Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Pucillo Gymnasium 105 Pucillo Drive Millersville, PA 17551 Millersville Marauders website Pucillo Gymnasium website Year Opened: 1910 Capacity: 3,000 Marauding In PA Millersville University of Pennsylvania (commonly known as Millersville University or MU) was founded in 1855 as one of Pennsylvania's normal/teaching schools. One of its biggest programs is meteorology. Malik B and Black Thought of The Roots are two of the university's most well-known alumni. The Roots are best known by many people as the house band of The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon. Pucillo Gymnasium opened in 1970 for a cost of two million dollars. It also underwent renovations in 2008, and a new floor and locker rooms were installed in 2015. The gymnasium is named in honor of Dr. John A. Pucillo, who served with distinction as coach, athletic director, and administrator at Millersville from 1925 to 1957. Millersville participates in varsity sports as part of NCAA Division II. Their sports teams are known as the Marauders. The Marauders compete as members of the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC). In lacrosse, the school was the 1982 AIAW Division III national champion. Food & Beverage 0 There is a nice concession stand in the gymnasium's lobby, but it was closed on a busy weekend where there were multiple sports events going on in the same area. Atmosphere 3 The venue is a pretty basic small college gym with seats on both sides of the court and a few on the sides, especially at the second level, which also seems to serve as a running track. When students are in session, especially during weekday games, there will be much more of a student presence, which will make for a better atmosphere. Neighborhood 3 Millersville is a nice little town located just to the west of Lancaster, Pennsylvania. There are a few food and drink options in the immediate vicinity. Although it is not the most exciting place, I tend to go to the Sugar Bowl just down the street. They have simple pizza slices and sub sandwiches at a good value. Wayback Burger is another local option. Some great food options exist in the nearby Lancaster area. A very nice hotel, the Lancaster Arts Hotel makes a nice place to stay and watch games. The hotel serves as an art gallery and lodging establishment while making use of former factory space. Fans 3 The fans are about what you expect for a small college venue. The students can make it better at the games they attend. The PSAC conference offers some great local rivalries with schools such as Bloomsburg, Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Slippery Rock, and Shippensburg. Expect to see a decent number of rival fans in attendance. Access 4 Lancaster and Millersville are easy areas to navigate. Routes 30 and 222 are well-known, large roads that any tourist visitor to the area will be more than familiar with. 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 stadium. Parking is also free, but watch for any regulations during weekday games. Return on Investment 5 Parking and admission are free. Extras 2 The lobby cases also hold information about the members of the Lancaster County Sports Hall of Fame. Following extensive renovations to the lobby in 2017, it was renamed the Anttonen Lobby in honor of Dr. and Mrs. Ralph (Doc) and Judith Anttonen. Final Thoughts Millersville University plays 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.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57 Bears Stadium 120 Monroe S. Boyertown, PA 19512 Boyertown Bears website Bears Stadium website Year Opened: 1982 Capacity: 4,500 The Mecca of Legion Baseball The year 1982 was a magical year for the town of Boyertown. The small town about an hour north of Philadelphia debuted a brand-new ballpark on August 17 that was unlike anything seen before in the area. Later on, that season, the stadium hosted the American Legion World Series, and wouldn’t you know it, the local team captured its first championship in front of a hometown crowd of 6,563, who packed the building for the 14-8 victory of Lafayette, California, in the decisive game. Bears Stadium was built as a joint effort between the school district and the American Legion program for $600,000, with minimal taxpayer contribution and maximum volunteer effort from the community. The finished product was nothing short of spectacular, a 4,500-seat venue featuring a covered grandstand, a large press box to accommodate at least a home and away radio broadcast team, and grandstand seating down both the first and third baselines. Boyertown Post 471 would be quite the dominant legion ball club during the 1980s, making a second World Series appearance in 1983 and winning another championship four years later in 1987. That 1987 team won the state championship by defeating a Montoursville team featuring future Hall of Famer Mike Mussina on the mound. The Bears chased him after a 9-1 lead after 5 innings. The three World Series held at the stadium attracted a total of close to 84,000 people, including the 34,023 in attendance for the 1982 series, which was the highest since the Legion went to its current 8-team double-elimination tournament format. The club would add another appearance in the final game in 1988. The stadium itself would be home to two more World Series in 1991 and 1994. The Bears have won 11 of the 24 tournaments in which they have hosted or participated. The stadium has also been home to high school state playoff tournaments beyond the county level in 30 seasons, which include 10 Mid-Atlantic tournaments. Currently, the stadium is home to both Post 471 and the Boyertown High School baseball program. It now features decorative bear statues that flank the entrance to the ballpark and can also be found throughout specific areas in town. Its design, features, and history led rival high school coach Kevin Manero to dub it the “Mecca of Legion Baseball.” Food & Beverage 3 There is a concession stand located behind the main grandstand and is open every game with a great variety of burgers, hot dogs, meatball sandwiches, soft pretzels, and plenty of soft drinks. The prices range from $2 to $5 and are quite impressive for this level of baseball, but then again, Bears Stadium is not your typical Legion stadium. Atmosphere 3 A very laid-back atmosphere for American Legion games, but during regional and tournament games, the vibe gets a much-needed boost of excitement. The ballpark itself would fit in nicely in some of the lower levels of Minor League Baseball–with a few additional touches–and is an impressive palace for both high school and Legion baseball. The exterior of the grandstand is colored in white and red, featuring the name of the stadium in a simple font and team logos of the Post 471 and the high school team. There are three areas of seats that include a main grandstand behind home plate that offers a roof that provides a nice shade during hot summer days. There is also a team store that offers souvenirs, from shirts and caps, next to the third base bleacher seats. The outfield walls are lined up with local advertisements and a simple scoreboard behind the left field wall. Neighborhood 2 Boyertown is a small town of 4,000 located in Berks County between the Lehigh Valley and Philadelphia. The town offers a few places of interest that include the Boyertown Museum of Historic Vehicles, specializing in the state’s road transportation history. There are over 90 locally built vehicles, from horse-drawn carriages and wagons to motorcycles. The museum also includes a 1938 Reading Diner and a 1921 Sun Oil Gas Station. Another popular attraction in town is the Colebrookdale Railroad, which is not to be missed. Connecting Pottstown and Boyertown, this Civil War-era relic invites passengers to explore for themselves a mythical Secret Valley. Restaurant options include Carmelo’s Pizza & Boli’s, Firefly Cafe (vegan), The Bear’s Den, and Talarico’s Sandwich Shop. The Other Farm Brewing Company is the town’s own nano-brewery located on Main Street and also features wood-fired pizza. Fans 3 The crowd is made up of friends and families, along with a few locals who support the Bears various programs. A very ardent and knowledgeable group of people is in the grandstands; this is definitely a baseball-loving town. Access 2 Depending on where you are coming from, Bears Stadium can be a little journey. It is around 41 and 48 miles respectively from Philadelphia and Allentown, but only a short 20 miles from Reading on state roads. Once you find the ballpark, the open layout ensures you can get around without issues or concerns. Return on Investment 3 Admission is free, and a donation hat is passed through stands during the game–a nice little throwback. There is a lot of great baseball played at the ballpark, and its location is not too far away if you happen to be in the area watching games at nearby Pennsylvania ballparks: Coca-Cola Park in Allentown, FirstEnergy Stadium in Reading, Limeport Stadium in Limeport, and even Citizens Bank Ballpark in Philadelphia. Extras 4 Bears Stadium features a decorated statue of a bear that is decorated. The statue is part of Bear Fever project that decorates numerous bear statues around the town to tie the community together. Bears Stadium receives a second point for being in a cradle of impressive ballparks from the major leagues to the high school level. Boyertown is within an hour drive of seven different baseball stadiums that are in all shapes and sizes that including the major leagues, minor leagues, summer collegiate leagues, and amateur leagues. Final Thoughts A great-looking ballpark that is not far off the beaten path when visiting other baseball stadiums in nearby Allentown or Reading, Pennsylvania. A peculiar stadium that serves both high school and American Legion baseball might just be worth the trip for its impressive size and aesthetics. There are not too many of its kind in this part of the country.

Imagine if Lord Stanley presented the Stanley Cup to the winners of the top amateur hockey team in Canada, only to have it sent back to him not once, but on two occasions. Could you have imagined his bewilderment at seeing his contribution to the sport returned to him on multiple occasions? Well, that happened to a man who donated a similar trophy in a similar league, one that has been lost to time. The Horlick Cup was a $300 silver trophy presented to the winning team in the Western Polo League. It wasn’t the type of polo on horses, but the kind played on roller skates like ice hockey. The sport changed its name in the 1920s to roller hockey and is still played today in many parts of the world. The cup was created in 1904 when the sport was widely popular in the Midwest, where the Western League had most of its teams. The cup was two feet high with two polo stickers crossed on the front with a ball at the bottom. The tulip-shaped trophy had two handles and was supported with a base. The trophy would be kept permanently if a polo club won it in three consecutive seasons. William Horlick, a businessman and philanthropist, donated the trophy. He made a fortune through the invention of malted milk and lived in Racine, Wisconsin, where he owned a polo team in the league the season before. He later donated land for Horlick Athletic Field, which hosted the Racine Legion of the National Football League and the Racine Belles in the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League. The trophy was awarded to the Elwood Grays, who finished the 1902-03 season with a 50-30 record, five games ahead of the Richmond Quakers. The cup arrived by train and stopped in Richmond for folks to admire before heading to Anderson to be engraved. It was on display at the Opera House drug store before being awarded to the Grays before their last game of the season. The inscription read, “Winners of the Pennant, Western Roller Polo Association, 1902-03.” It also listed all six players’ names. The cup was displayed in the window of the Nasbaum and Mashmeyer store. The following season, the Richmond Quakers captured the cup with a 52-36 record, one game ahead of the second-place Marion Foxy Five. The trophy was presented to the Quakers before their last game against Elwood. The Coliseum was decorated for the occasion, and small flags were provided to the fans. The cup was placed on a stand in front of the net that was draped with an American flag.  Both teams lined up on opposite sides, and members of the Elwood teams handed silver horseshoes to the Quakers in a sign of good luck while holding the cup. A speech was given in front of a raucous 2,000 faithful in the building.  The Quakers held the cup and skated off the floor while an orchestra played in the background. After the season, the Horlick Cup was put on display in the club room of the Elk’s Club since most of the roster were members.  Before the start of the season, Richmond released a statement that it would remain in the Western League for the season but leave for the proposed National Polo League the following season due to salary limits on players. They also intended to keep the Horlick Cup, a clear violation since they had not won it in three consecutive seasons.  The Western League began its third season but lost two members, Indianapolis and Elwood, early in the season. After 40 games, the league was down to four clubs and announced that it was folding for the year. Marion was in first place with a record of 23-16, just ahead of Richmond in second place with a 22-18 record.  Marion felt that the cup was rightfully theirs and that the league managers awarded them the pennant when the league shut down operations. Based on this decision, it qualified them to hoist the cup regardless of whether the season ended prematurely.  On the other hand, Richmond said since the season ended early, Marion was not the rightful owner of the cup. It should be kept with them until the league is reorganized, or Mr. Horlick should be consulted on the issue. Marion president Ben Larrimer said that if M.C. Henley, president of the Richmond Athletic Association, did send it to his team, representatives would travel to Richmond to take it. Henley then replied that it would be sent to Marion once the engraving was completed on the trophy. To make things confusing, Marion joined the Central League after the Western Loop folded and became eligible for that league's championship trophy, the Hennings Cup, which was created that season. However, as they were still playing regular season games, the club was still setting its eyes on Richmond, which was holding "their" trophy. On March 16, Marion challenged Richmond to a series of games plus 70 percent of the receipts. Richmond, thinking that they were the true cup champions, decided to challenge Danville, the champions of the Hennings Cup in the Central Polo League, to a post-season series. However, none of these challenges occurred, and the cup was sent back to Horlick in Racine until the Western League was revised again.  That would occur two years later with a smaller schedule of games. The new loop consisted of Anderson, Marion, Logansport, and Kokomo. They would play an 18-game schedule, with the pennant winner awarded the Horlick Cup. For the third time, Marion had a chance to rightfully claim the championship. The cup was sent back to Indiana and put on display at the four different rinks. Newspaper articles once again talked about the silver cup; most folks thought Marion would be the clear favorite to capture it. After a two-year hiatus, roller polo appeared to be back in favor with fans in all four cities. Opening night games in Anderson and Logansport attracted 1,200 and 1,000, respectively, and Kokomo played in front of 2,000 howling fans the next night. However, the average crowd at games could be as low as 300 fans per game in some cities. Paid attendance figures were lower than what league management had expected. After just 10 games and one week left in the season, Anderson called it quits due to low gate receipts and a lack of available players. With only three teams left, the league attempted to add Lafayette as a fourth team to finish the season, but that fell through. Kokomo then decided to throw in the towel a few days later due to a disagreement with scheduling. In the end, Marion and Kokomo were tied atop the standings with 6-4 records, and no decision was made on who would win the cup. Since Kokomo had quit the league, Marion might have had a claim to it, which ironically was on display in town. In the end, Marion felt that they did not rightfully earn the cup and sent it back to Mr. Horlick in Wisconsin.  The local paper had this to say. "It is some satisfaction to know that they had to break up the league to keep Marion from taking the cup." For the second time, the trophy was sent back to its creator. What happened to it remains a mystery since there were never any other attempts to revise the Western League. There would be other roller polo leagues, but it appears that Horlick never bothered again to donate it to crown its champion. After two fiascos, he probably found a better use for it.  William Horlick’s name — and his contributions to sports in Racine — are still remembered, but the game he loved has largely faded into history. The once-prized cup may still exist somewhere in a family archive, though it’s just as likely lost to time. Had the league managed its affairs more effectively, the Horlick Cup might still hold a place of recognition today. ----- Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter   and his YouTube channel .   Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Beaty-Richmond Field at Carl Smith Stadium Wise, VA 24293 UVA-Wise Highland Cavaliers website Beaty-Richmond Field at Carl Smith Stadium Year Opened: 1999 Capacity: 3,086 Highland Cavaliers The University of Virginia’s College at Wise is located in Wise, Virginia. Their football team competes in the NCAA’s Division II. Unlike their counterparts at Scott Stadium in Charlottesville (UVA’s main campus), the football squad in Wise refers to itself as the Highland Cavaliers. Originally an NAIA program, the Highland Cavs began the transition to D2 in 2012, where they currently play as members of the South Atlantic Conference. They play their home football games at Beaty-Richmond Field at Carl Smith Stadium, which opened in 1999 and has a seating capacity of 3,086.   Food & Beverage   4 The selection at Carl Smith Stadium is not huge, but the prices are great – nothing costs more than $3.50, except for the BBQ sandwich/nachos, which are $4.50 and $5.50, respectively. Where else in college sports can you find a cheeseburger for $3.50, or a bottle of water/soda for $2.50? Other options include pizza, pretzels, nachos, chips, popcorn, candy, Gatorade, coffee, and hot cocoa. The smallest of these items goes for $2, such as the candy and chips, while a hot dog without chili runs only $2.50.   Atmosphere   3 Despite its small size and lack of fans during certain games, Carl Smith Stadium is a modern-looking venue, with plenty of signage showing off the Cavs. They have most of the accouterments a college football stadium should have, except for a videoboard, a team tunnel, and maybe a mascot – though compared to similarly-sized venues, UVA-Wise is better than most. There is a band, although it is small, and the team celebrates touchdowns by the cheer squad running flags up and down the sideline. There is also a team gear stand under the main stands.   Neighborhood   2 Wise, VA, is located about half an hour north of I-81 in Virginia, near the town of Abingdon. In terms of attractions, there is a lot of Civil War history all over Virginia, and on my way through Abingdon, I saw a cemetery with a large sign over one section marked, Unknown Confederate Dead. Closer to Wise, there aren’t any standout restaurants I noticed, although there are several pizza places, and some local fast food joints which you won’t find elsewhere – those are actually the best kind, the non-chains.   Fans   2 During my last visit, the stadium wasn’t very full, especially on the visitors’ side, though there was a row of red tents set up on top of the hill above the home stands, where fans tailgated during the game, in full view of the field. I thought this was a great setup – why not tailgate during the game, and be able to watch it, instead of tailgating in the parking lot where the party has to end when the game begins? This way, you have the best of both worlds.   Access   4 Once you get to Wise, the stadium is pretty easy to find, being right on campus – when you are driving on 646, be sure to turn onto Thomas Jefferson Dr. If you are coming from the east you will see the school’s main entrance at Cavalier Dr. first; if you turn there, take an immediate left onto Smiddy/Clinch Vly Dr, then turn right onto Thomas Jefferson. If you miss Smiddy, the loop you end up on will dead-end before you get to the football field, so you’ll have to turn around. Once inside the stadium, there is plenty of room to move around, short to no lines at the concessions and team gear stand, and plenty of room to sit on the hillside if you would rather do that instead of sitting on metal bleachers. There are no chair-back seats in Carl Smith Stadium.   Return on Investment   4 There is no cost to attend football games at UVA-Wise, and no cost for parking either, so you can’t go wrong taking in a Highland Cavaliers game on a Saturday afternoon. You won’t see anything over the top here, just football in a pleasant setting. Then again, what more does a person need?   Extras   3 The signage on the building behind the visitors’ side is a nice touch, and the colors really pop on the turf field. You can also get really close to the action here, given the small size of the venue, and being able to tailgate during the game is a major plus.   Final Thoughts If you like college football, I would definitely recommend a game at UVA-Wise. Sure, you can find more energetic atmospheres at nearby FBS venues, but you will also pay a lot more. If you want to take a family or group of friends to a game, a trip to Carl Smith Stadium is a great way to do it.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 Central Recreation Centre 519 Drury Ln Burlington, ON L7R 2X3 Burlington Cougars website Central Recreation Centre website Year Opened: 1968 Capacity: 1,300 Cougarland The Burlington Mohawks were founded in 1952 as a Junior B franchise on the shores of Lake Ontario.  They were known as the Mohawks until 1976, when they were rebranded as the Burlington Cougars.  The Mohawks won the Central Jr B Hockey League title in 1957 and 1958, and they were transferred to the Niagara District Junior B Hockey League in 1962.  Burlington won another league title in 1964 and eventually dropped to Junior C for a couple of years in 1967.  The return to the Junior B level brought with it a return to the Central League, where they won four more league titles and a Sutherland Cup in 1981 as the best Junior B team in Ontario. In 1993, the Junior B Cougars left the Central League and joined what would become the OJHL, graduating to the Junior A level, where they have remained ever since.  Cougars alumni include Hockey Night in Canada’s Kevin Bieska, Pat Quinn, Steve Valiquette, Paul Henderson, and current owner, Ron Sedlbauer. Home for the Cougars is the Central Recreation Centre, commonly referred to as Central Arena.  Built in 1968, Central Arena is nicknamed The Oven during the summer when it is home to the Burlington Blaze of the OJLL, but is more apt to be called the Freezer during Cougar season. Food & Beverage 2 A small snack bar window is found just outside the entrance to the arena.  The menu is simple and includes soda, coffee, tea, hot chocolate, Gatorade, candy, popcorn, chocolate, chips, and hot dogs.  Many teams in the OJHL have a Blueline Club that sells alcoholic beverages.  It seems that Burlington does not have such a club. Atmosphere 2 Central Arena is part of a larger community centre in Burlington.  The Central Recreation Centre building is a simple combination of light stucco and siding on the exterior. A colourful mural at the southwest corner of the building is the exterior highlight.  Fans can enter the building at the main entrance on the west side.  The main entrance leads fans into a small lobby where they will need to traverse a staircase to the spectator level of Central Arena.  In the hallway, just before entering the main arena, there are a pair of trophy cases with awards and some older team pictures. It’s not nothing, however, the trophy cases are not terribly interesting and do not hold much in the way of artifacts.  At the top of the stairs, fans will find the ticket sales table as well as a merchandise table and concessions just down the hall. Inside the main arena, fans are met with a very plain area with few markings or banners. The Cougars do have a significant history and have enjoyed success, including a Sutherland Cup; however, there is no acknowledgment of the Cougars before they moved to Junior A, and little history is on display.  The ice runs from west to east with ten rows of step benches on the south side.    An enclosed operations/press box is at the top of the south side, dividing the seating area.  The simple scoreboard is found on the west wall.  The centre ice logo is perfect for a picture from the seating area.  The ceiling is slanted from south to north and has silver insulation covering it.  Huge, diagonal, structural I-beams also run from south to north, originating from the middle of the seating area can obstruct the view of the ice from some spots in the viewing gallery.  There is some standing room behind the benches at the top; however, to find a view unobstructed by the support beams is nearly impossible.  The arena is extremely cold.  There are gas heaters above the seating area, so fans may consider choosing a seat underneath a heater that is working. The gameday production at a Cougars game is very simple.  The PA announcer is decent, and the sound system is okay, allowing fans to understand the announcements as they are happening. Neighbourhood 3 Central Arena is located in the Central Park area of Burlington.  There are several other recreation facilities in the immediate Central Park area including the curling club, lawn bowling, tennis club, library, baseball diamonds, and theatre.  The practice facility for the famous Burlington Teen Tour Band is in this area also.  Other than the park facilities, it is a fairly residential area with little in the way of pre and post-game culinary facilities.  Fans should consider heading south towards Lakeshore Road to find bars and restaurants.  Some options worth considering are The Carriage House, The North Coal Kitchen & Bar, Joe Dog’s, La Creme de la Creme, and Pepperwood Bistro Brewery. There is not much in the way of other sports options in Burlington and fans would probably need to head southwest to Hamilton for those options.  Central Arena is also the home of the Burlington Blaze  of the OJLL during the summer months.  For other entertainment options fans should consider checking out the Burlington Performing Arts Centre, Drury Lane Theatrical Productions, and Spencer Smith Park.  Fans wishing to stay in Burlington should consider the Waterfront Hotel or The Pearle Hotel. Fans 3 For the 2025-2026 season, the Burlington Cougars are drawing an average of 225 fans per game.  This ranks them in the middle of the pack of the OJHL at 11th, not among the elite franchises but far from the basement.  In the previous season, the Cougars averaged just over 200 fans per game.  At the game that was reviewed, there were just over 100 fans in attendance, however, it was a mid-week game, not the traditional Friday night that the Cougars enjoy.  Fans in attendance were fairly quiet and reserved.   Access 3 Central Arena is located in the Central Park area of Burlington, east of the Queen Elizabeth Way south of Highway 403, and north of Lakeshore Road.  Fans coming to Burlington from out of town will be required to drive a bit through the city, however, the travel is not difficult. There is plenty of parking in the area at no cost, however, it is a busy area with many other recreation facilities where parking will also be utilized.  Fans who wish to take public transit to Central Arena have several options on Drury Lane, New Street, and Central Park.  Fans should consult the Burlington Transit  website for fares, maps, and schedules.  Traversing the arena can be difficult as there are plenty of stairs throughout the arena.  As mentioned above, there are plenty of obstructed views due to the diagonal structural beams and railings.  The washroom facilities are adequate. Return on Investment 4 OJHL hockey provides tremendous value for the sporting dollar.  Tickets to the Cougars are $15 with discounts for students and seniors.  Children 12 and under are free as are Burlington Eagles minor hockey players.  Although the facility is not the greatest, and the gameday production is simple, the on ice product is fast-paced and solid.  Parking is free and concession prices are decent.  In the end, the Burlington Cougars provide a solid return on investment for the fans’ sporting dollar. Extras 2 An extra mark for Central Recreation Centre as a community hub. An extra mark for the Cougars having a consistently competitive team on the ice. Final Thoughts A trip to see the Burlington Cougars will not blow fans away with bells and whistles and Central Recreation Centre has some issues, however, there is great value in OJHL hockey and the Cougars are consistently competitive.  Fans will leave a Cougars game having enjoyed themselves and seen some solid hockey. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube , Twitter , Threads  and Instagram @profan9.

Photos by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Paycor Stadium One Paul Brown Stadium Cincinnati, OH 45202 Cincinnati Bengals website Paycor Stadium website Year Opened: 2000 Capacity: 65,515 The Rumble In The Jungle The Cincinnati Bengals were founded in 1965 and began play in the NFL in 1968. The originally played in Riverfront Stadium along with the Cincinnati Reds of the MLB. They then played two seasons at Nippert Stadium at the University of Cincinnati while their new home stadium was being built along the Ohio River. The Bengals then moved into what was originally known as Paul Brown Stadium, which was named for the team’s founder and first head coach in 2000. The stadium was renamed Paycor Stadium in 2022 as part of a branding agreement with the team. Food & Beverage 3 Paycor Stadium offers a mix of stadium favorites, along with several Cincinnati specialties. Among the hometown favorites are Skyline Chili (coneys, hot dogs, chili bowls), Donato’s Pizza (pizza, nachos, pretzels), Gameday Faves (Glier’s brats, Glier’s mettwurst), and Cincy Burger and Fries (cheeseburgers, hot dogs, popcorn, pretzels, fries). Alcohol is sold at the Canopy Cantina and the Garage Beer Cave. The concession areas are grouped in pods around the stadium, which get quite congested during quarter breaks and halftime. Wait time to be served is extensive. All concession stands operate on a cashless basis. Atmosphere 5 The gameday activities get off to an early start with the opening of the Pregame at the Banks area three hours before the kickoff. This area is also known as the Jungle Zone. It features entertainment, a pregame pep rally, food stalls, appearances from Bengals stars of the past, boardwalk-style games, and team merchandise stands. This area is located along Freedom Way. Once inside Paycor Stadium, you’ll have no doubt you are in “The Jungle.” The stadium is outfitted with the orange and black striped tiger motif of the Bengals throughout the facility. Shortly before the kickoff, the Guns and Roses version of “Welcome to the Jungle” is played, which sends the crowd into a frenzy. You will also see the tiger stripe theme carried out at Stripe the Jungle games, where sections of the stadium alternate between wearing black or orange colored clothing, giving the visual effect of tiger stripes. The Bengals fans are among the most passionate in the NFL. They regularly disrupt the visiting team’s attempts to communicate with the sheer volume of their cheers. The Bengals also have their own unique cheers called “Who Dey”. The full version of this cheer is “Who Dey think gonna beat Dem Bengals?”, followed be the refrain of “Nobody!”. Touchdowns or field goals by the Bengals are followed by the Bengal Growl fight song. The crowd joins in with great gusto on these cheers and songs. Neighborhood 4 The neighborhood immediately outside of Paycor Stadium is known as “The Banks” as it is along the banks of the Ohio River. Several restaurants along Second Street parallel the Ohio River. These include Yard House, O’Malley on the Alley, the Cincinnati Smokehouse, and E&O Kitchen-The Banks. The National Underground Railroad Museum is also located in the Banks neighborhood. The Reds stadium, the Great American Ball Park, is also just up the street. There are several hotels located in Fountain Square, which is just one block inland from the Banks. These brands include the Hyatt Regency, the Hilton Cincinnati, and the Westin Cincinnati. Fans 5 The Bengals Nation is loud and proud. They are extremely loyal to the team, filling the stadium even in December when the weather along the Ohio River is icy. They sing the Fight Song and take part in the “Who Dey” cheer with great passion. For the most part, they are very welcoming of visitors, unless they are wearing the colors of the rival Cleveland Browns. We are amazed at the orange and black outfits that the locals put together, and their loyalty to the team, despite their nearly annual falling just short of the Super Bowl. Even though Cincinnati is one of the smallest markets in the NFL, you would never know it after experiencing the crowds and the enthusiasm at a Bengals home game. Access 2 There are several ways to get to Paycor Stadium on Sundays. The typical way to reach the stadium is via car, and Paycor is easily accessible via I-75 or I-71. The rideshare area for pickup/delivery is on Second Street between Vine and Walnut Streets. This is only a few blocks from the stadium. Queen City Riverboats deliver fans from the Covington/Newport, Kentucky side of the Ohio River to Paycor Stadium. The Transit Authority of Northern Kentucky (TANK) runs shuttle buses from Kentucky on game days. There are numerous parking lots/decks along Second Street and in the Fountain Square area. These lots typically open four hours before kickoff. Two free ways to get to Paycor Stadium on game days are to ride the Cincinnati Bell Connector streetcar to the stadium. It makes frequent trips throughout the downtown area, with a drop-off at the Second Street Station. Fans from Kentucky can walk across the Ohio River via the Roebling Suspension Bridge. While Paycor Stadium is easy to get to via multiple transportation routes and options, the stadium’s design often fails in several ways as far as access. Once at the stadium, the gates open 90 minutes before the kickoff. While there are seven entry gates into Paycor Stadium, most fans enter at the gate on the west side of the stadium, which is closest to the parking, public transportation, and tailgate areas. This results in a massive backup getting into the stadium. The other gates are not visible from this high-traffic area. The concourses within the stadium are dark and cave-like like with few areas of natural light allowed in. For the most part, the concourses are bare concrete walls with little or no graphics to break up the starkness of the passageways. The exceptions to this are the Ring of Honor displays featuring the team’s elite players over the years and colorful tiger graphics on the walls in the concessions pods. Once in the seating bowl, there are additional issues with access. The 300-level seating on the east side of the stadium can only be accessed via the escalator. This can result in long delays in getting to and from your seats. The second issue is that if you are seated in one of the upper levels of the stadium, you must know ahead of time which side of the field your seats are on. The seating areas behind the end zones are purposely left low to provide wonderful views of the Ohio River from the south end and the downtown Cincinnati skyline from the north end. This means the upper-level seating at Paycor Stadium does not provide 360-degree access to other areas of the stadium. Return on Investment 3 The Cincinnati Bengals have a very large season ticket base, which results in an average cost of $140-$180 for single-game tickets. Tickets for games against close rivals like the Browns, the Ravens or the Steelers can be much higher. Travel costs to a Bengals game vary greatly due to the method of transportation. Walking over the Roebling Bridge from Kentucky or riding the Cincinnati Bell Connector is free of charge. Riding on a TANK shuttle bus from Kentucky is $1 each way. Riding the Queen City Riverboat from Kentucky is $10 round-trip. Parking lots/decks near Paycor Stadium run from $25-$40 on gamedays. Many of these lots operate on a season ticket-only basis, so check ahead when plotting out your trip. Concessions at Paycor Stadium vary greatly in price. Many of the stands represent Cincinnati-based food chains that charge the normal price for goods sold at their neighborhood stores, while other stands charge a premium in stadium prices. On average, you can expect to pay $10 for brats, a mettwurst or french fries, $8 for a hot dog and popcorn, and $9 for a pretzel. Drink prices run $7.50 for a soda, $14.50 for a craft beer, and $6.50 for a bottle of water. Cocktails are priced at $14, and wine is $12. Extras 2 Paycor earns an extra for the tremendous views of the Ohio River and the downtown Cincinnati skyline behind each end zone. Another plus must go to the unique “Who Dey” marketing of the team, which includes cheers, songs and other imagery throughout the stadium. Final Thoughts The gameday experience at Paycor Stadium offers wonderful views of both the downtown Cincinnati skyline and the Ohio River. The fans' enthusiasm is contagious, and the energy level is high. Unfortunately, the stadium design has many drawbacks in accessibility that bring down its overall score.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Johnny Unitas Stadium 7500 Osler Dr Towson, MD 21252 Towson Tigers website Johnny Unitas Stadium website Year Opened: 1978 Capacity: 11,198 Johnny U Stadium at Towson U Johnny Unitas Stadium was known as both Towson Stadium and Minnegan Stadium from its opening in 1983 until a 2002 remodel, when it added 6,000 seats and was rebranded in honor of Baltimore Colts legend and Towson supporter Johnny Unitas. The field itself still honors the late Donald “Doc” Minnegan, former coach and athletic director at Towson. Towson University is the second-largest public university in Maryland. Located just north of Baltimore, it is home to approximately 21,000 college students, of whom 18,000 are undergraduates. The university began as the Maryland State Normal School in 1866. The university has 60+ undergraduate majors, 30+ master’s degree programs, and a handful of doctoral programs. The Towson football team played for the Football Championship Subdivision National Championship in 2013, falling short against North Dakota State. Towson is also known for their impressive gymnastics program. They have been the 1968 AIAW Division II National Champions, the 1995 and 1998 USA Gymnastics NIT Champions, the 3-time Calloway Invitational Champions, the 15-time ECAC Champions, and the 2007 USA Gymnastics National Champions. The lacrosse team also reached the finals of the 1991 NCAA Division I Men’s Lacrosse Championship and reached the semifinals of the 2001 NCAA Division I Men’s Lacrosse Championship. Towson has used the Tigers as its sports team name since 1961, replacing the Golden Knights, Indians, and Teachers as names used by various sports. There are four tiger statues around campus, one across the street in front of TU Arena (where Towson gymnastics, basketball, and volleyball compete). All of the major athletic teams at Towson compete in the Coastal Athletic Association (CAA). Technically, CAA Football is a legally distinct conference from the central CAA, but its offices are the same as those of CAA proper. Since joining the CAA in 2001-02, the Tigers have won 16 league championships. Food & Beverage 2 The stadium has basic food offerings. Four main concession stands offer the usual variety. The concourse is open and has plenty of space for additional offerings if they wish. Prices are okay, but not great. Beer is available around the stadium. Atmosphere 3 The stadium is split into two distinct sections. The main side is on the same side as the old Minnegan Stadium grandstands used to sit. That side also has a press box. A walkway around the top of the horseshoe hill takes fans to the opposite side grandstand, where the students, band, and most of the opposing fans sit. When popular CAA teams are the opponents, expect to see many of their fans throughout the complex. A track separates the grandstands from being too close to the action. The Towson Marching Band, Towson Dance Team, Pop Squad, and cheerleaders all do a good job entertaining the crowd. A tiger mascot, named Doc, roams the stadium. Neighborhood 3 Besides TU Arena and the old Towson Center Arena, there is nothing right by the stadium. Even though you may have to drive to other places, Towson is a semi-urban area with a vast shopping mall and numerous restaurants. Some options are The Crease and Sushi Hana. Baltimore is also a quick drive away. Fans 3 This is a work in progress. For many years, Towson was known as a commuter school. But over the last couple of decades, the number of residential students has increased. Students are starting to attend games in larger numbers, helped by a free, convenient shuttle service. Unitas Stadium, as well as the neighboring TU Arena, are located at the far end of the campus, not near any of the residence halls, so they will not always be destinations for many students. It has improved over time in this regard. Access 4 Towson is located just off the Baltimore Beltway (I-695). The only negative is that Towson is a maze of roads getting to the Osler and Auburn locations of the sports complexes. Parking is plentiful. But the best bet is to park in the central part of campus and walk over to beat the crowds. Return on Investment 4 Adult ticket prices start at around $25. For the high level of football, the prices are acceptable. Extras 3 The team store is located in the grandstands underneath the press box. There are usually a few bits of merchandise on sale on game days. The Towson Dance Team is nationally recognized and provides excellent entertainment during games. In addition, Doc the Tiger is a good mascot, providing entertainment for all ages. The Towson University Wall of Excellence displays the school’s accomplishments in a variety of sports. Final Thoughts Johnny Unitas Stadium is a well-designed stadium with many fan amenities. The significant separation between the sections of the stadium, along with the track, is the only thing keeping the facility from being a more intimate, louder stadium.

Photos by Richard Smith Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Beldon Field 1021 Dulaney Valley Rd. Towson, MD 21286 Goucher Gophers website Beldon Field website Year Opened: 2009 Capacity: 1,000 Home Of The Gophers Goucher College is a former all-women’s college located in Towson, Maryland, a northern suburb of Baltimore. The college opened in 1885 as the Women’s College of Baltimore City, changed its name to its current name in 1910, and went coed in 1986. Goucher relocated to its present suburban location, northeast of the county seat of Towson in Baltimore County, in 1953. The college is named in honor of its founding member, John Goucher, and his wife, Mary Fisher Goucher. Goucher College is a private co-educational liberal arts college. It was initially affiliated with the Baltimore Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church, but currently has no real church affiliation. The college has approximately 1,480 undergraduate students enrolled in 33 majors and 1,200 graduate students. Notable alumni include Rear Admiral, U.S. Navy, Chaplain of the United States Marine Corps Margaret G. Kibben, Maryland State Delegate John A. Olszewski, Jr., and frequent John Waters actress Mary Vivian Pearce. Goucher athletic teams are known as the Gophers. The college competes in NCAA Division III as part of the Landmark Conference. Beldon Field opened in 2009. It is the home of men’s and women’s soccer, men’s and women’s lacrosse, and field hockey. This review is for both the men's and women's soccer teams, which generally run as a doubleheader event. Food & Beverage 0 There is no permanent food stand at Beldon Field. Fans should make sure to eat before or after the game. Atmosphere 4 There is a pleasant, simple grandstand at Beldon Field. Additional seating is along the hills surrounding the venue. You will find a variety of seating options. The field is in a little bowl or meadow, and sound travels extremely well within the area. This creates a lovely little atmosphere so that even small crowds sound rather lively. Neighborhood 4 The Goucher College campus has been used for a few scenes in the Netflix series House of Cards, so expect to recognize the stone buildings. Towson is a semi-urban area with a large shopping mall and numerous restaurants. Try the Charles Village Pub in the heart of downtown Towson for good food and drinks. Some other great options are The Crease, Glory Days Grill, Sushi Hana, and Zia’s. Baltimore is also a quick drive away. Check out the Federal Hill neighborhood, south of the Inner Harbor. There are a few fun restaurants and bars here. Abbey Burger Bistro is one great choice. The beer selection is good, and they offer a dizzying array of burger choices, which are all likely to satisfy. Fans 3 Most of the fans are the players' friends and family, with a few scattered students in attendance. Access 4 Goucher is located just off the Baltimore Beltway (I-695). The only negative is that Towson is a busy area, and traffic can be bad at times. The college itself is pretty and quite suburban. You will find plenty of parking close to the arena, though a night game may make parking tight at times. Return on Investment 5 The games are free to attend. So, although the level of play is relatively low, the free parking and admission make this a fantastic value for sports fans. Extras 2 Goucher College has a little athletics hall of fame located in the Decker Sports & Recreation Center Arena lobby. The pretty little campus is a nice extra in itself. Final Thoughts Beldon Field is a pretty basic, low-level sports field located in a lovely suburban setting near Baltimore. It is not worth making a trip just for a Goucher Gophers game, but if you are in the area, you will enjoy the game for its low level of investment.

Photos by Richard Smith, Emmy Smith, and Jennifer Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.71 M&T Bank Stadium 1101 Russell St Baltimore, MD 21230 Baltimore Ravens website M&T Bank Stadium website Year Opened: 1998 Capacity: 70,745 Home of the Ravens The Baltimore Ravens gave the fans of “Charm City” a new beginning in 1996 when they started operations after the Cleveland Browns moved to the Maryland city. As part of a settlement between the league and the city of Cleveland, Art Modell was required to leave the Browns’ history and records in Cleveland for a replacement team. Since their “new beginning,” the Ravens have won two Super Bowl titles. The city of Baltimore has a history of winning teams. The Baltimore Colts won the NFL Championship game before the Super Bowl even existed, in 1958 and 1959, as well as the Super Bowl in 1971. The Baltimore Stars of the USFL were led by coach Jim Mora to that league’s championship in 1985, the final year of the league and team. And of course, the well-loved Canadian Football franchise, the Baltimore CFL Colts/Stallions, won in 1995, before the Ravens came to town and prompted their move to Montreal, where they became the Alouettes. Those seven championships show that Baltimore is a hard-nosed football town with a history of success. After playing their first two years at the venerable old Memorial Stadium, the team has made what is now known as M&T Bank Stadium home. The 70,745-seat stadium has undergone numerous renovations over the years. The team continually updates the stadium in many ways each year, and it always feels fresh and new. The Ravens announced a multi-year project (2024-2026) to enhance the Stadium with significant projects. The Ravens are using a projected $430 million of the $600 million of state funds allotted for stadium improvements. The funds came with the renewal of the Ravens' lease, which will keep them in M&T Bank Stadium through at least the 2037 season. As of the 2025 season, many of the projects are halfway done, with the following seasons seeing new, enhanced entrances and clubs. Food & Beverage 5 The Ravens have good-quality concession stands around the stadium. Many stands offer options such as beer, chili bowls, pizza, and hot dogs. Stands have generic names, such as Goal Line Grill, Kickoff Classics, and the Chesapeake Market. There are also outposts of local favorites, as well as Shake Shack. There are also a few full-service bars scattered around offering top-shelf spirits and premium drinks. Several kiosks also sell a variety of domestic and craft beers. The stadium has followed Atlanta's  lead and begun offering many lower-priced, value options. This has made an already good food experience even better. Atmosphere 5 From the Ravenswalk area outside the stadium to the purple seats and concourse lighting, the Ravens have set a fine stage for enjoying NFL football. Expect the games to be loud inside the stadium. Every play, whether on defense or offense, will have fans screaming at every detail. Even memorable team plays are carefully reviewed. The fans are knowledgeable about all aspects of the game. Ravenswalk leads the fans from downtown and Oriole Park towards M&T Bank Stadium. It has always been a good place for fans to enjoy pre-game activities. The team has increased the entertainment and food offerings in this area, making it an even more enjoyable place to spend some time. Make sure to be in this area when the Baltimore Ravens Marching Band makes its way towards the game. One favorite here is the cocktail bar, which offers decent-priced drinks and a pretty impressive Bloody Mary bar. One should also stop by to see the text of the former facade from Baltimore’s Memorial Stadium, which is on display between the two stadiums. The text was a memorial to those killed in the two World Wars. The main words of “TIME WILL NOT DIM THE GLORY OF THEIR DEEDS” remind visitors of those this nation lost in the past. The line is a quote from Gen. John J. Pershing, commander of the American Expeditionary Forces during World War I. The large video boards, known as RavensVision, past both end zones, are amazing visual spectacles. The vertical screens in each corner enhance the game viewing options. The Ravens cheerleading squad and mascot Poe offer traditional cheering options. Note that the cheerleading squad has a male stunt squad, as well. The Poe mascot has now seen his brothers, Edgar and Allen, re-added to the mascot mix. In 2022, the brothers stood in for Poe when he went down with a devastating wing injury. The fans are happy to see all three at the game in 2023. The "MO" in Baltimore is colored differently in the end zones from the rest of the city name. This is to honor the late Mo Gaba, who passed in 2020 at the age of 14. Mo was a Baltimore super-fan who, despite battling cancer for most of his life and later losing his sight, became a favorite of all Baltimore athletes. Gaba was inducted into the Baltimore Orioles Hall of Fame in July 2020 and, in 2019, became the first person to announce an NFL draft pick written in Braille. The Ravens continue to honor Mo 3 years after his passing. The stadium signage is consistent, modern, and appropriate. Purple lighting effects are seen everywhere. The team is constantly adding new ways to enhance the purple-ness of the stadium. Signage, flashing LED lights, and screens make you see purple everywhere, just as they want. One major complaint of M&T Bank Stadium had been the lack of escalators to the upper deck. But a few years back, they added escalators to this area, so fans no longer have to hoof it up and down stairs or long ramps. Neighborhood 4 The neighborhood is generally the same as Oriole Park at Camden Yards, but it does suffer a bit because it is farther from downtown Baltimore. The newly opened Horseshoe Casino, located south of the stadium, has the potential to make this “other” side of the stadium more and more critical to the Ravens’ social scene. Close to the stadium, and right across from Oriole Park, are Pickles Pub and Sliders Bar & Grille. The Federal Hill neighborhood is also close by. There are a few fun restaurants and bars here. Abbey Burger Bistro (1041 Marshall Street) is one great choice. The beer selection is good, and they offer a dizzying array of burger choices, which are all likely to satisfy. Mother’s (1113 S Charles Street) and Magerks (1061 S Charles Street) are also good places for a pre- or postgame meal. The Inner Harbor is a popular tourist destination and is a short walk from M&T Bank Stadium. There is a movement by a local developer to redevelop the already famous Harborplace into a state-of-the-art living and working area. Currently, the existing pavilions are underused. Baltimore is home to many touristy attractions, such as Fells Point and Fort McHenry. The American Visionary Art Museum on Key Highway is on the way to Fort McHenry and should not be missed, though its unique collection may not be for everyone. Baltimore is, and has always been, an urban environment where you should stay aware of your surroundings. Use common sense, and everything will be fine —you will have a great time. Fans 5 Baltimore is a football town. They love smash-mouth football and have no problem if the defense wins the game by smothering their opponents. Even when there was no NFL team in the city, they embraced football variations offered by the USFL and the CFL in ways other cities may struggle to match. Fans will still respect fans who wear the opposing team’s colors, but they should not expect too much love. The fans are serious about the Ravens and defensive football. Just like at Oriole Park, the Ravens’ fans commemorate the local creation of the Star-Spangled Banner, and the love of the other big league team in town, by shouting a loud “O!!!!!!” during the appropriate spot in the anthem. In other places, this would seem disrespectful, but in Baltimore, it shows the love for the country and the team. If you hear that yell at different parks throughout the country, rest assured that there is a Baltimore fan in the house. Fans also love to chant along to “Seven Nation Army” by the White Stripes. Access 5 M&T Bank Stadium is right off I-95, with only a couple of turns putting you on the highway home. Parking garages are located in all directions from the stadium. Street parking is not a great option. Parking near the Inner Harbor is a good option. Check the parking link on the Ravens’ website to find bargains that are a pretty close walk away. If you’re not driving to the game, the other primary mode of access is the MTA Light Rail. From points north and south of downtown Baltimore, you can take the train to the ballpark. The Light Rail is slow, so make sure you know that beforehand. The crowds will be overwhelming after the game. Return on Investment 4 An NFL game is expensive. There is no way around it. You do get a good deal because of the high entertainment value and the extremely high level of competition. Parking costs, if done correctly and cheaply, can help alleviate some expenses. The Ravens make sure the fans know they are valued for spending their money on the team. Free programs are available for all games, and the pregame ritual of walking the Ravenswalk (located between the two Camden Yards stadiums) is a treat for all fans. Extras 5 The Johnny Unitas statue is usually located at the end of Ravenswalk. In front of the stadium, it is a gathering spot for pregame meetings and a place to honor the Baltimore Colts legend. A Ray Lewis statue was later added to celebrate one of the other most important Baltimore football players. Ravenswalk is the place to be and watch the excitement of the game day grow to a fever pitch. Both statues are temporarily located on the south side of the stadium while the north plaza is renovated into a new experience. One of the few marching bands in professional football, the Marching Ravens plays at Ravenswalk and at various points during the game. This is the same band that was known as the Baltimore Colts’ Marching Band and was started in 1947. The newly spent renovations and additions have made the purple colors and signage seem consistent and scream out RAVENS at every turn. Final Thoughts M&T Bank Stadium shows that the Ravens have done an outstanding job with their franchise. The fans who attend will always have a memorable game day experience and get good value.

Photos by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Nippert Stadium 2700 Bearcats Way Cincinnati, OH 45221 Cincinnati Bearcats website Nippert Stadium website Year Opened: 1915 Capacity: 38,088 The Bearcat's Lair The University of Cincinnati was founded in 1819 and today is a thriving urban university of more than 53,000 students. The athletic teams at the University of Cincinnati are known as the Bearcats, and they play their games on campus in an area known as Varsity Village. This section of the campus is also home to the basketball, baseball, and track facilities for the University. The home of the Bearcats is Nippert Memorial Stadium. Football has been played on the site of the stadium since 1901. However, the stadium structure was not built until 1915. This makes it the fourth-oldest playing site and the third-oldest college football stadium in the country, trailing only Bobby Dodd Stadium at Georgia Tech and Davis-Wade Stadium at Mississippi State University. It has been a tough place for visitors to win at, as the Bearcats have a .640 winning percentage in home games. The stadium is named in memory of James Nippert, a Bearcat football player who died after a football injury was complicated by blood poisoning. His grandfather, James N Gamble of Cincinnati-based Procter and Gamble, donated the funds to build the stadium in his memory. There is a memorial monument for Nippert atop the student section behind the south end zone. The stadium has gone through numerous renovations over the years, but still retains much of its character, with lots of the brick structure and wrought iron gates intact. The field at the stadium is named Carson Field for Arch Carson, who played a huge role in bringing football to the university in 1885 and in the creation of its first playing location in 1901. The stadium has made more than $86 million in improvements to the stadium in recent years. More than 1000 feet of ribbon boards have been installed on the facing surfaces to provide information throughout the game. A large videoboard is located atop the north end zone. It is a very busy setup, as it features sponsor names, game statistics, and out-of-town scores… leaving very little room for the replay screen. Food & Beverage 4 There are 75 points of sale locations within Nippert Stadium. The concession stands are primarily located along the east and west sides of the stadium, with a lesser number located behind the end zones. The east concourse (visitor’s side of the stadium) is served under the heading of the Nippert Market title. These stands include food from popular local vendors, including Donato’s Pizza, Skyline Chili, Bibibop, Milton’s Donuts, Nothing Bundt Cakes, and Rhinegeist Brewing. The west stands (home side of the stadium) offer the same vendors, plus the Rhine Room and Garage Brewing. The south end zone serves as the student seating area (known as the Ruckus) for the stadium and features some of these same vendors. The premium seating areas are serviced separately from the general concession stands. Alcohol is served in Nippert Stadium. The legal drinking age is twenty-one in Ohio. There is a two-drink limit per purchase. All purchases inside Nippert Stadium are cashless. Atmosphere 4 There are several areas on the University of Cincinnati campus for fans to enjoy pregame activities. The Bearcat Family Zone is located on the Sheakley Lawn and opens three hours before the kickoff. It offers games, entertainment, food trucks, and a large screen TV. A beer hall will be located nearby for the adults to enjoy. The Grid Tailgate is located on the Campus Green and features food trucks, musical entertainment, and team merchandise. The Bearcat team does its pregame Catwalk through this area 2.5 hours before kickoff. One of the unique activities at Bearcats games is the entry of the Bearcat Band for their pregame show. The band descends from the top of the end zone stands to the field to begin its pregame performance. Neighborhood 3 The University of Cincinnati is in an area of Cincinnati known as the Heights. The Heights neighborhood is located two miles north of downtown Cincinnati. Nippert Stadium is in the center of the University campus in an area known as Varsity Village, due to all the athletic facilities surrounding it, including Fifth Third Arena , UC Baseball Stadium , Tangeman University Center, and the Lindner Center. In fact, the exterior of the stadium is barely visible due to the proximity of these other buildings. The neighborhood surrounding the university is an urban mix of commercial and residential properties. Hotels within walking distance of the campus include the Fairfield Inn and Suites Cincinnati Uptown and the Hampton Inn and Suites Cincinnati Uptown. Restaurants in the area include Adriaco’s, Mio’s Pizzeria, the Good Plates Eatery, and Murphy’s Pub. The Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Gardens is about 1.5 miles away from campus. Fans 4 Fans arrive early on gameday Saturdays to begin setting up in one of the multiple tailgating areas on the University of Cincinnati campus. The tailgates feature food trucks, performances by the Bearcat Band, cheerleading squad, and dance team. The West Stands form the backbone of supporters of the Bearcat athletics. The stands are heavily populated by alumni and major supporters. The stands feature red and black seating, the school’s colors. Seating features seatbacks as well as bench seating. Premium seating is located inside a spectacular glassed-in seating area atop the West Stands. Cincinnati Bearcats Band and Student Section, Photo by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey The fanbase at the University of Cincinnati is very supportive of the program, and games sell out frequently. In recent years, the Bearcats have been very successful on the field and in the Big XII Conference. The 2021 season was especially memorable, as the Bearcats went undefeated during the regular season and participated in the four-team national college playoffs. Access 4 Getting to Bearcats home games is relatively easy via either I-71 or I-75. Take the Martin Luther King Drive exit off the expressway onto Eden Avenue. Gameday parking is available at the Eden Parking Garage located at 3223 Eden Avenue. The parking garage is a 20-minute walk from the stadium, but there are free shuttles running constantly between the two before and after the game. Stadium gates open two hours before kickoff. Fans can use their digital tickets to get early access to Nippert Stadium. They can scan their tickets at the Fifth Third Arena ticket office, the Tangeman Ticket office, or at the Grid and receive a wristband for fast entry via the special Fast Pass gates of the stadium. Return on Investment 3 Single-game parking is available at the Eden Garage for $25 on the day of the game (credit/debit card only). Other parking garages surrounding the stadium are for season ticket holders only. Concession, prices vary by vendor. Skyline Chili offers its menu at everyday prices, including Coneys ($7), nachos ($8), loaded fries ($15), sodas ($5.50), and draft beers ($17). Fan Favorites offers the popular Hemplers brand hot dogs ($7) and double-smoked sausages ($10) as well as Grippo’s Chips ($5). There are several 513 concession stands along the concourses. They offer a value menu of items priced at $5, $1, and $3.00. Selections include $5 hot dogs, candy and chips, $3.00 sodas, pretzels, nachos and popcorn, and $1.00 candy. Tickets range from $25-$50 for non-premium seating. Expect to pay higher prices for games against Big XII Conference opponents. Extras 3 Nippert Stadium has also served as the home of the Cincinnati Bengals (1968-1969) and FC Cincinnati (2016-2020) while those teams were building their own stadiums. Nippert Stadium has hosted several concerts over the years. Performers have included Britney Spears, Michael Jackson, N'SYNC and The Roots. A great place to take a pregame photo is the Bearcat Bench statue located near the Campus Green. Final Thoughts Nippert Stadium is one of the oldest and most unique college football stadiums in the country. Its location in the middle of the University of Cincinnati campus is encircled by academic buildings, making its exterior nearly invisible. Recent renovations have ensured that it will be the home den of the Bearcats for years to come.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.43 The St. James 6805 Industrial Road Springfield, VA 22151 George Washington Revolutionaries hockey website The St. James website Year Opened: 2018 Capacity: 900 Revolutionary Hockey in Springfield The St. James is a 450,000 square foot sports complex and gym in Springfield, Virginia. It contains facilities for just about every sport you can imagine, including batting cages, a football field, a swimming pool, an ice hockey rink, and much more. For members, it also offers workout facilities, fitness classes, and even a water park. Many amateur teams call The St. James home, from youth to high school to collegiate. George Washington University's club ice hockey team plays its home games at the ice rink at The St. James and competes in Division II of the American Collegiate Hockey Association (ACHA), which sponsors the sport at a club level and is considered a step below the NCAA. The St. James contains two ice rinks, the North Rink and the South Rink, but as they are nearly identical, share a concourse, and are both located within one ice house, the details in this review accurately describe both. If you arrive early, just be sure to check which rink GW is playing on. Food & Beverage 3 Although there is no place to buy food in the ice house itself, Vim & Victor offers grab-and-go food options and is located directly to your left as you enter The St. James through the front doors. It offers snacks and drinks such as bottled water, as well as hot options such as burgers, fries, and flatbread pizzas. You can also buy a grilled chicken parmesan sandwich, chicken tenders, a steak burrito wrap, associated salads, and healthy bowls. Prices for the food can be fairly high, with a burger costing $15.25, although if you're just getting a bottle of water, you should be fine. There are tables to eat at in Vim & Victor if you arrive early, or you can take your food with you to the rink. Although the selection here is above average, we are only assigning The St. James an average rating in this category because Vim & Victor closes at 8 PM, and most GW games will run well past then. In fact, many of them don't even start until after 8 PM due to rink availability, so you will be out of luck on those nights. Atmosphere 2 The St. James is a huge complex but getting to the ice house is very simple. Once you enter through the front doors, walk back, and the ice rink will be on your right once you get past the football field that's on your left. You will walk through the glass doors, and the South Rink will be on your left, while the North Rink will be on your right. If you do not know which rink GW is playing on, you can check their website, try to figure it out from what's happening on the rinks when you get there, or just wait for warmups. The rink itself is actually located on the lower level - these directions will take you to the mezzanine seating that fans watch the game from, which is located in a balcony above the rink. On the mezzanine, you will find a few rows of blue, plastic, bleacher-style seating. Although you are very close to the rink in terms of horizontal distance, you will be fairly high up in vertical distance, which makes for some unusual viewing angles. There is no way to be right up against the glass; unfortunately, you will be above the boards and behind protective netting. Still, you should have a good view of the action. Unfortunately, that's just about all there is to say about this place. Music is sometimes, but not always, played during breaks in the action, and there is no PA announcer or anything like that. The good news is you will be able to hear a lot of the shouting that's happening on the ice. Hockey purists may love this, but everyone else will be bored. A scoreboard is located above the goal furthest from the entrance. It shows the score, time, and time remaining on penalties. Whether it is on your right or left will depend on whether GW is playing on the North or South Rink that day. Each rink has its own scoreboard, but they are all the same. Neighborhood 3 The street name Industrial Road makes it abundantly clear where The St. James is. This is an industrial area, and in the immediate vicinity, you will find warehouses, an auto body shop, and other similar businesses, but not many places you'd want to go to before or after the game. If you head south along Backlick Road, you will soon come to a shopping center with a pizza place as well as several places serving cuisine that fans may not be as familiar with - Colombian, Salvadoran, and Yemeni, just to name a few. Unfortunately, the location nestled around a massive freeway interchange and some railroad tracks means you are better off going elsewhere before or after the game. Fans 1 For the game Stadium Journey attended, there were only about a dozen fans in attendance, and half of them were cheering for the Revolutionaries' opponents that night, having made the trip down to see a family member on that team. Unfortunately, there doesn't seem to be much interest in watching GW hockey, and the long distance from the campus in Foggy Bottom, combined with the lack of transportation, means that pretty much no students attend. Access 4 Although The St. James's location near a massive freeway interchange hurts the neighborhood rating, it helps it here. The Springfield Interchange connects Interstates 95, 395, and 495 and is known locally as the Mixing Bowl due to the weaving traffic is required to get from one road to another. All of those roads provide easy access to The St. James from nearby exits, so you may not even have to go through the Mixing Bowl itself. Once you arrive at The St. James, you will find a massive parking lot, although spaces closest to the building are reserved for members. Although the lot can get crowded, you should have no trouble parking as people are coming and going at all times. As mentioned above, you will walk through the main doors and go straight back to the ice house. If you are unsure where to go, the helpful staff at the front desk will give you directions. Just make sure they know you are watching the hockey game, not playing in it, as people who are actually using the rink will need to enter through different doors on a different level. One thing to keep in mind is that due to rink availability, many GW games start well into the evening and end after The St. James closes. If you are attending one of these games, you will be allowed to stay until the end, but you must arrive before they lock the front doors, or you will not be able to get in. Return on Investment 3 There is no cost to attend a GW ice hockey game at The St. James, and parking is likewise free. Food at Vim & Victor can get expensive, but this is an easily avoidable expense - eat before or after. Besides, if the game starts after 8 PM, as many do, you will not even have a choice. That being said, there isn't enough here to earn more than an average value. Extras 1 The St. James itself is worthy of an extra star here, as it is a massive sports venue that houses just about every sport you can think of. Final Thoughts A George Washington Revolutionaries ice hockey game at The St. James is a basic experience. Unfortunately, there is not much interest in this program, and most people don't even know it exists.

For almost two decades, Fort Lee, New Jersey's Leslie Monteiro has been writing about sports. It’s a true labor of love, and he’s covered every level, from high school to professional. Highly opinionated, Leslie doesn’t pull punches. You can find his work at his substack , which is below, or at thesportscol.com . Leslie took a few moments to discuss.    STADIUM JOURNEY: So, you're in Fort Lee, New Jersey, which is right next to the George Washington Bridge and is well-known for traffic jams. What else is it known for? And what are the bucket list spots to hit in Fort Lee and nearby? LESLIE MONTEIRO: Fort Lee is the birthplace of the motion picture industry in America. There are plenty of great Korean BBQ restaurants on Main Street. Gopchang Story particularly stands out. You won't be disappointed.   STADIUM JOURNEY: How'd a Fort Lee guy become a Vikings fan? Are there a lot of Viking fans in the New York City area? LESLIE MONTEIRO: I became a Vikings fan in '98 during Randy Moss' rookie season - what a season he had - and that team went 15-1, putting teams to oblivion. Of course, they would lose to the Falcons in the NFC Title Game. Of course, it had to end that way. Being a Vikings fan is nothing more than a miserable experience. Yes, there are plenty of Vikings fans in the metro area. In fact, we have a Vikings watch party at Jack Doyle's during football season in NYC.   STADIUM JOURNEY: What New York sports teams are most important to you? Why? LESLIE MONTEIRO: The Mets. The Mets fans are smart fans who truly love their team. They eat, drink and breathe them 24/7/365. It's an overlooked fanbase in the country, This is a fanbase that deserves a championship. The Mets rally around the tri-state area like no other. STADIUM JOURNEY: Are there any New York sports teams that you don't care about?  LESLIE MONTEIRO: The Knicks, Giants and Yankees. Arrogant fanbases. Arrogant teams. The media in town cheerleads them like no other. STADIUM JOURNEY: What's your take on the Jets this season? Did you see this fiasco coming? How do they fix this? How did you feel about how they handled the Aaron Rodgers situation? LESLIE MONTEIRO: This is brutal. There's no doubt about it. Aaron Glenn is over his head as head coach. He thought this was going to be easy, but it turned out this is harder than he had thought. If he is going to consult former head coaches about what quarterback to play on Sunday against the Cincinnati Bengals, then he's even worse than I ever thought. This should be a no-brainer. Either he is putting us on, or he really doesn't know. The scary part is I don't think he knows. I knew the Jets would struggle since they had no playmakers on offense. I did not think the offensive line would be this bad. They've allowed 31 sacks this season, including 15 in the last two games. They should have won at least three games by now. To be 0-7 is something no Jets fan had in mind in Aaron Glenn's first season. 0-17 is definitely not out of the question this year. They need to draft a quarterback, and they need a playmaker to play alongside Garrett Wilson. They’re probably going to need a new head coach who has an offensive mind that can work with a rookie quarterback. There's no way they can have a young quarterback working with a defensive-minded head coach. That has not worked here with the Jets. It's easy for any Jets fan, such as WFAN's Joe Benigno to play revisionist history now. I have no issues with how the Jets handled Aaron Rodgers. He had to go for Aaron Glenn to establish himself as a head coach. He provided bad vibes all of last season. He was supposed to lead through adversity. He never did. He wasn't exactly a favorite in the locker room. Even if Aaron got the Jets to 2 or 3 wins, would it be that much better when you think of the big picture? The team would stink with or without him. STADIUM JOURNEY: Will the Knicks win it all this season? LESLIE MONTEIRO: No. The Thunder are just too good. Their first two wins in double overtime against the Rockets and Pacers should tell you everything right there. The Knicks should be in the NBA Finals this year, with the Pacers not having Tyrese Haliburton and the Celtics not having Jayson Tatum. This is their best shot. If they can't get in the Finals this year, they never will. STADIUM JOURNEY: What's your prediction for St. John's basketball and Rick Pitino? How far will they go this season? LESLIE MONTEIRO: St. John's will be runner-up in the Big East to UConn. They will make the tournament, and be done on the first Sunday of the tournament. There will be no Sweet 16 for the Red Storm. They don't have a point guard. STADIUM JOURNEY: What's happening with Seton Hall basketball? Do you have any inside insight on their NIL situation? LESLIE MONTEIRO: Seton Hall built a new practice facility, so the school has that going, but their NIL situation is a mess. If the Hall can't figure it out, it's going to be hard for Shaheen Halloway to do well. It's about the players, and the school has to pay them. I am not even sure if the Hall has money.   STADIUM JOURNEY: Was Rutgers joining the Big Ten a smart move? Will they be able to make it work? LESLIE MONTEIRO: It wasn't. The results speak for themselves. Rutgers is still in financial debt that it may never recover from. I don't think the school can make it work. It's been 11 years, and the program has not had success in college hoops and college football. Sure, the school has had success in other sports, but college hoops and college football bring in the revenue, and that's where Rutgers falls short. STADIUM JOURNEY: St. Peter's recently made it the Elite Eight in March Madness, which you covered. How magical was that run? I think most take it for granted. LESLIE MONTEIRO: It was fun writing about it. I enjoyed writing the stories that came with it. Just them finding a way to win made it fun. They never were intimidated. There's a day that doesn't go by that I don't forget, and people in Jersey City will remember that team forever. I wish I could enjoy the victories, but I was so focused on the story that I didn't really think about the moments to savor. It was just preparing for another story after another story. I will always appreciate the moxie of Darryl Banks III, Doug Edert and KC Ndefo and the brilliant coaching of Shaheen Halloway. STADIUM JOURNEY: Describe the beauty of covering high school sports. LESLIE MONTEIRO: Just seeing the community enjoy what the high school athletes do. At Ridgefield Park High School, it was fun seeing the village really embrace the boys basketball team. It was a home-court advantage. Not just the faculty and student body supporting the Scarlets basketball program, but the citizens who live in the Village along with Little Ferry. It felt like an event. I really enjoyed covering the players. STADIUM JOURNEY:What's your favorite New York sports venue? Why? LESLIE MONTEIRO: Citi Field. It's a beautiful, underrated place to watch a ballgame. You feel like you are in heaven as soon as you get off Willets Point when you take the 7 train or LIRR. Just so clean.   STADIUM JOURNEY: Where do you stand on hockey? LESLIE MONTEIRO: I love it. It's exciting. Who would've thought Gary Bettman would be the best commissioner in sports? The league is in its best shape since 1993. Plenty of exciting players. Beautiful sparkling arenas, including one on Long Island, the four-year old UBS Arena. Small-market Canadian teams have a shot to do well. Expansion is coming. If we can only get rid of the shootout to determine wins, it would be perfect. STADIUM JOURNEY: When did you start covering sports? Which sportswriters inspired you? LESLIE MONTEIRO: I started covering sports in 2006 when I covered high school sports for Ridgefield Park High School in Bergen County, New Jersey. I never was interested in doing this, but my former boss, Maryann Sena, urged me to write. In fact, she campaigned for me to write about high school sports in her town's newspaper, so I just did it out of respect for her. I never thought I would enjoy it, but I have. I had a good time covering Ridgefield Park High when the boys basketball team won a state championship and the football team competed in the state playoffs, which was often. Former Minneapolis Star-Tribune columnist Dan Barreiro, who now hosts a successful drive-time show on KFAN, and the venerable, 80-years young Patrick Reusse inspired me to write about sports. They can bust a vein like no one. Reusse continues to do this three times a week for the Minnesota Star Tribune . Great reporters, too, if I can say. STADIUM JOURNEY: Do ever have any days off from sports or is it sports 24/7, 365? If you have any time away, how do you spend it? LESLIE MONTEIRO: Sports are 24/7/365 for me. It's my passion. It has always been ingrained in me as a kid growing up. I literally think about sports almost every minute when I get up. I go travel around the country if I am on vacation. I have gone to places such as Minneapolis, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Boston and Denver. I plan on going to Seattle next year to see the Seattle Mariners.   Jon Hart is @manversusball

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Fred Rust Arena 605 S College Ave Newark, DE 19716 Delaware Blue Hens website Fred Rust Arena website Year Opened: 1971 Capacity: 2,500 Blue Hen Pride The University of Delaware (UD) is the largest university in Delaware and is located in the city of Newark (that's new-ARK, not NEW-urk like the one in New Jersey.) The Delaware athletic teams are known as the Blue Hens, after the official state bird of Delaware, and compete at the Division I level. For many years, Delaware's men's and women's ice hockey teams competed at the club level, playing their home games in Fred Rust Arena, which opened in 1971. However, in 2025, the Blue Hens' football program made the jump from FCS to FBS, and to compensate for the additional men's scholarships, the university was required under Title IX to add an equivalent number of women's scholarships. As a result, the women's ice hockey program was upgraded from club to NCAA level, and now competes in Atlantic Hockey America, a hockey-only conference formed in 2023 by the merger of the men-only Atlantic Hockey and the women-only College Hockey America. The men's ice hockey team still competes at a club level in the ACHA and plays its home games in Fred Rust Arena as well. Stadium Journey has a review of that experience , although the information there is not as current as it is in this review. Food & Beverage 4 The concession experience was vastly improved at Fred Rust Arena this season, coinciding with the move to the NCAA level. There is now an alcove next to the rink that has both a concessions window and grab-and-go snacks, sandwiches, drinks, and other items, which you can pay for either at the concessions window or at a self-checkout. However, if you are using cash, you must pay at the window. Grab-and-go snacks include cotton candy, chocolate-covered pretzels, assorted candy, drinks, and protein bars, crackers, and other miscellaneous items, as well as a refrigerator with pre-made sandwiches and other light meal options. The concession window offers hot food such as hot dogs, pizza, nachos, popcorn, and soft pretzels. There is also a machine that dispenses hot chocolate, coffee, and tea. Prices are reasonable, with nothing costing more than $5. Atmosphere 4 Walking into Fred Rust Arena will put you in a lobby filled with Blue Hens' logos, trophies, and memorabilia, decked out almost floor to ceiling in Delaware blue and gold. The ticketing table is straight ahead - either show them your ticket or buy one if you haven't yet. Then turn right and walk through the doors to the rink. There are two sets of bleachers, one on each side, which are plastic and do not have backs but do have molded seats that are somewhat more comfortable than the usual metal ones. Before the game, they will dim the lights and light up the rink in blue while the Zamboni surfaces the ice, then the lights will come on, only to be dimmed again as a spotlight shines for the player introductions. The Blue Hens have two mascots - YouDee and their child, Baby Blue, who roam the rink and the stands throughout the game, entertaining and interacting with fans. (The Delaware mascots do not have canonical genders - fans tend to use whatever pronouns they want to refer to them) Neighborhood 3 Newark is a typical East Coast college town. Your best option is to head downtown to Main Street, which offers numerous options, including Grotto Pizza and the Deer Park Tavern. You can also head towards Christiana Mall or check out The Border Café, known for its Tex-Mex food and large “EAT” sign. Fans will also want to check out the UDairy Creamery, which makes ice cream right on campus and is conveniently located right next door to Fred Rust Arena. Although their ice cream is not sold at hockey games like it is at Delaware basketball games at the Bob Carpenter Center , it is incredibly easy to visit before or after a game, and you do not even need to move your car. Fans 3 Delaware draws a few hundred fans to a typical women's hockey game at Fred Rust Arena. The crowd is a good mix of friends and family, and locals. This is the Blue Hens' first season as an NCAA program, but they have built up a following over the years at the club level. With the low ceilings, it can get quite loud in here at times, and as excitement grows in future years, the experience should only get better in this regard. Access 4 The University of Delaware campus is conveniently located right off Interstate 95. If coming from the north, take the last exit in Delaware, and the campus will be only a few blocks away. If coming from the south, you are better off getting off at the last exit in Maryland and driving a couple of miles on local roads to avoid the tolls - this will only add about a minute to the drive and will save you $5 each way. Once on campus, there is a large lot next to Fred Rust Arena, and you pay for parking through the Passport Parking app. It will cost between $5 and $12 or so, depending on how early you arrive and how long you stay. Just keep in mind that a few spots are reserved for Creamery patrons. These are free to park in, but are short-term spaces, so unless you are just popping in to the game for a few minutes and leaving, you should not park there. Restrooms are located through a door just to the right of the entrance to the main rink area after you come in. They are more than spacious enough for the typical crowds, though there may be a short line at intermissions. Return on Investment 4 Single-game tickets are just $10 for adults and $5 for children 3-12. Concessions are also quite affordable. However, the cost to park, which is really unnecessary given the size of the lot relative to demand, brings this score down a notch. Extras 3 Check out the banners and memorabilia for the various UD hockey and ice skating teams. The teams have shown great success over the years, including winning the 2012 ACHA national championship. The UD figure skating team has also enjoyed much success with some athletes, such as Tara Lipinski, who have gone on to the Olympics. Also check out the marketing table by the entrance, with giveaways at each game, such as posters, as well as special promotional items like hockey socks at select contests. A third and final star for the fact that kids have a chance to skate on the ice after select home games. Final Thoughts Although Delaware women's ice hockey is only in its first year at the NCAA level, it calls a great rink home and has already built a loyal following through their decades as a club team. If you're a hockey fan in Delaware, or in nearby Maryland or Pennsylvania, you will want to make the trip out here to check out a game.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.29 Kehoe Field 37th Street NW Washington, DC 20007 Georgetown Hoyas website Kehoe Field website Year Opened: 1956 Capacity: No permanent seating Hockey on the Hilltop Georgetown University's field hockey has called many different stadiums home over the years. Until 2007, they played their home games at Kehoe Field, a recreational turf field located on the roof of Yates Field House. In 2008, they moved to what was then known as Multi-Sport Field and is now known as Cooper Field , which is also home to the Hoyas' football and lacrosse teams. However, that stadium was far too big for field hockey, and the bladed turf was considered unsuitable for the sport, which still uses old-style AstroTurf, so from 2023 to 2025, they played off-campus at other colleges, either the University of Maryland in nearby College Park or Towson University over an hour away in the Baltimore suburbs. In 2025, the Hoyas moved back home to the turf of Kehoe Field. After playing a couple of "home" series at a neutral site in Towson, the Hoyas returned to Kehoe in mid-September. Food & Beverage 0 There is no concession stand at Kehoe Field, but fans are free to bring their own food and drink. The PA announcer read an announcement about a concession stand, but there was none to be found, and this seems to be just a way to advertise Coca-Cola, which is a sponsor of Georgetown athletics. Atmosphere 2 Kehoe Field is located on the roof of Yates Field House, a recreational gym used by Georgetown students. According to the Hoyas' athletic website, there is very limited seating available, and fans are encouraged to bring their own chairs. This is overly generous - there is in fact, no seating available at Kehoe Field whatsoever. There is one small bench near the track surrounding the field, but this is intended for people putting on or taking off equipment, or taking a break from running, and you will not be able to see any of the action from here once other fans arrive. So you will need to bring your own chair, or just stand for the whole game. The turf at Kehoe Field is significantly bigger than the dimensions of the field hockey field, so most of it is used as a seating area. You will either put your own chair along the turf or just stand there. The area of the field is clearly marked by black tubes, and as long as you do not cross the tubes, you will be fine wherever. There is a very small, temporary scoreboard behind one goal that shows only the score and clock, not time on penalty cards, penalty corners, shots, or anything like that. Even the American flag that fans face during the national anthem is temporary and is hung up along the fence before the game. Although it is great to see the Hoyas back on campus, Kehoe Field does not have the greatest atmosphere. However, this may be something they improve on in future years now that they have a home again. Neighborhood 5 Kehoe Field is located in the middle of the Georgetown campus, and you’ll probably have to head off campus to do anything. However, the Georgetown neighborhood (which lends its name to the school, not the other way around) is one of the best in D.C. There are numerous restaurants ranging from casual sandwich shop Booeymonger’s to luxurious upscale restaurants such as 1789, and everything in between. Georgetown Cupcake sells exactly what its name implies. Clyde's of Georgetown is a locally popular American pub and bar, and Chaia is known for its fancy vegetarian and vegan tacos. All of this is located just a short walk or drive away from the University. If you’re willing to head downtown to the National Mall area, the District has so much more to offer, and the best part is that most of it is free. Whether it’s taking in the sights and monuments on the Mall itself, or visiting one of the many museums such as the various Smithsonian, there’s something for everyone. All of the government-run attractions are free, but some of the private ones are not. Just keep in mind if you wish to tour the White House or Capitol, you will need to book in advance. Fans 3 Despite the lack of permanent seating, Georgetown draws a couple of hundred fans a game to Kehoe Field for field hockey. They are mainly friends and family of either the Hoyas or the visiting team, but you do get some alumni and locals. The fans are knowledgeable about the team and its players, and while the setup here isn't conducive to a good crowd, they still manage to make the most of it. Access 2 The Georgetown campus is located just across the Francis Scott Key Bridge from Virginia. Fans coming from that direction should turn left on Canal Road after crossing the river, and the campus is just up ahead after that. Coming from Maryland isn’t quite as easy, but still is pretty simple. Once you’re on campus, parking is available in the Southwest Garage. There is ample space available, but some of the spaces may be tight, especially for drivers of larger vehicles. Parking is free on Sundays but is $5 per hour, up to a total of $25, the rest of the week. If arriving after 3 PM, the max rate is $15, and if arriving after 7 PM, the max rate is $10. Once you park, you will exit the garage and walk up a hill along a road that runs parallel to the bleachers at Cooper Field. You will reach a staircase on your left that will take you to Yates Field House. Walk up the staircase, then up another staircase or ramp to the roof of the Field House, and you will find Kehoe Field. Note that there is a small lot next to the Field House, but this is reserved for Field House members. If you have a valid handicap permit, you may be able to park in a handicap space here if attending a game, but otherwise you will need to use the Southwest Garage and walk. There is no signage telling you where to go for a field hockey match until you are already right next to the entrance to Kehoe Field, at which point the signage is really unnecessary since it is obvious where you are. There are no restrooms available at Kehoe Field itself. However, there are port-a-potties at adjacent Shaw Field , home of Georgetown soccer, or you can walk down the staircase to Yates Field House and use the real restrooms in there. If you use the port-a-potties in Shaw, you should be able to see the game almost the entire time walking there and back (except while you are in the port-a-potty, obviously), but if you go to Yates, you will miss a bit of the action getting there and back. Return on Investment 3 Admission to Georgetown field hockey games is free of charge. However, between the cost of parking and the extremely basic nature of the stadium, the value here is still just average. We recommend visiting on Sunday when parking is free, as it is not worth it to pay the cost of parking just to visit this stadium. Extras 1 As Kehoe Field is located on the roof of a building on a hill, it offers gorgeous, sweeping views of the Georgetown campus below. That is about the only extra here. Final Thoughts It is great that Georgetown field hockey is back on campus after several years spent in College Park or Towson. Unfortunately, Kehoe Field is not the greatest experience yet, although we hope to see it improved in future years now that the Hoyas finally have a place of their own again.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.29 Capital One Arena 601 F St NW Washington, DC 20004 Washington Capitals website Capital One Arena website Year Opened: 1997 Capacity: 18,506 Rocking The Red In DC Capital One Arena opened in 1997 as the home of the Washington Capitals, replacing the aging Capital Centre in Landover. Since then, the Caps have experienced a dramatic rise in popularity and success thanks to players like Alex Ovechkin, culminating in their victory in the 2018 Stanley Cup Final. In addition to hosting hockey, Capital One Arena serves several other functions as well, including playing host to the Washington Wizards and Georgetown Hoyas men’s basketball. Although there was a time not so long ago when this wasn’t the case, a Washington Capitals game at Capital One Arena is a memorable experience for any sports or hockey fan. Owner Ted Leonsis has done a fantastic job at growing the team and improving the arena atmosphere since buying the team in 1999, and his efforts have shown, both on and off the ice. A new arena in Alexandria, Virginia was proposed in 2024, but fell through in the face of fierce local opposition. Instead, a renovation of Capital One Arena began in the summer of 2025, and the Caps will remain in the city until at least 2050. Food & Beverage 4 Capital One Arena has plenty of food and beverage offerings that are sure to satisfy any fan, and recently, they have added some unique options as well. Main course options include Papa John’s pizza, cheeseburgers, and chicken tenders, and the last two come with fries. Other options include Italian sausage, hot dogs, and Chick-fil-A. In the past few years, arena ownership has added even more options beyond the standard ones, including tacos and donuts. Rita's Italian ice and frozen custard are available for fans with a sweet tooth. Snacks include popcorn and hot pretzels. Thirsty fans can buy bottled water or soda, all Pepsi products. Beer and other alcoholic beverages are also available to fans of appropriate age. The one bad part is that prices are expensive, as a meal and non-alcoholic beverage will easily cost over $20, and alcohol is extremely pricey as well. Atmosphere 5 A Capitals game at Capital One Arena is a fantastic experience, starting before the puck is even dropped. A few minutes before the pregame, fog will descend from the rafters of the arena. While this may seem odd, it does serve a purpose. When the pregame starts, the lights will go out in the arena as spotlights shine through the fog, creating patterns on the ice and in the air. Meanwhile, graphics, including the Capitals' logo and video of Caps players, will be projected onto the ice itself. The team is introduced, the anthem plays as an American flag projects onto the ice, and the puck drops. A large scoreboard and videoboard overhangs center ice and shows player and team stats as well as live video of the game. Smaller boards in the corners show the players on the ice for the Capitals. The backs of these boards serve as video boards for fans sitting in the corner sections of the upper levels. Unless you are sitting in one of these sections, you will not be able to see the back of the board, but you will likely have a better viewing angle of the one at center ice. There will be content held off-ice during media timeouts and shown on the big screen. Between periods, youth teams come onto the ice and play a hockey match. The Capitals' mascot, Slapshot, is an eagle. He can be seen roaming the arena and interacting with fans. Each player has their personal goal song, which is played over the PA system after they score. Neighborhood 4 Capital One Arena is located in the Chinatown neighborhood of DC, though the area has gentrified significantly since the arena was built. The Greene Turtle is a popular sports bar located right around the corner, and there are many more options a few blocks away down 6th Street in Penn Quarter. Unfortunately, a lot of other businesses in the area have closed in recent years, between COVID and rising crime in the area. The neighborhood is still pretty safe despite public perception to the contrary, but you are in a major city, so be aware of your surroundings. Your best entertainment options will involve traveling a bit away from the arena, but not far. That’s because you’re in DC, the nation’s capital, and there’s a lot to do. The best part is that most of it’s free. Whether it’s checking out the many memorials and monuments on and around the National Mall, visiting one of the numerous museums, or simply taking in the historic sights, there’s something for everyone here. All government-run attractions are free to the public, though some private ones are not. Fans 5 The Washington Capitals draw excellent crowds to every home game - most are sold out, or nearly so. The team encourages fans to "Rock the Red," and they certainly do. They come decked out in Capitals gear and cheer their team from start to finish. Expect the place to erupt after Capitals goals. Cheers of "Let's Go Caps!" and "C-A-P-S Caps Caps Caps!" can be heard throughout the game. Air horns can be heard from the crowd as well - something that is allowed at Capitals games but not any other event in this arena. Access 4 Capital One Arena is located just steps from the Gallery Place-Chinatown Metro station on the Red, Green, and Yellow lines. Just be mindful of track work that may shut down stations or increase headways, especially on the weekends. Even people coming from outside the immediate DC area can take the Metro by parking at one of the suburban stations. Keep in mind that you will need to pay for parking with the same SmarTrip card you paid your fare with, or you will be subject to a much higher rate at certain stations. If you don’t want to take the Metro, you can drive to the game. Ample garage parking is available, but it is costly. The exact cost varies by the day and based on availability, but expect to pay at least $20 and probably much more. You can also take a rideshare such as Uber or Lyft. Once you’re in the arena, the concourses are wide enough to allow for easy navigation. There can be long lines at concessions or restrooms during intermission, but if you leave as soon as the period ends, you should be back in your seat by the time the game resumes. Keep in mind that Capital One Arena does not allow bags, clear or otherwise, into the arena. This is a frustrating policy that forces us to reduce the score in this category. Return on Investment 4 Tickets to Capitals games will start at $50-$60 for upper-level seats and go up from there. Seats in the lower level will cost several times that. Concessions are expensive as well. This is all typical of NHL arenas nowadays, and the experience here is good enough to still make this an above-average value. Still, you can expect to pay quite a bit for a Capitals game. Extras 4 Look for the banners in the rafters honoring Capitals, history, including the 2018 Stanley Cup Championship. If the Capitals are losing or tied late in the game, expect the "Unleash the Fury" video to play on the jumbotron during one of the final media timeouts. This video consists of various clips from movies and people shouting "Unleash the Fury" to pump up the crowd and excite them and the team to rally to victory. The pregame show and the ability to project images onto the ice during this show and at other times, while related, are each worthy of their extra star here. Final Thoughts The experience at a Washington Capitals game is top-notch. The crowds here are excellent, the product on the ice is outstanding, and the atmosphere is one of the best in the league. While a Caps game can be pricey, hockey fans will definitely want to make the trip to D.C. to see a game.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 TD Garden 100 Legends Way Boston, MA 02114 Boston Bruins website TD Garden website Year Opened: 1995 Capacity: 17,850 The Gahden   Going to a game in an Original Six city is a sacred pilgrimage for hockey fans, and the buildings these teams once called home were true shrines of the game. While the Boston Garden, Montreal Forum, Olympia, Joe Louis Arena, Maple Leafs Garden and Chicago Stadium have faded into history, Original Six teams continue to hold a special place in NHL lore.   The Boston Bruins are the third-oldest team in the NHL and were the first team based in the United States to join the league. 60 individuals associated with the team have been enshrined in the Hockey Hall of Fame. The Bruins have won six Stanley Cups in their history, most recently in 2011.   The TD Garden is only the third venue that the Bruins have called home in over a century of competition, after the Boston Arena (now called Matthews Arena ) and the Boston Garden. Built just nine inches from its predecessor, it is named for its sponsor, TD Bank. In addition to serving as home to the Bruins and the NBA’s Boston Celtics , the Garden annually serves as host to the Beanpot Tournament  and Hockey East Tournament.   Food & Beverage 4   The concession experience at TD Garden has never been at the forefront of the Bruins game day routine. Over the years, the concessions have improved here in both variety and quality. But be warned that concession prices here are among the highest in the NHL.     Stands at the TD Garden are organized by their menus, so hungry fans may have to do some searching to find what they want. Vegetarian, vegan, kosher, and gluten-free items are available throughout TD Garden. Some of the most popular items are the oversized pizza slices from Sal’s Pizza. For some of the more unique items on the menu, head to the Test Kitchen on Level 4. A more in-depth description of the menu, including a map of all concessions, can be  found here.  Coca-Cola products are featured at TD Garden.   Fans looking for an adult beverage will have no problem finding what they want at TD Garden. Brews from local favorites Sam Adams and Harpoon Brewery are featured among the national brands. For a great selection of local brews, head to the Sam Adams Brewzone on Level 4 or the Craft Beer Garden on Level 7.   Sam Adams Brewzone at TD Garden. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey.   Atmosphere 5   There just seems to be something special about seeing a game in the home of one of the Original Six teams. The Boston area features some of the most rabid fans in the league, and when the black and gold get on a roll, this is one of the loudest venues in the entire National Hockey League.   An evening at a Bruins game will feel very familiar to veteran NHL travelers, as the staff here in Boston doesn’t really break any new ground in terms of gameday presentation. But what they do, they do well. The giant “Hub Vision” video board is the centerpiece of the game day experience, and its high-resolution screen is used consistently with graphics, fan cams, replays, and games during play stoppages. The PA announcer and in-game emcee do a great job keeping things moving and energy up. The Bruins anthem singer, Todd Angily, has picked up the baton from the legendary Rene Rancourt and has become a Boston legend in his own right. There’s no downtime here at the Garden. The Bruins make nice use of AI-generated bear graphics to pump up the crowd throughout the game.   There’s not a lot of spare room in this tiny arena, and recent renovations have added some much-needed space to the place. Concourses were widened, and restrooms have been added. New social areas, such as the Rafters Club on Level 9 and the Back Row Bar at the top of the Balcony seating area, have become favorite spots to mingle with fans and grab a drink while watching the game.   Neighborhood 5   The TD Garden is located adjacent to Boston’s historic North End, the city’s version of “Little Italy.” While visiting, hockey fans flock to Bruin legend Ray Bourque’s restaurant, Tresca. Be sure to grab a couple of cannoli from Mike’s Pastry while here, or head to Regina’s Pizzeria, one of the top places to get a slice of pizza in the country. Many visiting fans enjoy walking down Hanover Street, taking in the sights and smells.     While many legendary restaurants around TD Garden have closed their doors in recent years, there are still plenty of dining and lodging options just steps from the venue. The Harp, Hurricane’s at the Garden, and of course, Halftime King of Pizza are just a few of the many options from which to choose. Fans looking for convenient lodging will find a Courtyard by Marriott, citizenM Downtown, and Onyx Boston all in the immediate vicinity.   Walk a few blocks further south, and you will arrive at Faneuil Hall, a collection of restaurants, shops, and clubs that is one of the city’s most popular tourist attractions. Be sure to check out the Union Oyster House, Boston’s oldest restaurant and home of the city’s best clam chowder. Statues of Celtics legends Red Auerbach and Bill Russell and be found here among all the historic sites.   Fans looking to explore Boston’s rich history can follow the Freedom Trail, which passes a few blocks from the Garden. The Freedom Trail is a 2.5-mile-long brick-lined route that connects several of Boston’s most significant historic sites.  This walking tour winds throughout the city and is one of the best ways to explore Boston. TD Garden Entrance. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey.   Fans 5   There is an adage in American hockey circles that the most knowledgeable, passionate fans in the United States live in the three “M’s” (Massachusetts, Minnesota,, and Michigan). Greater Boston is one of the most hockey-crazed areas you will find anywhere, with a dedicated fan base that can rival anything found in Canada. Even though the Bruins are going through a rebuilding period, you can expect the Garden to be packed and loud on game night.   The Garden becomes a sea of black and gold for every Bruins home game. Even the most casual Bruins’ fan seems to be louder than your typical fan. The Garden is filled with noise, particularly when the Bruins get on a roll.  It provides the team with a significant home-ice advantage and makes the Garden an intimidating arena for visitors. Visiting fans and families can still feel comfortable visiting Boston, though.   Access 3   Boston can be a difficult city to drive in, especially for a visitor who doesn’t know their way around. The best way to get to TD Garden is to take public transportation, known in Boston as the “T.” The arena is located directly on top of the North Station MBTA commuter rail station, bringing in fans from all parts of suburban Boston. For fans taking the subway, both the green and orange lines stop at North Station, right across the street from TD Garden. The $2.40 one-way fare makes the “T” Stadium Journey’s recommendation for avoiding the hassle of driving.   Although there are many options for parking in the area around the Garden it can be quite expensive to park here. The 5-level garage located directly underneath the Garden charges $65 for event parking. Several surface lots and garages in the immediate area charge $30-$50 on game night. Despite the Garden’s downtown location, there is little on-street parking around.   Over the years, the TD Garden has undergone a great deal of renovation designed to improve flow into and around the venue, as well as the creation of several new social gathering areas throughout the Garden. Some of these areas, such as the Rafters on Level 9, are among the most coveted tickets in the building.   All tickets for Boston Bruins games are now electronic. The arena’s bag policy prohibits all bags larger than 6” x 4” x 1.5”. The facility is cash-free and provides cash-to-card options for those without plastic. Complete details can be found here .   AI-Generated Bear Goal Graphic on the TD Garden Scoreboard. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey. Return on Investment 2   Going to a game at TD Garden is one of the most expensive in the National Hockey League. Even though the Bruins are going through a rebuilding period, tickets continue to be in high demand. So far this season, the least expensive tickets continue to be priced far north of $100 on the secondary market.   Adding to the high cost of attending a Bruins game is the cost of parking, which starts at $30 and has above-average concession prices. For example, purchasing a slice of pizza and a large soda will cost you close to twenty-five dollars.   Stadium Journey’s recommendation for significantly cutting the cost of attending a Bruins game: take the T and eat at one of the fine restaurants nearby before or after the game.   Extras 4                                                                                                 Statues  – A statue commemorating what is perhaps hockey’s most iconic photograph, Bobby Orr’s 1970 Stanley Cup-winning goal, stands at the entrance to TD Garden. The team also commissioned a giant roaring bear statue for their 100 th  season, which stands in a small park adjacent to the arena. Statues of Celtics legends Red Auerbach and Bill Russell are nearby in Faneuil Hall and City Hall Plaza, respectively.   Banners  – Banners honoring the Bruins Stanley Cup championships and other achievements hang from the Garden’s rafters. Twelve Bruins have had their numbers retired, with Zdeno Chara’s number 33 to join them in January. Also, there are banners commemorating the Beanpot Tournament and the Hockey East Tournament, both held here annually. Plus, there are also all those Celtics championship banners hanging around.   Museums  – Perhaps the greatest hidden sports gem in Boston is the Sports Museum. Located on levels 5 and 6 of the Garden, The Sports Museum features items celebrating the city of Boston’s long and storied sports history. Heritage Hall was opened to celebrate the Bruins’ 100 th anniversary, honoring the team’s history with memorabilia, technology, and interactive activities.   History  – As you may expect from one of the NHL’s Original Six teams, many sporting events of great importance have occurred here. Oversized murals depict iconic moments in the arena’s history on both concourses.   Bruins Centennial Legacy Monument next to TD Garden. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey. Final Thoughts   TD Garden is never mentioned among the elite venues of the National Hockey League. But a visit to Boston has to be considered on any hockey fan’s short list. The fans, the neighborhood, and the Garden will not disappoint any Stadium Journeyer. ------   Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter  and Instagram  @PuckmanRI.

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Phillip Beard Stadium 2440 Buford Highway Buford, GA 30518 Buford High School Wolves website Phillip Beard Stadium website Year Opened: 2025 Capacity: 10,000 Welcome to Gloryland The high school football stadium arms race has long been dominated by schools in Texas, but a new challenger has entered the ring. In the northeast suburbs of Atlanta, Buford High School has raised the stakes with the unveiling of its $62 million Phillip Beard Stadium, one of the most lavish high school football facilities in the nation. Buford is not just another strong program – it is one of the most established high school football dynasties in the state. The Wolves have captured 14 state championships while producing some of the top college football recruits in the country. To grasp the scale of this stadium project, consider that, even when adjusted for inflation, the new stadium cost more than three Georgia college stadiums built in the 2000s: Kennesaw State’s Fifth Third Bank Stadium , Mercer’s Five Star Stadium , and the University of West Georgia’s University Stadium . Before moving into Phillip Beard Stadium, Buford played just around the corner at Tom Riden Stadium on the former high school campus, now home to Buford Middle School. The new venue is named for longtime city commissioner and school board chair Philip Beard, who has overseen the rise of the City of Buford’s deep intertwining of civic pride and athletic ambition. Beard is also a former Buford High School athletics director, and many credit him with the upward trajectory of the City of Buford under his leadership since 1979.   Food & Beverage   3 Concessions at Phillip Beard Stadium are what would be expected at most high school venues. The menu centers on the classics: burgers, hot dogs, chicken sandwiches, and barbecue sandwiches, supported by a range of chips and candy at the main stand. A King of Pops cart adds a nice local touch, offering fans handcrafted popsicles that feel perfectly suited for those warm Georgia evenings. Also, as would be expected at just about any high school in Georgia, drinks come from the Coca-Cola family of beverages. This includes not just soft drinks, but also Powerade and Dasani bottled water are available.   Atmosphere   4 The stadium takes no shortcuts when it comes to grandeur, a consistent theme across all of Buford’s athletic facilities. The exterior grounds are almost entirely covered in field turf rather than natural grass, giving the complex a pristine, manicured look that’s complemented by a row of stately pillars bearing the Buford “B.” Fans are greeted by a massive, two-sided scoreboard spanning 3,600 square feet. The inward-facing screen commands attention on game nights, while the outward-facing side serves mostly as advertising space, a subtle reminder of how commercial high school sports have become. Additional ribbon boards around the stadium display scores, down-and-distance, and still more scrolling ads. Built into the hillside, the brick-finished structure mirrors the collegiate feel of the adjoining fieldhouse at the south end. The north end features a 30-yard mini field designed to mimic the game field, but is reserved solely for the marching band’s pre-halftime warmups. Much of what makes football at the high school level special is the role that the marching bands play. Buford’s marching band, “The Band of Wolves,” is a cornerstone of Buford’s game day atmosphere. Their performances before kickoff and at halftime elevate the game atmosphere, though the use of the “Notre Dame Victory March” instead of an original fight song feels disappointingly generic. Sticking with the theme of Buford’s mascot, scoring plays are celebrated with the howl of wolves being played over the stadium’s speakers. One element notably missing, however, is visible recognition of the Wolves’ historic success. Despite the program’s long tradition of excellence, the stadium lacks displays or tributes that highlight the elite players and championship teams that helped build Buford’s reputation. Seating is divided into a functional, yet basic, visiting section of aluminum bleachers on the east side and a two-level home grandstand opposite. The home side features standard bleachers below and a section of chair-back seats in the upper rows between the 30-yard lines. A walkway separates the general seating from the premium areas, the latter of which includes luxury boxes and a two-level press box, a setup rarely seen at the high school level.   Neighborhood   3 Phillip Beard Stadium sits directly off Buford Highway, across from Buford High School’s campus. Just over a mile away sits Buford’s Main Street with its small-town charm, including local favorites like Main Street Deli, Rico’s World Kitchen, and Meander Brewing Company, all of which are highly regarded. With Buford’s proximity to Lake Lanier, lakefront attractions like Buford Dam Park and Lake Lanier Resort are just a short trip away. For those looking to stretch the weekend, Friday night football can easily turn into a Saturday doubleheader, as Coolray Field , home of the Triple-A Gwinnett Stripers, is just 20 minutes away in Lawrenceville. In the same area are the Mall of Georgia and Top Golf, adding to the mix of nearby entertainment options. Though Buford’s city center is on the smaller side, there is no shortage of places to eat or unwind within a short drive of the stadium.   Fans   4 High school football in Georgia is serious business, rivaling Texas, Florida, Pennsylvania, and Ohio for the most passionate fan bases in the country. That passion is reflected at Buford, where the home side and luxury suites are typically packed. The student section also helps bring an extra level of excitement to the stadium,  often including organized theme nights. The only knock is that, even in competitive games, a noticeable portion of fans leave at halftime. It does not erase the excitement they bring early on, but it does take a little of the edge off what begins as one of the more charged atmospheres in Georgia high school football.   Access   3 Buford sits in the northeastern suburbs of Atlanta, where residential developments begin to blend into north Georgia’s lakes region. Interstate 985 feeds into Buford, leaving roughly a 10-minute drive from the highway to the stadium. Two other main arteries, Buford Highway and Peachtree Highway, provide access from Atlanta and southern Gwinnett County to the south. The most convenient parking lot sits on school grounds across Buford Highway from the stadium, with several officers stationed to help fans cross safely before and after the game. High school athletics can occasionally fall into the pitfalls of unruly student and fan behavior, creating the need for stadium designs that limit direct interaction between the two sides during games. When purchasing tickets, fans must choose either the home or visiting stands, as there is no access to the opposite side once inside. Tickets are not sold at the gate; instead, sandwich board signs with QR codes direct fans to purchase them online. Buying tickets in advance is the easiest option, especially since cell service around the stadium can be unreliable. Inside the venue, the main field concourses are wide enough for fans to move comfortably, though the exterior walkways behind the press box and luxury suites can become cramped. Much of that congestion comes from students congregating in those areas, which can temporarily block foot traffic.   Return on Investment   5 New facilities often bring higher prices for tickets, parking, and concessions, but that is not the case at Buford. General admission runs $10, which includes free parking in the school’s lot across the street and on the north side of the stadium. Concession prices are also kept reasonable, making the overall gameday experience a strong value for visitors.   Extras   4 A large wolf statue greets fans as they enter the stadium grounds, serving as a popular photo spot before kickoff. Other thoughtful details continue inside, such as monitors above the concession windows streaming a live feed of the game, ensuring fans do not miss any action while grabbing a snack. At the north end of the stadium stands the Buford victory bell, a piece of local history dating back to the 1800s, when it was used to signal the start and end of the school day at the original school building. Lastly, not only is the main scoreboard a centerpiece worth admiring, but the stadium’s LED lighting package is equally impressive. The ability to turn the entire stadium Buford green gives the atmosphere a big-time feel rarely seen at the high school level.   Final Thoughts There is no denying that Phillip Beard Stadium is a stunningly lavish high school football facility, one that honors the traditions of one of the top programs in the country. The question, however, is whether a facility of this scale and cost, at $62 million and dedicated to a single school, unmatched by nearly any other stadium in not just Georgia, but in the nation, is truly necessary. While some might argue these funds could have been better spent on classroom resources or other student programs, it is worth noting that Phillip Beard Stadium was financed and is owned by the City of Buford, then leased to the school district. Ultimately, Phillip Beard Stadium stands as a testament to Buford football – a program with a rich history of championships, elite talent, and passionate fans. Its necessity may be debatable, but there is no question that it elevates the high school football experience to a level rarely seen anywhere in the country.

Fort Wayne FC introduced a whole new look and identity on Thursday night. Gone are the colors of royal, light blue, and red in favor of black and autumn gold. The new crest is a monogram of Fort Wayne surrounded by a shield. The look harkens back to imagery of football clubs of the early 20th century. ​ This switch in branding comes as the team prepares to relocate to Fort Wayne FC Park and move up to USL League One next season. The 9,200-seat venue will feature 14 pitch-level suites, loge seating, a fan zone park, a fan shop, and a beer garden. It will also feature a 120 x 35-foot LED video board. ​ Further reinforcing the new visual identity, the colors of autumn gold represent “new beginnings, prosperity, success, and nurture,” while black stands for “strength, resilience, and control.” According to Mark Music, the majority owner of Fort Wayne FC, the logo modernizes our identity and pays homage to the city. ​ “We are, and will remain, passionate about our history – including the colors and logos we’ve worn – but our new, sleeker identity more accurately represents the city in which we play and will help pave the path to our exciting future in professional soccer.” ​ New York-based designer Christopher Payne created the new identity, including nods to Fort Wayne’s three rivers - the St. Mary’s, St. Joseph, and Maume and the city’s ties to nature and recreation, with more than 80 parks and over 150 miles of trails. ​ Fort Wayne Football Club was founded in 2019 and has played the past five seasons at the pre-professional level of USL League Two. They will be one of 21 clubs competing in the third-division USL League One in 2026. ---- Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter   @ballparkhunter   and his   YouTube channel .   Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Paul Swaney, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.57 Michigan Stadium 1201 S Main St Ann Arbor, MI 48104 Michigan Wolverines website Michigan Stadium website Year Opened: 1927 Capacity: 107,601 Welcome to The Big House  Ann Arbor is the quintessential college town, and this is most obvious on a sunny Saturday autumn afternoon when the Wolverines are home at Michigan Stadium, more commonly known as The Big House. This nickname is not an exaggeration, as the gridiron is the third-largest stadium in the world behind Narendra Modi Stadium in India (114,600) and Rungrado 1st of May Stadium in North Korea (113,281), which obviously makes it the largest in the United States, even with its capacity having been reduced to 107,601 a decade ago. Michigan Stadium was constructed in 1927 at the insistence of legendary Michigan coach Fielding Yost. It originally seated 72,000, but was quickly updated to hold over 85,000. Renovations over the years gradually boosted capacity until 2010, when it reached its pinnacle of 109,901, before some accessibility modifications in 2015 reduced that to the current number. Even then, attendance regularly exceeds capacity, likely due to students packing in their section; on September 7, 2013, the stadium hosted a record 115,109 in a night game against Notre Dame. Michigan is one of the most storied programs in the history of college football. Coaching legends such as Fielding Yost, Fritz Crisler, Lloyd Carr, and Bo Schembechler have walked the sidelines. Great players such as Tom Harmon, Desmond Howard, Tom Brady, and Charles Woodson have awed the massive crowds. The 38th President of the United States, Gerald Ford, wore number 48 for the maize and blue and was a star at center on teams that won back-to-back national championships in 1932 and 1933. The program has won more games than any other college football program in any division by a margin, making up several seasons' worth of games. As of this writing, they have 34 more wins than rival Ohio State. Meanwhile, “Hail to the Victors” is among the most recognizable fight songs in all of football, and the famous winged helmets are immediately recognizable to even the most casual sports fan. All of this is to say that the Big House and a Michigan football game should sit squarely on even the shortest list of must-see venues for any sports fan. The pageantry, history, and pure joy of a Saturday in Ann Arbor are a must for all avid stadium travelers. Food & Beverage 4 The quality of concessions at a Michigan Wolverines football game is better than what you may be used to at other stadiums, but you won’t be blown away by the variety of options. Given the size of the crowd, you might expect to wait in line for some time, but there are so many concession stands that queuing will not be a major hassle. The most common stand is Wolverine Classics, which offers hot dogs ($7.25) and stadium sausages ($8.25) that are provided by Dearborn Sausage Company, and they are very good. Vegetarians can opt for the Beyond Sausage at $8. Snacks include a soft pretzel for $7 (add $2 for the cheese cup) and popped maize ($6.5) instead of popcorn, a shoutout to the school colors of Maize and Gold. If you want something a little larger, Top Dog has a foot-long coney for $14 and a foot-long currywurst for $16. Big House Burgers has a smashburger for $16, while a Mitten Burger (named for the state's distinctive outline) is an olive burger that comes with cheddar cheese and olive spread for $18.Buddy's Pizza out of Detroit is the pizza provider, with a four-square pepperoni or cheese pizza going for $16.   Coca-Cola products are on offer in various sizes. A souvenir beverage mug is $12.25, a 32-ounce souvenir cup of soda is $9.50, and a 20-ounce bottle of pop is $6.50. Bottled water will cost $5.50, while hot chocolate or coffee is $5. Keep in mind that there are “hydration stations” located around the concourse where you can pick up a free cup of water or seven if you so desire. The Great Lakes Coffee Roasting Company is for those who might need a caffeine injection, with a good variety of both hot and cold brews for between $8-11. A souvenir mug here is $12 for 24 ounces of coffee, while there is a Maize and Blue donut from Washtenaw Dairy (Ann Arbor is in Washtenaw County) is $5. Alcohol is now available at the Big House, with sales beginning in 2024. A 16-oz. A can of beer ranges between $12.25 and $13.50, while a canned cocktail goes for $16.25. Another common option is Flock, where a chicken tender basket is $13; add just 75 cents for the Hot Honey variety. This is a mere selection of what's on offer. There are food maps posted along the concourse and several news articles that detail specialty offerings such as a Cherry Bomb Meatball (chicken meatballs with curried apple and cherry gastrique). Overall, although food and beverages are rather expensive, it is of higher quality than fare found in similar stadiums. If you’re staying in Ann Arbor, though, try to save your appetite for the large selection of excellent restaurants found downtown. Atmosphere 5 Perhaps the most important thing about attending a game at the Big House is to take your time. Make a day of it and soak it all in. If you love to tailgate, then this is a great place to do it. You can shoot for the Ann Arbor Pioneer High School parking lot, the University of Michigan golf course, or in numerous driveways, church parking lots, or public parks surrounding the stadium.  This is an important part of the game day experience and really adds to the visit. Be aware that bags of any kind are not allowed inside the stadium, so only bring essentials with you, and what you can comfortably fit into your pockets.  Gates open two hours before kickoff, and I would recommend entering the stadium at least one hour before the start of the game. If you wait too long, you can experience a bottleneck and may miss some of the action while getting to your seat. As well, the Michigan marching band performs about 20 minutes before kickoff, and that is something you won’t want to miss. This goes for halftime as well; try to avoid a trip to the restrooms or concessions during intermission if you can. Despite the massive size of Michigan Stadium in terms of capacity, it actually feels rather intimate due to its single bowl design. There is only minimal space between the stands and the playing field, and a view from the back row hardly feels like a negative to your viewing experience. That said, something has to give when you factor in the number of people in the stands and the relative proximity to the game. The bench seats are small and uncomfortable, with very little room between rows. If you’re in the student section, this is somewhat alleviated by the fact that the young men and women stand throughout the contest, but in other sections, where you mostly sit, it can be quite uncomfortable. In fact, a back row seat may be the best seat in the house if you would like some back support and avoid having someone’s knees pressed against you. Note that the sections are split down the middle, so seat 1 is not necessarily an aisle seat. Use SeatGeek's very detailed map to find out exactly where you will be sitting. SeatGeek is also the official reseller for Michigan sports and generally has more inventory than you will find elsewhere. Sections 44, 1, and 2 have seats painted to show the iconic Michigan M inside a box. The large structures above both sidelines are mostly suites, and you can sometimes find seats there on the secondary market, though at quite a premium. There are two large scoreboards with HD video screens behind all of the seats at each end of the stadium. They measure 4,000 square feet and provide announcements, stats, replays, and scores from around college football for fans throughout the stadium. The pre-game hype video is narrated by the late James Earl Jones, a Michigan alumnus, and it really is quite spectacular. Fun fact: Michigan Stadium was the first sports stadium in the United States to utilize electronic scoreboards, back in 1930. Michigan Stadium Interior, Photo by Sean MacDonald, Stadium Journey Neighborhood 5 Downtown Ann Arbor is within walking distance, and Main Street is the primary thoroughfare. Here you will find a great variety of excellent restaurants, bars, shopping, and breweries.  Zingerman’s Delicatessen is a favorite spot and is featured on ESPN as the local place to go, and would be a perfect early morning stop if you want to get supplies for a gourmet tailgating party. Places like Ashley's and Arbor Brewing Company's Corner Brewery provide excellent full-service options as well. If you like Italian food, then Mani Osteria and Bar comes highly recommended, especially if you want something a little more upscale. Frita Batidos serves up tasty Cuban-inspired food. The Blue Nile serves up Ethiopian food, which is both unique and delicious. If you want to enjoy a cheaper option, the New York Pizza Depot offers some specials throughout the week. Kids will love the Ann Arbor Children’s Museum, while adults might prefer the university's Museum of Art. Both should be inspired by the Kelsey Museum of Archaeology or the Museum of Natural History. All are within walking distance of each other and the sports complex. Hotel accommodations can be found clustered near I-94 just to the south of the stadium, but expect to pay a hefty sum to stay here. If you’re flying in, the Detroit airport is about 20 miles east along I-94, and there are plenty of hotels there for a much better rate. Another alternative is to stay in the northeast corner of the city along Plymouth Road, where there are several hotels and a shuttle bus that will take you to and from the game.  Fans 5 Michigan fans love their team, and it shows on game day. The stands are decked out in maize and blue with only slight flecks of green or red, depending on the visiting teams’ colors. The crowd is appreciative of the program’s rich history and will explode when a former great visits the stadium or a video of a recent standout graces the big screen. This crowd loves to cheer, and the playing of Hail to the Victors, one of the absolute best pep songs in the history of mankind, will bring students, young and old, to a fevered pitch. Fans are also very friendly to visitors, welcoming them to the Big House with a smile and a handshake. This is the way college sports should be: friendly rivalries over a shared enjoyment of the game itself. Access 3 This is the one area that hurts the stadium's ranking, but it can be mitigated with some patience and planning. If you must drive, get there very early and park a few minutes away from the stadium, perhaps in a lot with tailgating, or in nearby neighborhoods.  For night games, you can find free parking downtown, where meters are not enforced after 6 p.m. For day games, you will have to be more creative. After the game, let traffic subside for the first hour, either by finding a tailgate to join or heading downtown for dinner and a drink.  Parking can be quite expensive, with premium spots in the Ann Arbor Pioneer High School parking lot starting at $80. There are cheaper options farther away, with the Brown Lot near the Varsity Tennis Center going for $30. The U of M golf course is $55, while entrepreneurial neighbors charge $40 to park on their lawn. Regardless, expect a long wait afterward as the stadium is quite far from I-94. Local transit provides a football shuttle from five locations and is an option if you want to avoid the hassles of driving and parking. At $1.50 each way, it is a bargain, but it too will be stuck in traffic after the game.  The seating bowl is quite compact, and it can be tough to get to your seat, but the concourses are more than enough for the crowd, particularly as the outer plaza provides plenty of room to walk around. Lines for restrooms and concessions can certainly form at halftime or immediately following the game. Given the length of TV timeouts, you might be able to sneak out just before a commercial break and get back without missing too much of the action. Return on Investment 5 Ticket prices vary based on the opponent, and it can be tough to find seats at the box office, so make use of the secondary market. SeatGeek is the official supplier and hence has more options (as well as several discount codes), but check the other sites too. For the game I attended, tickets dropped from $100 two weeks prior to $30 on the morning of the game. Note that the students sit in sections 26-33. Overall, if you go all out and tailgate in one of the nearby lots, purchase good seats, and eat at the stadium, you can spend $200-$300 per person, but there are certainly ways to save money and cut that price drastically, especially if you’re willing to walk a bit from your chosen parking location or use the shuttle bus. This is one of those stadiums that will be found on many bucket lists, and well it should be. Make the trip and you’ll feel like it is money well spent. Extras 5 There are historic touches around the stadium honoring past stars outside Sections 1-5 and championship teams near Sections 20-26. Get there early to see them all. The Circle of Champions,  also known as the Varsity Colonnade, is a circular structure with eight Doric columns inscribed with Michigan's conference and national titles. Located just inside the southeast gate, the first words of 'Hail to the Victors, ' the school fight song, are etched into the crown that sits atop the columns. There are so many other things to award points for here that it’s almost pointless to count. Whether it’s tailgating on the UM Golf Course, rising in chorus to “Hail to the Victors,” the Michigan Marching Band, or watching the team emerge from the tunnel and jump to touch the “Go Blue” banner, there’s something spectacular around every corner. Final Thoughts There is no doubt that Michigan Stadium belongs in any list of the best stadium experiences in college football, the United States, North America, or worldwide. Come to Ann Arbor and see what the Big House is all about.

Photo courtesy of Paris 24 The 2024 edition of the Summer Olympics  is right around the corner, with the games scheduled to start in Paris on July 26 and running through August 11. This year’s incarnation will mark the third time that the City of Lights has held the summer games, and marks 100 years since the last games were held there.   Hundreds of athletes from across the globe will gather in Paris to compete in dozens of competitions in the grandest display of sportsmanship and brotherhood that humanity is graced with every four years. The aim is to prove themselves against the best in the world for a chance at sports immortality – the best of the best also compete for one of the most illustrious prizes in all of sports, the Olympic medal.   “A symbol of excellence, a source of motivation, of surpassing oneself and of ultimate achievement, medals are much more than objects: they represent the apotheosis in the career of elite athletes,” said Tony Estanguet, President of Paris 2024 in a news release. “Their power to fascinate and inspire goes far beyond the circle of athletes. I see it when I take them with me on a trip, particularly in the eyes of children.”   Paris 2024, working in concert with the Paris 2024 Athletes Committee, has worked to ensure that this year’s medals are the most unique ever. In an effort to marry the strongest symbol of the Games with the figurative heart of Paris and of France, the groups collaborated with world-renowned jeweler House of Chaumet  to create something truly unique. To do so, they revamped the design to include real pieces of metal from the Eiffel Tower itself in each one.   “Thanks to Chaumet, the Paris 2024 medals have been designed like real pieces of jewelry: on both sides, they will show the most beautiful face of France” Estanguet said. “With their piece of the Eiffel Tower, they will be totally unique, creating a genuine link between the medal-winning athletes and our country.”   Real iron from the Eiffel Tower was salvaged from past renovation work and has been carefully preserved ever since. Erected in 1889 as part of the Universal Exhibition, the Eiffel Tower is an indelible symbol of Paris, and is one of the most recognized landmarks in the world.   “The Paris 2024 medals will represent the coming together of the Olympic and Paralympic Games, said Estanguet. “We are delighted and proud to present the medals for the Games of Paris 2024!” Follow Eric Moreno’s Stadium Journey on Twitter at @EricMoreno6477 . Visit Eric Moreno’s writer’s portfolio site at ericmoreno.contently.com .

Is there a better pilgrimage in sports than the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum? Quite possibly the best of all of the Halls of Fame, baseball's version is simply referred to as Cooperstown. Grab a beer and join Paul and Dave as they return to the Obstructed Views set to discuss an must-see spot for all baseball fans.! ⚾⚾

Danny Green has worked in journalism, with television’s Impractical Jokers, and he has co-created a short film, Thin Skinned , starring Richard Kind. Besides all that, he’s a rabid New York sports fan. He took a few moments to discuss.   STADIUM JOURNEY: You’re a self-described fan of all the “great” New York sports teams. Please rank them in order of importance and explain why each is important to you. DANNY GREEN: For the record, my teams, the Mets, Jets, Islanders, and Knicks have gone a combined 156 consecutive seasons without a championship. The 1986 Mets were the last ones. How crappy is that? It’s the record for teams from one city, beating Cleveland, which went 148 seasons without a championship from 1964 to 2016. The Islanders are my favorite because I was at the Nassau Coliseum for almost all of their greatest games, including the three times they won the Stanley Cup at home. The Mets are next, because winning the 1969 World Series was probably the most unlikely thing to ever happen in professional sports. My uncle Sheldon ripped out a patch of the Shea Stadium grass after they beat the Orioles, and I planted it in my backyard. In my life, I’ve only asked one celebrity to take a photo together, and that was Tommie Agee, the team’s centerfielder. The Jets could be the worst-run team in all of sports, and I despise Charles Dolan, the Knicks owner, so those two are at the bottom of my list. Danny with Tommy Agee and bro.   STADIUM JOURNEY:  Which venues do you get out to most? Which is your favorite? Why? DANNY GREEN:  MetLife is awful because of all the drunk people trying to quell their sorrow. And every time I’m at Madison Square Garden I’m reminded of being a kid and asking Robert Redford for an autograph at a Knicks game and his wife yelling at me. May he rest in peace. UBS Arena is fine; I actually enjoy the seven-mile stroll from the LIRR stop. I do like Citi Field a lot, although I feel bad for the dog who has to smoke the corncob pipe. And I’m always confused as to why the #7 Express train still makes all the local stops.   STADIUM JOURNEY: How do you pivot to comedy and get involved with Impractical Jokers? DANNY GREEN:  Court TV bought The Smoking Gun, a website I helped start. When Court TV rebranded as truTV, they asked me to work there, and it seemed like fun. Most of the truTV shows at the time were about tow-truck drivers and pawn shops. When I saw a rough cut of “Impractical Jokers,” I said, “This show is awesome. I want to be involved.” The Jokers are great guys, and we hit it off and so I was lucky enough to be involved from the first episode forward.   Danny with the Impractical Jokers STADIUM JOURNEY: What was your favorite practical joke growing up -  or even after you’ve grown up? DANNY GREEN: I have three kids, and that’s at least two more than I can handle. A few years after my third was born, my wife emerged from the bathroom to show me her positive pregnancy test. I was about to jump out the window and kill myself when she let me know she was kidding, that it was the test from an earlier pregnancy. She got me good. STADIUM JOURNEY: What’s your favorite Impractical Jokers episode? Why? DANNY GREEN: It may sound a little like I’m tooting my own horn, but my appearance as the character of Vanilla the Clown might be the most important moment in TV history. Danny Green is Vanilla the Clown STADIUM JOURNEY: You played lacrosse at Ithaca. What was that experience like? DANNY GREEN: I spent most of my time on the bench. Strangely, during my very last practice, something magical happened, and I went into a flow state and was able to see the ball and the other players move in slow motion. I had complete control of the field and the action; I was the best player out there, maybe the best player in the history of Ithaca College. Alas, that flow state never returned. I’m hoping maybe next week. STADIUM JOURNEY: What do you recall about the Ithaca-Cortland lacrosse games? DANNY GREEN: I always loved traveling to Cortland, as there was and still is an A&W drive-in restaurant on Route 13 that has some of the most delicious root beer I’ve ever tasted. And yes, addressing the quality of Cortland’s soft drinks is my way of disguising the fact that we rarely beat them in lacrosse. Danny Green in uniform for Great Neck North High School STADIUM JOURNEY: So you’ve done journalism. You’ve done comedy. Now, with the release of your short film, Thin Skinned , you’ve entered the horror-comedy arena. How does this pivot come about? DANNY GREEN: If I stayed in journalism, I was afraid I’d spend the rest of my life writing clickbait like, “Ten Things You Didn’t Know About ‘Gilligan’s Island.’” Mr. and Mrs. Green with Mr. and Mrs. Met.   STADIUM JOURNEY: Describe the process of making the film, from the germ of an idea to the finished product. How’d you manage to get actor Richard Kind involved? DANNY GREEN: My partner, Joe Imburgio, and I had written a horror movie that we thought Richard would be perfect for—he had never played a psychotic killer. Richard is, it turns out, a big fan of “Impractical Jokers,” and Joe met him at Paul Rudd’s charity bowling event at Chelsea Piers, where he pitched the idea. Richard said yes, without ever seeing the script. Apparently, he says yes to almost anything. Richard is great to work with, even though he kept all his wardrobe. But that’s a small price to pay for learning from such a big talent. Jon Hart is @manversusball

Photos by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Scottsdale Stadium 7408 E Osborn Rd Scottsdale, AZ 85251 Map It Scottsdale Scorpions website Scottsdale Stadium website Year Opened: 1992 Capacity: 12,000 Fall Scorpions Located in Phoenix’s East Valley, Scottsdale Stadium opened in 1992 and has served as the home of the Arizona Fall League’s Scottsdale Scorpions every October and November - except in 2020. Designed by HOK, the current facility was built on the same site as the original Scottsdale Stadium, which first opened in 1956. Today, the City of Scottsdale owns, operates, and maintains the stadium. As part of ongoing efforts to improve fan comfort and safety, the city recently renovated the left-field berm, adding a shaded patio area, expanded grass seating, and enhanced landscaping. (Note: this section is closed during Scorpions games.) These upgrades complement the refreshed seating area completed in 2023. The Arizona Fall League is a six-week developmental league held in several of the spring training venues across Greater Phoenix. Major League Baseball teams send top prospects for additional instruction and game experience. In 2025, the Scottsdale Scorpions roster features players from the Tigers, Astros, Mets, Giants, and Nationals. The team last claimed the Fall League championship in 2015. S cottsdale Stadium has hosted Arizona Fall League Championship games in years past, and now, thanks to its recent renovations, also accommodates concerts and other special events. Each spring, the stadium transforms into the Cactus League home of the San Francisco Giants , welcoming fan s for MLB preseason action. Food & Beverage 3 One concession stand at the main entrance is open for Fall League games, and it s ells standard ballpark fare, offering hot dogs, bratwurst, and pizza.  Snacks include Bavarian pretzels, nac hos, popcorn, Cracker Jacks, candy, and chips. The concession area also sells packaged ice cream sandwiches and cones. For drinks, Coca-Cola brand sodas and bottled water are available. A variety of canned beers is also available at the concession stand, in bo th regular size and super-size ($11.29 - $14.99). Brands include Coors, Michelob, Lagunitas, Modelo, 805, and Truly. Wine and canned cocktails are als o for sale. A Family Value Meal (4 hot dogs, soda/water, popcorn) for $57.99 or a Kids Meal (hot dog, apple sauce, box of fruit juice) for $10.99 are also for sale. The selection is basic but enough for the crowd. We recommend just getting a snack, if needed, and heading to one of the many restaurants in nearby downtown Scottsdale before or after the game. Atmosphere 3 Scottsdale Stadium offers a calm and focused setting for Fall Ball, where game day operations prioritize the action on the field over loud music or distracting noise. The intimate seating layout places fans close to the diamond, immersing them in the sensory details of the game—the pitcher’s muttered frustration after a missed pitch, the crack of the bat, the pop of the ball in the catcher’s mitt, and the entertaining conversations of fellow baseball fans. Traditional green fold-down seats span two levels, separated by a central walkway. Though snug, the seats are clean, shiny, and equipped with cup holders. Seating beyond the baselines does not angle toward the infield—a design choice from an era just before that innovation became standard. Rows offer average legroom, and recent updates have refreshed the stadium’s look: repainted concourse floors and new aluminum railings have replaced the aging green fixtures. Protective netting tapers off at the end of each dugout, allowing fans seated farther down the foul lines to enjoy unobstructed views of the game. For Arizona Fall League matchups, seating is general admission and first-come, first-served. Sunlight pours down on the first and third base side seating areas during day games, while shaded areas are available behind home plate and on the second level—giving fans flexibility to choose or shift their vantage point throughout the game. The scoreboard presents the line score with balls, strikes, and outs stacked vertically rather than the traditional horizontal format. During player introductions or pitching changes, it displays a photo along with the player’s name, number, and position. An analog clock adds a nostalgic touch. Bullpens are tucked behind the outfield walls in left and right field. Printed lineups and rosters are available at the merchandise stand near the entrance, and fans can explore the Arizona Fall League Hall of Fame along the first base inner concourse - an inspiring tribute to MLB stars who began their careers in this league. Neighborhood 5 The ballpark is adjacent to a thriving downtown neighborhood. Within just blocks (walking distance – up to but no longer than a mile) are many areas to eat, drink, shop, and sleep. It is a very safe neighborhood in which to stroll and visit. Recommended places to eat in downtown Scottsdale are Karsen’s Grill (an exceptional small bar/eatery), Los Olives Mexican Patio (Mexican and margaritas), and The Mission Old Town (modern Latin cuisine). Goldwater Brewery (an independent local brewery) is a half-mile walk from the stadium and sells a good variety of craft beers. Brat Haus is right next door to Goldwater Brewery and offers artisan sausages, Belgian fries, and 25 varieties of craft beer. There are many other restaurants and bars in the neighborhood; check here  for a directory to find others that might suit your tastes. For places to spend the night, Old Town Scottsdale has many hotels, many within walking distance of Scottsdale Stadium. The Courtyard Scottsdale Old Town, Holiday Inn Express, and Fairfield by Marriott Inn & Suites Scottsdale Old Town are just a few within a mile of the stadium.  Prices during the Fall League are more affordable than during spring training. Besides strolling through the downtown area, other things to see and do within walking distance of the stadium are the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts and the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art. Other sports venues to visit when in town are the two other East Valley Fall League stadiums: Salt River Fields and Sloan Park . A little farther away, basketball fans can watch a Suns game at Mortgage Matchup Center in downtown Phoenix. Just five or so miles south of Scottsdale, fans can catch some ASU football , basketball , or soccer matches. Fans 3 Attendance generally runs between 300 – 500 fans a game, with more fans attending on weekends and as the season progresses. As with most AFL games, fans consist of baseball scouts, retired folks, and true devotees of the game of baseball. You’ll see parents or grandparents of the players in the stands as well. It is quite easy to strike up a conversation, as most fans have baseball in common.  You’ll notice several fans keeping score. Scorpion Fan Keeping Score, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Access 3 Scottsdale Stadium sits at the corner of Drinkwater Blvd and Osborn Rd in downtown Scottsdale. None of Phoenix’s major highways pass nearby, but Loop 101 (Pima Freeway) is the closest, located a few miles east of the stadium. Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is the nearest airport, just nine or ten miles away. For public transit, check Valley Metro for bus routes serving the area. The closest public parking is the Civic Center Library Garage, adjacent to the ballpark on Drinkwater Blvd. It’s about two blocks from the home plate entrance. Parking there is free and typically available for Scorpions games. Unfortunately, the stadium and city fall short when it comes to accessible parking. Only a few wheelchair-designated spots are visibly available in the lot directly in front of the stadium, and signage is minimal.   Security at Scottsdale Stadium, like many venues these days, feels more performative than practical.  The staff checking bags at Scottsdale Stadium, often older retirees, would be quite ineffective in the event of a real security threat. Their main concern is checking to make sure bottled water is sealed or opened ones are empty.    Clean, serviceable bathrooms are open along the concourse near the tunnels. Stadium operations automated them (touchless) during the pandemic. Return on Investment 4 Arizona Fall League games, especially in Scottsdale, are just about baseball, not all the other extra entertainment and commercialization happening during spring training games. Not a whole lot of music is played to ruin hearing the natural sounds of the game. Fans can talk baseball to just about anyone and strike up a friendship, if only for a few innings. A game is still affordable, but admission prices have increased:  $14 for adults, $12 for kids 11 - 17 and seniors (60+), and children under 10 get in free this 2025 season. Fans can sit anywhere they want. The AFL sells season ticket packages (single or double), worth the investment if you and/or a friend plan on attending more than 10 or 15 games. Extras 3 Set to debut in MLB in 2026, the Arizona Fall League continues its multi-year testing of the Automated Ball-Strike (ABS) system. This season, MLB is also piloting a new check swing challenge system to assess whether a disputed swing crosses the 45° threshold. Like the ball/strike challenge, the swing motion is displayed on the scoreboard for real-time validation. Fans can enjoy unobstructed views of the action thanks to net-free seating—a rare treat for some fans and autograph seekers. Worth noting again, the Scorpions keep in-game music to a minimum, with none played between pitches or at-bats. This thoughtful approach allows fans to enjoy the game without distraction and engage in conversation without competing with loud audio - a welcome atmosphere for traditionalists. Final Thoughts For all the baseball purists, an Arizona Fall League game is just the ticket. Scottsdale Stadium and the Scorpions provide lots of baseball and sports history. If in town in October or November, stop by and take in nine innings.

Engel Stadium, courtesy of Google images. One of the country’s oldest baseball cathedrals could soon be history. ​ The University of Tennessee - Chattanooga announced plans to raze Historic Engel Stadium in favor of a women’s athletic complex to be built on its site. The university plans to redevelop the complex for soccer, softball, and beach volleyball. There is no timeline, but work could start next summer. ​ Opened in 1930, Engel Stadium was long-time home to the Chattanooga Lookouts until their move to AT&T Field in 2000. Though once a top stadium in the south, it has deteriorated and has been used sparingly, notably for the film “42” in 2013 and for the Southern League Home Run Derby the next year. Future NL MVP and World Series champion Kris Bryant won the contest. ​The stadium was built for around $200,000 and named after the team president, Joe Engel, who came to town the year before to operate the Lookouts.  Engel, the tireless promoter, left his mark in the city, staging an elephant hunt, jackrabbit races, and hiring a female to pitch against Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig in an exhibition game, and trading his shortstop for a 25-pound turkey. Joe Engel playfully forces manager Ki Ki Cuyer to sign his contract at the final game of the season in 1939. It was a modern steel and concrete “plant” that was a major upgrade over the team's former home, Andrews Field. Engel Stadium featured underground passages from the dugouts to the dressing rooms, clubrooms, executive offices, and every seat offering a clear view of the diamond. ​ A crowd of more than 16,000 packed the ballpark for the first game, with fans spilling onto the foul lines and even into the outfield to find a place to sit .  That was nothing compared to the 24,639 who witnessed a night game against the Memphis Chicks, where a lucky fan could win a house. The old stadium annually attracted large crowds compared to the big cities of Atlanta, Nashville, and Memphis. ​An overflowing crowd stretches onto the field on May 2, 1936, for a win-a-house promo. The old ballpark was also known for its massive outfield dimensions, especially the corner of straightaway centerfield that was 471 feet from home plate. Harmon Killebrew socked a homerun over the centerfield wall during his stint with the club in 1957. He was the only player to achieve the feat. Another unique feature was the left-field wall. Because Third Street gradually rose along that side of the park, a “terrace” or hill was built to bridge the grade difference between the field and the street. The word LOOKOUTS  was spelled out in large block letters across the slope. An aerial view of Engel Stadium, notice the condition of the roof and seating, courtesy of Google Images. Ironically, the Lookouts are moving to a new venue named Erlanger Park, located on the southside of town, next year. It will be built on the old US Pipe and Foundry site and incorporate pre-existing buildings in its design. AT&T Field will be redevelopment into a mixed-use neighborhood. Sadly, the stadium stands in squalid conditions. The roof is splintered, paint is peeling, weeds are covering the grandstand, there are gaps in the fence posts, and brown grass in the outfield. The Engel Foundation was formed in 2009 to preserve the ballpark, and a lease agreement was made with UTC in 2012 that saw $225,000 raised to repair the ballpark. However, the agreement ended in 2014. If an old ballpark ever needs a late-inning rally, it would be Engle Stadium. ---- Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter   @ballparkhunter   and his   YouTube channel .   Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

The Beaumont Oil Barons were introduced today as the newest member of the Mid America League. The organization revealed its new primary and secondary logos — a striking blend of modern design and classic Texas grit. The primary Oil Barons logo features a Great Dane with a bat on its shoulder dressed in a tuxedo set against the state of Texas. The dignified canine embodies the “Oil Barons” spirit—strong, intelligent, and refined—while symbolizing leadership and confidence both on and off the field. The team’s secondary logo features a towering metallic gold oil derrick and a stylized “Beaumont Oil Barons” wordmark accented in gold, black, and white, symbolizing the city’s enduring connection to energy and progress. “This is more than a baseball team — it’s a reflection of Beaumont’s story,” said General Manager Mike Marek. “The Oil Barons are here to celebrate our heritage, entertain our fans, and build something lasting for this community.” According to the team website, the name is “rich in swagger and tradition, This name conjures the larger-than-life personalities that defined an era of Texas oil wealth.” Beaumont is the site of the Spindletop gusher, discovered in 1901, and marked a major turning point for the U.S. oil industry. The area's economy is heavily focused on chemical and petroleum manufacturing. The name was chosen from five finalists after narrowing down hundreds of submissions entered by fans. The other entries that made the final round were Mudbugs, Bayou Cats, Black Gold, and Bay Hounds. However, it was a clear-cut choice with the Oil Barons moniker. “The oil industry names dominated the second round,” said General Manager Mike Marek. “The common thread was that it had to tie in with the city. The name checks it off and also builds community involvement through the voting process.”The Oil Barons will call Vincent-Beck Stadium on the campus of Lamar University home. The ballpark has a capacity of 3,500 and will feature a new indoor hitting facility that is currently under construction. It opened in 1969 and features synthetic turf. Beaumont is not the only new franchise in the league. There will be four expansion teams in Bryan and Nacogdoches, Texas, and Fort Scott, Kansas. The Fort Scott franchise announced it will be known as the Dragoons, while Bryan and Nacogdoches will announce names soon. It was an independent graphic designer who had worked on several logos in the league.  ---- Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter   @ballparkhunter   and his   YouTube channel .   Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Frank Fear spent his formative years in Central and Western New York and worked for many years in East Lansing, Michigan. But his heart belongs to West Virginia football. Frank, the managing editor of The Sports Column, took a few moments to share his journey, discuss WVU football and some other fun stuff. STADIUM JOURNEY: How and when did your love affair with West Virginia football begin? FRANK FEAR: While it began formally when I enrolled as a graduate student at West Virginia University, the connection began long before — not with WV or WVU specifically, but with that part of the country. It is a long and emotional story, and the short version is that I was drawn there, best described by a colleague who once put it this way: "It (WVU) is a place we were meant to be." As an eight-year-old, I was with my father when he passed away suddenly, and my sense of place was disrupted because of his passing. We lived in Syracuse, New York, at the time, and I needed a new place to settle. Both of my parents grew up in the same town in Western Pennsylvania, Punxsutawney, and there was something about that place that felt comfortable. As I told a friend recently, U.S. 119 runs through Punxy, and part of my life has been a personal journey down U.S. 119 because Morgantown is on that route, too. Now that I look back, that migration was the beginning of the life I live now. It was not planned and never envisioned, but I now realize that it was meant to be. I recently told this story to a friend who was visiting. He looked at me and said, "My hometown is on U.S. 119!" After over 45 years of living and working elsewhere, I am back to the place where I lived and studied decades ago. WVU football was important then, and it is now. Back in the day, completely by luck, I got the chance to assist the head football coach, Bobby Bowden at the time, in talking to recruits about WVU's academic side. My spouse, who is also a WVU master's alum, and I went to all the games at Old Mountaineer Field when we were students there. Never in my wildest dreams did I think that about five decades later—especially after spending over 40 years of my life in university academic and administrative work hundreds of miles away—that I would meet many of those WVU players from back then and write a book about them and their teams,  Band of Brothers, Then and Now: The Inspiring Story of the 1966-70 WVU Football Mountaineers  (Palmetto Publishing, 2023)   One thing led to another after that, and today with colleagues, I co-host a weekly football podcast,  Mountaineer Locker Room, Then and Now . Each week, we chat with a former Mountaineer and discuss the current team, games, and seasons, including broadcasting pre- and post-game shows. I am also the show's executive producer. Today, I am finishing a second book about WVU athletics. This one is about a 1980s-era star whose journey from Washington, DC, to Morgantown is conceptually similar to my personal journey. It’s entitled True Prue: Darryl Prue, Unwavering  (Palmetto Publishing, 2026). Nobody could script what I have just described. It has taught me to trust emergence and take one step at a time. The road will take you to where you are meant to be.      STADIUM JOURNEY: What's unique about Milan Puskar Stadium? What can visitors expect?  FRANK FEAR: Milan Puskar Stadium reminds me a lot of Jack Trice Stadium at Iowa State University, where I did my doctoral work. There is a good reason, too: the Puskar design was based on the Trice design, which had been completed a few years earlier. Trice opened in 1975, and Puskar opened in 1980. The best thing about Puskar is the environment and fan engagement. What sets WVU football apart is the connection to John Denver's " Take Me Home Country Roads ," which he sang personally at the facility's opening in 1980.  Fans and players sing the song at game endings, and the rendition, along with the location, creates an emotional experience. That said, my student experiences were all with what is now called “Old” Mountaineer Field, which was located on the university's downtown campus across from the Monongahela River. Puskar is located on the old golf course land where I used to play, adjacent to WVU medical facilities on the Evanston campus. The old field sat only a bit over 30,000 fans, but it sounded like twice that many were there. My office overlooked the stadium, offering a breathtaking view from my window, especially at night or during the winter when the stadium was snow-covered. A photo of that scene hangs today in my home office. Unforgettable!   STADIUM JOURNEY: Very important. Must places to hit for a snack in Morgantown? Why? What is their specialty?    FRANK FEAR: I make pilgrimages to Morgantown about twice a year, and being a person of habit, I tend to return to the same places. First, the go-to sports bar-restaurant is Kegler's (735 Chestnut Ridge Road), which is located near the Evansdale campus. It is called "Kegler's" for a good reason; the bar and restaurant are connected to a bowling alley. WVU coaches' shows are held in a room called "The Clubhouse." We have done our podcasts there multiple times and had a ball each time with guests, former players who come back, and fans. Everything is good on the menu, and my favorite is named after a friend, a former WVU Mountaineer offensive lineman, Dale Wolfley. Called "The Wolfe Man," it is an 8-ounce burger smothered in cheese steak and covered with Kegler's "Gold and Blue" sauce. Kegler's did not exist when I went to school, and to reconnect with bygone days, the place I like best is Mario's Fishbowl, 704 Richwood Avenue, the original location. It is located near the downtown campus and not far from where we lived as grad students. The signature there is beer served in a large, frozen fish bowl mug, and any beer tastes better that way. The food is excellent, too. I recommend the Filet Tip Hoagie, Mario's Hot Dog, and the Breakfast Burger. Finally, I always like a good microbrew, and one of my recent haunts is Mountain State Brewing   at 3505 Monongahela Blvd, not far from the WVU basketball coliseum. With a standard and rotating array of beers, I always find things to my liking. There is easy parking, and the staff is excellent. For food, MSB has an extensive menu of starters, sandwiches, flatbread and pizzas. I always get either the Caprese sandwich or the "Shrummus" sandwich, which has c heesy garlic portabella mushrooms matched with red pepper hummus, smoked Gouda, and baby spinach on toasted Italian. It is out of this world .   STADIUM JOURNEY: You grew up in upstate New York. Which teams did you support growing up? Which sports venue did you attend? FRANK FEAR: Central and Western New York, where I lived as a kid, is a different environment compared to the places I have lived in since. First, college sports are not big there except for Syracuse University. Even then, I would consider the level of support modest, except for the surrounding Syracuse area. When I moved from Central to Western New York, SU fans seemed outnumbered by “subway alumni” who rooted for the Notre Dame Irish. The Bills are the big team these days, and hockey is also big. College basketball? Sadly, no. It was when I was growing up, but not now. Even then, few of my childhood friends were into college basketball or football, for that matter. So, it was mostly me and my radio back in those days. I absolutely loved Eastern football and followed the Orange closely, paying special attention to when SU played Pitt, Penn State, and West Virginia. I was lucky enough to attend one game at SU’s old Archbold Stadium when I was a kid, and that was a thrill. I also got to see St. Bonaventure play, the big basketball school in the area at the time. It was at the old Buffalo Aud in front of a packed house. I followed the Cincinnati Reds closely on clear-channel WLW, listening to Joe Nuxhall. From time to time, I would see them play the Pirates in Pittsburgh. Sports writing began in high school, where I wrote about my high school football and boys' basketball for the local paper. In college at St. John Fisher College in Rochester, New York, I served as an assistant to the sports info director and as sports editor of the college paper. There, I got to know and work with Bob Wanzer, a former Seton Hall and NBA star (Rochester Royals), who was the head men’s basketball coach at the time. Great guy. The work was fun, and I thought I might have made a career in sports writing, but I did not. The call of academics was stronger. Now I am back where I was fifty years ago, closing the loop, I suppose.   STADIUM JOURNEY: You spent 35 years as an administrator at Michigan State. How does the game day experience at MSU compare to West Virginia? Did those teams ever play one another? FRANK FEAR : First, no, WVU and MSU have not played each other in decades. MSU is 2-1 in basketball, and the teams have not played since 1941. The MSU football team is 4-0, and the teams have not played since 1945. Big 10 sports are enormous, and so it was a scale-up from WVU and ISU. That said, the gameday experiences are very much the same—great, but also regrettable because of conference realignment, WVU, and expansion, MSU. The best days at WVU were playing rivals at home — Pitt, Penn State, Syracuse, Maryland, Boston College, and Virginia Tech. It is just not the same when K-State, Texas Tech, and Baylor come to town. Same for MSU. Yes, there is still Michigan and Ohio State, but we do not play Notre Dame regularly anymore. I never get excited about playing teams like Rutgers and prefer playing teams like Nebraska, UCLA, and USC, either as non conference foes or in a bowl game. When I got to East Lansing, football was king, but the allure faded for a bit because the Spartans went through years in the 1970s and 1980s without having consistently good teams. Basketball took a leap forward when Magic played for the Spartans, and football and basketball became more equivalent, just as they are at WVU. When I became a college administrator, we had our own football suite, which provided an entirely different game-watching experience. This was especially true when football got better during the Mark Dantonio era, with multiple Big Ten championships, Cotton Bowl and Rose Bowl wins, and a College Football Playoff appearance. What I liked best about Dantonio is how he and his staff recruited underestimated guys and developed them, for example Kirk Cousins, Le'Veon Bell. The highlight for me, in conjunction with MSU football, was serving as a mentor to the football team when Nick Saban was the head coach in the 1990s. I look back on it now and wonder, "How in the world did WVU part ways with Bowden and MSU with Saban?" Each went on to collegiate greatness.    STADIUM JOURNEY: So, tell us about The Sports Column  and how you got involved. FRANK FEAR: That is another “You cannot make this up” story. Not long after I retired from MSU, my back pain got to the point that I had to have spinal stenosis surgery. The discomfort and pain medicines made it difficult for me to read for any length of time or to write anything longer than short pieces. So, I started looking for things to occupy my time. I learned about The Sports Column , started writing short pieces, and submitted them to the editor, Brett Dickinson, who was also a sports radio producer with a weekend show out of Baltimore, MD, at the time. After writing and submitting a few articles, he asked me if I would like to become a columnist. I said yes and submitted more articles. Well, not long after, Brett got a staff position at an NFL-connected foundation, and he didn’t have the time to continue editing TSC. I volunteered, and I have been serving as managing editor since 2014. I volunteered because I emphatically endorse Brett’s vision of a site that enables fans to write full-length articles. They submit, we edit, format, and post. I have gone through that cycle about 5000 articles as managing editor. We do not have assignments, so folks decide what they want to write about and when. We have only a few rules, such as article length, so the blog is easy to manage. The first thing I do every day is check the portal, download articles, edit, format, and post—typically two to four articles a day. Brett moved up the system to lead the foundation, so he can’t devote time to TSC these days, and I continue handling all day-to-day tasks.   STADIUM JOURNEY: What are some of your favorite TSC pieces? FRANK FEAR: Ordinarily, that would be a good question, but I think it is secondary to TSC because we are a writer-centered blog. So, for me at least, it is about who writes, not necessarily what they write. Our writers range from teenagers to octogenarians, and they come from around the globe. I am most impressed with folks you would not expect to write as persistently and as well as they do. We have had several autistic writers, high school grads or less, and people from all walks of life. Some have used TSC to build a resume and then move on to other writing roles. Several have written books or will write books later, and we’ve been a place where former beat writers and columnists have settled. Let me add that I learn a lot from them because we have writers who focus on sports and sports issues, which I am less familiar with such as cricket and field hockey. Many have strong feelings about players, teams, and leagues, and want to tell their side of the story. We get game articles, critiques of players and teams, a fair bit of what I would call sports commentary, and articles about sports history, my love. My job is not to critique their writing except when they ask or are serving an internship. Not giving constant feedback is difficult for someone who has overseen over 50 theses and dissertations over the years. I am especially proud that we are a place where a bus driver or a UPS worker can write and get a byline, as well as accomplished authors. I am also proud that very few people have tried to take advantage of our open space to engage in behaviors we cannot support such as writing a personal vendetta against a coach or fellow player. An interesting side story is that TSC got me back to West Virginia. I had written an article about Jim Braxton, my all-time favorite football player there. One of his teammates read the article and passed it on to fellow players. One of those players not only read it, but he also contacted me. We talked, and one thing led to another, including writing the book I mentioned earlier. Without that contact, I can’t imagine writing that book.   STADIUM JOURNEY: What's next for The Sports Column? FRANK FEAR: I answer that question in the  The Sports Column: Written By Fans, For Fans - The Sports Column | Sports Articles, Analysis, News and Media . I will quote it here: “ TSC will last as long as it’s meant to. Continuity depends on writers who write, readers who read, and staff who take the time to publish your work. Nevertheless, there is no tomorrow unless you do your thing. If you do, then we’ll do ours.” And we will. Jon Hart is @manversusball

As the 2025 season draws to a close, it's time to spotlight the ballparks that define Double-A minor league baseball across the Eastern, Texas, and Southern Leagues. Some stadiums are timeless classics, others are newly constructed or only a few years old, and several have recently undergone significant renovations. These rankings are based on Stadium Journey ’s patented FANFARE rating scale, which evaluates each venue across seven key categories: 🍔 Food & Beverage Options 🎉 Game Day Atmosphere 🏙️ Surrounding Neighborhood 🙌 Fan Support 🚗 Access (inside and outside the park) 💸 Return on Investment 🧩 Extras - Unique features that don’t fit neatly into the other categories When two or more ballparks earn the same score, the Stadium Journey Council of Elders  steps in to break the tie with their seasoned insight. To dive deeper into each stadium’s review, just click the link associated with the team’s name. Enjoy the rankings - and see where your favorite ballpark lands! 1) Riders Field, Frisco RoughRiders   (4.57) Terry McCutchen - Dr Pepper Ballpark offers one of the best minor league baseball experiences, with an intimate setting in a populated area. The Frisco area is becoming a sports fan’s destination paradise, and the area continues to grow. If you’re in the Dallas area, be sure to give Dr Pepper Ballpark, the Choctaw Lazy River, and the Frisco RoughRiders a visit – seeing this park is well worth it for the unique entertainment experience. 2) ONEOK Field, Tulsa Drillers  (4.57) Terry McCutchen - ONEOK Field sports and entertainment is very much geared towards families and children. In addition, it is still an enjoyable visit for those without youngsters. The downtown setting and current vibe create an ambiance for after the game. Tulsa, though not the ‘hotbed’ of tourist destinations, has plenty to see and visit.  3) Dunkin’ Park, Hartford Yard Goats   (4.43) Paul Baker - Fans have embraced the Yard Goats and have come out in solid numbers for the ball club. Dunkin’ Park has the feeling of a venue that has tried too hard to incorporate as many features as possible into one place. Baseball almost feels like an afterthought here. Time will tell if this ballpark will age gracefully, but for now, it appears to be a venue well worth the wait for Hartford baseball fans. 4) HODGETOWN, Amarillo Sod Poodles   (4.29) Sean MacDonald - HODGETOWN is a great new ballpark that seems to have something for everyone. The main entrance is one of the most alluring in all of the minors, and the unique stadium name shows creativity and a desire to be different. The Sod Poodles will be a mainstay in the area for years to come, and all minor league aficionados should schedule a visit at their earliest convenience. 5) Riverfront Stadium, Wichita Wind Surge (4.29) James Hilchen - In its first few seasons, Riverfront Stadium is already a great ballpark. With the plans that are in place, it will only get better in the coming seasons. Good food, great seats, and an aesthetically pleasing stadium allow for a fun time for fans. For baseball traveling fanatics, be sure to add this one to your list; it won’t disappoint. 6) FirstEnergy Stadium, Reading Fightin Phils   (4.29) Dave Cottenie - To describe the atmosphere at a Reading Fightin Phils game is somewhat difficult; it is a place that is best served with your own eyes, and I only hope I can do it justice in this review. There is no other minor league ballpark experience quite like FirstEnergy Stadium in Baseballtown, USA. 7) Hammonds Field, Springfield Cardinals (4.29) Meg Minard - It broadcasts baseball here. It’s about the game; a baseball purist's dream. At close to twenty years old, Hammons Field and the Springfield Cardinals continue to be a perfect place for baseball enthusiasts and other fans to spend their evenings. “This is the most wonderful place on earth right now.  I feel like I’m in heaven.”  8) Blue Wahoos Stadium, Pensacola Blue Wahoos   (4.14) Matt Colville - Before you even enter the stadium, you know you are in for a special experience, as it is surrounded by the beautiful Maritime Park, instead of a massive asphalt parking lot. If you arrive early enough, take a walk around the sidewalk outside the stadium to get some great views of the bay and check out the beautiful amphitheater just over the center field wall.  9) Hadlock Field, Portland Sea Dogs (4.14) David Welch - Portland Sea Dogs baseball is quietly one of the best minor league experiences in the country, whether you are a baseball purist or a family looking for a fun, affordable outing. The experience is refreshingly straightforward, focusing on the game without losing its sense of fun for fans of all ages. 10) Canal Park, Akron RubberDucks   (4.00) Eric Hasman - Canal Park is a comfortable, clean, and well-maintained ballpark and is definitely worth the trip based upon the food alone, but the people definitely make this park a must-see. It blends in beautifully with the surrounding buildings and neighborhood streets of Akron, Ohio.  11) People’s Natural Gas Field, Altoona Curve (4.00) Paul Baker - There are many fantastic ballparks scattered throughout the AA level of minor league baseball. People's Natural Gas Field in Altoona has to be considered among the best. It’s a fun place to catch a game, filled with energy, enthusiastic fans, and plenty of entertainment to distract you. Plus, it’s hard to beat the view. 12) Toyota Field, Rocket City Trash Pandas (4.00) David Welch - What has been created at Toyota Field and in the surrounding Town Madison development creates a minor league baseball experience that builds on the local support from the community, and gives visitors all they need to make a trip to see the Trash Pandas as convenient, affordable, and enjoyable as possible. 13) Dickey-Stephens Park, Arkansas Travelers (4.00) Dave Cottenie - A trip to Dickey-Stephens Park to see the Arkansas Travelers is a great way to spend a summer evening or weekend afternoon.  The Travs offer great value in a unique setting at a family-friendly price. A must for all baseball fans. 14) Regions Field, Birmingham Barons   (3.86) Lance Sutehall - Regions Field blends both the future and the past of modern minor league ballpark design and construction. It serves as a place not only for baseball but also for the community to enjoy themselves through the season. It has revived the local neighborhood and brought fans back to downtown Birmingham. 15) Covenant Health Park, Knoxville Smokies (3.86) David Welch - Baseball’s return to Knoxville has come with a great deal of excitement, and with good reason. The stadium experience in Kodak was enjoyable, but it pretty much started when you entered the gates and ended as soon as you left. Alternatively, what the Smokies have created in Knoxville is a minor league baseball team that seamlessly transitions from outside the stadium, in, and back out again once the ball game is over. 16) Riverwalk Stadium, Montgomery Biscuits (3.86) Lance Sutehall - Riverwalk Stadium is a beautiful ballpark to visit when stopping by Montgomery. It serves the Biscuits baseball team very well and is a fun place to spend a Summer evening or Saturday. Make sure you get a biscuit while you are watching the Biscuits! 17) Keesler Federal Park, Biloxi Shuckers   (3.71) Matt Colville - For ballpark travelers, a trip through Mississippi is natural, and a stop in Biloxi is a necessity.  However, Biloxi is a solid stop for average baseball fans who are looking for a bit of a different experience.  The Biloxi Shuckers offer a great baseball experience and an outstanding concession lineup.  A trip to MGM Park in Biloxi is definitely a Shuckin’ good time. 18) Whataburger Field, Corpus Christi Hooks (3.57) Eric Moreno - Whataburger Field shows its age a little, but it is still beautifully done and in a great location. Visiting Corpus Christi is also always a great respite, whether you’re taking in another game, visiting one of the many museums, or just heading to the beach and dining on first-class seafood; there is plenty for any visitor to do. 19) Delta Dental Stadium - New Hampshire Fisher Cats (3.57) Paul Baker - A Blue Jays farm team in the middle of Red Sox territory has to work harder to keep the fans coming, and the Fisher Cats staff does a great job filling Delta Dental Stadium year after year. While this may not be the most memorable ballpark out there, plenty is going on in Manchester to make a Stadium Journey to the Granite State worthwhile. 20) UPMC Park - Erie SeaWolves (3.57) Marc Viquez - UPMC Park was a fun night at the ballpark. The pre-game ceremonies, food options, merchandise variety, and vantage points place it in a category all of its own in the Eastern League. When you add the city of Erie to your travels, you have a pleasant weekend to spend along the lake with friends and family. 21) Synovus Park - Columbus Clingstones (3.57) David Welch - Renovating a historic stadium comes with the risk of it losing its original charm, but Synovus Park succeeds in both honoring its past and offering a comfortable, modern fan experience. While not flashy, its authenticity, character, and thoughtful updates create a great atmosphere for minor league baseball. 22) FNB Field - Harrisburg Senators (3.57) Dave Cottenie - Taking a trip to City Island for some Harrisburg Senators baseball is a great plan for some summer entertainment. FNB Field is truly a unique facility, and the team puts together a good experience. Sensylvania is the place to be. 23) Momentum Bank Ballpark - Midland Rockhounds (3.57) Midland Rockhound Baseball is the only professional baseball option within 250 miles. As such, the leadership and game presentation could easily become stale, with the staff here counting solely on their monopoly to sell tickets and bring in crowds. Instead, they have chosen to offer an experience that is fun for all ages and different levels of baseball acuity. 24) Prince George’s Stadium - Chesapeake Bay Sox (3.57) Richard Smith - Prince George's Stadium is showing some age in its 30-year frame, but it is still a quality minor league stadium that is presenting a nice level of baseball talent. A fresh new logo and branding, and a commitment to the fanbase will keep many coming back to games season after season. 25) TD Bank Ballpark - Somerset Patriots (3.57) Andrew Kulyk - The Somerset Patriots have been a fan favorite for more than 25 years. Conveniently located just off the highway and surrounded by shops and neighborhoods, the ballpark offers an ideal setting for affordable, family-friendly entertainment in New Jersey. Strong marketing and community engagement have long been hallmarks of the franchise, and the team’s transition from independent ball to an MLB affiliate only strengthened its already solid reputation. 26) AT&T Field - Chattanooga Lookouts (3.43) Lance Sutehall - AT&T Field provides a beautiful view of the Chattanooga hills. Its days are unfortunately numbered, but the memories that the ballpark provided will live on through those who witnessed a baseball game there. Coming next year is Erlanger Park, which will span over 140 acres in the heart of the South Broad District, just south of Downtown Chattanooga. We will make the trip to The Scenic City next year. 27) Mirabito Stadium - Binghamton Rumble Ponies (3.43) Dave Cottenie - A trip to Upstate New York and the Binghamton Rumble Ponies is a great way to take in some Minor League Baseball.  Mirabito Stadium offers a solid facility for baseball that was highlighted by a league championship for the Baby Mets. There is plenty of fun in Rumbletown. 28) Arvest Ballpark - Northwest Arkansas Naturals (3.29) Dave Cottenie - Taking in a baseball game at Arvest Ballpark in Springdale is a great idea for the whole family, and the Northwest Arkansas Naturals provide a great experience. It’s only natural for fans to want to make return trips. 29) Nelson W. Wolff Municipal Stadium - San Antonio Missions (3.14) Eric Moreno - I currently do and probably always will have a warm place in my heart, and in my memories, for Nelson W. Wolff Municipal Stadium. I’ve seen a lot of baseball here over the years, and for whichever reason comes first, I will miss it if/when it’s gone. With that being said, I have to admit it’s not a stadium that needs to be on anyone’s bucket list.  30) The Diamond - Richmond Flying Squirrels (2.86) Joseph Oakes - This was the final season for the Squirrels at The Diamond, a 40-year-old ballpark that was well past its prime. It was beloved by many, but the next year, the team will open CarMax Park in 2026 in the Diamond District development, bringing a new era of minor league baseball to Richmond, Virginia. We will surely see it make the list next year.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Knight-Newbrough Field @ University Stadium 81 Seagram Drive Waterloo, ON N2L 3B7 Wilfrid Laurier Golden Hawks football website Knight-Newbrough Field @ University Stadium website Year Opened: 1958 Capacity: ~3,000 Seagram Revival In the post-COVID era, the Wilfrid Laurier Golden Hawks found themselves relatively homeless.  The grandstands at their home, University Stadium, had been condemned, and immediate planning for the future was required.  The Seagram Project  was born, reimagining the home for the USports football team.  University Stadium was originally known as Seagram Stadium when it was built in 1958 and named after the once local distillery.  The broader Seagram Project would see the replacement of the turf, installation of a new videoboard, rebuilding of the grandstand, including a set of stands on the south side, infrastructure for a winter dome over the field, and rebuilding of the gymnasium.  As of this writing in 2025, the north side grandstand has been completed along with the turf and videoboard, and the dome is expected to be in place for the winter of 2025-26.  From the 2021 season to 2025, the Golden Hawks have played at University Stadium in various configurations, a couple of years with temporary stands.  The Wilfrid Laurier Golden Hawks began as Waterloo College before becoming Waterloo Lutheran University in 1960.  With the provincial funding of only secular post-secondary institutions, the name Wilfrid Laurier University was adopted in 1973.  The football team has been playing since 1924 and enjoyed a modicum of success for a small school, culminating in Vanier Cup victories as National Champions in 1991 and 2005.  University Stadium has been home to the Golden Hawks since 1958. Originally called Seagram Stadium and owned by the University of Waterloo, University Stadium was purchased by Wilfrid Laurier University from the City of Waterloo in 1992.  In 2007, the field was renamed Knight-Newbrough Field after Laurier coaching legends Dave “Tuffy” Knight and Rich Newbrough. Food & Beverage 3 Concessions at University Stadium are pretty good for an OUA football facility. The main concession stand under the grandstand offers regular stadium fare, including popcorn, cotton candy, nachos, chips, and Domino’s Pizza.  Coffee and Coca-Cola beverages are also available.  In the west endzone, there is normally a BBQ going on that offers sausage, hot dogs, and burgers.  Also, for those of age, alcoholic beverages are available in the east endzone from Sleeman Brewing. Atmosphere 3 The face of University Stadium has changed significantly in the 2025 season.  The exterior of the stadium is attractive enough from the north side, which includes a gymnasium used for various school recreation activities, as well as a nice ticketing office. The field is west-east oriented, with the main grandstand found on the north side.  The old, wooden grandstand was removed in 2023, and the 2025 season began with temporary bleachers on the south side, with north side bleachers having been used in the previous season.  The first game of the season saw no north side bleachers.  In preparation for Homecoming, the third home game of the season, the Golden Hawks played a home game at neighbouring Warrior Field on the campus of the University of Waterloo.  The unveiling of the new north side stands happened at Homecoming.  The new grandstand is quite a bit different from the old one.  Now made of aluminum, the grandstand stretches from goal line to goal line, longer than the previous one.  It also has around 12 rows of seating, far fewer than the previous grandstand.  Molded plastic purple or yellow stadium seats now make up the bulk of the seating, with bleacher benches at both ends of the north side seating.  The Homecoming game had temporary bleachers on the southside, but for the final home game of the season, the bleachers had been moved, and it was clear that permanent, southside bleachers were coming soon.  Temporary bleachers have been set up in the east and west endzones this season as well. The main structure, north of the grandstand, houses the gymnasium, ticketing office, concessions, washrooms, and locker rooms.  There are a few posters on the walls, and east of the concession is a pop-up swag shop.  The brand-new scoreboard with videoboard is found at the west end.  Underneath the scoreboard, there is a sign with the name of the field and a notation of the 1991 and 2005 National Championships. However, there are no banners or signs at the moment signifying the 9 Yates Cup Championships as Conference Champions.  Hopefully, after the infrastructure has been completed, there will be the opportunity for Laurier to display and honour the accomplishments of many of the teams over the years and significant player achievements, including the two Hec Crighton Trophy winners.  Traditionally, there has been more space beyond the endzones for a beer garden and kids club.  It remains to be seen if this is part of the plans once the infrastructure has been completed. The gameday atmosphere is about what one would expect from an OUA event.  The requisite promotions are part of the fun, and the host finds fans in the stands to take part in short competitions or to be Wilf's Fan of the Game.  The cheerleading team leads the fans in standard football cheers and performs many gymnastic stunts.  The Laurier mascot, Midas, can be found around the stadium interacting with fans and posing for pictures.  Midas starts the game entering on a motorized cart and firing up the fans with a siren reel.  The Laurier anthem, “Country Roads,” can still be heard at each game.  The 2024 and 2025 seasons have seen the introduction of the Hawkline, a drumline that has been a welcome addition to the Laurier family. Neighbourhood 4 Wilfrid Laurier is an urban university located just up the street from another urban university.  As a result there are a ton of great options for pre- and post-game meals. University and King streets are where one would find most of the options.  There are a ton of great spots to get something to eat before or after the game.  Some places one might consider checking out include Crabby Joe’s, Smoke’s Poutinerie, and Ethel’s Lounge. The on-campus pub is Wilf’s and offers a great atmosphere and food while being student-run and managed.  The place you probably should settle on, however, is Morty’s Pub.  Home of arguably the best chicken wings in the city, Morty’s always satisfies your post-game craving.  Their chicken wings are legendary in the city. As far as entertainment goes, there are a few options in the Kitchener-Waterloo area. Fans planning on catching a Laurier game around Canadian Thanksgiving could be able to catch Oktoberfest.  This is the signature festival of Kitchener-Waterloo and the largest Bavarian festival outside of Germany.  There are a number of great events that take place over the 10-day festival at a variety of locations, including the numerous Fest Halls. Heading south on King Street toward Uptown Waterloo, fans will find a great spot for some evening entertainment in the Huether Hotel Jazz Room.  One of the top jazz venues in the province, The Jazz Room offers weekend performances at a great price.  There are also a number of pubs in Uptown Waterloo that feature live music. If fans are interested in enhancing their sporting weekend, then there are also a few other options.  Wilfrid Laurier also fields other athletic teams, specifically basketball at the WLU Athletic Complex  and hockey at the Sun Life Financial Arena .  Just up the road, the University of Waterloo also fields USports athletic programs. Fans will find football at Warrior Field , basketball at the Physical Activities Complex  , and hockey at the Columbia IceField .  If willing to drive across town, then fans can catch the phenomenal experience of the Kitchener Rangers  at the legendary Aud. For fans who are planning on staying the night, the Delta is just a short drive from the Laurier campus and is a pretty decent place to stay. Fans 3 Fan support for Golden Hawks football is a bit of a roller coaster affair.  Weather, time of year, and number of students on campus are all major factors for football attendance. The post-pandemic era, combined with stadium issues, has not made University Stadium the most popular place.  However, improvements to the facility, along with a 2024 run to the Vanier Cup and a strong 2025 season, have seen the attendance steadily increase. Annually, the Homecoming game previously packed well over 8,000 fans into University Stadium. Capacity for the last two Homecoming Games has been capped at 5,000 fans.  A late-season game against a weak opponent can bring in less than 1,000. As with most USports programs, Laurier needs to continue efforts to engage students and get them out to the games, regardless of the date. There is no true student section at USports football games like there are at their American counterparts. Building a better relationship with current students and finding a way to make Laurier football part of their lives after graduation will go a long way to improving fan attendance overall.   Access 4 Getting to University Stadium and around is not very difficult.  University Stadium is located on Seagram Drive, which runs between University and Albert Streets.  Fans who are coming from out of town will have a decent drive through the city, as the university campus is a fair trek southwest of Highway 85. Traffic on University Ave moves fairly quickly, so getting to the stadium should not be too much of an issue. There are a number of bus routes that travel along King St and University Ave. The Ion Light Rail also has a stop at Waterloo Park, a few steps from the stadium.  Check the Grand River Transit  website for fares, maps, and schedules. Parking can be for sale in the stadium lot, however, most spaces are reserved for season ticket holders and media.  There is some parking available west of the stadium in the Granite Club parking lot, but be mindful of the signs, as ticketing often happens for violators. Parking can also be found on campus or in some of the University of Waterloo lots that are close to Seagram Drive. The ticketing office is located in the permanent building under the grandstand. Other than that, there is no specific, grand entry gate.  Security is present at 2 or 3 gates for entry, which is more than ample for this facility, and entry into the stadium is very quick. Moving around University Stadium for the 2025 season has changed from game to game.  In the final regular-season home game, the south side was completely closed, which was better than the first game, where the north side was closed.  Permanent washrooms are decent; however, a large crowd necessitates the use of portable toilets, which are also on site. Return on Investment 4 Tickets for the Golden Hawks have come down in recent years.  Regular adult tickets are $12 if purchased in advance.  Staff, alumni, students, and seniors are all $9.50, and Laurier students are $5, while kids are $6.  Each ticket category is more expensive when walking up.  The concession prices are decent and parking can be found for free. The product on the field is significantly under-rated, and fans will no doubt enjoy their afternoon. Extras 4 An extra mark for the continued nod back to West Virginia. The heart of the Laurier athletics program came north from West Virginia. Over the years, the Hawks have embraced John Denver’s “Take Me Home, Country Roads” as their anthem. When the Hawks won the Vanier Cup in 2005, it was John Denver who blasted over the PA.  The Laurier anthem has found a home during each game, an improvement from previous seasons when it was only played at Homecoming. An extra mark for Laurier announcer Chris Povey, who has done a fantastic job as the public address announcer for Laurier football and hockey for many years. Chris brings energy and enthusiasm to the game every time and does his best to entertain and inform the crowd, even if the game is not so interesting. An extra mark for the interesting history of the Golden Hawks mascot . An extra mark for the program that Tuffy Knight and Rich Newbrough put together, and the honor of having the field named after these Laurier Legends. Final Thoughts Knight-Newbrough Field @ University Stadium continues to be a work in progress.  Significant improvements have been made to the facility.  It looks like Laurier Golden Hawk fans will be rewarded with a great facility after enduring the growing pains of a number of years of construction.  It remains to be seen just how good the final product will be when the dust is cleared and the Seagram Project is finally complete. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube , Twitter , Threads  , and Instagram @profan9.

Photos by James Hilchen, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Kansas Speedway 400 Speedway Boulevard Kansas City, KS 66111 Kansas Speedway website Year Opened: 2001 Capacity: 48,000 Speedin’ in Kansas Kansas Speedway broke ground in 1999 and officially opened on June 2, 2001, with an ARCA race won by Jason Jarrett. Since its beginnings, Kansas Speedway has grown and hosts 2 NASCAR Cup Series races annually, including a playoff race. With an initial cost of $287 million, the speedway is a 1.5-mile tri-oval track. While NASCAR is the primary tenant currently, the track has hosted both IMSA and IndyCar Series races in the past. The track once had a capacity of 82,000 at its peak, but the current setup is for 48,000. Hollywood Casino is located adjacent to the track and sponsors the playoff race in September. Food & Beverage 4 The Speedway certainly has a fan-friendly food and drink policy. Each attendee can bring one bag and a cooler (14x14x14 or smaller) in with them. The coolers can have drinks and prepackaged food in them. The only drinks you cannot bring in, understandably, are anything in a glass. If you do not bring in anything, the speedway has you covered. There is a solid selection of choices from the typical burgers and hot dogs to Philly cheesesteak, pizza, and some BBQ options. Another choice comes from Iowa. Chuckie’s famous Iowa pork tenderloin has a trailer and is highly recommended. Other typical sports fare, such as popcorn, candy, etc., is also available. The lines are generally reasonable, although ice cream does yield some wait since it is one item that is difficult to bring in. A unique soda choice limits your options to RC, 7 Up, and A&W Root Beer. There are plenty of adult beverages available, from numerous types of beer to wine to mixed drinks. All prices are in line with what you would pay at most sporting events. Atmosphere 4 The speedway experience begins before you even enter it. Prior to entering the gates are all the merchandise trucks where you can buy all sorts of items to represent your favorite team or driver. Once inside, the gates you will find all the concession areas and restrooms, which run under the seating area. There is a smattering of vendors that have displays, and NASCAR also has an area with some cars and trophies on display and hosts some Q&A sessions with drivers. Entering the seating area opens you up to seeing the entire track. There really are not any bad seats, although I would recommend sitting higher up, as it is easier to see the far side of the track, as well as having a better angle when the cars come by, as the wall does block some view of the cars as they pass, especially in the lowest seats. I’ve been to the playoff race five years in a row now. Despite being at roughly the same time of year (I attend the playoff race in September), the weather seems different every year. If you prefer shade, your best option is to purchase tickets up near the suites and press box area, as you will be in the shade most, if not all the race. Neighborhood 4 The racetrack is located just off I-70 and I-435. The area has some cool stuff above and beyond the track if you are a sports fan. Located right next to the track is Children’s Mercy Park , home of Sporting KC of Major League Soccer. Next to the soccer stadium is Legends Field , home of the Kansas City Monarchs of the American Association. Plenty of retail stores dot the area around the track. The one thing missing from the area is places to eat or drink within walking distance. There is a Famous Dave’s BBQ, and Hollywood Casino is also quite close if you are a gambler. A few blocks north, there are numerous other eating options. There are plenty of lodging options in the area. The Hampton Inn is across State Ave and a good spot for the cost. A Best Western, along with the Great Wolf Lodge Water Park, is also in the same area. Fans 4 NASCAR fans are typically a passionate bunch, and the fans here are no different. They make it well known what drivers they do (or do not) like. A good percentage of fans are wearing some sort of NASCAR gear that represents their favorite team or driver. The fans are largely engaged from start to finish, save a couple of breaks between the stages for a quick run to the restroom or to grab some food or drinks. Access 4 The track is located just off I-435 near I-70. Getting into the parking lot generally yields a very small wait, although it obviously gets busier closer to race time. Once inside the track, getting around is easy. Getting food and using the restroom have their ebbs and flows. I would not recommend waiting to use the restroom until the ends of stages 1 and 2, as everyone else is doing the same. If you head to the concession area while the race is going on, the wait time is generally minimal. Like any large sporting event, getting out after the race will be clunky and have a wait time. Return on Investment 4 The Speedway offers a great value. You can get into the spring race for $79 and up to around $150. The fall (playoff) race runs from around $100 up to $180. With the policy of bringing in your own food and drinks, coupled with the fact that parking is free (you can pay $35 if you want to park up close, and I would recommend this option as it can be a long haul back to your vehicle), the track gives you a great bang for your buck. Extras 4 The Hollywood Casino sits right next to the track, and you can eat in an area overlooking the track. A very unique experience for sure. You can purchase a pre-race ticket and go down on the track. You can walk up to pit road for an up-close view of the cars, sign the start/finish line, and be up close for the driver introductions. It’s not something I’d recommend doing every time, but it is fun to experience at least once. The playoff race weekend in the fall has numerous races, so there is a lot crammed into a few days. Combine the races with other activities for fans of all ages over the weekend, and you have a jam-packed weekend of fun. An extra point for the ability to bring in free food and drinks. Wish this was done more often at other sporting venues. Final Thoughts NASCAR fans in the Midwest do not have many options. There’s Michigan Speedway, Iowa Speedway, and Kansas (Chicagoland will return in 2026). Kansas has a lot to offer racing fans. Most importantly, you can take in a great day or days of racing at a nice venue for a great price. -- Follow all of James' stadium journeys on X @ stadiumjwriter .  Email: james.hilchen@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Matt Colville, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.29 Caesars Superdome 1500 Sugar Bowl Dr New Orleans, LA 70112 New Orleans Saints website Caesars Superdome website Year Opened: 1975 Capacity: 74,295 Who Dat Nation at Home in the Dome New Orleans is a city built on music, food, and centuries of culture, yet one building towers above them all – the golden crown of the Crescent City skyline. Since 1975, Caesars Superdome has stood as a global icon, hosting eight Super Bowls, five college football national championships, and six NCAA Final Fours. Approaching New Orleans, its distinctive gold silhouette glimmers in the Louisiana sun, a shimmering landmark visible for miles. More than just a stadium, the Dome has etched its place in American sports and pop culture, welcoming millions of fans, athletes, and entertainers to moments that have defined generations. From presidents to the Pope, from WrestleMania to The Rolling Stones, the Superdome’s stage has hosted the world’s most powerful figures and unforgettable performances. Michael Jordan and Tom Brady celebrated their first championships beneath its roof, while Muhammad Ali captured his final title in its ring. For a time, it was even home to ‘Pistol’ Pete Maravich and the New Orleans Jazz, solidifying its legacy as a basketball cathedral. Now at 50 years old, Caesars Superdome stands as more than just a stadium – it is a symbol, a storyteller, and the beating heart of a city. The Superdome stands as the largest fixed-dome structure in the world and a rare survivor of the 1970s and ‘80s dome-building boom. The building just celebrated its 50th birthday, and has aged gracefully over the years, even after withstanding the brutal test of Hurricane Katrina. In fact, Katrina may have ultimately saved the Dome’s future; before the storm, there was talk of replacing it entirely, and the Saints temporary relocation to San Antonio and Baton Rouge seemed to spell the end of football under its massive roof. But New Orleans’ bond with its team proved too strong to break – in the years since Katrina, the Superdome has undergone extensive renovations, transforming it into a world-class sports and entertainment venue that rivals any modern arena. Nearly two decades later, it stands not only as a testament to architectural resilience but as a symbol of a city and a resilient fanbase that refused to give up and let their football team leave.   Food and Beverage   4 When you are in a building the size of Caesars Superdome, you can expect a massive lineup of food and beverage options. After all, this is New Orleans, the culinary capital of the South, where food is as much a part of the experience as the game itself. Inside the Dome, there are over 200 concession points spread over six concourse levels, ensuring fans can find just about anything to eat or drink. As of now, Legends Hospitality holds exclusive concession rights – every stand is either Legends-run or subcontracted.  Cash is also no longer accepted; everything is credit or debit only. For the most authentic taste of Louisiana, the Crescent City Cuisine stand is always a fan favorite. Its menu highlights New Orleans classics, from alligator sausage and fresh Gulf shrimp to jambalaya and Ponchatoula strawberries. Another local favorite is Bayou Kitchen and Market, where you can find fried gator po’ boys and alligator jambalaya, or grab something from the custom nacho stand, which serves up seafood and Cajun-style creations.  The 504 Eats stand also features a few local items, where you’ll find menu items ranging from alligator sausage po’ boys, burnt ends nachos, and pulled pork nachos, to Ultimate Braised Beef and Chicken Tinga nachos, plus more. Bayou Kitchen & Market is another go-to, offering fried shrimp plates, crawfish pie, redfish sandwiches, and alligator sausage po’ boys. Across various levels, you’ll also find Beau Coup BBQ with cochon de lait and brisket sandwiches, Little Caesars Pizza stands, Geaux Nuts, and classic stadium fare from King’s Table and Parish Grill. On top of that, the Provisions Markets scattered around the building allow you to shop like you're in a small grocery; grab deli items, sandwiches, or wood-fired pan pizza, and check out quickly. And with the $8 souvenir cup, you get free refills at drink stations all over the concourse levels. Inside the Superdome, the Crown Royal Tchoupitoulas Bar on Concourse 114 stands out as a full-service bar, part of the Dome’s new 40-yard bar concept stretching across each sideline – it’s the place for premium spirits and cocktails, offering more than the standard beer and seltzers. Or for local flavor, Abita Bar highlights Louisiana’s own craft brews, with fan favorites like Amber, Purple Haze, and seasonal pours. Beyond these marquee spots, beer, seltzers, and ready-to-drink cocktails are available at most concession stands, while fans can also grab a $7 souvenir cup with free refills throughout the concourse levels. Together, the Dome’s drink options mix big-stadium variety with New Orleans’ signature local flair.   Atmosphere   5 New Orleans is the ultimate party city, and Saints game days are no exception – the celebration starts long before kickoff. Outside the Dome, Champions Square comes alive as fans pour in, transforming the south side of the Dome into a sea of black and gold. Live jazz, zydeco, and swamp funk bands set the soundtrack, while costumed Saints devotees dance and revel in the pregame buzz. The Square is lined with bars, pop-up shops, and food trucks serving local favorites, all framed by sweeping views of the New Orleans skyline and massive murals commemorating iconic moments in Saints history. Don’t miss Club XLVI, a premium indoor club now open to the public, where fans can soak in the atmosphere in style before heading into the Dome. The first thing you’ll notice walking up to the Dome is just how massive the building is; resembling a UFO, there is no other building in the world like it. Its round, sloping walls rise like a gold spaceship, dwarfing streets, cars, and the crowds streaming toward it. From one angle, it looks like a spaceship, from another a giant mushroom cap, but always larger than you expect. Caesars Superdome just completed a 5-year $500 million renovation, which was completed in 2024 to coincide with the Dome hosting Super Bowl LIX, the building’s record 8th time hosting the Super Bowl. The facility features eight entrances, with the primary entry point at Champions Square through Gate C, where fans step directly into the lively plaza on the 200 level. In years past each entrance offered unique exhibits that celebrated Louisiana’s football culture: a Hurricane Katrina tribute at Gate A, the Saints Hall of Fame at Gate B, a Louisiana high school football helmet display at Gate E, and a Sugar Bowl showcase at Gate G. These exhibits were removed during recent renovations, but many fans hope to see them return in the future. The Dome has also added new touches to enhance the fan experience, including a massive pro shop that opened in 2023 near Gate A on the north side. At Gate B, WWL 870 AM – the official radio home of the Saints – hosts its live pregame show, with former quarterback Bobby Hebert often at the mic, as well as franchise legend Deuce McAllister occasionally joining in, giving fans an up-close look at the pregame show. For a venue that just turned 50 years old, Caesars Superdome feels remarkably modern. Its concourses are wide, bright, and meticulously maintained, offering an easy flow for the more than 70,000 fans who pass through its gates on game day. The Dome spans six levels, with public seating on the 100, 200, 500, and 600 levels, while the 300 and 400 levels house suites and premium clubs. The new renovations dramatically transformed the concourse, adding sleek new bars, premium club seating, and the eye-catching 40-Yard Bar stretching across the east side plaza. A towering escalator now whisks fans from the 200 level up to the 600 level in under a minute, giving those heading to the upper deck a thrill before they even reach their seats. At the very top, a standing-room-only party deck in each end zone offers a unique bird’s-eye view of the action. Inside the seating bowl, the scale of the Superdome is breathtaking. With 74,295 seats and 165 luxury suites spread across six levels, it remains one of the NFL’s most impressive venues. Three premium clubs anchor the ground level: Caesars Legacy Club on the east side, Crown Royal Signature Club on the west, and Mercedes-Benz End Zone Club in the north end zone, which features suites right on the field. Adding to the spectacle, two massive LED videoboards, installed in 2016, stretch 330 feet across each end zone, delivering crystal-clear replays and dynamic graphics to fans throughout the stadium.   Neighborhood   4 There’s truly no place in the world like New Orleans; while Bourbon Street and its year-round Mardi Gras beads might grab the headlines, the Crescent City’s heartbeat is far deeper than its party reputation. Visitors quickly discover a city steeped in history and alive with culture, where music spills into the streets, Creole and Cajun flavors tempt you at every corner, and attractions cater to all ages and interests. Caesars Superdome sits tucked among the gleaming skyscrapers of the Central Business District (CBD), a neighborhood dominated by mostly high-rises and government buildings.  But there are a few attractions in the CBD worth checking out, for example, just a mile south, the acclaimed National World War II Museum offers the nation’s most extensive collection of WWII artifacts in the country – a must-see for any visitor to the city. Also nearby, Caesars Casino brings gaming to the heart of downtown, historic Saenger Theatre and Southern Contemporary Arts Center showcase the city’s artistic flair, and the iconic Roosevelt Hotel dazzles visitors each holiday season with a breathtaking holiday light display. Compared to many major cities, New Orleans isn’t spread out; most major attractions are within just 5 to 8 miles of wherever you are. The legendary French Quarter, only a ten-minute walk from Caesars Superdome, is a must-see for any visitor. While Bourbon Street’s neon glow and rowdy nightlife often define the neighborhood’s reputation, the Quarter’s charm runs far deeper. Stroll through historic Jackson Square, explore art galleries along Royal Street, browse the bustling French Market, and step into the breathtaking St. Louis Cathedral. Shoppers can also head to the three-story Riverwalk Marketplace or the upscale Shoppes at Canal Place, while Magazine Street offers a local, boutique-filled experience that stretches for miles. In addition, a ride on the city’s iconic streetcars is the perfect way to explore. Head Uptown to admire the Garden District’s stately mansions and stop at Magazine Street’s bars and restaurants. For live music, Uptown boasts two iconic venues, Tipitina’s and Maple Leaf Bar, both institutions of the New Orleans sound. Or for an even more authentic music experience, make your way to Frenchmen Street in the Marigny, where more than 50 music clubs and bars line the block. Here you’ll find a vibrant, less touristy alternative to Bourbon Street, with jazz, funk, and jam bands spilling out into the streets late into the night. Dining in the French Quarter is also an adventure all its own.  There are too many restaurants to name, but Café du Monde is a must for powdered-sugar beignets, while Pat O’Brien’s is famous for its Hurricane cocktails. Personally, however, my favorite restaurants are the hole-in-the-wall spots, or simply grabbing a po’ boy from most gas station delis – the grungier and older the place looks, the better the food. But if you want a game day spot close to the Dome, Walk-On’s, a sports bar co-owned by Saints legend Drew Brees, is just a block from the Dome, and Dave & Buster’s across the street provides another lively hangout. New Orleans also offers plenty for families. The Audubon Aquarium of the Americas sits along the Mississippi River at the Quarter’s edge, while Audubon Zoo is just a streetcar or riverboat ride away. The Garden District invites visitors to tour historic homes and maybe spot a film set or celebrity. Lastly, City Park, with its lush gardens, walking trails, and sculpture garden, is a perfect spot for a scenic day outdoors. Whether you’re here for sports, culture, music, or food, New Orleans is a city that delivers a world-class experience in a small, walkable package.   Fans   5 Saints fans are widely regarded as one of the most passionate fan bases in the NFL. A 2020 Forbes article ranked Who Dat Nation as the third most passionate fanbase in all of sports, and even more impressively, the Saints earned the highest overall score for game day experience in that same report. Part of what fuels this devotion is geography: the Saints are the only NFL franchise in the entire region, making them the team of choice for fans across the Gulf Coast. From Lake Charles to the Florida Panhandle and north to Jackson, Mississippi, and Montgomery, Alabama, the Saints’ footprint is massive; an incredible three out of four Louisiana residents proudly call themselves Saints fans. Saints fans have endured more than their share of heartbreak over the years. From the infamous “Aints” era, when frustrated fans wore paper bags over their heads, to the darkest chapter in the city’s history, when 30,000 people sheltered inside the Superdome during Hurricane Katrina, this fanbase has stood by its team through countless losing seasons and unimaginable adversity. Yet through it all, Who Dat Nation has remained unwaveringly loyal, packing the Dome to full capacity every single home game since 2006. Inside Caesars Superdome, that loyalty transforms into pure electricity. When the Saints score, Mardi Gras tunes and “When the Saints Go Marching In” blast through the speakers as fans erupt into celebration. The Ying Yang Twins’ “Stand Up and Get Crunk!” – adopted as the team’s unofficial anthem after their Super Bowl victory – keeps the energy at a fever pitch, and the duo even performed live at halftime during the most recent game I attended. After a Saints victory, the celebration doesn’t stop at the final whistle; it spills into the streets of New Orleans, where second-line parades and brass bands often lead impromptu marches through the city. Few franchises can boast a fanbase as deeply devoted as Who Dat Nation. In addition, inside Caesars Superdome, every home game feels like Halloween, with fans decked out in elaborate costumes, dressed as iconic characters who have become part of the game day tradition. There’s Darth Saint, a black-and-gold–clad Darth Vader; Santa Saint; Elvis Saint; and Moses the Saint, complete with robes and staff. The Bless You Boys, three superfans dressed as popes and bishops, roam the stands, while the legendary Whistle Monsta – known for his oversized whistle hat and relentless shrill blasts – provides a soundtrack all his own. Access   3 Getting to Caesars Superdome is easy, no matter where you are coming from, as the Dome is one of the first things you’ll see when you get into the city, no matter which direction you come from. Interstate 10 is the main way you come into town – if coming from the west, use exit 234A onto Clairborne Street, while if coming from the east, use the Canal Street exit at 235B. Navigating the one-way streets and aggressive drivers to get to the Dome once in the city may pose some issues; however, New Orleans isn't exactly known for its nice streets, as many of the streets are congested and need lots of upkeep. There are several parking garages on site, but expect to pay around $50 to park if you want to park in the garage or at any of the public lots scattered around the Dome. There are tons of public lots and garages scattered throughout the Central Business District, though, with much cheaper parking than that closer to the Dome. NOPD has upped patrols in this area due to recent crimes and snatch-and-grabs, so you should have no problem in the daylight hours, as there are tens of thousands of people walking in the streets; just make sure you lock your car. Also, when walking up Poydras Street to the Dome on gameday, expect to see multiple jazz bands playing on street corners, and people celebrating in the street like it is Mardi Gras. Once inside the Superdome, you should have no problem getting around on the wide concourses, as the only backup occurs during halftime; I tested it out, and it only took 17 minutes for me to do a complete walkthrough from one side of the Caesars Superdome to the other.   Return on Investment   4 The Saints have been in rebuild mode since the Drew Brees/Sean Payton era ended a few years ago, which resulted in less-than-stellar gameplay on the field, as two new head coaches and multiple quarterbacks have rotated in and out. The good news is that even with dynamic flex ticket pricing, prices here remain fairly cheap and easy to come by compared to NFL standards, and the atmosphere inside and outside Caesars Superdome on game day is on par with some of the best in the NFL. Saints fans are very passionate, and Who Dat Nation will show up in full force regardless of whether the team is winning, though some fans may be wearing bags on their heads. The Saints also do an excellent job at capturing the spirit and culture of New Orleans, from the brass and funk bands playing in Champions Square to the brass bands and second line parades that roam the concourse. Coming to a Saints game is something I highly recommend for people visiting New Orleans. You can still find tickets on secondary sites, though; if the Saints are winning, expect to pay a decent price, between $50 and $70, to sit in the upper decks, while to sit in the 100 or 200 levels, expect to pay a couple of hundred dollars at least. During the most recent game I attended, the Saints weren't doing too hot, so you could find tickets in the upper deck for less than $20, which I consider a great return on investment. There are no other fans in the NFL like Saints fans, and the Superdome is one of the most iconic buildings in the NFL. Plus, you get to visit a city like no other in the world when you come to New Orleans.   Extras   5 One extra for the Superdome sitting next door to the Smoothie King Center, home of the NBA's Pelicans .  Though the Saints and Pelicans never play on the same day, there are instances where they play at home on the same weekend, so you may be able to catch an NBA and NFL game back-to-back. Another extra for all the events and historic moments this iconic building has hosted over the last 48 years. The Dome just hosted its record 8th Super Bowl, and besides the aforementioned events, the Dome is also the home of the annual Bayou Classic between Grambling State  and Southern . It also hosts the Sugar Bowl and New Orleans Bowl every year, as well as the Louisiana high school football State Championships; the Caesars Superdome was also home to Tulane football until 2014, as well as home to two arena football teams and the NBA's New Orleans Jazz. It's hosted MLB and college baseball games, as well as hosted a minor league baseball team in 1977, and in 1976, soccer star Pelé played an exhibition match here, as the New York Cosmos took on the Dallas Tornados. Multiple wrestling events have been held here as well, including WrestleMania 30 and 34, plus multiple WCW events. Caesars Superdome has also welcomed several big-time concerts over the years – basically any major music star from Garth Brooks to Taylor Swift has played under its roof. Another extra for Champions Square and the tailgate area outside the Superdome – Champions Square captures the spirit and culture of New Orleans, and shows just how much the city supports the Saints. The backdrop for the square consists of large banners of signature moments in Saints and Superdome history, including banners of ‘Pistol’ Pete Maravich (a folk hero in Louisiana), Drew Brees holding up the Saints Super Bowl trophy, Muhammad Ali knocking out Leon Spinks, and a banner of the late great Saints owner Tom Benson. There is also a large statue of Tom Benson holding up the Vince Lombardi Trophy located in Champions Square, which makes for a great photo op. At Saints games, they also check your tickets at Champions Square, so you are free to walk in and out of the Superdome as many times as you want, as long as you stay on the grounds. And of course, you can't talk about the Saints without mentioning the devastating effects of Hurricane Katrina and the rebirth of the Saints after the storm. When coming to a game here, it's hard to imagine what this place looked like in the days after the storm – with a few people even dying inside the Superdome, it's hard to believe this place didn't get condemned. Nevertheless, one of the most dramatic moments in sports history occurred here on September 25, 2006, the night of the Superdome's re-opening, when Saints safety Steve Gleason blocked a punt in the first quarter of a rivalry win against the Falcons . This would kickstart an improbable run for the team and the Drew Brees/Sean Payton era, culminating four years later in this team winning its first Super Bowl. That symbolic moment of hope and resilience is captured in a bronze statue of Steve Gleason blocking that punt, located on the southeast side outside Caesars Superdome – the large statue is titled "Rebirth". Before Katrina, the Saints had only been to the playoffs five times in 38 years, with only one playoff win, but since Katrina, the Saints have been to the playoffs nine times.