Lloyd Brown joins us this week to talk about the FCS stadium experiences. Audio versions of the Stadium Journey podcast can be found by searching HIAC Talk Radio wherever you look for your favorite podcasts. Video simulcasts of all the Stadium Journey podcasts can be found on Stadium Journey's YouTube page . Join us live as we record every other Tuesday at 7 PM Eastern at danlaw.tv .

McCoy Stadium Sunset. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey. Since the relocation of the Pawtucket Red Sox to Worcester, MA, baseball fans have wondered what was to become of beloved McCoy Stadium . Rumors circulated about an independent baseball team moving to the old ballpark or of a plan to convert the facility into a soccer stadium, but nothing came to fruition. The answer finally came this past November, when Pawtucket voters approved a measure to demolish the stadium and build a $300 million high school on the site. The Pawsox had planned to close out their time in the Ocean State with a final season in 2020, but the COVID-19 pandemic forced the cancellation of the entire season. Many fans felt that they never had a chance to say goodbye to their team or the ballpark. Before McCoy Stadium comes down, the administration of Pawtucket Mayor Donald R. Grebien wants to give fans one last chance chance to enjoy the stadium. PawSox Celebrate a walk-off home run in McCoy Stadium's final game. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey. Barry Richard of 1420 WBSM reports that there are plans for a final celebration at McCoy. "We are planning on having it around this coming Fourth of July and hoping to make it a multi-day celebration," stated Pawtucket Administration Spokesperson Grace Voll. For many years, a highlight of every PawSox season were the fireworks held on and around the Foruth of July. "The goal is to tie it into the fireworks display, but I don't have anything confirmed, and that could change," Voll said. Voll said nothing is definite yet regarding the ultimate demolition of McCoy Stadium. "We still don't have a timeline on demolition. I would say it is more likely to happen after the summer," she said. McCoy Stadium closed with a whimper. Sending it out with a bang seems a much more appropriate way to say goodbye to this Rhode Island landmark. McCoy Stadium Grandstand. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey.

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 JMU Convocation Center 895 University Blvd Harrisonburg, VA 22807 James Madison Dukes website JMU Convocation Center website Year Opened: 1982 Capacity: 6,426 Hail to the Dukes! From JMU Sports website: The Convo, as it's known around campus, previously housed the department's men's and women's basketball programs since 1982 before those programs moved to the Atlantic Union Bank Center in 2020. Renovations were announced in March of 2022 and completed late summer of 2023. ---- JMU Convocation Center was built in 1982, and has been home to James Madison University’s men’s and women’s basketball programs since that time. The facility has a capacity of 6,426, and is used for numerous other gatherings besides basketball, including concerts, conventions, and JMU’s winter commencement ceremony. The venue is also one of the rotating host venues for the CAA women’s basketball tournament, and has hosted that tournament six times since 1987; it has also hosted the CAA men’s basketball tournament once. JMU is currently fundraising for a new convocation center that will replace the current facility. The new basketball venue will include box seats and other amenities that are expected to boost attendance at games, and will also include training and workout facilities, locker rooms, offices, and practice space, as well as improved technology, sightlines, media space, and concessions. However, no timeline for the project will be announced until the university’s fundraising goals are met. Food & Beverage 3 JMU Convocation Center offers a decent selection from several cookie cutter stands near the main entrance. Main dishes include barbecue sandwiches, Papa John’s pizza, and hot dogs or veggie dogs for around $3 to $5, and gluten free buns are available for all items. Snack items include nachos, soft pretzels, popcorn, kettle chips, king-sized candy, or blow pops at prices ranging from 50 cents up to $5. There is also a kid’s meal for $6, which includes a hot dog, chips, apple slices, and a prize. The drink selection at JMU Convocation Center is a little more sparse, but includes the basics such as fountain soda, bottled water, coffee, and hot cocoa, priced at $2.50 and up depending on size. Atmosphere 2 JMU Convocation Center provides a typical atmosphere for college basketball. The band is particularly active, with lots of singing and dancing around during the game. Unfortunately, attendance is such that often the band is making more noise than the rest of the crowd. In terms of set-up, JMU Convocation Center has most of its seating along the sidelines, with only a small section behind and above each backboard; one of these is reserved for the band, while the other is general admission. There are actually several different types of seats, though, in case you have a preference; reserved seats are hard plastic with chair backs, while general admission seating is mostly on wooden bleachers without chair backs, except for the aforementioned section behind the backboard, which consists of thick, padded benches. JMU’s staff provides the typical entertainment during breaks in the action, including contests that feature fans wearing flippers trying to shoot lay-ups, or fans bowling using basketballs and giant inflatable pins. JMU’s mascot, Duke Dog, also does a great job keeping the fans entertained, including playing one-on-one with kids before the game, and there are also cheerleaders on hand to help rev up the crowd, including a halftime show featuring junior cheerleaders from area clubs. Neighborhood 3 JMU Convocation Center was the first building at JMU to be built on the other side of I-81 from main campus, and therefore feels a little isolated, with only parking lots, other athletic facilities, and a few dorms in the immediate vicinity. However, there are a couple of great restaurants in town if you are looking for a bite to eat, and there are several attractions in the area if you are here for the weekend. Harrisonburg is not a metropolis by any means, but it does have several of the typical small-town attractions you have come to expect in places like this, for example the Virginia Quilt Museum. Alternatively, if you are a history buff (or aspire to be one), you can visit the Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library and Museum, which is located in Staunton (about half an hour southwest of Harrisonburg). The closest hotel to JMU Convocation Center is the Days Inn, but there are many more choices one exit further north on I-81, for example Candlewood Suites. In addition, if you are looking for a bite to eat, Anthony’s Campus Pizza and Corgans’ Publick House are both worth a visit; Anthony’s is very popular with the students, while Corgans’ serves Irish and American fare, and features live music. Fans 2 Due to the small crowd size it sometimes seems as if the band is making more noise than the fans. While the official average attendance at JMU basketball games is around 2,900, in reality it is a lot less, and the fans tend to be fairly spread out, so it is hard to feel a lot of camaraderie with your fellow Dukes fans. On the plus side, a lot of fans do wear team gear, so you will see lots of purple. In addition, many fans wave towels or cards emblazoned with the number “3” after exciting plays, so you can expect at least some occasional bursts of energy. Check out the video below to get a look inside JMU Convocation Center during a game: Access 5 Getting to JMU Convocation Center is a piece of cake, given that the venue is a literal stone’s throw from I-81. Also, there is free parking available in the lot right next to the arena on the south side; parking is available on a first-come, first-serve basis, but given the crowd size there should always be enough room. Getting in and out of, and around JMU Convocation Center is similarly easy; there are entrances in all four corners, though most fans use the main entrances on the south side, next to the parking. In addition, there are plenty of bathrooms inside to accommodate the crowd, and no lines at the concessions. Getting to and from your seat is also easy, since the aisles are fairly wide, and there are ramps if you need them. Return on Investment 3 Despite the small crowd, the only tickets usually available are the $10 general admission seats, since the reserved seats are only given out to donors. You can’t really move down into the closer seats, either, since the venue has staff members stationed at the bottom of the general admission section. Nevertheless, with free parking and reasonable concessions, attending a JMU basketball game is a fairly cheap date, and a good way to see some college hoops, as long as you don’t mind the lack of fans or relatively low level of energy. Extras 2 JMU Convocation Center has some great décor in the concourse, with lots of Dukes-themed signage and images. Take a stroll past the concessions stands and you will find trophies on display, and above the court you will see banners hanging to commemorate past championships and tournament appearances, as well as plenty of purple. Final Thoughts The James Madison Dukes currently compete in the Colonial Athletic Association, and have had some ups and down in recent years in terms of on-court performance. However, the school is serious about improving the athletics programs here, as evidenced by their sizeable planned investment in a new basketball arena, so things should start looking up for JMU basketball in the coming years.

The crew discusses the arms race between cities for bigger, better, and more luxurious stadiums. Will the common fan get priced out? Audio versions of the Stadium Journey podcast can be found by searching HIAC Talk Radio wherever you look for your favorite podcasts. Video simulcasts of all the Stadium Journey podcasts can be found on Stadium Journey's YouTube page . Join us live as we record every other Tuesday at 7 PM Eastern at danlaw.tv .

The podcast crew is joined by Melissa Burgess from The Victory Press to discuss the inaugural season of the PWHL. How did the first season go compared to how we thought it was going to go, and what comes next?                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         Audio versions of the Stadium Journey podcast can be found by searching HIAC Talk Radio   wherever you look for your favorite podcasts. Video simulcasts of all the Stadium Journey podcasts can be found on Stadium Journey's YouTube page . Join us live as we record every other Monday on our social media streaming channels.

Photos by Conrad Klank, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.71 Indian Wells Tennis Garden 78200 Miles Ave Indian Wells, CA 92210 BNP Paribas Open website Indian Wells Tennis Garden website Year Opened: 2000 Capacity: 16,100 Playing in the Garden The Indian Wells Tennis Garden is the home to the annual BNP Paribas Open Professional Men's and Women's tennis tournament. Located in Indian Wells, California, about two hours east of Los Angeles, this 54-acre facility plays host to the top ATP and WTA players from around the world for two exciting weeks in March. The BNP Paribas Open is one of the prestigious ATP Masters 1000 and WTA Premier 5 events, one of only three of its kind in the United States along with Miami and Cincinnati . Backed by a small group of tennis and sports enthusiasts, this facility has quickly grown into the incredible event that it is today. The most eye-catching feature, by far, of this beautiful park, is the 16,100-seat Stadium Court 1, which is the second largest tennis specific stadium in the world, second only to Arthur Ashe Stadium at the US Open . In addition to the impressive capacity of Stadium Court 1, it also features 44 luxury suites, a full media workroom, and the players� locker rooms and restaurant. After Stadium Court 1, there are seven additional smaller temporary stadiums, which host the other tournament matches. Outside of watching tennis, there are a number of other great things to do around the grounds, ranging from eating and drinking, to demoing racquets, to shopping the boutiques, to even getting a free massage. Additionally, this is one of the most fan friendly events in the world with improved seating and visibility around the practice courts and mini soccer field, as well as the new updated digital practice schedule board located right outside of court 3. Food & Beverage 5 If you've never been to a tennis tournament you'll be in for quite a treat as the food offerings are quite different than one would expect at a baseball or football game. If you're expecting concession windows, ice cream carts, and beer guys patrolling the aisles, you may or may not be pleasantly surprised with the incredible variety and quality that is offered at professional tennis tournaments, especially at this one. Not that the typical stadium fare of hot dogs, peanuts, popcorn, and nachos won't be found here, it's just that stadium food is taken to a whole new level. Depending on what you're in the mood for, you could have an authentic gyro, a footlong loaded with BBQ beef brisket, pizza, specialty bistro sandwiches, and even fish and chips, just to name a few of the unique food offerings found at the BNP Paribas Open. Once you've found something that tickles your fancy from the food court, find a place to get a refreshment, a little shade, and a spot to eat. There are two large beach-themed Corona bars, and a massive Don Julio bar with plenty of shaded tables and chairs at the center of the food court. If you're looking for a little more elbow room than your seat but don't want to miss a second of the action on the court, grab a couple of adirondack chairs in the Corona Plaza where the top three matches are being shown on the large video boards with stats and scores scrolling across the bottom. Atmosphere 5 As with food and beverage, the atmosphere at professional tennis tournaments is very unique. One moment you can be courtside engrossed in a fantastic third set match biting your fingernails, the next you can be socializing with friends in the food court. There are a number of different atmospheres within the grounds of the tournament depending on the setting. There are numerous massive murals of tennis players and images all around the buzzing and excited grounds. While it is important that you stay quiet while play is going on, don't underestimate the amount of excitement that shows at this big time tournament. Make sure to stake out some first or second row seats for an outer court match, so that you can get the up close and personal feel that is so special about these tournaments where you don't have to have a ticket to the outer courts. Additionally, in the evenings, live music, interviews, player autograph sessions, and trivia are available around the grounds. Neighborhood 5 While there isn't much to do in walking distance of the tournament, there are a ton of wonderful places to eat, drink, and things to do just a short drive away. There are two areas that I recommend, first is El Paseo where there are easily over a hundred places to visit. This upscale shopping and dining area is the perfect place to visit before or after going to the tournament or for a break in the action. There is something here for every budget and taste bud. Don't plan to do much shopping later in the evening as most of the stores close rather early while the restaurants stay open a little later, so shop first, eat second. If you like fresh seafood, make sure to eat at Pacifica. For unique specialty pizza, Wolfgang Puck Pizza Bar. And for a steak, you have to go to Mastro's Steakhouse. This is typically the best area for player spotting so keep your eyes peeled for your favorite player getting a bite to eat. Lastly, even if you aren't a big art buff, make sure you stop in at one or two of the many art galleries in the area. If you're willing to drive just a bit further (15-20 minutes), I recommend visiting the North Palm Canyon shopping district. Similar to El Paseo, you will find a number of great shopping and dining options, however the things you will find here won't be nearly as upscale, but much more unique. Be sure to get an omelet for breakfast at Pinocchio in the Desert, have a burger at Hamburger Mary's for lunch, pick up some souvenirs at Just Fabulous, have some authentic chicken parmesan at Kalura Trattoria Italiana or authentic Mexican at Maracas, and get your picture taken with the giant statue of Marilyn Monroe. As you can see, there's a ton to do in the Palm Desert/Palm Springs area, so don't forget to plan an extra day or two just to be a tourist. When you're looking for a hotel, be sure to book early as rooms go fast with only a limited number of resorts available. There are some great options near both entertainment areas mentioned. The top recommendation in Palm Desert which not only has a tremendous tennis facility to get a work out during your stay, but also typically hosts player exhibitions and practice sessions while the tournament is in town, the La Quinta Resort. If you're interested in relaxing more away from the tournament crowds, the Renaissance in Palm Springs is highly recommended with a tremendous pool deck. Fans 5 Tennis fans are some of the best sports fans in the world. It's not uncommon to see fans travel all over the world to follow their favorite players. Since tournaments are played in so many places, it takes a lot of dedication to follow the sport, and tennis fans don't disappoint as they have showed up in record numbers. The 2013 BNP Paribas Open set a new tournament attendance record of 382,227 as well as new single day and night session records on the middle Saturday of the tournament. Access 4 Getting to the tournament from out of town, you have a few options. If traveling by air, the nearest airports available are Palm Springs International Airport (17mi), San Bernardino International Airport (70 mi), Ontario Airport (87mi), and Los Angeles International Airport (139mi). For the experience with the least hassle, Palm Springs International Airport would be the best choice. With shuttles and taxis available to transport you to your nearby hotel, this would be the best route. However, it will be without a doubt the most expensive and probably not the most convenient as far as flight times. If you decide to fly into one of the other airports, rent a car and drive yourself to the tournament. The key to saving yourself the most trouble is to make sure you arrive to the tournament early to avoid the troublesome traffic. With only a couple of roads leading to the tournament site, congestion is extremely likely and time consuming. The next issue is the long walk from the parking areas that is probable in delaying you further from entering the tournament. Parking right next to the tournament grounds in the official general parking is $15 per day. The biggest thing to keep in mind here is just to give yourself extra time to drive to the tournament and get into the grounds, as it can possibly be a long process. If possible, I highly recommend booking one of the nearby hotels, which offer a shuttle to and from the grounds for a much more stress free day. When it comes to the access inside the tournament grounds, it's important to keep in mind that with such large numbers in attendance, it is likely that restrooms will back up and form lines. Like at a basketball game, to beat the halftime restroom crowds, you head for the stands a few minutes before the half, it might be wise to try that strategy here. Also, I recommend avoiding the lines for the restrooms located in Stadium Court 1. Instead, search out the restroom stands located around the grounds. Lastly, it is important to be patient when trying to attend a match in one of the smaller stadium courts around the grounds, especially during a highly touted matchup as crowds will quickly form and congestion at the entrances is possible. Return on Investment 4 As with any professional tennis tournament, it has to be understood that there really aren't too many "economical" options. Plain and simple, it's expensive. Having said this, for the money, a ton of entertainment is provided. In comparison to other sporting events where you get to see the best in the world it is about on par if not a slightly better return on investment. Keeping in mind that a single ticket to any given day session will entitle you to see at least 3 matches and around 7 hours inside the gates, this is far superior to seeing one game of another sport for around the same price. The same concept goes for the food and beverage. While it can be expected that prices will be slightly higher, more variety and better products are also on hand when compared to a more mainstream sporting event. For tickets to the BNP Paribas Open, the cheapest and most convenient options are available directly through the tournament's ticket office . In addition to daily tickets, they also offer different kinds of mini packages for any number of people and days, as well as hotel packages. One of the great perks included in select packages is access to the VIP, air-conditioned, Emirates Club Lounge. Extras 5 This tournament is filled to the brim with extras that tennis fans just aren't used to. The spectacular views from any vantage point of palm trees, desert, and mountains are breathtaking. The official instant replay technology that's available on all eight match courts, the most of any tournament in the world. The unique mini soccer field and adjacent outdoor player-dining patio, perfect for spotting your favorite player having fun off the court. Along with the views outside of the grounds, the beautiful landscaping inside the grounds makes for a wonderful combination for the backdrop to the action on the court. Final Thoughts Top 5 things to make sure you do while at The BNP Paribas Open at The Indian Wells Tennis Garden: Smell the lemon trees Go to the top of the stands to get the best views of the desert Get autographs at the soccer field and practice courts Watch a match in every stadium court for a different atmosphere Shop the boutiques and exhibits Things to keep in mind when attending The BNP Paribas Open: Be sure to pack a small bag to take into the tournament to store your extra long sleeves and long pants since the weather varies and it will undoubtedly get cool in the evenings in the desert (small bags are allowed in the tournament after a brief inspection, of course) Bring a camera and autograph pen (necessities when your favorite player is on the practice courts) Since spring forward occurs during the middle weekend of the tournament, it is wise to attend the evening sessions during the second week (the tournament grounds are so beautiful that you'll want as much daylight as possible to be able to enjoy it)

It's the annual look back at our travels this year. What were our favorite venues, games, biggest surprises, and cities of 2023? Audio versions of the Stadium Journey podcast can be found by searching HIAC Talk Radio   wherever you look for your favorite podcasts. Video simulcasts of all the Stadium Journey podcasts can be found on Stadium Journey's YouTube page . Join us live as we record every other Tuesday at 7 PM Eastern at danlaw.tv .

Food, Family, and Football….Oh My! The Thanksgiving holidays are just around the corner. It is a time to get together with our families, count our blessings, and share in a feast of turkey, stuffing, and pumpkin pie. It is also a time to tear those same families apart, as it is college football’s rivalry weekend. The games scheduled for this hallowed holiday decide bragging rights for the next year between husbands and wives, brothers and sisters, your family, and the in-laws. Even though many of these teams will be moving to different conferences in the New Year, these rivalries figure to survive the chaos of conference realignments and NILs. Here's the lineup of Thanksgiving weekend’s top matchups and this year’s game site: Ole Miss @ Mississippi State Davis Wade Stadium Texas Tech @ Texas Darrell Royal Texas Memorial Stadium Oregon State @ Oregon Autzen Stadium Vanderbilt @ Tennessee Neyland Stadium Alabama @Auburn Jordan-Hare Stadium FSU @ Florida Ben Hill Griffin Stadium Cal @ UCLA Rose Bowl Notre Dame @ Stanford Stanford Stadium Kentucky @ Louisville Cardinal Stadium Washington State @ Washington Husky Stadium Georgia @ Georgia Tech Bobby Dodd Stadium UNC @ NC State Carter- Finley Stadium Northwestern @ Illinois Memorial Stadium Wisconsin @ Minnesota Huntington Bank Stadium Indiana @ Purdue Ross-Ade Stadium Clemson@ South Carolina Williams-Brice Stadium Arizona @ Arizona State Mountain America Stadium Virginia Tech @ Virginia Scott Stadium Tuskegee @ Alabama State New ASU Stadium Southern @ Grambling Caesars’ Superdome

Photos by David Hegler, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Owen Owens Field 1130 Winton Dr. Concord, CA 94518 De La Salle Spartans website Owen Owens Field website Year Opened: 1971 Capacity: 4,500 Welcome to Owen Owens Field One of the most successful high school football programs in America has the most humble-looking stadium. Sitting 29 miles east of San Francisco, De La Salle High School’s Owen Owens Field has been home to a program that has won 39 North Coast Section titles (including the last 32), six CIF State Bowl Game championships, and nine mythical national championships. NFL stars such as Amani Toomer , Maurice Jones-Drew , and D.J. Williams played for the De La Salle Spartans. While all of those accolades are impressive in their own right, one number stands above all else in the Spartans program: 151. From the first week of 1992 through the very last game of 2003, the De La Salle Spartans won every single time. It was an incredible feat that will likely never be replicated. After they broke the national record (72) in 1997, coach Bob Ladoucer decided that they needed to validate their accomplishment by scheduling the toughest opponents in America. So, defensive coordinator/athletic director Terry Eidson went to work, scheduling some of the toughest opponents in high school football.  In the early years, the excessive crowds forced De La Salle to abandon their humble little home that was named after an early benefactor and former newspaper publisher for larger stadiums such as Cal Berkeley’s Memorial Stadium , the University of Pacific’s Amos Alonzo Stagg Stadium, Seattle’s Lumen Field , Honolulu’s Aloha Stadium and Anaheim’s Angel Stadium  as they took on national powers such as Long Beach Poly, Mater Dei and St. Louis of Honolulu. In recent years, interest in high school football has waned in Northern California.  Still, De La Salle’s schedule remains a minor national obsession as they routinely put together one of the toughest schedules in America. Thus, on this particular early October night, De La Salle hosted mighty Cathedral Catholic from San Diego, a matchup so big that Maxpreps.com  placed it on its weekly list of top ten games to watch in America.  However, their tough schedule is just one factor in the allure of De La Salle football. Even though Bob Ladouceur retired after the 2012 season, his successor, Justin Alumbaugh, has made sure to keep the tradition of Spartan football alive.  Food & Beverage 4 De La Salle offers a wide variety of food that can be bought with either cash or a card. They offer hot dogs and chips for $7, hamburgers/cheeseburgers and chips for $7, chicken quesadilla and chips/homemade salsa for $7, small candy for $2, bag candy for $3, soda for $3, Gatorade for $3, and bottled water for $2. On a personal note, these people really know how to grill a burger. Atmosphere 3 With the field surrounded by so many trees, it’s almost as if it is in its own little world, set apart from the struggles of everyday life. The rolling hills just beyond the home bleachers provide a nice touch at sunset and provide a calm before the storm for De La Salle’s opponents.  Owens Owen Field, Photo by Dave Hegler, Stadium Journey The student section in one end zone fills and provides the ever-present spark that keeps the Spartans offensive machine moving all night long. History and tradition surround the spectators the minute that they walk into Owen Owens Field. Like they have since 1979, the De La Salle Spartans don’t have single-digit numbers and they still run the vaunted Veer offense that powered them to 151-straight wins decades ago. The community of De La Salle expects to win, but they want visitors to stick around long enough to witness the impending blowout. As such, while the Spartans may win, opposing fans will always feel welcome at Owen Owens Field. Neighborhood 3 In general, the neighborhood is pretty safe and feels a world apart from neighboring communities such as Pittsburg and Richmond that have a long history of violence. While very few restaurants are open after the game, there are a large number of them located within a five-mile radius if you would like to grab a quick nosh before the game. These restaurants include Round Table Pizza , Ozora Sushi Restaurant , Thai Table Oak Grove , Ice Monster  and Rocco’s Ristororante Pizzeria . If you would like to stay in town for the weekend, there are several hotels in the area. These hotels include the Renaissance Walnut Creek Hotel  and the Embassy Suites by Hilton Walnut Creek .  Fans 3 The De La Salle fans are both friendly and passionate about their team. What’s more, they make first-time visitors feel at home. From the dads playing catch with their kids in the open track right in front of the video board to the fans packed into the small yet spacious bleachers, it truly feels like a community event. Access 3 Parking is free across the street in De La Salle’s sister school, Carondelet High School, and is a very short walk from the field. The surrounding neighborhood is safe enough if you would like to park your car there. The campus has ample room to get a ride before and after the game. The men’s bathroom is well kept, and there are several porta-potties next to the visiting bleachers with wash stations awaiting guests outside.  Return on Investment 4 Most high schools charge around the same rate for their football games these days, and De La Salle is no different, charging $11 on Gofan.com . Still, while some of the biggest matchups in America go for as much as $150 a ticket, De La Salle remains lowkey.  Carondelet’s parking lot made the transition from battling the notorious rush hour traffic on 680 to attending a big-time high school football matchup painless and simple.  But of course, high school football itself is relatively inexpensive. What matters most is the cost of time. With De La Salle’s rich history and tradition, as well as its picturesque landscape, going to a game at Owen Owens Field is very much worth your time and effort.  Extras 4 The school puts together a terrific media guide, filled with rosters for both varsity teams as well as photographs of each Spartan on all three levels and their coaches. The away bleachers are small, yet spacious enough that it’s easy to move around in the front and high enough to see over the heads of the people on the sidelines.  If you have the patience, stick around at halftime to watch De La Salle’s marching band. Lined up single file, the crew stretches three-quarters of the field dressed to the nines in green garments with giant green capes draped over their shoulders and big topped hats with a white feather. Their presence alone is a spectacle, and the music is pretty good too. Lastly, the digital videoboard, while not the best in the Bay Area, is still better than most schools. De La Salle Spartans Marching Band, Photo by David Hegler, Stadium Journey Final Thoughts If you want the feel of small-town football played by big-time athletes, then going to Owen Owens Field just might be for you. The De La Salle Spartans have been a force in the Bay Area for the past 40 years. Yet its stadium sits just 4,500, paling in comparison to some of the monstrosities that have been built for some of America’s powerhouses, such as Judson High School  in Texas, Escambia High School  in Florida, as well as San Jose’s Valley Christian High School  and Bellarmine College Preparatory . In that regard, De La Salle really lives up to its name: the Spartans.

The Savanah Bananas are expanding their circus of fun and flair. During its Banana Ball 2026 World Tour   city announcement last night, the team unveiled two new clubs: the Loco Beach Coconuts and the Indianapolis Clowns, reviving one of baseball’s most legendary barnstorming names. The additions bring the Banana Ball League to six franchises, all set to compete for the league’s first official championship title at season’s end. But it’s the Clowns who steal the spotlight — a name steeped in baseball lore and entertainment heritage. “When I first heard the story of the Indianapolis Clowns, I was inspired,” said Owner Jesse Cole. “They were the first baseball team to put entertainment first and would go to great lengths to bring their style of baseball to fans all over the country.” The Clowns will be coached by Errick Foxx, who has been part of the Bananas coaching staff since 2018. Foxx will be joined by Primetime coach and former Philadelphia Phillies World Series champion and National League MVP, Ryan Howard. The original Indianapolis Clowns were pioneers of showmanship, blending athleticism with comedy long before “sports entertainment” was a term. They were known as the "Harlem Globetrotters of Baseball" decades before the Bananas by showcasing legitimate stars and making fans laugh at the same time. Fans would see an imaginative pepper ball game, the hidden ball trick, and players dressed up as clowns or hula skirts. Hank Aaron launched his professional career with the Clowns in 1952. He was a teenager when he arrived and still held the bat handle with his left hand on top of his right. That was corrected with the Clowns, and the young shortstop had a game where he went 6-9 and blasted one of his first home runs. Aaron’s stay was brief — just three months — before the Boston Braves purchased his contract for $10,000. Twenty-two years later, he became the all-time home run king when he swatted his 715th home run to break Babe Ruth’s record. The Clowns also broke barriers beyond the diamond. In 1953, Toni Stone became the first woman to play professional baseball when she joined the team. The following year, Mamie “Peanut” Johnson and Connie Morgan followed suit, while Nancy Miller made history as the first female umpire in professional baseball. The roster also featured names like Reece “Goose” Tatum, who later dazzled with the Harlem Globetrotters, and future big leaguers John Wyatt, Paul Casanova, Hal King, and Choo-Choo Coleman. However, by the time Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier in 1947, many Negro League teams were suffering from a lack of talent and low attendance at the ballpark. Founded in 1929 (others say 1935) by Syd Pollock, the team evolved into one of the most beloved barnstorming clubs in the country. Before arriving in Indianapolis, the team was known as the Miami Giants, the Ethiopian Clowns, and the Cincinnati Clowns. The team joined the Negro American League in 1943 and split time between Cincinnati and Indianapolis in 1944 and 1945. After settling in Indianapolis in 1946, the Clowns played competitive baseball during the season, capturing four Negro American League pennants between 1950 and 1954. However, just like the Bananas when they played in the Coastal Plain League, the Clowns barnstormed during the off-season. The barnstorming season would be played in October and November. In 1950, the Clowns played 35 games in 13 cities against Jackie Robinson's All-Stars with a roster that included Roy Campanella and Larry Doby. The Clowns had a young Ernie Banks on their roster that campaign. The teams drew 125,000 fans and netted a profit of $200,000 that year. The Clowns dropped out of the NAL in favor of an independent schedule that would allow them to develop players, providing them a chance to make the majors. It also allowed the team to take short trips between cities and allowed them to play in a variety of towns. However, Pollack's other focus was on entertainment at the ballpark, something that was becoming hard to do in the shrinking NAL. "We want to concentrate more on having the team and its comedians get in more of their stunts such as 'shadowball', 'pepperball', and other fun-making specialties, including pantomime and laugh-provoking features." By 1961, the Clowns were the last surviving Negro League team. The following year, the Clowns integrated, reduced its roster to 11 players, played a 75-game schedule, and began playing in smaller cities. Pollack sold the team in 1965, and the team played on, sometimes playing in large stadiums like Comiskey Park or small venues like Fairchild Park in Burlington, N.C. Satchel Paige even suited up for Funmakers in 1967 at the age of 61. By the early 1970s, the Clowns were still playing around 150 games a year, winning 80 percent of them. In 1983, the club was purchased by Dave Clark and Sal Tombasco. Clark contracted polio as a child and played games on crutches. They were still barnstorming, but in much smaller markets and in front of crowds of around 60-75 people. The majority of the players were undrafted between the ages of 19 and 23, hoping to get noticed by a major league club. Allegedly, the New York Yankees had first rights on any players on the Clowns. The cities included Leesburg and Orlando, Fla, Valdosta, Ga;, and Muscatine, Iowa, where the Clowns were now based. There was even an appearance at Comiskey Park and the Metrodome. They entertained fans with spray confetti cans, giant bats, a third-baseman sitting in a lawn chair, and a rolling wagon with a miniature toilet for the opposing pitcher. However, in 1989. The team unceremoniously ceased operations, ending 60 years of operations. “The rebirth of the Indianapolis Clowns is an exciting and historically relevant tribute to the team that was at the forefront of combining baseball and entertainment,” said Bob Kendrick, President of the Negro Leagues. “Our partnership is a tremendous opportunity to not only entertain, but educate fans about the rich history of the Negro Leagues while paying homage to the team that helped influence Banana Ball.” Interestingly, the Clowns haven’t called Indianapolis home since 1949. They played at Bush Stadium, then known as Victory Field, but were forced to take their entire 1950 season on the road following a dispute between team owner Syd Pollack and Abe Saperstein, the Globetrotters’ owner who controlled rights to Negro League games at the ballpark. Pollack, who received 25 percent of the gate after taxes, demanded an increase to 30 percent for the upcoming season. When Saperstein refused, the Clowns packed up and moved their home games to Offerman Stadium in Buffalo, New York. They retained their old name, playing 6 games in Buffalo and 4 in Indianapolis. The local newspapers in Buffalo called them the Buffalo Clowns, but that was never the official name. They operated in Western New York until 1955, when the Clowns concentrated on a barnstorming schedule. The revived Indianapolis Clowns will debut on February 27 in Anaheim, before making their long-awaited homecoming at Victory Field on May 15 and 16 against the Party Animals in a game that will be a home game for the many with Clowns gear in the stands. The season will conclude with the inaugural Banana Bowl is slated for Oct. 10, 2026. The Indianapolis Clowns hope to carry on the tradition of the original club and honor its legacy by blending baseball and entertainment, while also educating fans along the way next season. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter   and his YouTube channel .   Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey and Mercyhurst University Athletics Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Saxon Stadium 501 East 38th St Erie, PA 16546 Mercyhurst Lakers website Saxon Stadium website Year Opened: 1996 Capacity: 2,300 Lakers Set Sail In The FCS Mercyhurst University is a coed, four-year Catholic University located in Erie, Pennsylvania. It was founded by the Sisters of Mercy in 1926. It attained university status in 2012. Today it has a student body of 2,668 and offers 50 undergraduate Majors and six graduate majors. Its 75-acre campus is located just south of downtown Erie. The football program at Mercyhurst is still rather young, as its inaugural season was in 1981. From 1981 until 1995, the team played its home games at downtown Erie’s 10,000-seat Veterans Stadium. They then moved to the on-campus Saxon Stadium in 1996. The stadium is named for major donors John and Patty Saxon. The program started small, playing at the Division III level from 1981-1992. It then moved up to the Division II level from 1993-2023. Finally, it moved up to Division I level in 2024, where it became the newest football program at the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) level, and it is a member of the Northeast Conference. Food & Beverage 2 There is a new concession pavilion adjacent to Gate 1. It sells the basics (sodas, popcorn, hot dogs). Concessions may also be purchased at the Mercyhurst Ice Rink concessions window. Atmosphere 3 Seating at Saxon Stadium is either on metal bleachers or on the berm located at the south end of the field. Due to extremely cold weather towards to end of the football season, the playing surface at Saxon Stadium is artificial turf. For this same reason, we strongly suggest bringing seat cushions, as the metal bleachers can get uncomfortably cold! The bleachers are elevated above the playing surface, which does provide you with an excellent view of the action on the fields, and the production crew needs to get on the same page as PA music and band music were competing. Neighborhood 4 Mercyhurst University is in Erie, Pennsylvania, a city of 94,831, located along the south shore of Lake Erie. It sits atop the highest hill in the Erie area, which provides excellent views of downtown Erie and the lakefront. Adding to the unique beauty of the campus are the Gothic-style architecture found in the campus buildings, as well as the lush landscaping found throughout the campus. Downtown Erie offers plenty of attractions and activities for Laker fans who are in town for a game. The town is often called the Gem of the Great Lakes due to its very active harbor and its long history related to the lakefront. Some of the sites visitors will want to check out while fans are in Erie are the reproduction of the USS Niagara, which saw service during the War of 1812, the Erie Land Lighthouse, the Erie Maritime Museum, and the Bicentennial Tower. Presque Isle Downs and Casino and Presque Isle State Park are also along the lakefront. Erie offers a wide variety of dining options for visitors to the area. Some of the popular restaurants include Mi Scuzi Restaurante Italiano, Julius, and the Federal Hill Smokehouse. The Breakfast Place is a great option for fans who want to get their game days off to a delicious start. Erie is also home to the Lake Erie Ale Trail, with several microbreweries and bars available for a pint or two. These establishments include the Brewerie at Union Station, the Lavery Brewing Company, the Erie Ale Works, and McCoy’s Barrelhouse. Lodging near the Mercyhurst campus includes the Baymont by Wyndham Erie along I-90, or the Courtyard Erie Bayfront in downtown Erie. Fans 4 Mercyhurst’s small student body is fiercely loyal to the school’s athletic teams. The stands are filled with green attire featuring the school’s iconic “M”. They are kept energized throughout the games thanks to the efforts of Luke the Laker, a husky Great Lakes Sailor who serves as the school mascot, as well as through performances by the school dance squad and drill team. The Laker Proud Marching Band does a terrific job with both pregame and halftime performances. The fans look forward to the ringing of the Sister Damien Spirit Bell, as it means the Lakers have secured yet another victory. Sister Damien was an avid sports fan who was known for ringing a cowbell throughout the games. Access 3 Mercyhurst University and Erie are both relatively isolated from any major cities. It is located 80 miles west of Buffalo and 90 miles east of Cleveland via I-90 and 100 miles north of Pittsburgh via I-79. Erie is served by Erie International Airport at Tom Ridge Field. The airport can only handle regional jets, and American Airlines is the only major carrier offering flights in and out of Erie. Once on the campus, follow the directional signs to Saxon Stadium. The stadium is in the back (northernmost) section of the campus. Parking is available in Lot 8 adjacent to the stadium via the Briggs Avenue entrance. The lot opens three hours before kickoff. Seating is available in raised metal bleachers on both sides of the field. The home side of the field has bleachers running along the entire length of the field, while the visitors' seating on the opposite side of the field has seating that runs between the 40’s. Many students prefer to sit on the grass hillside at one end of the field. Gates at Saxon Stadium open 75 minutes before kickoff. There are three gates into the stadium. Gate 1 is for use by both the home and visiting fans. Gate 2 is for team parents, team families, and recruits. Gate 3 is for the Pet Supplies Plus Walkway. The gate is restricted to fans bringing their pets to the game. Seating is located in the pet-friendly section on Alumni Hill. This is the only section of Saxon Stadium where pets are allowed. Gates at Saxon Stadium open 75 minutes before kickoff. Return on Investment 4 Ticket prices can vary depending on the opponent. However, the average ticket cost per game is around $32. All tickets are general admission seating. Parking is $5 per vehicle. Lodging options in the Erie area can go for $85 for a standard hotel room up to $150 for a hotel room in downtown Erie with views of the lakefront. Extras 3 Saxon Stadium is also utilized for field hockey, lacrosse, intermural sports activities, and marching band practice and performances. Saxon Stadium also serves as the home of the Erie Express semi-professional football team and the Erie Commodores FC soccer club. Saxon Stadium is the only college stadium where pets are allowed in the stadium (other than support animals). Final Thoughts Mercyhurst is one of the newest additions to the FCS level of college football competition. It also has the smallest student body of any school at the FCS level. However, it makes up for these limitations through great school spirit and the support of the Erie community. Saxon Stadium is the place to be on Saturday afternoons in Erie!

TO READ IN ENGLISH, SCROLL DOWN L’80^ Open d’Italia di golf si svolgerà da giovedì 4 a domenica 7 maggio 2023 presso il Marco Simone Golf & Country Club. L’impianto, situato nel comune di Guidonia Montecelio, a meno di venti chilometri dalla città di Roma, è di proprietà della famiglia Biagiotti. Nel passato ha già ospitato tre volte questa prestigiosa competizione. Soprattutto, dal 29 settembre al primo ottobre 2023 sarà il palcoscenico dell’edizione numero 44 della Ryder Cup. L’ingresso all’Open d’Italia sarà gratuito (previa registrazione su www.openditaliagolf.eu). Un segnale importante quello lanciato dalla Federazione Italiana Golf che punta ad avvicinare sempre più persone a uno sport in continua espansione (previste anche attività dedicate agli spettatori più piccoli). Il DS Automobiles 80^ Open d’Italia sarà anche il primo torneo stagionale del DP World Tour in programma in Europa. Verrà trasmesso in diretta televisiva su Sky Sport Golf, con gli highlights su Rai Sport, e in streaming online. L’80^ Open d’Italia di golf si svolgerà sulla distanza di 72 buche (18 al giorno). Dopo i primi due giri il taglio lascerà in gara i primi 65 classificati. Il montepremi sarà di 3.250.000 dollari, di cui 552.500 andranno al vincitore. Ad anticipare la sfida sarà, mercoledì 3 maggio, la Rolex Pro-Am. Ospite d’eccezione, il trofeo della Ryder Cup che arriverà direttamente dall’Inghilterra e sarà a disposizione del pubblico per foto e selfie dal 4 al 7 maggio. The 80th Italian Open of golf will take place May 4-May 7, 2023 at the Marco Simone Golf & Country Club. The facility, located in the municipality of Guidonia Montecelio, less than twenty kilometers from the city of Rome, is owned by the Biagiotti family. It has already hosted this prestigious competition three times. The venue will also be the stage of the 44th edition of the Ryder Cup, which will be held September 29-October 1, 2023. Admission to the Italian Open will be free (subject to registration on www.openditaliagolf.eu ) in an effort launched by the Italian Golf Federation that aims to bring more and more people closer to an ever-expanding sport (activities dedicated to younger spectators are also planned). DS Automobiles 80th Italian Open will also be the first seasonal tournament of the DP World Tour scheduled in Europe. It will be broadcast live on Sky Sport Golf, with highlights on Rai Sport, and streamed online. The 80th Italian Open of golf will be comprised of four rounds. After the first two rounds, the cut will leave the top 65 in the race for the trophy. The prize pool will be $3,250,000, of which $552,500 will go to the winner.The event will get underway on Wednesday, May 3 when the Rolex Pro-Am will take place. The Ryder Cup trophy which will arrive directly from England will be available to the public for photos and selfies during the event.

Wrestlers, the new seven-part docuseries, is the best thing I’ve seen on Netflix. Director Greg Whiteley raised the bar with his stellar Last Chance U series, and he surpasses it with Wrestlers. As the title suggests, Whiteley chronicles the up and down, rough and tumble existence of professional wrestlers. In Wrestlers, indie wrestling promotion OVW (Ohio Valley Wrestling), located in the Louisville area, takes center stage. It’s a no-frills, fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants operation, a world away from the glamour of the WWE and the AEW. It’s a good night for OVW if the turnbuckles work, and the wrestlers receive gas money. They do it for the love of “the sport,” and the squared circle is the one place where they feel like they matter. And… if they kill it at OVW, there’s a chance they can make it to the big time. John Cena and Dave Bautista are OVW alums. As far as pro wrestling, it has all been documented before in one form or another, but not like this - with the Whiteley touch. Whiteley is a gifted storyteller with a nose for nuance. Whiteley gets the wrestlers to open up and go to some dark places on camera without feeling exploitative. When the wrestlers do grapple, it means so much, much more than a predetermined match. And Whiteley’s expert camera crew makes the action look terrifically cinematic. Lastly, there are some wonderful montages set to music. Styx’s Come Sail Away has never sounded so good. Ditto for Bowie’s Major Tom. Unlike other indie promotions, OVW produces a weekly television show, which is expensive. Indeed, at the start of Wrestlers, the television show is on the cusp of shutting down. As a Hail Mary, partners with means have been brought in. The most outspoken partner is Matt Jones, a popular sports radio talk show host. Jones means well, but he rubs some of the wrestlers, including OVW’s leader, Al Snow, the wrong way with his aggressive demeanor. Snow is a familiar name to wrestling fans. In his heyday, Snow was known for his schizophrenic character who communicated with a plastic mannequin head. Snow and Jones have their share of disagreements. Snow wants to wrestle with poignant storylines. Jones’ priority is getting eyeballs and butts in the seats. Amid all this, Jones is dealing with a serious health issue, and Snow is playing the stone-faced high school principal with OVW’s motley crew of grapplers. Hollywood Haley J and her mother, The Amazing Maria James, are two of the most compelling wrestlers featured. They’ve had their issues. Haley spent much of her youth couch surfing because her mother was locked up. Now, she has a boulder on her shoulder and a mission to make the WWE. When these two face off against each other in the ring, it’s art imitating life - or vice versa. Either way, it’s powerful stuff. I’m no fan of spoilers, so I won’t say how it all ends. However, Whiteley brings Wrestlers to a satisfying end, while still leaving viewers wanting more. Wrestlers is more than deserving of a Season 2. Jon Hart is @manversusball

Photos by Eric Moreno, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Alamodome 100 Montana St San Antonio, TX 78203 All-American Bowl website Alamodome website Year Opened: 1993 Capacity: 72,000 All-American Bowl – Alamodome For over 20 years the nation’s best high school football players have competed against one another in the annual All-American Bowl . The game between all-stars from the East and the West has featured some of the best players in the recent history of the game – these include Vince Young , Andrew Luck , Tim Tebow , Adrian Peterson , Odell Beckham, Jr. , and Chase Young . Since 2002 – with exception of a COVID year in 2021 – the game has been held at the venerable Alamodome in downtown San Antonio. The stadium, celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2023, has a long tradition of hosting numerous football games over the years; it serves as the home field for the UTSA Roadrunners and is the site of the Alamo Bowl each December. Countless high school games, minor league football, and even NFL games have been played on the Alamodome’s field. While it can at times feel truly cavernous, it has proven to be a great facility for football, especially high school football; the All-American Bowl is no exception. Read on to learn what makes the game and the venue something all fans should see. Food & Beverage 3 Not all the regular concession stands at the Alamodome are open during the All-American Bowl. However, what they do have is perfectly fine for fans on game day. At numerous spots on the main concourse fans can get their fill of hot dogs, nachos, popcorn, hamburgers and fries, tacos, and bottled drinks. There are also a few spots dedicated to selling bottled domestic and imported beers; you won’t go hungry or thirsty at the Alamodome, but for this game the offerings are in the average category. Atmosphere 4 While the Alamodome basically opens up only the lower bowl for this game, and fans are there primarily to cheer on their friends and family members playing in the game (as opposed to a particular team), the atmosphere is still remarkably good for this game. It feels like a big deal, and everyone involved treats it as such. There is signage everywhere (this also extends to the downtown San Antonio area) touting the game. Local high school marching bands and cheerleaders keep the crowd engaged, and there are several game merchandise stores on the main concourse as well. But the true event that keeps the atmosphere high (and I’ll discuss it more in the Extras section) and makes this a spectacle is the player commitments – on a stage outside the north end zone, players stand in front of an array of hats with their prospective colleges’ logos. After a brief exchange, an uncommitted player will make his choice of where he will spend the next three to four years of his academic and playing career. It’s a lot of fun and just shows the caliber of players involved in the game. Neighborhood 5 I’ve written about the Alamodome in numerous reviews, and in particular why this section ranks as high as it does. There is a reason that big-time events still make their way to a facility that is now 30 years old, and it is primarily due to location. The dome is right in the heart of the Alamo City’s vibrant downtown – home to some of the area’s best hotels, restaurants, and attractions, downtown San Antonio is where most people want to be when they visit the city. The Alamodome is within walking distance of most of the mentioned best of the best sites and attractions. These include the fabled – and eponymous – Alamo shrine; the Cradle of Texas Liberty is one of the most visited sites in the country, and is currently undergoing an historic renovation and expansion. If you’re visiting the city for the game, it is a must to see the Alamo. Another site that should be high on visitors to do list is taking a stroll on the San Antonio River Walk . Built along the banks of the river that bears its name, the River Walk extends the length of downtown and beyond. Visitors can dine at top-tier restaurants, do some shopping, or stop in at dozens of spots for some libations. You should also make a point to hop a ride on one of the River Walk barges . When it comes to dining, there are numerous chains to take in, but you really need to make a point to try something local. In that vein, it doesn’t get more local than Mi Tierra Cafe y Panaderia . For over 75 years, the Cortez family – owners of Mi Tierra – have been the godfathers of Tex-Mex cuisine in San Antonio – this is the gold standard. Another newer spot to visit is one of my all-time favorites in the city, Schilo’s . This old-world German delicatessen is also the oldest restaurant in the city. Known for house-made root beer, made-from-scratch deli sandwiches, and the best cup/bowl of split pea soup in all of South Texas, Schilo’s will fill you up! For hotels, downtown San Antonio has scores that run the entire gamut of price ranges. However, if you want to be able to walk to the game at the Alamodome, there are several that are less than five minutes away – these include Staybridge Suites San Antonio Downtown Convention Center and City View Inn & Suites . Again, depending on what your budget is, you’ll find something suitable for you that is not too far from the stadium if you stay downtown. Fans 3 All Star games are always a little tricky to gauge, in terms of fans. As mentioned above in the Atmosphere section, the vast majority of the fans in attendance are relatives and/or friends of the 100-plus players on the two rosters, and not of any particular team. That being said, it’s still a football game, and big plays still bring the fans out of their seats. The most recent game had an announced crowd of over 23,000 and that seems accurate; it was a good crowd that stayed around for the entirety of the game, and even well afterwards to have a meet-and-greet with the players. Access 4 Fans heading to the All-American Bowl at the Alamodome won’t have a hard time getting there; it is easily one of the most recognizable landmarks across the San Antonio skyline. The dome is a 10-minute drive from the San Antonio International Airport , which offers scores of flights in and out of the city on an hourly basis. If you’re driving to the Alamodome it is located at a virtual crossroads of three major highways that ribbon the city: Interstates 10 and 35 and state highway 37/281. These are the major thoroughfares in the city and once you hop on, you can be anywhere in San Antonio in less than 30 minutes. Once on site, parking in the dome’s two open lots starts at $20 per car; however, the neighborhood surrounding the Alamodome has built a cottage industry on selling parking to events for often much less. Or, if you choose not to drive or utilize a ride-sharing service, San Antonio’s public transportation service, VIA Metropolitan Transit , offers bus service to and from the Alamodome throughout the day. Return on Investment 4 Tickets for the All-American Bowl started at $25 per person. When you couple that with $20 for parking and relatively affordable concessions, this turns out to be a bargain. To get a chance to see the next Trevor Lawrence , or Reggie Bush , or Patrick Peterson at what is essentially the start of their careers, the cost to attend the All-American Bowl is truly a bargain. Extras 3 As mentioned above, the extras for the game are mainly the draw of the player commitments – this is really something to see and it truly fires up the crowd, especially when a player selects the school of fans in attendance. The other draws are the local high school marching bands and cheer squads. At the most recent game, an added attraction was the play of some flag football squads from the area during halftime; it’s fun seeing youngsters getting to enjoy a game in a venue like the Alamodome. Final Thoughts The All-American Bowl is a game unlike any other and for fans of football, it’s a treat to get the chance to see it in person. The Alamodome truly comes into its own for high school games – with basically only the sideline seats open for viewing, fans get the best sightlines of the whole field. Adding the bands and cheerleaders make it even more like a typical high school game, albeit one that is broadcast live on network television. I would definitely add this game to your bucket list if you haven’t already. Follow Eric Moreno's Stadium Journey on Twitter at @EricMoreno6477 .

Every four years, countries and teams from around the globe gather to decide which country is truly the World Champion in the World Baseball Classic. The 2023 World Baseball Classic (WBC) will get underway on March 8, with the Championship Game being held on Tuesday, March 21 at Loan Depot Stadium in Miami, Florida. This is the fifth time that the WBC has been held. Teams from 20 countries will take part in the tournament, with first-round games being played at the Tokyo Dome in Japan, Taichung Intercontinental Stadium in Taiwan, and Chase Field in Arizona. Winners from this round will move on to the Quarterfinals at LoanDepot Stadium , which will be held March 17-18. Winners of this round will play in the Semifinal Round on March 19-20. The Championship Game will then follow on March 21. In the U.S., the games will be carried by FOX Sports, FOX Sports 1, FOX Sports 2, FOX Deportes, on TUBI, and the FOX Sports app. Major League Baseball and the Major League Baseball Player’s Association are partnering with the World Baseball Softball Confederation to make sure the world’s best players are representing their home countries. This will have a significant impact on spring training, as more than 100 MLB players will miss time from their major league team’s preseason camp to take part in the WBC. These players include Ronald Acuna and Miguel Cabrera (Venezuela), Kenley Jansen (Netherlands), Shohei Ohtani (Japan), Mike Trout and Mookie Betts (USA), Joc Peterson (Israel), and Vladimir Guerrero, Jr (Dominican Republic). For the game schedules, ticket information, and any other questions concerning the World Baseball Class, go to www.mlb.com/world-baseball-classic . Let’s play ball!

Like most shopping malls around the country, Macon Mall in Macon, GA was experiencing hard times. A new lifestyle center had lured away many of its tenants, while other national tenants had gone bankrupt and gone out of business. Online shopping has become popular during the pandemic and has cut down the flow of shoppers in the mall drastically. The vacancy rate in the mall hovered at 74 %. The final straw was the owner of the mall turning over the mall to the city of Macon. The city was facing a quandary. What do you do with a shopping mall? The first thing the city did was downsize the mall by demolishing one wing of the mall. In its place, the city will construct a 10,000-seat amphitheater. It already was a needed amenity in the area and would bring traffic back to the mall area. This still left a large vacant area where one of the anchor stores had stood. How could that space be filled? The answer to that question is to marry a shopping mall with pickleball. Pickleball is the #1 participant sport in the country. Leagues and courts are popping up everywhere. The solution is the 32-court Rhythm and Rally Sports and Event Complex . The 150,000-square-foot facility is the largest indoor pickleball facility in the world. The facility also includes climate-controlled locker rooms, showers, and a pro shop. The city of Macon has seen its white elephant turn into a gold mine. The new facility is a great hit in the pickleball community. In the first few weeks, it was open, Rhythm and Rally hosted a tournament with more than 6,500 participants. Players came from 24 four states and several foreign countries. A second tournament in January 2024 drew more than 900 participants. The facility has lined up a series of local, regional, and national tournaments throughout 2024. The local community has responded to the new complex just as enthusiastically. Local membership in the complex has skyrocketed, with most of the courts in use around the clock. The facility has also drawn the attention of government officials in other cities and states, as they all are facing the same issues of abandoned properties. It has spawned the concept of adaptive reuse in malls and other large vacant properties. In the meantime, Rhythm and Rally Sports and Events Complex expects to generate between $ 3-5 million in revenue in 2024 for the city of Macon.

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.71 Road America N7390 WI-67 Elkhart Lake, WI 53073 NASCAR Cup Series Road America website Year Opened: 1955 Capacity: 150,000 Mid-American 4th of July Power Road America is often regarded as one of the greatest race tracks in the world, let alone the USA. Its annual schedule features NASCAR on the Fourth of July weekend. Fans from all over the Midwest flock to this track to witness some of North America’s best sports action, in a beautiful setting that proves to be both fan friendly and easy to navigate. Food & Beverage 5 There are a lot of places to eat at Road America, and the ones that exist are an absolute treat for the pallet. With over 20 concessions stands located around the course, Road America is led by the Gearbox, a hillside concessions stand and bar that features some of the best views on the property, as well as the best food around. Being in Wisconsin, you can get the best cheese and sausage foods there, as well as a brilliantly tasty breakfast food called eggers. The addition of the IndyCar Series to the Road America schedule means even more food options are now available around the race course. Of course the beer is also cold and tasty, perfect for sitting under a tree feeling the cool breeze as the cars go speeding past. Atmosphere 5 The atmosphere around Road America during race weekend is very family friendly and relaxed. The best in the sport are taking part in some of the most exciting racing around, and despite the tension of the competition, everyone – including the teams and drivers – is in a relaxed and fun-loving mood. There is just something about the beauty of the countryside and the forests around the premises that put everyone in a “let’s go race and enjoy every moment of it” state of mind. In addition, the quality of the on-track action is enough to make any fan excited to see what happens around the next corner. The excitement fills the air every time a car takes to the track, be it for practice, qualifying, or for a race. Road America has also undergone a recent renovation, including the addition of new entrance gates, a new store, and brand-new shower and bathroom facilities in the camping grounds. Neighborhood 4 The area around Road America is exactly what you would expect to find in rural Wisconsin – rolling hills, farmland, forests, and small towns. The town of Elkhart Lake is quaint and small, but is seething with racing history and lore. Famed racing announcer David Hobbs calls the small town home, and the fans here are all die-hards who watch everything that happens on the track. If you’re looking for somewhere to stay near Road America, there is a wide variety of small bed-and-breakfasts to pick from in and around Elkhart Lake, as well as some cabins that can make you feel like you’re roughing it…sort of. In addition, the town of Sheboygan is only 20-30 minutes away by car, providing fans a chance to stay in a hotel chain of their choice (Holiday Inn, La Quinta, etc. are all located in Sheboygan). If you’re looking for something to eat, Sheboygan has a wide variety of restaurants, from Applebee’s to McDonald’s. But by far the most must-see eatery near Road American is the Stop-Inn Tavern at Siebkens Resort in Elkhart Lake, a local bar that all of racing royalty has passed through at some time or another. And, for those looking for something to see and do, the Kettle-Moraine State Forest is not far from the track, providing some great hiking options. In addition, the Kohler factory is in nearby Sheboygan, and Road America’s location is just a 30-minute drive from the Great Lakes. Fans 5 Fans at Road America are much like those in the rest of the Midwest – die-hard and series-knowledgeable. They’re also absurdly kind and sweet, willing to help in any way possible when you need assistance with anything. They also pack the camping areas around the speedway, making for one brilliant fan block party. Over 250,000 fans packed the track during NASCAR race weekend, making it a race unlike any other on the schedule. NASCAR Cup Series at Road America - Fans Watching From the Hill, Photo by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Access 4 Getting to Road America isn’t as difficult as getting to some sports facilities. That said, it is off the beaten path; at least a 10-minute drive from the nearest highway, Road America requires you to drive down some single-lane roads through the hilly countryside. However, with the addition of IndyCar to the schedule, the facility has greatly increased its signage nearby. The entrance is so sudden and not easily marked that in the past one would be liable to drive right past it, were there not a major race going on that weekend. Now, however, with the new signs it is much easier to get on the right path to the entrances. Once you’re at Road America you will also discover that there are several other entrances to the track that you didn’t know about to begin with, which can be frustrating if you had to wait hours in line. Check the fan map of the venue to identify the alternate gates and entrances. The biggest plus at Road America is that the main entrance had a complete a few years ago, adding more entrance booths for faster processing of fans and campers. But what sets the track apart from others is the ease of which traffic flows from the track after major events. After the packed NASCAR weekend, long lines eased out of the track without much trouble, meaning there wasn’t much backup for fans going home. Return on Investment 5 Despite being practically in the middle of nowhere Wisconsin, Road America is one of the best tracks at which you can watch a race. The facility is huge, but you are given plenty of options to watch the race from without having to move from place to place. Watching from the right location can give you up to six corners of the track to see all at once, and you also get access to the grandstands all around the track, as well as access to the paddock, with your admission ticket to most races. Extras 5 Where once a zip line ended now stands a high vantage point for fans to watch the action at the track inside the final turn. The former zip line landing platform is now a giant viewing zone, and while you may have to climb a lot of stairs to get there, the view is well worth it. Additionally, if you have ever wanted to try your hand at racing, you can sign up for racing school at the track. You can also take a trip to Elkhart Lake, and follow the original track layouts through historic markers along the roadside. Before it had its current layout, Road America was once a true street course, running through Elkhart Lake itself and over the hills on the various roadways in the nearby area. If you can’t peel your eyes away from your mobile device, you can also engage with the race on social media, and see your photos and tweets on the various big screens around Road America by using specific hashtags and handles on Twitter and Instagram. However, if treetop views or social media aren’t your thing, you can also take a wandering hike through the forest on several pathways that meander through the mountains above Kettle Bottoms and Canada Corner – these trails lead from the top of the peak to the bottom of a newly-cleared pathway along the infamous straightaway. Final Thoughts If you want to see racing history meet modern-day sports stars, take a trip to Road America. You will not be disappointed in what you find. In addition, if you want to take a step above that, go camping on the property during race weekend. The fans are nice, the action is top quality, and the weather is almost always beautiful – it’s hard to find a better place to see racing in North America than Road America. The new NASCAR Fourth of July race weekend creates the perfect mix of celebrating America with watching one of the world’s top racing series at one of the world’s top racing tracks.

The next time you attend a Lakers , Clippers , Kings hockey  or any other event at Crypto.com Arena, as you pass by the much celebrated Kobe Bryant Statue unveiled last month , you may notice that at the marble base of the statue are some glaringly needed adjustments. The statue depicts Kobe in his white No. 8 jersey with his right index finger walking off the court following his 81-point performance against the Toronto Raptors in January 2006.  At the marble base of the statue are the player stat lines of the box score from both teams on the night of Kobe’s accomplishment. However some spelling errors were noticed on players names Jose Calderon and Von Wafer, as well as “decision” being misspelled as “decicion” from the stat line.  A tweet from German basketball journalist Andre Voigt shows photos of the errors.  https://twitter.com/drevoigt/status/1766970863054696482 “We have been aware of this for a few weeks and are already working to get it corrected soon,” a Lakers spokesperson said in a statement on Monday.  The bronze statue was sculpted by Julie Rotblatt Amrany and stands 19 feet high and weighs 4,000 pounds. The statue also includes a QR code which fans can scan with their phone. The QR code directs fans to a  short film directed by Antoine Fuqua and narrated by Denzel Washington . The statue is the first of three to be created honoring the five-time NBA Champion and top scorer in Lakers history. Hopefully everything will be spell checked before Black Mamba is honored along Chick Hearn Court. Fans honoring Kobe the day after his statue was unveiled, 2/9/2024 Follow and view all of Andrei’s Los Angeles journeys on Instagram @thestadiumjourneyman  and @dreiinla .

This week the gang is joined by ballpark chaser extraordinaire Joe Robertson, who has visited over 750 ballparks.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         Audio versions of the Stadium Journey podcast can be found by searching HIAC Talk Radio   wherever you look for your favorite podcasts. Video simulcasts of all the Stadium Journey podcasts can be found on Stadium Journey's YouTube page . Join us live as we record every other Monday on our social media streaming channels.

After months of speculation, Australia’s National Rugby League (NRL) has announced a double-header at Allegiant Stadium , home of the Las Vegas Raiders, will kick off the 2024 season. CEO of the NRL, Andrew Abdo, confirmed four clubs will make the trip to the US: Brisbane Broncos, Manly Sea Eagles , South Sydney Rabbitohs , and Sydney Roosters , with the games scheduled to kick off on March 2, which coincides with a Sunday afternoon broadcast into Australia. The matches will be the first ever regular season games staged outside of Australia and New Zealand. Abdo stated that the 2024 Las Vegas season opener would form the centrepiece of an “Australia Week” showcasing Australia to the US. Allegiant Stadium, Photo by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey He went on to say: “We are now working collaboratively with the four clubs to finalise arrangements for the proposed matches in Las Vegas and make this a blockbuster event for fans by maximising travel, attendance, and enjoyment of a unique rugby league experience. Rugby league will be on a stage which the sport has simply never been on before and we look forward to giving all clubs the opportunity in coming years.” Reports suggest the Sea Eagles and Rabbitohs were strategic inclusions given their high-profile supporters include the likes of Hugh Jackman (Manly) and Russell Crowe (South Sydney), which will assist in marketing the event. However, cynics are well aware that the NRL’s enthusiasm for Vegas is a bid to cash in on the explosion of legalised sports betting in America rather than to grow the sport of rugby league. Australians are among the biggest gamblers in the world, but recently there have been calls for the federal government to implement tougher regulations, particularly around advertising during live sport broadcasts. The last big-time rugby league match to be staged in North America was an international between New Zealand and England, held in 2018 at Mile High Stadium in Denver. However, the event was a financial disaster which resulted in the national bodies of NZ and England eventually writing off debts worth more than $300,000 each. Rugby league is a similar but separate sport to its better-known cousin, rugby union – however its popularity is largely limited to Australia, New Zealand, England, and the Pacific Islands.

The mecca for any hockey fan is a journey to Toronto, Ontario to take in the Hockey Hall of Fame. The question is, with the other major sport halls of fame, where does the Hockey Hall of Fame stack up? Grab a beer and join Paul and Dave as they head out to discuss the home of Lord Stanley and the Hockey Hall of Fame. 🏒🏒

Photos courtesy of Furman Athletics' Instagram post February 4, 2023 “No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving federal financial assistance.” - Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972. Throughout the 2022-2023 academic year, athletic departments around the country have celebrated the 50th anniversary of Title IX legislation, which made it illegal for any institution receiving federal financial assistance to discriminate based on sex. As part of their celebration, the Furman Paladins athletics department paired their “ Weekend at the Well ” women and men’s basketball games with the Women in Sports Foundation’s annual National Girls & Women in Sports Day . Members of all Furman’s women’s athletic teams took part in the weekend’s celebration by conducting clinics for children around the concourse of Greenville’s Bon Secours Wellness Arena and signed autographs for fans prior to the start of the women’s game. Furman volleyball and lacrosse players practiced fundamentals with children, while kids worked on their striking skills with members of the women’s tennis team. Soccer players worked on passing drills and softball players displayed the basics of fielding. In an Instagram post, Furman’s women’s basketball coach Jackie Carson commented that her daughter felt so confident in her tennis skills now, she felt she could beat her mom now. The centerpiece of Furman’s celebration of National Girls & Women in Sports Day, and the 50th anniversary of Title IX, was the women’s inter-state rivalry basketball game between the Wofford Terriers and Furman Paladins. As might be expected with rivalry games, the 9-14 Paladins gave the 19-6 Terriers all they could handle – in a game that saw 11 lead changes with no team ever leading by more than 6 points, the women of Furman basketball had a chance to force overtime as time expired, but could not get a last gasp three-pointer to go down. The events of the day were a perfect example of the role this type of community outreach plays in inspiring the next generation of female athletes. Each generation had someone come before them to pave the way for the generation behind them. Furman was just one of hundreds of schools using the week to celebration the contributions of women and girls in the sports world.

It's time for our annual Year in Review episode! The crew looks back at our favorite games, stadiums, cities and surprises for 2024. We even get some input from you, our loyal listeners! Also, will this be our last show? We wrap up seven years of memories. Audio versions of the Stadium Journey podcast can be found by searching HIAC Talk Radio   wherever you look for your favorite podcasts. Video simulcasts of all the Stadium Journey podcasts can be found on Stadium Journey's YouTube page . Join us live as we record every other Monday on our social media streaming channels.

Photos by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Phoenix Municipal Stadium 5999 E. Van Buren St Phoenix, AZ 85008 Oakland Athletics website Phoenix Municipal Stadium website Year Opened: 1964 Capacity: 7,897 Farewell to Phoenix Muni 1982-2014, Oakland Athletics Spring Training Phoenix Municipal Stadium (known as Phoenix Muni to locals) closed its doors as the Oakland Athletics Spring Training facility in 2014. The Athletics will move their spring training games to Hohokam Stadium in Mesa, AZ in 2015. Phoenix Muni opened its gates in 1964 for SF Giants spring training games. Besides the Giants and the Athletics (beginning the 1982 season), it has also hosted the Phoenix Firebirds (former AAA team of the SF Giants). The ASU Sun Devils will begin play at this stadium in the 2015 season. It was renovated in 2003 which included more comfortable seating, better access to concessions and team shops, and created private indoor suites and a covered patio suite. One point of note is when the New York Giants moved from the Polo Grounds in New York to San Francisco, they brought with them the light poles for Muni, and they still stand today. Like its parent club, the Athletics spring training is more about the baseball than any other frills or gimmicks. It continues to be just basically baseball which, for this author, is quite refreshing. Food & Beverage 3 Your standard ballpark fare is here: dogs, burgers, peanuts, pizza, pretzels. A Division Champs Combo which includes a big dog, a beer/soda, and a small bag of peanuts is $13.75. Pepsi is the soda provider at Phoenix Muni. Other options include a BBQ pork sandwiches, nachos, pizza, foot long dogs, corn dog, and nachos grande, and Asian noodles ranging from $3 – $8. Standard beer options include Bud, Bud Light, Coors, Coors Light, etc. There are two Angelo’s Italian ice/gelato carts on the concourse. There are several craft brew carts throughout the concourse so be sure to check those out if standard domestic beer is not your preference, though they can be pricey at $11. Vendors parade the stadium stands and offer snacks such as churros, sno cones, ice cold beer, and lemonade among others. Specialty items include Honeybear’s BBQ sandwich $8 and Loco Patron Chicken Tacos $8. I was told Honeybear’s BBQ sandwich is pretty bad (dry), at least at the game I attended. Perhaps it was just a bad batch. The third baseline concourse offers a nice spot to get some food and beverage with picnic tables in which to enjoy your nourishment. It has Blue Moon ($10) and Coors Light (other concessions are available as well). It appears most concessions are cash only. Atmosphere 5 Since Phoenix Muni is one of the oldest ballparks in the Cactus League (Spring Training in AZ), it has lots of history. And that will continue when the ASU Sun Devils arrive in 2015. Historical events are etched in the concourse floor. Most folks ignore them or don’t realize they are there. Do take the time to stroll around the concourse and read the etched messages in the floor to read the history this stadium offers. There are banners honoring individuals who have been recognized in the MLB Hall of Fame as well as the World Series championships of the Oakland Athletics. Will these be replaced by the many retired numbers of ASU ballplayers? If you want to sit in the shade (recommended on those hot AZ spring days) choose upper box seats above row four for tickets. Most seats are the traditional plastic green fold down variety. Bleachers with backs are in the outfield. The scoreboard is small and hard to read; it provides minimal information: balls, strikes, outs, hits, runs, errors. Bring binoculars if you care about reading the scoreboard. The music volume level is absolutely fine during the game allowing fans to talk with their neighbors vs. yelling at them. The bullpens are on the field beyond the first and third bases. There are beautiful geological formations of Papago Park beyond the left field. Watching a game here is about baseball. Not the other stuff. That said, there are a few promotions and giveaways during the game. Neighborhood 3 There’s still not much to see or do walking distance from the arena. Phoenix Zoo (about ½ mile from stadium) Desert Botanical Gardens (about 1 mile from stadium) Both worthwhile visiting before or after the game (the zoo closes at 5pm so that might be a better pregame visit). A minimal number of local or chain restaurants are within walking distance. There’s a Ladybug Café, a Starbucks, a Filiberto’s Mexican Restaurant, and Samis Gyros all ½ mile from the stadium. Besides that, there’s just not much close by. The Phoenix area does offer nine other spring training venues as well as a plethora of other attractions to see and do. Fans 5 One just has to admire Athletic fans for following their team even though the current ownership does not appear interested in investing in the team or their regular season stadium. The fans are engaged, respectful, energizing, easy to talk with and very knowledgeable of their team and the game. They are helpful when asking questions about the play at hand and/or Athletics information. And they are passionate even booing an appealed call that didn’t go their favor. Attending an Athletics game is worth it regardless of the venue in which the team is playing because of the fabulous fans. Access 3 If you have a fear of heights (like this author does) then you will have trouble. The parking lot is across a four-lane street. One must walk across a bridge to get to the stadium. If you do have a fear of heights, try the light rail or have a friend drop you off on the stadium side of the street. Handicapped parking is available on the stadium side of the venue so no difficulties for those folks. A light rail station is ½ mile from the stadium – Valley Metro’s Light Rail . There are bus routes available as well. Plenty of bathrooms are available and they are clean with a minimal wait after the game. There is ample seat and leg room in the seating areas. The concourse does get crowded during the game making strolling through them a chore. We’ll see how that translates when ASU occupies the facility. Return on Investment 4 Tickets range from $12 – $24 for a spring training game. If you live in the area, the Oakland Athletics also offer some season ticket packages as well as 10-game packages. The food prices seem high to me. Getting to a stadium to see a game where the game is more the focus than the other promotions is always a plus in my book. And watching the last season the Athletics played in the venue is worth the expense. Do check out a game here when the ASU Sun Devils take the field in 2015. Extras 4 Watching a game at Phoenix Muni is about the baseball being played on the field. The definition of a fan is a person(s) who is enthusiastically devoted to something. I’ll give the Athletic fans a few extra points as they are not only devoted, they are passionate and they deserve some credit. Also notable is the history that is displayed throughout the stadium, including the light poles from the Polo Grounds and the etchings on the floor of the concourse. Final Thoughts This is a final farewell to Phoenix Muni as a superb venue in which to watch an Athletics spring training game. It’s a bit sad as it is a great ballpark. A future review will see if the ASU Sun Devils provide the same presence and experience.

The Salem Senators will be one of the four teams in the new Mavericks Independent Baseball League that will play at Volcanoes Stadium in the summer. The historical name harkens back to 1940 when the original Senators brought professional baseball to Salem in grand fashion. The Senators were the last of the four names picked for the new league, and Salem-Keizer CEO Mickey Walker was on the Indy Ball Report podcast and felt the state capital, just down the road from the ballpark, would stand out among other larger cities in the area. “We had a couple of different options to go with and ended up choosing the Salem Senators, because of their history in the Salem-Keizer area. It’s kind of something that people from around here associate with, and going with the Salem Senators felt like it identified with the local community.”  The New Salem Senators Logo, Photo Courtesy of the Salem-Keizer Volcanoes. George Waters announced that he would build a venue in “which the city would be proud of.” Waters had just purchased the Bellingham Chinooks franchise and relocated it to the city. He then picked an 11-acre spot of land and broke ground on September 22, 1939. Waters had been in town since 1891 and made a name for himself as a wholesale tobacco dealer and proprietor in town. He had co-owned an amateur baseball club in 1891 that, despite his efforts, was not financially successful, losing $1,500. Little did he know that he would have to wait almost half a century for his next opportunity to run a baseball operation. He bankrolled the $60,000 ballpark and spared no expenses on making it a first-class venue for both players and fans. The aisles were a little wider than other facilities, the lights were of major league caliber, and player comfort extended from the field to the locker rooms. The ballpark also provided ample space for parking cars. “It will be one the classiest fields in the northwest and have a maximum capacity of 10,000 fans,” proclaimed Waters, who predicted attendance numbers of 100,000 for the season. In reality, the facility held 5,600 between the grandstand and the two bleacher sections, based on the city building inspector. It would be 330 feet to left field, 382 feet to center field, and 370 to left field. Home Plate was 45 feet from the grandstand. There would be wide praise given to the new ballpark from both home and visiting fans. Waters Field Entrance, File Photo, The Capitol Journal The knothole section was constructed for kids and provided free admission for all kids to the games. A total of 500 kids under the age of 15 signed pledge cards to attend games. When league officials warned Waters that he could lose significant money, he said that he would personally pay for every boy and girl to enter the game. He wasn’t interested in making a profit with his new venture and would be satisfied with breaking even on the season.  “If people like the club, that’s all I care about. I like my town. I’ve been in business for 48 years, and I think I owe the town something.” On May 1, 1940, the first minor league baseball was held at what was known as Waters Park in front of a record crowd of 4,865–the largest crowd at a sporting event in Salem. The Senators scored five runs in the ninth to edge the Yakima Pippins 11-10 in the home opener. Through the first 23 games, the club attracted close to 25,000 in total attendance for an average of 1,080 persons. This did not include the 5,071 paid attendance for a double-header the night before the report. The numbers were not as predicted, at first, but were good enough for the team to finish second behind Spokane in attendance numbers at season’s end. The Senators played average baseball for most of the season but were surprisingly still able to earn the last playoff spot in the league during the last two nights of the season. However, the Solons dropped a twin-bill to Yakima to knock them three games behind Vancouver in the standings. At season’s end, Capital-Journal sports columnist Fred Zimmerman wrote the following, “Whether professional baseball is a financial success… George E. Waters has provided Salem and the vicinity with some first-class entertainment. Sadly, Waters would succumb to a heart attack on October 19, and perhaps he had a premonition, a few months before, when the community honored him at his ballpark. The 70-year-old businessman was deeply moved and at the initial team banquet, stated that he did not expect to live long and was glad to do something for Salem. Ownership would fall into the hands of his wife, Margaret Waters and after a three-year hiatus for World War II, sold it to the Portland Beavers of the Pacific Coast League. It has been reported that Ms. Waters contemplated closing up shop due to having little interest in the sport and insisted that her husband’s involvement with the ball club was too much for his health. However, she operated as the Solons president, being one of the first women in the sport to hold such a title and keep it in operation during World War II. She would sell the team and the ballpark to Portland Beavers GM Bill Klepper for a reduced price of $30,000, more than half of the ballpark’s $65,000 construction in 1946. Salem Knothole Gang, File Photo, The Capitol Journal The only stipulation was that the ballpark would retain the Waters Field name as long as she was alive. This would come into play when she was on her sickbed, and there were rumors that the stadium’s name would be changed. Shortly before she died in 1964, she stated, “Please don’t change the name–not until after I’m gone.” The two years after the war, crowds packed Waters Field. A record 102,956 walked through the turnstiles in 1946, and another impressive 98,247 came back the following year. However, the dip in attendance was a harbinger for numbers to come as 1949 attendance dipped to 67,495 on the season. This prompted the Beavers to either move the club to another city or abandon it completely. Portland’s new GM Bill Mulligan stated in the newspaper that there was only a “slim chance” of survival for baseball in Salem. One rumor had the club relocating to New Westminster, British Columbia. Salem Senators Looking Sharp, File Photo, The Capitol Journal After the 1950 campaign, the Beavers threatened to move the Solons out of town due to low attendance numbers. A group of 832 stockholders called the Salem Senators, Inc. purchased the team from the Beavers for $20,000 to keep the ball club in town. The sale included the team, ballpark, accessories, equipment, and 14 players. Donald A. Young, manager of the ball club’s board of directors made many efforts to keep the team afloat during the rest of the truculent decade. The club was still having attendance concerns in 1951 and was in financial trouble midway through the season and needed to attract 1,800-2,000 fans a game to stay afloat. Young predicted that 62,500 would have to turn out for the final 33 games to turn a profit.  The group managed to make it through the turbulent 1954 Western International League that saw three teams drop out during the season. The “Save the Senators” campaign raised enough money to keep the team afloat which saw 4,124 for a July game against Tri-City that also included a pre-game parade that stretched for six blocks. The festivities included two bands, a color guard, a fire engine, a Shrine marching band, and a police escort that snarled traffic in downtown Salem.  Salem Outfield View, File Photo, The Capitol Journal The Senators remained afloat during the truculent decade and would lose an average of $10,000 by the time the city condemned the ballpark after a series of inspections in 1965. A large number of rotting beams underneath the stands and repairs might be too high. This resulted in the parent club, Los Angeles Dodgers, closing up shop after the season. After Al Lightner made one last visit to the ballpark, he wrote about it in his daily column for the Statesman on July 21, 1966. He describes the ballpark that featured dugouts peering over acres of waste, debris scattered all over the place, broken glass, rotten wood smell, and team offices vandalized. There are tall, swaying, brown weeds and overgrown grass on the playing field. “Been sick in the stomach region lately? If not, and you care to try, all you need to do is have a peek at what now resides within the taken walls of Walter Field. It’s almost too hard for anyone to believe if he has any knowledge at all of the effort and energy once applied to the plant, items which four years ago earned it the distinction of being one of the finest parks in all lower minor league baseball. There is no evidence of it now.“ The unused ballpark would be sold to Candalaria Investment Company for $89,000 in May of 1966 after directors decided to quit fielding a team. The sale had hoped to keep the initial stockholders out of debt. As Statesmen Sports Editor, Al Lightner wrote, “Professional baseball in Salem had been dying a slow death for years.” Waters Field Grandstand on Fire, File Photo, The Capitol Journal If baseball was dying a slow death, then the ballpark went quickly as it was set ablaze on the night of November 11, 1966. The fire could be seen for miles and the grandstand was engulfed in flames while the bleacher sections suffered little damage. The abandoned park was wide open allowing trespassers free access. The damage could have been much worse, but the electricity had been shut off for quite some time. This also resulted in many believing the blaze was the work of arson, but there was never a suspect charged. Quickly, what was left was cleaned up and promptly carted away to reveal an empty parking lot, void of any activity. Waters Field Fire, File Photo, The Capitol Journal The fire ended all activity at Waters Field, although it was unlikely that anything would continue before the blaze. The site would be picked for a U.S. Post Office in 1975, and a specialized logo with a baseball theme was picked to honor the erstwhile structure. George Waters would have been deeply saddened by the destruction of his ballpark. He probably looked at it as his legacy to the city and to provide a playground for baseball and other events. Sadly, it has been gone much longer than it was in operation, but the Senators’ name will be revived once again this summer at another ballpark. I am sure Waters would be happy about that. ——– Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter  @ballparkhunter  and his  YouTube channel .

Photos by Eric Moreno, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 TPC San Antonio JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa 23808 Resort Parkway San Antonio, TX 78261 Valero Texas Open website TPC San Antonio website Year Opened: 2010 Capacity: 5,000 Valero Texas Open – TPC San Antonio The PGA Tour has been making its annual visit to the Alamo City for the Texas Open since 1922. Over the years, some of the greatest names in the history of the sport have hoisted the winner’s trophy, including Walter Hagen, Ben Hogan, Sam Snead, Byron Nelson, Arnold Palmer, and Lee Trevino. Since 2010, the tournament has been held at TPC San Antonio, part of the JW Marriott Hill Country Resort & Spa . Boasting two 18-hole courses, the AT&T Canyons and AT&T Oaks courses (which were designed by Greg Norman and Sergio Garcia), TPC San Antonio and the Valero Texas Open have proven to be a top destination for many of the PGA Tour’s top stars. This is in part due to the temperate weather in San Antonio and the tournament’s spot on the calendar, usually one week before the Masters. For golf fans in the South Texas area, this is annually the biggest event of the year and usually boasts one of the best turnouts for non-major events. Despite being canceled in 2020 and having limited attendance, this again proved to be the case in 2021, with fans streaming out hoping to see Texas Longhorn Jordan Spieth return to the winner’s circle. Food & Beverage 4 The JW Marriott boasts one of the best restaurants in San Antonio in 18 Oaks , which is a traditional Texas Hill Country-style steakhouse. Boasting a menu of aged, prime cut steaks, locally sourced wild game and sides, 18 Oaks has become a destination restaurant beyond just both visitors and guests of the resort and attendees of the tournament. Normally open for lunch and dinner, the hours are adjusted during the tournament and calling ahead for reservations is recommended. For fans looking to experience more of a traditional sporting event dining experience rather than having a sit-down meal, the Texas Open has you covered there, as well. Speckled throughout courses are concession booths that offer your traditional food offerings, as well as some very Texas-centric items like barbecue sandwiches and sausages. There are also multiple full-service bars sprinkled throughout the courses. Both the food and drink stands are run by local nonprofit organizations, with portions of the proceeds benefitting them. All of the prices are pretty reasonable, too. Atmosphere 4 First things first, the TPC San Antonio – both courses – are absolutely gorgeous. With the Valero Texas Open moving to the spring, the San Antonio weather is usually especially great. The courses were designed to take advantage of the native plant life and landscape, so while you stroll alongside the perfectly manicured fairways, just outside of the rough lie native cacti and oak trees. The tournament also set up covered seating areas described as “cantinas” throughout the course. These are largely purchased by corporate sponsors and large fan groups. They are strategically placed near the greens of key holes. These cantinas have dedicated food and drink concessions booths for fans. COVID-19 restrictions limited the fan attendance of the 2021 version of the tournament and limited the seating opportunities alongside the 17th and 18th fairways, but there were still plenty of roped off fairway boxes for fans to watch the action of the tournament. While the galleries are smaller than in years past, the energy is still there and that still greatly helps the overall atmosphere of the tourney. Neighborhood 3 The TPC San Antonio course is on the far reaches of the city of San Antonio’s northside, not very far from the nearby town of Bulverde, Texas . While the resort itself is spectacular, set on 600 acres of prime land, with over 1,000 rooms and amenities ranging from an award-winning spa, to a lazy river, to tennis and basketball courts, it is by and large spoken for during the tournament. Much of the areas are off-limits to visitors due to tour professionals, officials, and sponsors taking up residence on-site for the week. The resort is also set astride multiple residential neighborhoods; with that in mind, you will have to make a drive off the grounds if you want to do any dining, shopping, lodging, or entertaining before or after rounds of the Texas Open. However, the nearby Village at Stone Oaks Shopping Center should have most of what you are looking for. This includes an Alamo Draft House movie theater, a Grimaldi’s Pizzeria , a BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse , and more. In terms of nearby lodging, the Candlewood Suites San Antonio North – Stone Oak Area is the closest. The resort is also very close to U.S. Highway 281 (more on that in the Access section) and that is a direct pipeline into Downtown San Antonio, which is the tourism/entertainment hub of the city. Fans 3 While the PGA Tour doesn’t publicize their attendance figures, anecdotally I can say that the smaller crowds for the 2021 edition of the Texas Open, while noticeable, didn’t detract from the overall experience. The crowds and galleries at the Texas Open – like at most PGA Tournaments – tend to gather and follow the biggest-name players. At this year’s event those crowds could be found following tour pros Matt Kuchar, 2021 Masters winner Hideki Matsuyama, Phil Mickelson, and eventual winner Jordan Spieth. The first, ninth, 10th, and 18th greens also were among the most popular gathering spots for the appreciative crowds. Access 2 If there is any area where fans might take umbrage with the Valero Texas Open, it is this section right here. First things first, there really is only one way in San Antonio to get to TPC San Antonio and the tournament, which is by driving or using a ride-share service up north along U.S. Highway 281. Without getting too far into the weeds on the socio-economic status of the Alamo City, I will simply say that this area of the city is its fastest growing. Scores of people have moved to the northern area of the city and planners have responded with a massive upgrade to the infrastructure in the area, including the highway itself. To put it more succinctly, construction is ongoing, and you will experience significant delays on your drive or ride to the tournament. The resort and course are a 30 to 45-minute drive from both the San Antonio International Airport and from the city’s downtown. Also, there are no public transportation options that are available to take you to that area of the city and once there, parking is extremely limited – it is offsite at a nearby church and fans are shuttled to and from the grounds throughout each day. Return on Investment 4 General admission ticketing for the Valero Texas Open is $45 per person per day online or $55 at the gate. The fairway boxes start at $180 per day and include a souvenir Texas Open folding chair and a $40 concessions voucher. Parking at the offsite lot is $15 per car and the shuttle service is free. The costs are pretty much on par with other non-major PGA Tour events. This is a pretty good bargain for the talented group of golfers that come through San Antonio for the tournament each year. Extras 2 This time around, there were not that many bells or whistles that would qualify as Extras for the tournament. This is largely due to the pandemic still impacting everyone’s lives. There is the pro-am event leading up to the tournament proper the Tuesday and Wednesday before the tourney, so for those interested in participating or watching that (though it was limited for 2021), opportunities exist. There is one main store located near the concessions grounds for fans looking to get souvenirs, both of the practical (aka, you can use these during your next round of golf) and ornamental (aka, those you just want to display) variety. The main thing that qualifies as an Extra that fans should stay for is the ceremony for the winner. In addition to a hefty check and a nice trophy, the winning golfer gets a pair of custom-made cowboy boots befitting of the Texas aesthetic. During the closing ceremony, that winner tries on the boots, which is a nice touch to finish out the week. Final Thoughts I used to attend the Valero Texas Open on an annual basis, but somewhere along the way I stopped going. I had never experienced it at TPC San Antonio, so I wasn’t sure what to expect exactly, but my hopes were high. Despite the limited fan attendance, my hopes were not let down in any way. The event feels like a really big deal, and the crowds are into the action. The galleries are still pretty large for the big-name players and they cheer with the great shots and putts. The course and resort are both gorgeous, thanks in large part to the picturesque landscape. Despite the drawbacks of the traffic and parking, the Valero Texas Open is a winner. If you’re a golf fan or just someone who enjoys sports, go ahead and add the Texas Open to your list of must-see events. Follow Eric Moreno’s Stadium Journey on Twitter at @EricMoreno6477 . Visit Eric Moreno’s writer’s portfolio site at ericmoreno.contently.com .

The Super Bowl may have just ended, but that doesn't mean that football has ended. A trip to Canton, Ohio should be on the bucket list for any good football fan. How does the Pro Football Hall of Fame compare to the other big sports, and why would it be in Canton? Grab a beer and join Paul and Dave as they make a pilgrimage to the shrine of football in the latest episode of Stadium Journey's Obstructed Views. 🏈🏈

This week we're joined by the author of the book "Field of Schemes" and website of the same name. We discuss the current events in Oakland, Chicago, Baltimore and Arizona and more.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         Audio versions of the Stadium Journey podcast can be found by searching HIAC Talk Radio   wherever you look for your favorite podcasts. Video simulcasts of all the Stadium Journey podcasts can be found on Stadium Journey's YouTube page . Join us live as we record every other Monday on our social media streaming channels.

Photos by Eric Moreno, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Toyota Stadium 9200 World Cup Way Frisco, TX 75034 FCS National Championship Website Toyota Stadium website Year Opened: 2005 Capacity: 20,500 FCS National Championship – Toyota Stadium Since 2010, the NCAA’s Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) National Championship has been held in the North Texas city of Frisco at Toyota Stadium, home stadium of FC Dallas of the MLS. The 2021-2022 season culminated with a clash between the dynastic North Dakota State Bison and the underdog Montana State Bobcats . The weather on the day was not accommodating and the final score was not what the thousands who came in from Bozeman, Montana, would have wanted. However, the event had parking lots packed with fans from both Big Sky states well before the sun rose across the horizon, and between the Bobcat fans and the diehards from Fargo drew an announced crowd of 18,942. In the pre-pandemic era, the city of Frisco rolled out the red carpet for both schools. In the past few years, however, the festivities are decidedly more scaled down, yet the game is still a very big deal and definitely has that air about it. Read on to learn what makes the FCS National Championship a must-see event for any college football fan. Food & Beverage 4 Toyota Stadium has a great selection of food and beverage options for game attendees. The main concessions area lines the concourse near the east and west entrance gates; here you’ll find everything that a sports fan could want to consume during a game. The Eastside Kitchen, the Corner Kick, and Midfield Market concessions kiosks all feature traditional game day items such as Ultimate Nachos ($11), turkey legs ($10), chicken finger and French fry combo baskets ($10.50), hot dogs ($6), pretzels ($2.50), and draft and bottled beer ($10). There are also numerous free-standing beer and alcohol stands scattered throughout the stadium, as well as hot chocolate ($5) stands, which are much appreciated on cold winter days. Atmosphere 5 Quite frankly, the atmosphere at the FCS National Championship Game was on par with anything I have ever experienced in college football, so far. Obviously, the crowd size doesn’t compare to any of the palaces of college football, but the energy and excitement that came from the crowd was palpable. While there was not much in the way of signage in and around the city of Frisco denoting the National Championship, when you get near the stadium itself the gravity of the circumstances can truly be felt. As mentioned, the parking lots around the stadium were filled to the brim with Bison and Bobcat loyalists, and they were there well before the game even thought about starting. This was despite the cold (which probably is not the right adjective for these folks from up north) and rain that was omnipresent throughout the weekend. Toyota Stadium was completely decked with National Championship signage and paraphernalia for both competing teams. One wall was also covered with a blowup of the FCS playoff bracket that showed the teams’ marches toward the championship game. Speaking of which, the stadium converted its two team stores into selling merchandise for the game, which all sold like metaphorical hot cakes. The reason for the score in this section is really all about the energy from the crowd. I’m not sure if this can be repeated at the game every year – North Dakota State’s fans travel for sure, and Montana State hadn’t been in the title game since 1984, so I’m sure that played a part in their fans’ travel plans. Still, for those who were fortunate to attend this time out, I’m sure it will be a game they’ll never forget. Neighborhood 4 Voted by Money magazine as the number one city in America to live in, Frisco is also one of the fastest-growing cities in the country. While it is part of the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, it seems as far from the big city feel of Dallas as you can get. Driving up Main Street you still get the feel of the small town that Frisco used to be. You can see the shops that still fill up the main square, and you can still see the water tower with the sign that bears the logo the city uses (and the logo is everywhere). Long story short it’s quaint, and yet you’re only 20 minutes from Dallas proper and 30 minutes from Fort Worth proper. So, if you get tired of small-town charm, you can do it up in the Big Cities. With all that being said, if you want to stay in Frisco there are still options for you in terms of entertainment, dining, and lodging, of course. For kids of all ages, you have to – have to – visit the National Videogame Museum . This interactive, hands-on museum (yes, you get to play with everything) gives visitors a tour through the history of their favorite electronic pastime, and best of all, it culminates in the arcade where you can play the museum’s whole extensive collection of games. Also, while you’re in town, sports fans should make a visit to the National Soccer Hall of Fame . This is especially true since it is literally built right into Toyota Stadium and can be seen behind the south end zone. Visitors can see the history of American soccer, much of which is due to the patron saint of the sport in this country, Lamar Hunt – a statue of whom resides directly opposite the museum on the north side of Toyota Stadium. The Hall of Fame also offers a unique interactive experience that allows visitors the chance to experience key moments in U.S. soccer history. When it comes to food, the entertainment district right around Toyota Stadium has numerous options for you that are within walking distance. One great option is Super Chix Chicken & Custard – this place does chicken sandwiches (a la a certain fast-food chain from the south) with a twist; Chicken Cordon Bleu, Crispy Avocado, and Korean BBQ are just a few of their options, along with chicken tenders as well as frozen custard. It’s the definition of fast casual dining. Also, if you’re looking for a little of that famous Tex-Mex cuisine, the Blue Goose Cantina is right around the corner from the stadium; it’s a great spot for pre or post-game quesadillas, nachos, fajitas, and margaritas. For hotel options, there are also several chain hotels that are within walking distance of Toyota Stadium; this is great if you are lucky enough to book early and don’t want to pay for parking. The Candlewood Suites Dallas-Frisco NW Toyota Center and the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Dallas-Frisco NW Toyota Stadium are literally right behind the stadium, and are imminently affordable. If these two are booked, however, there are easily a half dozen other hotels in the same area. Fans 5 As has been mentioned numerous times since the start of this review, all the grades are skewed due to the involvement of the fans. I have been to bowl games and soccer matches in this stadium and nothing so far has compared to the fan engagement that I saw during this game. I’m especially blown away due to where the two teams that played in this game come from – it is nearly 1,500 miles from Bozeman, MT to Frisco, TX; it’s also almost 1,100 miles from Fargo, ND. Now, I’m not saying that all 18,000 people who were in the stands drove here or were from those two states, but there were a lot of Montana and North Dakota license plates in the parking lots that day. Bottom line, the fans were great, they were loud, and they made this a great experience. Fans in Line to Enter Toyota Stadium, Photo by Eric Moreno, Stadium Journey Access 3 Frisco is 20 minutes from downtown Dallas and 30 minutes from downtown Fort Worth. It’s also just over 20 minutes from Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport. Once on site, there are four main parking lots for fans to choose from. The one drawback when it does come to being away from the big cities is the lack of public transportation – your options are virtually nonexistent. That said, if you don’t want to drive to the game your best bet is going to be utilizing a rideshare service. One other factor to be aware of; there are only two main thoroughfares to access the parking lots, and as it starts getting closer to game time, traffic starts to back up considerably. You’ll need to take this into consideration when heading to games at Toyota Stadium. Return on Investment 3 Single seats for the National Championship Game start at $90 per person and rise accordingly based on location in the stadium. Parking was set at $25 per car. Concessions were kept at their MLS prices, but this is still not a bad deal considering the circumstances of the game. You’re still going to spend a good amount of money, but it probably pales in comparison to the FBS version of the title game. Extras 4 In numerous previous reviews I’ve mentioned my fondness for the extras that go along with the sport of college football – these were all present and accounted for the FCS National Championship Game. Both Montana State and North Dakota State brought all their accompanying pomp and circumstance to Frisco with them. The Bobcats brought their spirit squad , their marching band, the Spirit of the West , and their mascot, Champ. The Bison did the same with their cheer squad , their band, the Gold Star Band , and their mascot, Thundar . All of this just added to the atmosphere and gravity of the game. The Spirit of the West, Photo by Eric Moreno, Stadium Journey In addition to what the teams brought, the stadium itself also offered up such extras as firing off ceremonial fireworks during the player introductions and during the post-game celebrations. The NCAA also gave fans the opportunity to take pictures during the game with the FCS National Championship trophy. Final Thoughts This game was definitely a bucket list event for me, and it did not disappoint. The energy from the crowd on both sides more than made up for the bad weather and the lopsided score. Congratulations go out to the North Dakota State Bison for their record breaking ninth National Championship, and congratulations to the Montana State Bobcats for an unbelievable season of their own. This is an event I would absolutely take in again. If you’re a sports fan, I would encourage you to make the trip to Frisco for the game; if you’re a college football fan, this is a must-attend event and definitely one you should add to your bucket list too. Follow Eric Moreno’s Stadium Journey on Twitter at @EricMoreno6477 . Visit Eric Moreno’s writer’s portfolio site at ericmoreno.contently.com .

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 Heiges Field House 333 Lancaster Drive Shippensburg, PA 17257 Shippensburg Red Raiders website Heiges Field House website Year Opened: 1971 Capacity: 2,768 Up With The Ship Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania (Ship or SU) is a public university in Shippensburg, Pennsylvania. The university offers more than 100 undergraduate programs and more than 50 master’s degree programs. Many of the original historic buildings of the campus, including Old Main, are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Famous alumni of the school include Brent Grimes, former National Football League cornerback; Rob Davis, the Director of Player Development of the Green Bay Packers; and best-selling author Dean Koontz. The Lady Raiders are members of the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) and have been members of the PSAC since its foundation in 1951. The Dixon trophy is awarded to the top athletic program in the 18 universities Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference. Shippensburg has won the trophy seven times, the most by any PSAC member. The field hockey team at Ship has been the most successful team on campus winning the national championship in Division II twice in the last six years. Football has been a strong team as well. The mascot is “Big Red,” a red-tail hawk wearing a pirate hat. Heiges Field House was the second-largest wooden-domed structure in the world when it opened. The arena is the home to the school’s volleyball, wrestling, and basketball programs, as well as housing swimming in the attached pool. From 2004 to 2007, the Red Raiders posted a 37-3 record in home basketball games, which led the students of Shippensburg at the time to nickname Heiges Field House, “The Dungeon.” The arena has a wooden playing surface designed by the same floor designer as the University of North Carolina and the University of Kansas. The Lady Raiders volleyball team has thrived in “The Dungeon” in recent years. Food & Beverage 0 There is no permanent food stand open for volleyball games. There may be stands open for certain, bigger games. Atmosphere 2 For volleyball matches, the team only uses one of the grandstands within the arena. The arena feels very open and has a typical atmosphere for a Division II level school. The field house roof is on perfect display at all times with its cool style and large fans coming from it. Neighborhood 3 Shippensburg is a nice little town located just to the north of Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, as well as the Maryland border. There are a few food and drink options in the immediate vicinity. You can’t go wrong with CJ’s American Pub & Grill for dinner and then stopping by Goose Bros. Ice Cream for dessert. There are other options as it is a small college town with quite a few varieties of places to go. Nearby Chambersburg has many more local and chain options. Fans 3 Heiges Field House usually does not fill for volleyball games. Most of the crowd seems to be made up of friends or family of the players. Access 4 Shippensburg is located right off Interstate 81, a major route from the south through to the northeast. Accessing the campus is easy as you get off that main road as it is marked well. The university 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. Parking is fairly plentiful around the university and the field. Parking is usually free but if it is a weeknight when classes are in session, please make sure to check parking regulations. Return on Investment 5 Tickets and parking are free. Extras 2 There are many trophy cases in the small lobby that offer a glimpse of the successes of the various Red Raider teams. The roof is a great extra all in its own. Final Thoughts Shippensburg plays on a good level of volleyball and the opponents of the PSAC do offer some skilled opponents, which makes a game here a good value for the sports fan.