texas chain Tacodeli has a large stand near the northwest gate, but you can also look for One Taco and Casa Chapala, as well. For your nachos fix, Hot & Loaded Nachos and Queso Fountain have you covered, pun intended. For ‘cue, Slovacek’s, 512 BBQ, and Valentina’s BBQ have smoked meat offerings for you. In keeping with their mission of inclusion, Austin FC has numerous vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free concessions options at most stands, including the aforementioned taco stands. Q2 Stadium also has a Beer Hall and numerous bars and beer stands (look out for local favorite Easy Tiger ’s carts with their massive soft pretzels). Also, proving they’re not only about adult beverages but have tried to be as inclusive as possible, Yeti has a free hydration station for fans needing a water break on those hot Austin nights. In terms of cost, this is an MLS event. In other words, big-time sports in a big-time city, so you can expect to spend applicable prices. As an example, a standard burger and fries combo that can be found at the Oak Hill Grill will run you $15. However, in terms of the quality of food you’ll get at Q2 Stadium, you’re getting what you’re paying for. Also, bear in mind that the stadium is currently a cashless facility, so that will need to be taken into consideration when you go to pay. Atmosphere 5 I’ve been to quite a few professional soccer matches over the years; granted, nothing overseas or in Latin America, but this was my third MLS event and honestly Q2 Stadium far exceeded any of my previous stops by leaps and bounds. Since it is still early in its infancy, having opened only in early 2021, it still retains all of its newness and uniqueness. However, and again this is going to be a running theme, great care was put into the design of the stadium, from ensuring accessibility to incorporating the team’s color (green…it is literally everywhere and can be seen on everything) and imagery (the team’s symbol is the live oak tree) and all of that adds to the overall atmosphere at Q2 Stadium. For example, whenever Austin FC scores a goal, the lights in the stadium all glow a magnificent emerald green color, which is truly something to see. There are three premium clubs, the Captain Morgan Club, Lexus Club, and Q2 Field Club open to attendees (with the proper tickets and/or credentials); some of the clubs stay open up to an hour after Austin FC matches. Outside the stadium, there are also two main areas for live events – H-E-B Plaza and Live Oak Park; these tend to be areas for live music and fan gatherings prior to and after Austin FC matches. Inside Q2 Stadium there are also plenty of options for fans to load up on Austin FC merch. There are four main shops, including the massive Verde Store (which can also be shopped online ), as well as numerous pop-up kiosks. It’s not hard to see why so many fans are kitted out on in green and black at Austin FC games when the team is still so new. Neighborhood 4 Austin is a fantastic city, period. It is great to visit for a day, for a weekend, or for a week. No matter what your age or your interests, you’re going to find plenty to do to keep you occupied both before and after Austin FC games. Q2 Stadium itself is in north Austin in an industrial area of the city. However, the venue is not far from the downtown/capitol/university area of the city, which is the tourism and entertainment hub of Austin. If you are looking for culture, museums such as the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum , which tells the complete story of the history of Texas from prehistoric times to today, to the LBJ Presidential Library , which tells the story of native Texan and our nation’s 36th President Lyndon Baines Johnson, are found in downtown Austin. If the outdoors are more your speed, Lady Bird Lake should satisfy you. This 416-acre reservoir of the Colorado River greets visitors entering Austin on Interstate 35, and is a beloved natural landmark for residents. It offers hiking and biking trails (there are bike rentals offered throughout the area), while kayaking, paddle boarding, and rowing are also allowed. For dining and hotel options, this area of the city is going to be your best bet when attending games at Q2 Stadium, but there are also options in the area for before/after the game. For dining, CAVA is a Mediterranean restaurant that allows you to completely customize your order (either bowls, salads, or pitas) and create something unique with fresh and authentic ingredients. For a more upscale, sit-down affair, Andiamo Ristorante might be what you’re looking for. Ravioli ai funghi , penne con salmone , and cacciucco are just some of the fare offered. If you’re looking to stay in the area, two mid-priced hotels are within a short distance of the stadium, if you would prefer to stay close by on match night: the TownePlace Suites by Marriott Austin Northwest/The Domain Area and Hilton Garden Inn Austin North-Near the Domain . Fans 5 Like most soccer clubs and football teams, even though they are still in their earliest of days, Austin FC has cultivated a die-hard collection of supporter groups. The Austin Anthem, Los Verdes, the Oak Army, the Burnt Orange Brigade, and more all occupy the south end of the stadium. All decked out in scarves and kits in green and black, they can be seen – or heard, more accurately – banging drums and chanting and cheering from the opening seconds to the final ones. The team is currently enjoying a regular string of sell-outs in their new stadium, which is to be expected. This wave of early goodwill will have to be built upon with success over time, but for now, Austin FC is the proverbial only game in town outside of the University of Texas, and the fans are showing their support in full force. Access 3 For now, if there is one area where Q2 Stadium still has some room for improvements, it is in terms of access. As mentioned, the stadium is in the northern area of the city; this puts it 17 minutes from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, which is not bad at all. However, as you make your way toward the stadium, there really is only one thoroughfare to drive down on Burnet Road, and this tends to cause some traffic issues. If you are driving to games, there are multiple parking lots to park at; fans are encouraged to pre-purchase their parking passes for games, however. CapMetro, the city’s public transportation system, does have a bus line that drops off and picks up near the stadium, and by the start of the 2022 season there is a plan in place to have a light rail light stop at Q2 Stadium. Offsite parking can be had, as well, depending on how willing fans are to walk, for as little as $15-$20. Ridesharing is also encouraged. Return on Investment 3 Single-game tickets for Austin FC matches, depending on the day, start at around $45 per person. For a brand-new team playing in a brand-new stadium, this seems right on the metaphorical money in terms of cost. Plus, the team has already proven such a hit with the local community that they are already waitlisting people for season tickets. Parking, like everything else at Q2 Stadium, is cashless and will run you between $25 and $55 depending on the lot you choose to park at onsite. With concessions running what they are, Austin FC games could run a pretty hefty tab, especially if you’re bringing the family. I will say the experience is pretty incredible, but you will need to be prepared to spend at Q2 Stadium. Extras 2 In terms of extras, unlike many other teams, Austin FC has not yet gone the route of creating add-ons to attract fans, especially younger ones. For example there isn’t yet a kids club or costumed mascot, and since they are a brand-new franchise, there is nothing yet in terms of any kind of Hall of Fame or anything to honor the players and teams of the past. Right now, Q2 Stadium is all about the experience itself. There are a few places set up to take photo ops or selfies (make sure to look for the Austin FC kit wearing grizzly bear near the south entrance) that are always popular with fans. The rest of the traditional extras might come in time, but for now, enjoy the experience. Final Thoughts So as I’ve said, I’ve been to quite a few soccer matches over the years, but I’ve never been to any that matched the level of excitement that I witnessed at Q2 Stadium. Austin FC has built a great fan base, so far. It was truly an unexpected experience for me and something I can only compare to as akin to a big-time college football atmosphere. If you’re a sports fan, this is one you should definitely add to your sports bucket list. Follow Eric Moreno’s Stadium Journey on Twitter at @EricMoreno6477 . Visit Eric Moreno’s writer’s portfolio site at ericmoreno.contently.com .

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 William L. Garrett Memorial Gymnasium 2003 S Miller St Shelbyville, IN 46176 Shelbyville High School website William L. Garrett Gymnasium website Year Opened: 1967 Capacity: 5,832 A Gym That’s Worthy of Its Name To talk about Shelbyville High School basketball, one must talk about William Garrett for whom the gymnasium has bared his name since 1974. Garrett lead the Golden Bears to the school’s only state championship in 1947 while also being named Mr. Basketball. The 6′ 2″ center would become the first African-American in the Big Ten when he enrolled at Indiana University in Bloomington in the fall of that year. He would lead the Hoosiers in both rebounding and scoring and had a 19-3 record during his senior year in 1951. His teammates would name him MVP. After graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education that spring, Garrett was drafted in the second round by the Boston Celtics; however, he was drafted into the U.S. Army a few months later. After two years of service, he found out that he had been cut by the Celtics and embarked on a three-year career with the Harlem Globetrotters. After he retired from basketball, he took over coaching duties with the Crispus Attucks High School basketball team in 1957 and lead the Tigers to the 1959 state championship. He would remain as coach for 10 years before accepting the position of assistant dean at IUPUI in Indianapolis. Garrett would die suddenly of a heart attack at the young age of 45 in 1974 and when the school board decided to honor him by renaming its basketball gym, the decision was unanimous. The Shelbyville High School Golden Bears would now play at the William L. Garrett Memorial Gymnasium. The gym opened on December 15, 1967, with a victory over the Richmond Red Devils and on two occasions in 1968 hosted the Indiana Pacers during their first season in the American Basketball Association. The Pacers played several games at high school gyms that first season to promote its brand to the state. The second contest was an exhibition game. Food & Beverage 3 Two concession stands are offering the usual items you would find at most Indiana high school gyms. The prices are somewhat less expensive with most items under $2. Popcorn, candy, chips, and cookies (3) are all one dollar and hot dogs, pizza, breadsticks with cheese, and nachos are two dollars. If you are just looking for a snack while you watch the game, this is your type of food. However, if you are looking for something with more substance, you might want to grab something before or after the game. Atmosphere 3 The first thing that provides the wow factor would be the domed ceiling of the roof that dominates all aspects of the court. It stands out much more dramatically than the similarly designed Case Arena in Frankfort. The golden hues of the walls, ceilings, and lighting provide a regal flair to the proceedings. The 5,832-rounded gym is the 17th largest high school venue for hoops in the state offering bleacher-style seating split into two sections. The top rows are the dark brown, hardwood variety, while the bottom bleacher seats are more modern and pull-out. There are no obstructed views and there are plenty of areas to enjoy the game with friends and family. The seating is broken into two sections with permanent wooden seats on top and pull-out modern seating on the floor. Two large signs that say Welcome to Bear Country dominate one side of the gym, while the other side features banners, the most prominent being the 1947 State Championship. The lobby houses the concession stand along with a trophy case that highlights the school’s history including more paraphernalia from that championship-winning team some 70 years ago. Neighborhood 3 Shelbyville is a small town right off of I-74 and within a 30-minute drive to Indianapolis. The town features a square and a few local businesses to visit for food before or after the game including the impressive Riverfront Taproom, a family restaurant that brews its own beer and houses varieties from 450 North Brewing in nearby Columbus, Indiana. There are 32 taps and the food offerings include wood-fired pizzas, burgers, and pasta dishes. Grandma’s Pancake House serves breakfast all day long; the generous portions include omelets and french toast along with sandwiches and salads. The Indiana Live Casino is just a few miles off of I-74 to provide entertainment and fine dining. Fans 3 The Bears fans are among a great group of Hoosier basketball enthusiasts who enjoy a good game and cheer their side to victory. There are games against rivals that bring out a larger fan base but all support the program through and through. Access 3 The design of the fieldhouse makes it quite easy to get around to any first-time visitor. Some staircases take fans to the upper sections and all bathrooms, concessions, and exits are marked throughout the building. The facility is also easy to arrive at off of I-74, located a few miles south of the square and adjacent to the high school. Return on Investment 3 The gym is one of the easiest and most accessible facilities in the state due to its location near Indianapolis and its proximity to the interstate exit. Therefore, making a trip for a game is quite an enjoyable experience. This gym is easy on the eyes and beautiful to look around as you watch top-level basketball in the state of Indiana. The price of tickets is only $5 for adults and the concession prices are low for other high school facilities. Extras 3 The gym gets a star for the name after William Garrett, a former player who not only excelled on the court but in life. His legacy will always be remembered here in Shelbyville. A second star for the dome roof and the arching roof provides a beautiful backdrop to the game of basketball. The school’s colors black and gold shine brightly throughout the building. A final star is for the colors black and gold which provide beautiful colors and aesthetics inside the gym. Final Thoughts William Garrett gymnasium is among one of the nicer gyms in the state of Indiana. worthy of a game or two throughout the cold, winter months here in Indiana.

Photos by Marc Viquez and Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 CaroMont Health Park South Hill Street and West Franklin Boulevard Gastonia, NC 28016 Gastonia Honey Hunters website CaroMont Health Park website Year Opened: 2021 Capacity: 5,000 Honey Hunters Look to the Future with Its Ballpark If you want to get a glimpse of what the future of ballpark construction looks like, then look no further than Gastonia, North Carolina. The new home of the Gastonia Honey Hunters of the Atlantic League has a few unique features to offer the world of professional baseball. CaroMont Health Park offers seating for 5,000 people and features seating of five rows deep from the foul line to foul line, along with party decks, cabana seats, stool seating around the outfield perimeter, and a covered beer deck. The field is synthetic and designed for much more than baseball games. The stadium is the centerpiece of the Franklin Urban Sports and Entertainment (FUSE) District, designed to promote economic development between downtown Gastonia and Loray Village. The multi-purpose facility will house other sports, concerts, and other forms of entertainment. Food & Beverage 4 The ballpark offers the standard grub of hot dogs, nachos, peanuts, and burgers, but there are also a few more treats worth mentioning. At the main concession stand behind home plate, options include the Philly cheesesteak, chicken and waffle, and Korean pork belly sliders. The choices are different, but worth trying if adventurous. Fans can also order whole or quarter pizzas if they want something a little more familiar. The Carolina BBQ kiosk has a pleasant aroma to attract customers near the third baseline. Pulled pork, and brisket sliders, pulled pork nachos, white cheddar mac and cheese, and triple-baked beans with burnt ends are among the main dishes and sides. There is also a kiosk that hand dips pickles into the batter for fresh, never frozen, fried pickles. The beer options include macro and microbrewery options. The local options include Sycamore, Appalachian Mountain, Olde Mecklenburg, Sugar Creek, and Catawba Brewing Companies. Domestic and premium 16-ounce beers are $6 to $7, while craft beers are a little more in price. The ballpark does not sell Coke or Pepsi products; instead, fans can quench their thirst with RC Cola, Sun Drop, Cherry Lemon Sundrop Diet Rite, 7Up, or Cheerwine. I would grab one since you are in the Carolinas. Atmosphere 3 The ballpark is designed to be spacious and features a 360-degree concourse that provides an area of social gathering and baseball watching by fans of all ages. It does not follow the regular blueprint of other minor league venues and offers a few designated areas at various points. However, there appears to be the seating of some kind at every interval. There are only five rows of grandstand seating that stretch from foul pole to foul pole. The views from behind the backstop might be among the closest in professional baseball. Above this area on the concourse are tabletop seats and chairs that provide more ample room for the customer. There is a level of comfort in mind for visitors at the ballpark that is almost unmatched anywhere else. The stadium features six covered cabanas on the third-base side, a covered pavilion with rocking chairs down the left-field foul line, and the Gas House Bar & Grill in center field. This area also houses a kids’ play area and batting cages – players before the game and for fans during the game. Adding to the charm is a train track just outside the stadium where it’s possible to see a train pass by in the evening. A few other touches to add distinction to the venue are the colors black, tan, and yellow. The honeycomb design and pattern are visible on certain parts of the building. There is inspirational signage throughout the stadium by Ransom Hunter. There are two team stores, one at street level next to the box office, with tons of items to choose from at the game. The video scoreboard is 24 feet by 63 feet high. Neighborhood 3 The neighborhood around the ballpark is developing. Several new restaurants and a brewery are being constructed within walking distance of the stadium. In the meantime, fans can drive about a mile to R.O.’s Bar-B-Que for their chopped pork sandwiches covered with their unique slaw. The slaw is creamy and is used as a dip or sauce by many locals. It’s a small place but has been in business since 1946. Another local barbecue restaurant is Ray’s Country Smokehouse that’s not too far from the ballpark. Cavendish Brewing is a funky joint that has several tasty beers and old, outdated furniture to lighten up the vibe. Jia Asian Fusion & Sushi Bar is an interesting place for Chinese, Asian, Thai, Cajun, and Mexican fusion. Tavern 24 is an ideal spot for pub food and a drink. Depending on the time during the summer, there might be an American Legion game taking place at Sims Legion Park . The ballpark is used for local high school and collegiate games. You can also drive 30 miles to check out a Charlotte Knights game at Trust Field. Gastonia does have a collection of museums worth visiting during your visit. The Schiele Museum of Natural History, the American Military Museum, and the African-American Museum of History and Culture. Fans 2 The Honey Hunters are fifth in the league in attendance with an average of 2,107 fans as of this writing. That is slightly below the league average and somewhat surprising. The ballpark is brand new, modern, and comfortable. Our visit was at a make-up game during the day, but the local fan base might just be sleeping on what is a very stylish new facility for baseball and much more. Access 5 The ballpark has a lot of accessible points of entry for visitors. It is also accessible within a 10-minute walk from over 2,700 parking spots and mass transit. The 360-degree concourse provides vantage points to the game for fans, and signage is clear and visible. Return on Investment 4 The price of a ticket to a game is a bargain; General Admission tickets cost $7. Box seat pricing ranges from $9 to $13, and home plate seats are $15. The prices are comparable to nearby Truist Point Ballpark in High Point. Concession prices are on par with other clubs in the area, and concession items ranging from $20 for a t-shirt to $35 for a ball cap. Team caps come in a variety of colors, shapes, and sizes. Extras 3 The ballpark earns a point for having a design that is not quite like any other in professional baseball. There are only five rows of seating that provide fans some of the closest views in baseball. A second point is awarded for the ballpark being a catalyst for the FUSE District that hopes to promote economic development in Gastonia. A third point is for the name that honors Random Hunter, who is believed to be the first freed slave in Gaston County who owned land in the late 19th century. Final Thoughts I enjoyed a lot about this ballpark and what it represents to the community of Gastonia. The concept of redeveloping the neighborhood with a baseball stadium and other industries is not new. Its design is sharp, and the organization’s objective is clearly established throughout the building. Perhaps it is too soon to judge CaroMont Health Park, and hopefully, someone from this website will be back in a few years to judge it on future merits. Perhaps that will be me because I would love to see its future.