Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Fortera Stadium Henry St Clarksville, TN 37044 Austin Peay Governors website Fortera Stadium website Year Opened: 1946 Capacity: 10,000 Welcome to the Fort Named after a former governor of the state of Tennessee, Austin Peay University first took to the gridiron in the city of Clarksville as an independent team in 1930. They joined their first conference in 1947 as a part of the Volunteer State Athletic Conference before moving into the Ohio Valley Conference (OVC) in 1963, where they spent the better part of the next half century. During that time, the Governors played first as a part of the NCAA College Division and then NCAA Division II until 1973, when they transitioned to the then I-AA level in 1978, long before it became the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) in 2006. After a short run in the Pioneer Football League in the early 2000s, the program returned to the OVC. Austin Peay captured the conference title in 2019 and made a run to the FCS tournament semi-finals. That success helped lead the Governors into their best stretch of success in school history, which included back-to-back championships in the ASUN (2022) and United Athletic Conference (2023), the first time the Governors have ever pulled off consecutive conference titles. With that rise in performance, football Saturdays in Clarksville now bring a renewed sense of excitement that surrounds the game day experience at Fortera Stadium. Let's find out how the gameday vibes and pre-game activities are at the home of the Governors. Food & Beverage 3 There are two traditional concession stands, one on each side of the stadium, offering a straightforward lineup of burgers, hot dogs, and nachos with cheese sauce. The home side adds a slightly wider selection with BBQ sandwiches, chili dogs, and fries, perfect for making chili cheese fries or other topped-up variations. Typical snacks like candy, chips, popcorn, as well as the always popular stadium pickle round out the snack menu. Beverages come from the Coca-Cola family, including Powerade, Bodyarmor, and Dasani water. Around the concourse, smaller vendors help break up the routine with sno cones, gourmet popcorn, and fresh-squeezed lemonade. Beer sales are limited to a single location on the home side of the stadium, but it is a highlight of local flavor; alongside standard domestics, Star Spangled Brewing’s Austin Peay-branded Governors Golden Ale and The Struggle Bus Southern IPA add a selection of Clarksville’s local brewing. Atmosphere 3 Even with a smaller enrollment, Austin Peay does an excellent job of not just filling seats, but creating a game day atmosphere many larger programs would be proud to call their own. From pregame tailgating to the energy inside the stadium, the Govs deliver an outstanding college football experience. Game day at Fortera Stadium begins when Tailgate Alley comes to life three hours before kickoff. Just west of the stadium in Lot 6, tents rise, the smell of grills fills the air, and you can hear music from a DJ. Food trucks line the lot, offering an alternative to home-cooked tailgate spreads, while two and a half hours before kickoff, fans gather along the route for the Gov Walk, cheering as the team makes its way into Fortera Stadium. Inside the gates, Fortera’s split-bleacher design creates a larger, shaded west-side grandstand topped with suites and club seating, while the east side holds visiting fans and the press box. Though the field is surrounded by an eight-lane track, the stands sit close enough to maintain intimacy, avoiding the detached feel common in multi-use venues. The home side rises about ten feet above the playing surface, combining aluminum bleachers, temporary seatbacks between the 40s, and molded chairbacks on the second tier. The north end zone features converted shipping containers turned into field-level suites, while the south end hosts a beer garden and Buffalo Wild Wings tents. The west side’s shade and amenities make it the clear choice for comfort and atmosphere. Tradition anchors the experience. A hand-crank siren signals the start of pregame, and on third downs, fans are implored to “Stomp the Fort,” the echoing of aluminum bleachers reverberating throughout the stadium. The Governors Marching Band performs during pregame and at halftime, while during breaks in the action, a mix of pop music and in-game hosting keeps the energy up. The lone scoreboard at the south end provides a video feed of the game with basic game stats of time and score, along with down and distance information. Neighborhood 4 Fortera Stadium sits on the northern edge of Austin Peay’s campus, just over a half mile from downtown Clarksville. The surrounding area has seen significant growth, blending the small-town Tennessee charm with modern development. One of downtown’s newest spots is Shelby’s Trio, a three-level building featuring the motor-themed Joe’s Garage, upscale Italian at Trattoria Di Cat’s, and the rooftop Skyline 500 Bar overlooking the Cumberland River. A few blocks away, local favorites such as Strawberry Alley Ale Works, Blackhorse Pub & Brewery, and the Taproom keep downtown lively well into the evening. For a look at Clarksville’s history, the Custom House Museum and Cultural Center, less than a mile from the stadium, highlights Clarksville’s heritage, while Liberty Park along the riverbank features a statue honoring Olympic legend Wilma Rudolph, who grew up in the city. For those looking to get into nature around town, Dunbar Cave State Park, just outside town, offers scenic trails and guided cave tours. Visitors coming to Clarksville for the weekend will find the DoubleTree by Hilton conveniently located behind F&M Bank Arena, home to Austin Peay basketball. The hotel is within walking distance of the area’s shops, restaurants, and cafes. Travelers preferring easy highway access can find a range of options near the I-24 / US-79 interchange, though that area sits several miles from Clarksville’s downtown energy. Fans 4 Average attendance at Fortera Stadium sits around 6,500 fans per game, a strong showing for the university's size. The home stands are typically more than three-quarters full, creating a lively atmosphere, especially during competitive matchups. While there does not seem to be a clearly defined student section, a cluster of fans along the field-level fence line brings energy and personality, often giving the venue a rowdy edge. Given the wide dispersion of teams in the United Athletic Conference, visiting fan turnout can be light. Access 3 Interstate 24 runs locally from Clarksville to Nashville, making the trip to Austin Peay’s campus rather simple. From the interstate, it’s roughly a 15-minute drive to Fortera Stadium. Parking is available in campus lots and streets, in accordance with typical university parking regulations. Inside the gates, the facility’s split-stand layout can make it slightly tricky to move between the home and visiting sides. For most home fans, this is not much of an issue, as that side of the stadium includes the majority of concessions and amenities. Visiting fans, however, may find that the limited food and beverage options on their side require a bit of extra navigation around the south end, to reach the main concourse. Return on Investment 5 Ticket prices start at $15 for general bleacher seating, plus a $1.50 service fee. Reserved midfield seats are priced at $20, offering one of the best views in the stadium at a very reasonable rate. Concession prices are equally affordable, making it easy for fans to enjoy the full game-day experience without overspending. Parking is also free throughout campus, adding even more value to the outing. All told, attending a Governors game remains one of the better bargains at the FCS level; a family of four can enjoy tickets, food, and drinks for under $100. Extras 4 The exterior of Fortera Stadium recognizes Austin Peay’s conference championships, including titles from the Volunteer State Athletic Conference (1948), the Ohio Valley Conference (1977, 2019), and back-to-back crowns in the ASUN (2022) and inaugural United Athletic Conference (2023) season. Inside, the facings of both the press box and suites honor the program’s nine retired numbers, while the concourse offers a deeper look into Governors football history. Large displays feature biographies of retired players, photos of championship teams, and a tribute to College Football Hall of Fame coach James “Boots” Donnelly. In addition, at the southwest end of the facility, within Blake Jenkins Plaza, stands the Fox Walk of History, a series of concrete obelisks recognizing each of the more than 1,700 players who have represented Austin Peay football. Game days are brought to life by “The Gov,” Austin Peay’s energetic mascot. He begins the day weaving through the tailgate lots, posing for photos and hyping up fans before kickoff. During the game, he’s a constant presence on the sideline, urging fans to get loud or taking aim with his t-shirt Gatling gun, sending shirts flying into the crowd in rapid-fire bursts. Final Thoughts From the moment you enter campus until you place your backside in your Fortera Stadium seat with as good a vantage point of campus as the view of the field, you’ll be surrounded by college life and surroundings. College football is as much a part of the southern college experience, and it's proudly on display in Clarksville. It's a fun, fun football experience at reasonable ticket prices. Austin Peay provides an enjoyable environment. The Governors have built a college football experience that has grown into something special in Clarksville.

Photos by Lloyd Brown and Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Daytona Stadium 3917 LPGA Blvd Daytona Beach, FL 32124 Bethune-Cookman Wildcats website Daytona Stadium website Year Opened: 1988 Capacity: 10,000 The Wildcats Lair Bethune-Cookman University is in Daytona Beach, Florida. It was founded in 1904 as the Daytona Educational Industrial Training School for Negro Girls. In 1923 it merged with the Cookman Institute. In 1941 it became a four-year college, changing its name to Bethune-Cookman College. It finally achieved university status in 2007. The school is affiliated with the United Methodist Church. Bethune-Cookman University is renowned for its work in the field of education. It now offers 39 bachelor’s degree programs and six master’s degree programs. The school has a student body of just over 3,700 students. The athletic teams at Bethune-Cookman are known as the Wildcats. The school has had a football program since 1925. They are members of the SWAC Conference, playing at the FCS level of competition in NCAA football. Over the years the Wildcats have won two Black College National Championships (2010, 2013), as well as seven conference titles. They have participated in five FCS playoffs but have yet to win a game. More than thirty Wildcats have gone on to play in the NFL. They include Boobie Clark, Larry Little, and Eric Weems. Larry Little is also in the NFL Hall of Fame. The Wildcats play their home schedule at the off-campus Daytona Stadium. The stadium is located seven miles from the Bethune-Cookman campus. The city-owned stadium was built in 1988 and has a capacity of 10,000. The field at Daytona Stadium is known as Larry Kelly Field, in honor of the late Daytona mayor who spearheaded the building of the stadium. Food & Beverage 2 After enjoying the pregame feasts among the tailgaters in the parking lot, the food and beverage offerings sold inside the stadium seem like an afterthought. The concession stands are located along the concourse beneath the stands. They offer the stadium standards, including burgers, hot dogs, fries, popcorn, chips, and Pepsi brand sodas. If you fill yourself up in the tailgate lot, you probably can get by with some bottled water or a soft drink during the game to quench your thirst on the often-balmy days and nights. Atmosphere 4 Bethune-Cookman football games are a sporting event, a family reunion, and a concert all rolled into one. Fans, family, alumni, students, Greeks, and locals arrive early to set up their tailgates in the grass parking lots outside of Daytona Stadium. It is a sea of maroon-clad fans and maroon tents to protect against the hot Florida sun. After the food, fun and good conversations are over it is time to head into the stadium. Daytona Stadium is a traditional stadium, with stands on both sides of the field. The home side is on the eastern side of the stadium. This side is populated by the parents, the student body, and the Marching Wildcats. It features seating for most of the crowd, with a very small suite at the top of the stands near the press box. There are three concession stands located underneath the stands at ground level. The visitors’ stands are on the west side of the stadium, with a much smaller set of bleachers. The playing surface is artificial turf, as there are multiple games played on it every weekend. This is because both Mainland High School and Seabreeze High School also call Daytona Stadium home. There is a 33’ X 16’ videoboard behind the end zone. It features replays of major plays during the game, as well as statistics at the end of each quarter. Anytime we talk about the atmosphere at a SWAC football game we must highlight the school’s band. They play a major role in how the game feels, whether you are 20 points ahead or 20 behind. Bethune-Cookman’s band is known as The Marching Wildcats. The band has over 300 members, making it the largest student organization on campus. The band also includes the Sophisticats Flag Corp and the 14-Karat Gold Dancers. The band plays nonstop throughout the game and is known for its halftime shows. Many fans come just for the band alone, leaving after the halftime program. In addition to Wildcat football games the band has performed at several NFL halftime shows, the Orange Bowl Parade, the Walt Disney World Holiday Parade, and the Honda Battle of the Bands Showcase. Neighborhood 2 Daytona Stadium is located several miles from the school campus. Daytona Stadium is owned by the city of Daytona Beach, and most of the neighborhood surrounding the stadium is part of the civic complex for the city. This includes office buildings, as well as the city’s water treatment plant. There are no restaurants, hotels, or shops along LPGA Boulevard. The stadium is just west of I-95, and there is very little in the way of shops and restaurants. However, just east of I-95, there are a great deal of restaurants, shops, and attractions to choose from. We found BJ’s Restaurant to be an excellent choice for a pregame or postgame meal or drink. This corridor also includes the world-famous Daytona International Speedway. It offers a wonderful tour and has a great gift shop. You can’t visit Daytona without stopping at the track! The closest hotels to Daytona Stadium are just east of I-95. They include the Homewood Suites and the Courtyard Marriott, which are both located along International Speedway Boulevard (Highway 92). Our low score for this section reflects the fact that the Wildcats play more than 12 miles from the Bethune-Cookman campus. Football games always suffer when they are played away from the campus of the school. Fans 3 Bethune-Cookman fans make a full day out of a Wildcats game. They arrive very early, as BBQs in the stadium parking lot are a cherished tradition. Many of the fans will decorate their tailgate in the maroon and gold colors of the Wildcats. Many of the fraternities and sororities will have tents set up for their members. You can’t be a Wildcats fan on an empty stomach! One of the traditions at Bethune-Cookman games is the Legacy Walk. This begins 90 minutes prior to kickoff. The Wildcats team bus parks outside the stadium, and team members walk through the crowds to their locker room. A team captain leads the Legacy Walk, and he holds a portrait of Mary McLeod Bethune, the school’s founder. Once inside the stadium, the fans create a sea of maroon and gold. They are energized by the combined efforts of the Wildcat cheerleaders and the Marching Wildcats. The school fight song is sung after each Wildcat score and the crowd also cheers for any major defensive stops or takeaways. The fans are also entertained by the antics of Dr. Wyld D Catt, the school mascot. They also wildly applaud the Marching Wildcats after each fabulous halftime show. We found the crowds to be very welcoming of any visiting team fans. Access 2 It is very easy to get to Daytona Stadium from either I-95 or I-4: From I-95: Take the exit for International Speedway Boulevard (Highway 92). Go west on I-92 for two miles. Turn right at LPGA Boulevard and go two miles. The stadium will be on your right. From I-4: Take Highway 92 exit on go east on Highway 92. Turn left at LPGA Boulevard and go two miles. The stadium will be on your right. If you are flying in, the Daytona International Airport is less than 6 miles from the stadium. You would just head out the airport exit to International Speedway Boulevard (Highway 92) and head west until you hit LPGA Boulevard. There are more than 2,100 parking spaces at Daytona Stadium. These are located on a grass lot just outside of the stadium. Tailgating is very popular at Wildcat games, so parking opens two hours prior to kickoff. You pay for parking on site. The main drawback in the accessibility of Daytona Stadium is getting in and out of the venue before and after the games. This is because there is only one way in and out of the stadium complex via LPGA Boulevard. Return on Investment 3 Attending a Wildcat game at Daytona Stadium will not break the bank, as the ticket prices are in line with what most college football games cost. A basic General Admission ticket costs $40. Tickets along the 50-yard line cost $60. The most expensive seats sold are in the VIP section atop the stands along the 50-yard line at a cost of $70. The VIP section receives special perks, including free food and beverage service and more comfortable seats. Parking at Daytona Stadium is $10. Probably the biggest cost of attending a Bethune-Cookman is related to how big a tailgate feast you want to have before the game. Many families split these costs with other members of the family. Extras 5 Daytona Stadium hosted the NAIA Football National Championship Game from 2014 through 2016. Another extra must go to the Marching Wildcats, as they play a major role in creating a high energy level in the stands at each game. The 2023 season marked the 100th year of Bethune-Cookman football. Numerous observances of the centennial were held before and at halftime of each Wildcat home game. Former UNLV and NBA basketball star Reggie Theus is the Bethune-Cookman Athletic Director and head basketball coach. Daytona Stadium is less than 6 miles from Daytona International Speedway. Even if you aren’t a race fan, it is well worth a visit. Final Thoughts Bethune – Cookman home football games are always an event to circle on your calendar. They begin with a food fest and a family reunion outside the stadium. The party continues inside Daytona Stadium with great Wildcat football on the field and a second party in the stands as the Marching Wildcats play nonstop tunes.

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Pete Hanna Stadium 800 Lakeshore Dr Homewood, AL 35229 Samford Bulldogs website Pete Hanna Stadium website Year Opened: 1958 Capacity: 6,700 Bobby Bowden Field at Pete Hanna Stadium – Samford University Bulldogs Note that the stadium name changed from Seibert Stadium to Pete Hanna Stadium in 2023. Tucked away on the back side of Red Mountain in the Birmingham, Alabama suburb of Homewood is the campus of Samford University. The southern Baptist-based university with an enrollment of just under 6,000 students has been a member of the Football Championship Series (FCS) Southern Conference since 2008. Despite the smaller setting, game days on Samford’s campus come with all the feel of college football game days in the south. Food & Beverage 5 Pete Hanna Stadium has little in the way of in-house concessions stands except a couple of Coca-Cola trailers on each side of the stadium – rather they make use of several local food trucks from the surrounding area, which provide fans with a wide variety of choices. Cricket’s Sweets & Treats with different flavors of lemonade is a popular option on hot afternoons, and other food trucks serve many high-quality options. Dog Nation specializes in combination hot dogs, sausages, and burgers, while another popular truck is Hollywood Grill, which serves Philly sandwiches, burgers, wings, and variations of fries. Taco Tuesdays serve to build your tacos and quesadillas, and Blacktop Bistro also has a well-rounded menu. Overall, the food choices at Pete Hanna Stadium are wonderful. Not only do they give fans a great variety of options, but a high level of quality. Samford does not permit alcohol consumption on its campus, so needless to say, there are no sales of beer, wine, or other spirits. Atmosphere 3 Pete Hanna Stadium blends seamlessly with the surrounding buildings. The use of brick archways at the entry points is consistent with the architecture that is a common theme around campus. The stadium itself is a bit on the small side but has a very cozy feel, right down to miniature hedges along the stands. The smallness of the stadium does help put fans on top of the action and provides great views of the play on the field. Stadium seating is comprised of two main sections of bleacher seating, built into the hills surrounding the stadium. Seating runs between the 15-yard lines on each side of the field. The west, home side of the field has a small section of nine rows of individual seat backs between the 40-yard lines. Throughout the game, most of the dead time during timeouts is filled by engaging fans in Samford football trivia, player-centered pieces, and advertisements. The marching band does play in response to big plays and scores, but for the most part, the scoreboard features play the bigger role in the game day entertainment. With the eastern stands facing directly into the setting sun for most of the game, the best bet is to go with a seat in the western bleachers. This will not only eliminate the constant distraction of the blinding sun but will also drop the temperature considerably. As of the 2023 season, the north end zone is amid major stadium upgrades which will see $65 million in renovation that will include a walkway that connects the east and west stands. Academic, student recreation and student-athlete services will also be part of the project. Neighborhood 3 Samford’s hilly campus is directly off one of the major thoroughfares through Homewood – Samford serves as a buffer of sorts between State Route 149 and the surrounding residential areas. Homewood is also full of beautiful neighborhoods and seemingly endless miles of running and walking trails. Samford is less than four miles from Homewood’s city center and has a well-rounded choice of restaurants and shops. Visitors looking for legendary Birmingham barbecue can find Dreamland BBQ just 5 miles away. A bit of what might be a controversial take: while Dreamland is a well-known, exceptionally good barbecue spot throughout the southeast, locals might point you to SAW’s Juke Joint for the best in Birmingham. There are plenty of attractions within a 15-minute drive of the Samford campus. Along with the miles of trails in the area, the Vulcan Monument sits atop Red Mountain and overlooks Birmingham. The Birmingham Zoo is also conveniently located near the Samford campus. Fans looking to make an overnight or extended stay near the Samford campus can find a Courtyard by Marriott less than 2 miles away. A bit further, but still in the area, is Aloft in the Homewood city center. Fans 3 Game days on the Samford campus have the feeling that this is the only thing of interest for the entire university on those days. As the morning moves on, the university’s quadrangle fills with what feels like the entire Samford student body. As game time gets closer, fans flock to the entrance of the University Center building in anticipation of the Bulldog Walk. The walk is the unofficial ending of tailgating on the quad, as fans begin picking up and the quadrangle's population begins migrating to Pete Hanna Stadium. Samford fans do a great job packing the house. While they may not create an intimidating football environment for the visiting team, they are into the game and react accordingly to key moments throughout the game. It is typical for Samford to nearly fill the 6,700-seat Pete Hanna Stadium during each home game. This near-capacity crowd week in and week out helps create an atmosphere that makes college football game days such a special event. Access 4 Getting to Homewood and Samford from the north or south on Interstate 65 is a relatively straight shot to campus. Those coming from the east or west on Interstate 20 must navigate a couple of bypasses before reaching Samford. It is not necessarily difficult; just a few extra off-highway miles to navigate. Upon arriving at Samford, parking is free at any of the several parking lots around campus. These can fill up fast, so the best bet might be to head to the parking deck at the back of campus and look for a shuttle bus toward the stadium and tailgating area. Pete Hanna Stadium has two entry points for general admission fans, with the third point of entry for students to easily access the student section. The eastern entry point past the statue of Bobby Bowden allows fans to access the seating behind the visiting bench, while Gate F allows fans to enter the western stands. Given the current construction, fans are not able to access the opposite side of the stadium, so fans will need to enter through the gate where their seat is located. As the renovations are completed the two sides will be connected by an arched, brick walkway, allowing fans to go between the east and west sides of the field. In all, getting to and around Samford is rather simple, but with a limited number of access points to campus, getting back on the road following the game can be a bit of a challenge. The inaccessibility of a whole side of the stadium is also a bit of a letdown, especially when it limits access to certain food trucks. Return on Investment 3 General admission tickets run $15 to $30, depending on ticket availability for each game, with reserved seating going for between $30 and $40. Games with the $15 general admission tickets are a great deal, but ticket prices increasing by 100% for more sought-after games do seem to be a sizable hike. Concessions prices at the handful of concessions trailers are inexpensive when compared to what most stadium concessions run. Food truck prices are a bit higher, but fans are getting a much better quality of food than they would at most other stadiums, so a couple of extra dollars is well worth it. With free parking, the overall investment into a day of college football is worth the cost. Extras 4 Samford has been the starting point for many successful FBS coaches. Jimbo Fisher, Terry Bowden, and Pat Sullivan, to name a few, but none has been more notable than the two-time National Championship coach Bobby Bowden. Not only has Bowden been honored with the field being named after him, but a statue outside of the main entry point welcomes fans to the stadium. Hillside seating along the berm in the northeastern corner of the stadium is a nice option for fans looking for something different than typical bleacher/bench seating. Three to four hours before the start of the game, the Bulldogs offense has a walkthrough in the quadrangle among fans; this draws the interest of a handful of attendees. The second floor of the neighboring Pete Hanna Center is home to the Samford Sports Hall of Fame. The display honors the athletic heroes of Samford and the history of the teams that represent the Bulldogs. Final Thoughts Regardless of the size of the campus, football at southern schools has a different feel to it. While many schools of comparable size as Samford in different regions of the country may have the feel of “just a football game day”, the whole feel of game day at Samford is that a whole day is an event. From the pre-game tailgate setup in the campus quad to the Bulldog Walk, the overall experience is one of enjoyment, from the pre-game festivities to the final whistle of the game.

Photos by James Clotfelter, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Morrison Stadium 1804 California St Omaha, NE 68102 Union Omaha website Morrison Stadium website Year Opened: 2002 Capacity: 6,000 More Than a Baseball Town Unless you are a true USL League One sicko, soccer is most certainly not the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Omaha. You are much more likely to associate the city with the College World Series, the Old Market District, or, if you are like me, Union Pacific and train infrastructure. But if you give it a chance, you'll find a successful soccer club nestled in a surprisingly vibrant city. Union Omaha has built a strong following despite its relatively short history. The club spent the past few years playing in Papillion at Werner Park, home of the MiLB's Omaha Storm Chasers, and now temporarily resides at Morrison Stadium on the campus of Creighton University while its permanent home is being built in downtown Omaha. While Morrison Stadium is clearly a temporary venue for the club, it still offers a quality experience and serves as a home for soccer culture in the Midwest. Food & Beverage 3 One of the few aspects that reminds you this is a temporary home is the food and beverage selection, which is not much to write home about. There are two concession windows along the main stand offering stadium basics such as Coca-Cola products, snacks, pretzels, pizza, burgers, hot dogs, and more. Prices are reasonable, the quality is average, and if all you want is a drink, there are card-operated vending machines scattered throughout the concourse for grab-and-go options. What does stand out is the drink selection, which is heavily supported by local craft beer offerings. Multiple Union Omaha-themed craft beers are available alongside domestic beers and seltzers at drink kiosks located in the corners of the main concourse. A special shout-out goes to the Union Omaha Vienna Lager and Fairy Nectar Hazy, both produced by local breweries. Atmosphere 3 A common concern with temporary stadiums is the atmosphere, but I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of the experience. First, Creighton has a beautiful campus to walk through before reaching the stadium, and Morrison Stadium's exterior blends seamlessly with the rest of campus. There is one main stand along the west sideline with a concourse overlooking the field. This is where you'll most likely enter the stadium and find the concession stands, merchandise tent, restrooms, and championship banners commemorating the success of Creighton soccer. Below the concourse sits the main seating bowl, featuring blue chairback seats on the lower level and a second deck consisting of premium seating. The south end houses the supporters' section, the north end contains group seating with oversized plastic beach chairs, and the east side features general admission with tiered grass seating. If you don't mind sitting without a chairback, I recommend general admission, as it offers the same sightlines at a lower price. During the match, the stadium filled in well, especially considering this is a temporary home for a third-division soccer club. The atmosphere is relaxed. There are chants throughout the match, but most people are there for a fun night out while casually supporting the local team. It feels like many of the attendees are regulars, with fans spending the pre-match catching up with one another while kids find a patch of grass behind the concourse to play pickup soccer. While it is not the most intense environment, the crowd clearly cares about the success of its team, and the soccer never takes a backseat to the communal atmosphere. Neighborhood 4 This was my first visit to Omaha, and it quickly became one of my favorite mid-sized cities. Morrison Stadium sits on Creighton's beautiful downtown campus, less than a mile west of the Capitol District, home to Charles Schwab Field, CHI Health Center, and the famous Matt Bar & Grill. Roughly the same distance to the south brings you into downtown and the historic Old Market District, characterized by brick-lined streets, quirky shops, dessert stores, restaurants, and breweries. While you're there, I recommend Brickway Brewery & Distillery for a drink and Chic Bao Bao for some fried rice. It is also worth visiting the Durham Museum. Housed in Omaha's original Union Station, it serves as both a railroad museum and a museum highlighting Omaha's history. On Tuesdays, admission is only $5, making it one of the city's best values. Omaha is an extremely walkable city, so honestly, the best thing you can do is explore it for yourself because it has much more to offer than first meets the eye. Fans 3 The fans at Morrison Stadium are about what you would expect for lower-division soccer. Attendance ranks around the middle of USL League One, and considering the club is still waiting for its permanent home, there is nothing to hang their heads about. While not particularly vocal, the fans are knowledgeable about their players and attentive to the action on the pitch. Many locals spend pregame and halftime catching up with friends around the stadium, giving the fanbase a very communal feel. As the team settles into its new stadium, attendance numbers should only continue to grow. Access 4 Morrison Stadium is located on the campus of Creighton University in Omaha's Capitol District and is within walking distance of many downtown attractions, including the Old Market District. If you're driving, there are several paid lots surrounding the stadium, and regardless of which direction you approach from, you'll find signage directing you to the parking areas. Once inside, the concourse is easy to navigate. It sits above the seating bowl and wraps around roughly three-quarters of the stadium. Restrooms are located in the corners, and exiting after the match is simple thanks to the wide concourse. Return on Investment 4 Perhaps the biggest strength of an already enjoyable experience is the value offered by a Union Omaha match. Parking prices vary by lot, but you shouldn't expect to pay more than $20. General admission tickets cost $16.50 at the gate, which was actually a few dollars cheaper than buying online. Once inside, concession prices are reasonable, with food ranging from $3 to $12 and beer and seltzers hovering around $7. The club also routinely offers attendance giveaways, providing fans with a free souvenir to take home. Extras 2 There isn't much in the way of extras, which is understandable given the temporary nature of the venue. The stadium does feature a beautiful downtown skyline backdrop. At the match I attended, the giveaway was a Union Omaha hand towel with the trim featuring the national flags of every country represented on the roster—a thoughtful touch that deserves some credit. Final Thoughts Is this the best experience in USL League One? Probably not. Is it the worst? Certainly not. Morrison Stadium offers a clean, enjoyable venue for this level of soccer, and while it is well worth a visit, I am excited to see what Union Omaha's new downtown stadium will bring.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Mat-Su Miners 2075 Glenn Highway Palmer, AK 99654 Mat-Su Miners website Hermon Brothers website Year Opened: 1976 Capacity: 1,300 __________________________________________________________________________________ Rally in the Valley Mat-Su is shorthand for Matanuska-Susitna, the borough in which the town of Palmer, Alaska is located. Palmer is the home of the Mat-Su Miners, one of the five teams in the Alaska Baseball League. The team began play in 1976 as the Valley Green Giants, an expansion team owned by the Alaska Goldpanners, another ABL team. In 1980 the team severed ties with the Goldpanners and rebranded to its current moniker, which it has used since. The Miners play their home games at Hermon Brothers Field. The field was built in 1976 by a crew of volunteers, and has seen constant renovations over recent years. Over the past two decades nearly every structure on the site has been newly built or renovated thanks to efforts by volunteers and grants from the community. The field was named in honor of the Hermon brothers, owners of Hermon Brothers Construction, who were instrumental in the building of the field. The Miners have won nine ABL championships and two National Baseball Congress World Series, in 1987 and 1997. Over seventy Miner alumni have gone on to play in the Major Leagues, including Craig Counsell, Jeff Brantley, Steve Trachsel and Brandon Duckworth. Food & Beverage 3 There is a concession stand located on the concourse behind home plate. It serves up a decent array of food, consisting mainly of standard ballpark fare. Anchoring the menu are hot dogs and burgers, with ballpark favorites such as nachos, pretzels and popcorn available. Of course, there are snacks sold here as well, including ice cream treats, peanuts, candy and cracker jack. A few unique items can be found on the menu. Hot dogs can be supersized into a “Miner Dog,” or enjoyed on a stick as a corn dog. If your diet requires alternates to a standard burger, the Miners have you covered, with veggie burgers and turkey burgers available. Add some chili to your dog or nachos, or enjoy a cup on the side. Want some soup? You can order a cup of noodles. Coca-Cola products are featured at Hermon Brothers Field. The beer stand has a good selection of adult beverages, featuring craft brews from Bear Paw and Denali Brewing alongside wine and canned drinks. Atmosphere 2 The game day presentation at Hermon Brothers Field is a fairly simple one. Fans looking for the typical wacky shenanigans and over-the-top promotions so common at ball games today will be missing out. A Mat-Su Miners game features a more traditional experience, lacking all that noise and distraction. Music is limited to between innings (kudos for the classic rock and hockey organ playlist), and PA announcements are limited to sponsor reads and lineup changes. There are free raffles for fans, and plenty of room for younger fans to run around chasing foul balls. It’s enough to distract you from the mistakes made throughout the game by the folks running the PA and scoreboard. Hopefully they were just having a rough night during Stadium Journey’s visit. The Miners Huddle Up Before a Game. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey. Neighborhood 3 Given Herman Brothers Field’s location on the Fairgrounds, there’s not a whole lot in the immediate vicinity of the ballpark to attract visiting fans. However, there is plenty to do a short drive from the park in “The Valley.” Downtown Palmer is just a couple of miles away along Route One to the north. Among the many options along this route are The Noisy Goose, the Palmer Alehouse, and Turkey Red. Visitors to the area will also find several local lodging options along Route One in the downtown area, including The Pioneer Motel and the Valley Hotel. Additional choices can be found in nearby Wasilla. If your tastes run towards the major chains, Anchorage is a 45-minute drive away. Of course, the area surrounding the town of Palmer offers an infinite number of attractions for the visiting baseball fans, whether you head north toward Denali National Park or south towards the city of Anchorage and beyond. If you choose to keep your focus solely on baseball, all five teams in the Alaska Baseball League are located within a three and a half-hour driving radius. If you time your trip to Alaska wisely, the Midnight Sun Baseball Game is held every year on the solstice in Fairbanks, a few hours to the north of Palmer. For a more complete look at all the adventures awaiting you in Alaska, visit TravelAlaska.com. Fans 3 Since the Alaska League doesn’t release official attendance figures, it can be tough to accurately gauge crowd size, but Stadium Journey visited Palmer on a beautiful Thursday night, with a good-sized crowd on hand. If forced to estimate the size of the crowd, I would guess it approached 500. As is the case with many of the ballparks in this circuit, it’s a community affair at an ABL game. Many of the fans seem to be regulars, and know each other well from years of attending games together. Even if you’re an outsider or wearing the opposition colors, you’ll be welcomed. Sportsmanship rules the day in small parks like Hermon Brothers Field. Game Action at Hermon Brothers Stadium. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey. Access 4 Hermon Brothers Field is located adjacent to the Alaska State Fairgrounds, right off of State Route 1, the main route to Anchorage to the south. The ballpark’s entrance is located near the fairgrounds’ Red Gate. Fans will enter the ballpark behind the centerfield fence, and will walk around the field to the seating areas. The Miners provide a pair of golf carts to shuttle those fans around who may not be up to the long walk around. Seating is available in many sections. An old wooden grandstand is located behind home plate. This is reserved for season ticket holders. Metal bleachers are stretched out down both foul lines, along with picnic tables and some open areas for fans who want to bring their own chairs. In an interesting quirk, the last row of all the bleachers come equipped with plastic bucket seats attached to them. A paved path stretches around the facility, and while it could use a little maintenance in spots, it serves to make passage around the ballpark easy. Concessions, merchandise, and restroom buildings are easily accessible and lines are not an issue. For that spectacular view of the Chugach Mountains, and to keep the sun out of your eyes during the game, choose seats on the first base side of the field. Return on Investment 5 Admission to a Miners game is only four dollars for adults, with youth admitted for two dollars, and seniors, children under age five, and members of the military admitted for no charge. Parking is free in the large lot next to the field. Factor in affordable concessions, and the Miners are a very affordable entertainment option for sports fans in the Valley region. Distracted by the View at Hermon Brothers Field. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey. Extras 2 There is a display on the back side of the press box/main grandstand structure that lists every player to ever play for the Miners since their inception. Each player is listed on a colored tile. These tiles are color coded depending on if the player reached the majors, played professionally, or served in the military. It’s an extensive and unique display. Another extra point is given for the breathtaking backdrop enjoyed by Hermon Brothers Field. If you sit on the first base side of the field, you may find yourself losing focus from time to time as your gaze wanders from the action on the field to the spectacular peaks of the Chugach Mountains in the distance. Final Thoughts Hermon Brothers Field is one of those quaint, small-town ballparks that make stadium journeys so special. With high-quality baseball being played on the field at a most affordable price, you’ll enjoy your visit to Alaska. And oh, that view! Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 Lee Jordan Field @ Loretta French Sports Complex 18100 Old Glenn Highway Chugiak, AK 99567 Chugiak-Eagle River Chinooks website Lee Jordan Field website Year Opened: 2011 Capacity: 600 Keep Your Chin Up! Lee Jordan was an Anchorage newspaperman who moved to Chugiak and started a weekly paper there. He served as mayor of Chugiak-Eagle River before those towns combined their governments with the Municipality of Anchorage in 1975. Jordan was instrumental in establishing youth baseball programs in the town. The main ball field at the Loretta French Sports Complex was named in his honor in 2016. Mr. Jordan passed away in 2018. Loretta French was an advocate for children and seniors in the town of Chugiak, and was instrumental in getting the facility that now bears her name built. In 2011 Jordan organized an exhibition game between the Anchorage Glacier Pilots and Athletes in Action Fire, an independent summer collegiate baseball team playing out of Fairbanks. The game, played at the Loretta French Sports Complex, was such a success that the Fire relocated to Chugiak and rebranded as the Chinooks. The franchise has won one Alaska Baseball League Championship, while playing in Fairbanks, in 2007. The team has yet to win a title while in Chugiak. Some notable alumni to play for the Chinooks are Josh Donaldson, Kirk Nieuwenhuis and Connor Menez. Food & Beverage 2 There’s a small concession stand in the building at the center of the Loretta French complex. Hot dogs, hamburgers, pretzels and nachos are served here. If you’re looking for some snacks, chips, candy bars and ice cream treats are available. Cans of Coca-Cola products are sold at the concession stand. No alcohol is available at this community ball field. Atmosphere 3 The Chinooks run a different game day show than the other teams in the ABL. It’s a little livelier than the other teams in the league. While things are not as crazy as you may be used to if you frequent minor league baseball games regularly, the staff and fans here at Lee Jordan Field make sure that everyone here has a good time. The team employs music more liberally than their counterparts in the ABL. The home team enjoys walk-up songs, and an 80s heavy playlist blares over the speakers between innings. The PA announcer keeps things moving while using a quick, but professional delivery, making lineup and sponsor announcements all night long. The fans even take part in some of the announcements. Sponsor tables line the wide walkway along the right field side of the field, and there is plenty of room for kids to roam and chase down foul balls. You’ll see plenty of four-legged fans in attendance as well. You might even see some hearty fans taking up residence up on the hill beyond the left field fence. Fans Line up Chairs Along the Fence at Lee Jordan Field. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey. Neighborhood 2 Lee Jordan Field is located in Chugiak, an unincorporated community about 20 miles northeast of downtown Anchorage. Approximately 10,000 people live in this community, most of whom commute to Anchorage to the south or the Mat-Su Valley to the north for work. The Loretta French Sports Complex is located on the south side of Route One, the main road to access Anchorage and points south. Fans looking for lodging or dining options in the immediate vicinity of Lee Jordan Field will be disappointed, as the complex is self-contained, with nothing nearby of interest. Downtown Chugiak is about two miles away on the opposite side of Route One. Fans will find a few dining options here, including Luci Mae’s, Polar Bear Café and Bobby’s Café. For more varied dining options, and for your best lodging choices, visiting fans should head into Anchorage, a short 20-minute drive away. Of course, the area surrounding Chugiak offers an infinite number of attractions for the visiting baseball fans, whether you head north toward Denali National Park or south towards the city of Anchorage and beyond. If you choose to keep your focus solely on baseball, all five teams in the Alaska Baseball League are located within a three and a half-hour driving radius. If you time your trip to Alaska wisely, the Midnight Sun Baseball Game is held every year on the solstice in Fairbanks, a few hours to the north of Chugiak. For a more complete look at all the adventures awaiting you in Alaska, visit TravelAlaska.com. Fans 3 Lee Jordan has a capacity of only 600, and during Stadium Journey’s visit on a Friday night, the crowd appeared to be close to that number. Fans filled the bleachers and lined up along both foul lines in the chairs they brought from home. There’s a real community feel around Lee Jordan Field, as the crowd is made up of regulars who have been coming to Chinook games for years. Everyone seems to know everyone, and there’s a real friendly vibe in the stands. Visitors are welcomed, and you can feel comfortable sporting the colors of the opposition. The fans are knowledgeable and supportive of the players on the field, and get involved in the banter and even some of the promotional reads. Even if it’s your first time to Chugiak, you’ll feel like part of the community by the time you leave. This is small town baseball at its best. Delivering the Pitch at Lee Jordan Field. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey. Access 3 Lee Jordan Field is located in the Loretta French Sports Complex, a community recreation center in the small town of Chugiak, AK. Also part of the complex are several regulation and youth baseball and softball fields, a picnic area, a playground, and a skate park. It is located on the Old Glenn Highway, less than a mile from State Route One, the main road from the area to Anchorage. Lee Jordan Field is the central field in the facility, and the first one you’ll see as you enter the complex. A large parking lot is beyond the centerfield fence. A paved walkway leads from the parking lot to the seating area and concession stand. Seating consists of metal bleachers on either side of the field, with plenty of room along both foul lines for fans to set up their own chairs and take in the action from their favorite spot. No matter where you sit, you’ll have to watch the game through a chain-link fence. A major drawback at Lee Jordan Field is the lack of restroom facilities. There are several port-a-johns in deep right field near the entrance to the complex for fans to use. Lines at the concessions or merchandise stand are not an issue at this small ballpark. Return on Investment 5 There is no charge for admission to a Chinooks game. Parking is free in the lot adjacent to the field. Prices in the snack bar are reasonable, making a game at Lee Jordan Field an affordable entertainment option for local sports fans. All the Armed Forces Flags for Armed Services Night at Lee Jordan Field. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey. Extras 1 There’s not a whole lot going on at a Chinooks game that can be considered extra. The team sells a good variety of team merchandise, and free raffle tickets with prizes from local sponsors are handed out to all fans. Along the top of the bleachers are flags of all the teams in the Alaska Baseball League. Final Thoughts There is nothing fancy about Lee Jordan Field. What you will experience at a Chinooks game is small town baseball, through and through. And that is exactly what will keep you coming back for more. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Maryland SoccerPlex 18031 Central Park Circle Boyds, MD 20841 Bethesda SC website Maryland SoccerPlex website Year Opened: 2000 Capacity: 4,000 Packing the 'Plex for Bethesda SC Bethesda SC is one of the newest teams in USL League Two, having just joined for the 2026 season. This semi-professional league is part of the fourth division of American soccer and features mostly current and recent college players. Despite the name, Bethesda SC does not play their home games in Bethesda, Maryland, but half an hour away at the Maryland SoccerPlex in Gaithersburg (although it has a Boyds address.) The confusion stems from the fact that the Bethesda SC USL-2 team is associated with the larger Bethesda SC soccer program, which includes many youth teams of various ages, which many of the USL-2 players played for at one point. Most of the organization's training facilities are indeed located in Bethesda, but the USL-2 team required a larger facility to host their games, opting to play at the SoccerPlex. The Maryland SoccerPlex consists of many fields used by local teams, with Bethesda SC playing on the stadium field, also known as Maureen Hendricks Field. On your way in, you will likely see many youth soccer games going on on the back fields. Food & Beverage 3 Although the concession situation at a Bethesda SC game is somewhat haphazard, there are several options to choose from. The team operates a concession stand from a folding table in front of a box truck by the entrance,, selling basic snack items such as candy, chips, and pretzels (of the bagged variety, not the soft and hot kind), as well as bottled water, soda, and Gatorade. Michelob Ultra Zero Alcohol Beer is also available. Additionally, Bethesda SC partners with local vendor El Jefe Wood-Fired pizza to sell their food at games. You can order a pizza and it will be made in their own wood-fired oven while you wait. (For those unfamiliar with wood-fired pizza, the oven is very hot and it cooks very quickly, so even though it's made to order, it should only take a few minutes.) The team's concession items only cost a few dollars, while El Jefe is more expensive but worth the cost. Atmosphere 4 The Maryland SoccerPlex has bleacher seats on both sides of the field, but only the east side (the side you come in on, opposite the press box) is open for Bethesda SC games. With the the small size of the crowds, they want to keep everyone on one side to improve both the energy in the building and the appearance on camera. It certainly does improve the atmosphere to keep the crowd together, but the problem is that fans are looking into the setting sun for a significant portion of evening games. None of the bleachers have backs except the top row, and all seats are general admission. A scoreboard in the far right corner had a space to show the shots for each team, although it was not updated when we visited. It also is capable of showing video and other graphics, although it typically just shows ads for the team's sponsors. Bethesda SC puts on a good effort to keep the fans in the game, ranging from pregame giveaways to halftime t-shirt tosses and more. At the 80-minute mark, the PA announcer will encourage the fans to make some noise and urge on the team in the final stretch, and they will respond with applause and cheers. Neighborhood 2 The Maryland SoccerPlex is located in Gaithersburg, about half an hour outside Washington, D.C. It is located in a sprawling complex in a residential area, and there is absolutely nothing within walking distance. Fans will have to drive several miles back towards I-270 before they will find anything useful. There are a number of shopping centers located on Maryland Route 118 once you get close to the interstate that contains mostly chain restaurants, but these are several miles away. If you’re looking for a more natural setting, Hoyles Mill Conservation Park is located just north of the Plex and offers scenic hiking trails and beautiful green space. Fans 4 Although Bethesda SC fans do not come close to filling even the half of the stadium that is open for their games, they do draw pretty good crowds for this level of play, with several hundred showing up on a typical day. Those in attendance get loud at times, with many wearing Bethesda SC jerseys or other gear and a few even bringing team flags and waving them during the match. Those in attendance range from season ticket holders deeply knowledgeable about the players to families with young children who just want a chance to see some soccer. Many of the kids in attendance participate in Bethesda SC's youth soccer programs and hope for a chance to someday play at a higher level, maybe even on this very field. Access 3 Getting to the SoccerPlex by car is relatively easy – take exit 15B off of I-270 and proceed for several miles to the stadium. You will then head all the way to the back of the complex and follow the signs for stadium parking. Your best bet is to park on the lot on the east side of the stadium, which will be off to your right before you pass the stadium itself. The entrance used for Bethesda SC games is on this side, as are all the seats and vendors. In the unlikely event that lot fills up, there are numerous other lots in the complex. How full it gets will depend on what is happening on the other fields that day - evening games will typically be less crowded, and if it is raining or was earlier in the day, that may have resulted in some back field games being canceled and more parking being available. (Bethesda SC will play rain or shine but delay the game if there's lightning in the area.) Restrooms are located on the opposite side of the stadium from the bleachers, and you will have to walk halfway around to get there. That being said, we heard a staff member mention that fans who have a medical reason they need to be close to the restrooms can walk around the barricades and sit on the west side, where they will have easy access. Getting out of the Plex after the game is usually easy, unless a lot of events on other fields let out at the same time in which case traffic can be quite backed up. Return on Investment 5 General admission tickets to Bethesda SC games are just $10 each plus about a dollar of fees. Parking is free and concessions are affordable. Overall, a Bethesda SC game is an outstanding value for soccer. Extras 3 Look for the team store on the concourse under a tent selling Bethesda SC merchandise. A second star for the halftime t-shirt toss, a rarity at this level. After the game, kids in attendance can participate in a Meet the Team and autograph session with the players. Final Thoughts Bethesda SC brings an outstanding soccer experience to fans in Montgomery County. From the moment you walk into the stadium until after the final whistle, you will find an outstanding atmosphere at affordable prices. These lower division soccer games can be hidden gems if you know where to look, and Bethesda SC shows why that is the case.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Stony Brook Field 384 Underpass Rd Brewster, MA 02631 Brewster Whitecaps website Stony Brook Field website Year Opened: 2006 Capacity: 1,000 Whitecaps on the Cape The Brewster Whitecaps are one of two expansion teams that joined the Cape Cod Baseball League in 1988. They originally played their home games at a field located at Cape Cod Regional Technical High School. There was one problem with this field-it was located in neighboring Harwich, not Brewster. The solution-build a field within town limits. The town of Brewster chose a site adjacent to the Stony Brook Elementary School, one of two elementary schools in the town, which serves students from kindergarten through second grade. The Whitecaps have won three championships during their time in the Cape League (2000, 2017, 2021). Since their inception, over 100 Whitecaps alumni have gone on to play in the Major Leagues, including Sean Casey, Chase Utley, Ryan Braun, Aaron Judge and Billy Wagner. Food and Beverage 3 Nauset Dining Services operates a concession stand at the top of the hill overlooking Stony Brook Field. For a small stand, an impressive variety of food options are offered. In addition to the standard hot dogs and hamburgers, ballpark staples such as sausage and pepper sandwiches, pizza slices and nachos are sold. Shou you be looking for an alternative item, Veggie burgers are available. An impressive amount of candy, ice cream treats and gourmet popcorn round out the menu. Thirsty Whitecap fans can select from cans of Coca-Cola products. Alcohol is not sold at Stony Brook Field. For something different, try the concession stand’s specialty item, “The Closer,” a grilled donut stuffed with French vanilla ice cream and rolled in chocolate sprinkles. Atmosphere 3 The Cape League is well known for its old-timey, traditional game day experience. As is the case at all Cape Cod League ballparks, there is little going on at a Whitecaps game to distract from the action on the field. Much of the noise and distraction present at most minor league ballparks just isn’t found here. The Cape League is a baseball purists’ dream. This is one of three Cape League ballparks that does not even have lights for night games. The PA announcer is a bit theatrical in his delivery, which can be a distraction to some, while amusing to others. Music plays between innings over a substandard sound system (hopefully this is next on the to-do list). A simple scoreboard displays basic game information. Whitecaps players and interns roam the facility selling 50/50 raffle tickets, which not only reward the winner with a cash prize, but offer an array of prizes from local sponsors. The team now has a mascot, Cappy, who roams the crowd posing for pictures. Stony Brook Field has a playground behind it, which makes perfect sense considering its location at an elementary school. It gives kids who may be getting bored with the game somewhere to blow off steam. Part of the recent renovations to the facility updated and expanded the playground area. As with most Cape League games, a large portion of the younger crowd spends their time chasing foul balls. If one lands near you, watch out for the oncoming horde. Playground at Stony Brook Field. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey. Neighborhood 3 Brewster is a small town with a population of under 10,000 year-round residents known for its beaches, golf resorts and spas. During the summer the town’s population swells to about 20,000. The first water-powered grist and wool mill in the country was built here (on Stony Brook) in the late 17th century. Brewster is a laid back, quiet place to be, even in summer. Stony Brook Field is located next to the elementary school that shares its name. Within a mile is Route 6A, also known as Main Street. Along this road are several excellent clam shacks mixed in among some bed and breakfasts, antique shops and art galleries. If visiting the area looking to eat creatures from the Cape’s local waters, Stadium Journey recommends J.T’s Seafood Restaurant and Cobie’s, both close to the ball field. Some of the Cape’s most prestigious lodging options are located on the town’s beaches, including The Mansion at Ocean Edge, Captain Freeman Inn and Brewster by the Sea Inn. Fans 4 Brewster usually ranks in the middle of the pack among Cape Cod League games in terms of attendance, averaging in the range of 1,200 fans per game. Crowds are much smaller in June than during the peak tourist months of July and August, so if you are looking to avoid the large crowds, come early in the season. Fans at Whitecaps games mirror those elsewhere in the league, with a mix of locals, families, and tourists in attendance. Fans who come to the games generally have some sort of connection with the team, as house parents, boosters, or volunteers, so they are very knowledgeable and passionate about the action taking place on the field. It makes for a very enjoyable atmosphere. Approaching Stony Brook Field. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey. Access 3 Stony Brook Field is located adjacent to the elementary school that shares its name. The school is close to route 6A, the main drag in Brewster. If coming to Brewster from off Cape, you will follow route 6 for over a half hour to route 137, and follow to Underpass Road (or “Underpants Road”, as the Stony Brook students call it). The CERTA flex bus route travels up route 137, but it is a long walk to the ballpark. Driving is the preferred and most effective method for getting to Stony Brook Field. There is ample parking at Stony Brook School. Even though some spots are a decent walk to the field, there is a Whitecaps staffer who shuttles fans from their cars to the field via a golf cart. Perhaps the most noticeable difference in Stony Brook Field if you haven’t been here in a while are the seating options. A new, large section of bleachers have been installed on the home (third) base side of the field. Several smaller sets of bleachers are lined up along both foul lines. There is a picnic area further down the right field line. The hills along the first base side of the field near the school and the small hill on the first base side of the field remain popular spots for fans who like to bring their own chairs and take in the action from higher ground. Some fans will take the walk out to the hill in centerfield, dubbed “Cappy’s Pavilion” and take in the action from there. If you want to avoid having the sun in your eyes later in the game, you’ll want to choose seats on the third base side of Stony Brook Field. There are bathrooms located in the elementary school located atop the hill on the first base side. Several port-a-johns are also scattered around the facility. Return on Investment 5 As is the case with all Cape Cod League ballparks, there is no charge for admission at a Whitecaps game. The team asks for a “suggested donation” of four dollars in exchange for a program and roster. Parking is also free. Fans are able to bring in their own refreshments, making it possible to watch the highest level of collegiate baseball in the country without spending a single cent. If you choose to purchase food at the game, the prices are very affordable. Whitecaps Team Store at Stony Brook Field. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey. Extras 3 The Brewster Whitecaps do not offer a whole lot of bells and whistles in their game day presentation. As is the case throughout the Cape League, the game is the focus here. The free program is a plus, as is the extensive 50/50 raffle which offers many prizes from sponsors in addition to the opportunity to take home half the money raised. Visiting Whitecaps alumni and families who travel to the Cape are recognized throughout the game, a nice touch that adds to the small-town, family atmosphere here at Brewster. In 2025 over 400 Cape Cod alumni played in the Major Leagues. This factors out to one out of every six players to suit up in the majors last year. The Cape Cod League is without a doubt the premier summer collegiate league in the country. All ten teams in the circuit are located within two hours of each other, meaning you can spend a week seeing future Major Leaguers compete up close for free in one of the top tourist destinations in the nation. It’s an epic Stadium Journey. Final Thoughts The renovations to Stony Brook Field that have taken place over the past few years have served to both enhance and detract from the game day experience, if that makes sense. New bleachers and new amenities are certainly a plus, but enclosing the field in thick chain link fence has ruined the intimacy this field enjoyed, and has destroyed sight lines from many vantage points from around the facility. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Kinsmen Arena @ Kitchener Memorial Auditorium 400 East Avenue Kitchener, ON N2H 1ZY Kitchener Kodiaks website Kitchener Memorial Auditorium website Year Opened: 1987 Capacity: 1,607 Rebranded Bear In 2026 a re-energizing of junior lacrosse in Kitchener took place. Founded in 1967, the Kitchener-Waterloo Braves were the local representation of lacrosse at the Junior B level. The Braves won the Founders Cup in 1974 and 1988 as Junior B Champions in Ontario. The Braves had a short stint in Junior A from 1976 to 1981 and returned permanently to Junior A in 1991. With a shift away from indigenous names across all sports, the Braves rebranded to the hideous Kitchener-Waterloo Junior A Lacrosse Club in 2020. There was very little success in KW during this period, disappointing considering the legendary lacrosse talent that went through the program over the years. With the 2026 season, a significant influx in talent has happened in Kitchener to go along with a significant rebrand. The Kitchener Kodiaks are a not-for-profit organization under the auspices of the Kitchener-Waterloo Minor Lacrosse Association. With the new identity the Kodiaks at the OJLL level, are in line with KWMLA branding at lower levels. Home for the Kodiaks is the Kinsmen Arena. Part of the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium, the Kinsmen Arena offers a more intimate atmosphere with a modest capacity of just over 1,600 with some standing room availability. Although The Aud itself opened in 1950, the Kinsmen Arena is much newer and opened in 1987. Paired with the Kiwanis Arena and known locally as the “Twin Pads,” Kinsmen Arena draws its name from the local charity and part of the Kin Canada organization. Although the Kodiaks have bounced around over the years in different locations, Kinsmen offers a solid venue, the perfect size, for the local version of the fastest game on two feet. Food & Beverage 2 Concessions at Kinsmen Arena are very simple. There is a cart present at games where fans can purchase light refreshments including soda, Gatorade, water and a few different varieties of canned beer. Chocolate bars are also available. Normal concessions that would service the Aud for bigger events are not usually running during the summer months when lacrosse is happening. Atmosphere 2 The Kitchener Kodiaks play at the venerable Kitchener Memorial Auditorium, which is also the home to the Kitchener Rangers of the Ontario Hockey League. Rather than playing in the iconic Dom Cardillo Arena, lacrosse is found at the Kinsmen Arena, a much newer and smaller arena in The Aud complex. The arena is not over the top and is fairly simple. Fans will enter the indoor portion of the complex from the Eugene George Way, side of the arena as opposed to the main arena off of East Avenue. The exterior of the building is attractive enough with light coloured brick and an LED ribbon to advertise events. The breezeway from this entrance leads past the main box office, past the memorial dedication plaque and Kraut Line display to the twin pads. A temporary table is set up just outside Kinsmen Arena for scanning tickets. Home to hockey at various levels in the winter months, the ice comes out during lacrosse season and the Kodiaks find a solid home for the summer. Kinsmen is located at the northeast portion of the complex buildings. It features a simple, low ceiling and light coloured walls, essentially lacking much in the way of colour. The floor surface runs from west to east, with all of the seating on the south side. Four sections of benches which surround a centre section of traditional arena seats make up the seating area and there is plenty of standing room in the east and west corners and behind the seating area. A simple hockey scoreboard is found hanging in the northeast corner of the arena. The interior of the arena is bland with nothing to even notify fans that the Kodiaks play there. No banners. No markings. The opportunity to showcase some of the history of the team would be great and give fans a better sense of the longevity of the team. In the summer months, the Kinsmen Arena does not have the greatest ventilation. Depending on the weather outside, Kinsmen can be stuffy, on the hot side, and even a bit smelly. The gameday production at a Kodiaks game is very simple. The concrete floor, as opposed to green carpet, offers a different experience from the pro game. The squeaking sneakers, similar to that of a basketball game, create a different feel and when players hit the ground, they tend to slide, unlike the game on the carpet. There is no music during the play giving fans the opportunity to hear the sounds of the game. The smaller venue gives fans a closer perspective to the game and a better sense of just how fast and tough box lacrosse can really be. Some basic music is played before the game and during intermissions as well as for goals. The PA announcer does a decent job of conveying information to the fans, however the speaker system has much to be desired and most announcements are lost to poor speakers and poor acoustics. Neighbourhood 3 The Aud is located in the Auditorium neighbourhood, just east of Downtown Kitchener. For the most part, the Aud is a community arena. There are almost no pre and postgame meal options within walking distance. Fans could hike up Ottawa Street to the Tim Horton's or Dairy Queen. Strykerz Kitchen and Bar in the same plaza may be an option, but it is pretty small. The best bet would be to head downtown or take the highway out to Sportsworld. Downtown, fans might want to try The Grand Trunk Saloon, TWH Social, Bobby O'Brien’s or McCabe’s. Out by Sportsworld Moose Winooski's or Borealis are the choices. For a truly genuine Kitchener experience, fans should look into eating a pre-game meal at the Concordia Club or The Metro. Kitchener celebrates the largest Bavarian festival outside of Germany in Oktoberfest. Other sporting options locally would have to begin with the headline Kitchener Rangers of the Ontario Hockey League, who play in the Dom Cardillo Arena on the other side of the hall. The KW Titans of the BSL also play here in the winter. When the nicer weather hits, then the Kitchener Panthers can be found on the other side of the parking lot at Jack Couch Ball Park. Other sporting options include hopping over to Kitchener’s twin city, Waterloo to catch some local university action. The Waterloo Warriors call the PAC home to basketball, Warrior Field home to football and Columbia IceField home to hockey. The Laurier Golden Hawks play their football games at Knight-Newbrough Field at University Stadium, their hockey games at Sun Life Financial Arena at Waterloo Memorial Recreation Complex, and their basketball games at WLU Athletic Complex. Other tourist options include The Museum, Ken Seling Waterloo Region Museum, Bingeman Park and Joseph Schneider Haus. Kitchener-Waterloo is most well known for Oktoberfest, which takes place starting with Canadian Thanksgiving weekend. Fans who are staying in town overnight should head downtown. The Walper Hotel and Crowne Plaza Kitchener-Waterloo are good selections. Fans 3 Fans are difficult to assess in the OJLL as attendance figures are not reported. An anecdotal observation shows that support for the Kodiaks has increased with a better showing in the win column for the 2026 season. There is still plenty of space to move about, however, it feels a bit more like an event than in previous seasons. Access 5 The Aud is located in the Auditorium District, which is east of Downtown Kitchener. Getting to The Aud is not difficult. It is immediately west of Highway 7, which is the main artery through Kitchener. There is plenty of parking on both the north and south sides of the complex, which should be entered from Ottawa Street or Stirling Avenue. For fans wishing to take public transit to the lacrosse game, there are buses that travel both Ottawa and Weber Streets. The light rail Ion train is a fair hike from the nearest station, so that may not be the best option. Fans should check out the Grand River Transit website for maps, fares and schedules. Getting around the Kinsmen Arena is no issue at all as the building is not packed and there are not a ton of concession options. Fans with mobility issues are better served in the Kinsmen Arena than the Dom Cardillo Arena as there is not the main staircase to ascend in the Kinsmen. Washroom facilities for Kinsmen Arena are adequate for the event. Return on Investment 4 The Kitchener Kodiaks are now part of the Auditorium ticketing system. Tickets now must be scanned as they are for major events. This means that tickets are now available online beforehand. Unfortunately, with this change has come an increase in price. Still very affordable, adult tickets now cost $16 with student and senior tickets going for $12.50. Parking is free and concession prices are decent. Overall, fans will have a good time at the Kodiaks game and not have to shell out a significant amount of money. Extras 2 An extra mark for the Kitchener Kodiaks rebrand. A refreshing change for the branding of a franchise with significant longevity, one of the oldest clubs in the OJLL. An extra mark for the alumni that have gone through the Kitchener program on to the National Lacrosse League. Such NLL legends as Colin Doyle, Dhane Smith, Aaron Wilson, Ryan Benesch and Steve “Chugger” Dietrich all played under the original Braves moniker in Kitchener-Waterloo. Final Thoughts The fresh identity for the Kitchener Kodiaks has breathed new life into the longtime OJLL franchise. The Kodiaks are hoping to build on their new look to attract a stronger audience and help them climb the standings in a league where success in the Twin Cities has been fleeting. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube, Twitter, Threads and Instagram @profan9.

A Stadium Journey writer never rests. Well... that is not true at all, but no matter where the road takes us on vacation, the magnetic pull of a local sports venue is impossible to resist. During my recent summer trip through Western New York, the itinerary was mostly focused on sightseeing and enjoying the local culture (and a non-business trip to see the Buffalo Bisons). However, true to form, I found myself scanning the map for nearby facilities. It is practically a rule that I have to find a way to step inside a stadium or arena wherever we travel, to get a feel for the fan experience and the architectural layout. Our home base for this leg of the trip was the Richardson Hotel, an incredibly cool and historically rich property. Housed in the monumental Richardson Olmsted Campus, a former 19th-century state asylum known for its stunning Romanesque architecture and striking twin towers, the hotel offered a uniquely atmospheric stay. And likely some ghosts. Even better, it sits comfortably within walking distance of the Buffalo State University campus. With the Buffalo State Sports Arena located just a short stroll away from our unique accommodations, it felt like the perfect opportunity to see what was happening on campus. As luck would have it, the arena wasn't empty for the summer; it was bustling with the energy of the annual American Jump Rope National Championship. We walked over to the arena and were thrilled to find that the doors were open to the public. For a very small fee ($10 for a daily pass and a $20 full event pass also available), we were able to purchase spectator passes and make our way inside to catch the action. It was a pleasant surprise to stumble into a national-level competition taking place right in "our" neighborhood. Once inside, the setup was distinctly geared toward the competitors rather than the casual fan. The seating was mainly consolidated to the bright orange bleachers on one side of the arena. Unsurprisingly, these sections were densely packed with team members, coaches, and families draped in vibrant team apparel, cheering on their respective squads. The hardwood floor itself was divided into multiple competition zones, where athletes executed incredibly fast and complex routines to music. I can't say I understood most of it, but I know that I saw some speed competition, as well as Double Dutch teamwork. While the traditional bleacher seats were dominated by the jump rope community, we quickly found our preferred vantage point. The top of the arena offered a fantastic, elevated standing-room area that provided a comprehensive view of the entire floor. Leaning against the upper railing, my wife and I had a fun, unobstructed look at the intricate events happening simultaneously below. It was a fantastic way to spend the afternoon, proving once again that a willingness to wander into an unfamiliar arena can yield unexpectedly great sports vacation encounters.

Photos by Matt Colville, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57 UNO Lakefront Arena 6801 Franklin Ave. New Orleans, LA 70122 LSU New Orleans Privateers website UNO Lakefront Arena website Year Opened: 1983 Capacity: 8,900 Basketball on Lakeshore Editor's Note - On July 2, 2026 the University of New Orleans announced that they were transitioning into the LSU system, becoming LSU New Orleans after a $20 million transition in an attempt to attract new students. Set along the southern edge of Lake Pontchartrain, UNO Lakefront Arena has never enjoyed the spotlight of New Orleans’ better-known venues; it lacks the instant recognition of Caesars Superdome, the downtown location of Smoothie King Center, or the cultural legacy and history of some of the city’s most famous music halls. However, that anonymity hides a building with a remarkably deep list of some of the city most overlooked moments in sports and pop culture. Since opening in 1983, the octagon-shaped arena has hosted plenty of history making moments. In 1984 a young rookie named Michael Jordan scored 37 points here during his first NBA season, while Larry Bird followed with a legendary 60-point performance just months later. The arena also hosted the 1991 NCAA Women’s Final Four, where Pat Summitt won the third of her eight national championships. Add in professional wrestling, UFC, high-level tennis, major concerts, film shoots, as well as visits from presidents, Pope John Paul II, and the Dalai Lama, and UNO Lakefront Arena’s resume runs deep, including surviving Hurricane Katrina, which closed the building for more than three years. Through it all, the constant has been the University of New Orleans Privateers men’s and women’s basketball teams. Founded in 1958 as the city’s first public four-year university, UNO’s basketball program began in 1968, adopting the “Privateers” nickname as a nod to New Orleans’ maritime and pirate history, most notably Jean Lafitte. The program has made five NCAA Tournament appearances and won four conference titles, most recently in 2017. Ahead of the 2025–26 season, New Orleans native and rapper Master P joined the staff as general manager and assistant coach, injecting new life and hype into a program still rebuilding from Hurricane Katrina over 20 years ago, and once again placing UNO Lakefront Arena at the crossroads of New Orleans’ sports history. Food & Beverage 3 Food options at UNO Lakefront Arena are simple and affordable. There is one fully operational concession stand located on the west side of the arena near the main entrance, and it handles all food and beverage needs on game days. The menu sticks to the basics: catfish baskets, chicken tenders, nachos, chicken sandwiches, hamburgers, hot dogs, sausage dogs, popcorn, and chips. Nothing on the menu is going to surprise you, and there are no signature New Orleans-style items that lean into the city’s culinary reputation. That said, the pricing is reasonable by modern arena standards; most food items fall between $4 and $10, making it easy to grab a meal. Beer drinkers can purchase domestic bottled beer for $9.50, while Coca-Cola is the official soft drink provider, with 20-ounce bottles priced at $4.75. What does stand out is the presentation and the way the concession stand is designed. The main concession stand is styled like a classic 1950s soda fountain, complete with vintage Dr Pepper branding and old-school counter design. It’s a cool visual touch that gives the concourse some personality and nostalgia, even if the menu itself remains straightforward. Walking the concourse you’ll see several additional concession stands scattered throughout the arena – those stands are decked out in sharp black-and-blue UNO branding, along with Bud Light and Michelob Ultra setups. Unfortunately these other stands remain closed for UNO basketball games due to limited attendance. It’s a shame, because the spaces themselves are attractive and clearly designed for a more vibrant environment. Atmosphere 3 The first thing you notice when arriving at UNO Lakefront Arena is its unmistakable shape. Much like Southeastern Louisiana’s Pride Roofing University Center up the road, this is not a typical looking arena. Instead, UNO Lakefront Arena stands out with its distinctive octagonal, almost spaceship-like design, which immediately gives it character before you even step inside. There is one main entrance on the west side of the building, reached by a winding concrete ramp that brings fans up to the doors. The exterior grounds are also well maintained, helped in part by the hundreds of palm trees that surround the facility. With Lake Pontchartrain visible in the distance, the setting provides a scenic backdrop. Once inside, the venue feels impressive for a building that has been standing for more than 40 years. The concourse wraps completely around under the seating bowl, allowing fans to circle the entire building with ease. Along the way, plenty of UNO signage, banners, and reminders of past tournament appearances help reinforce the program’s history. Even the closed concession stands blend neatly into the concourse, featuring blue-and-black exteriors that match the Privateers’ color scheme. In addition, another neat thing you’ll see if you look up at the ceiling along the concourse is a timeline of all the arena’s past events, built into the ceiling tiles – some of the tiles are even autographed by that particular performer or band. Once in the seating bowl, one feature that stands out is the facility’s low ceiling surrounding the seating bowl, with wide open space above center court. From the upper rows fans sit close enough to the roof that it almost feels within reach. This design gives the building a more intimate feel than you might expect in an 8,900-seat arena. Even with only a few hundred fans in attendance, the space avoids feeling cavernous because the seating remains tight to the floor. The interior acoustics also benefit from this layout, as sound travels extremely well throughout the building, creating a louder atmosphere than the crowd size might suggest. Every seat is also a blue chairback, and combined with the bright blue court, the entire arena is draped in UNO’s signature blue-and-black identity. Above the court banners celebrate accomplishments from both the men’s and women’s basketball programs, along with three retired numbers honoring former greats. In addition, a major new addition for the 2025-26 season is the installation of a brand-new 20-by-11-foot video board hanging above center court. The original scoreboard was damaged during Hurricane Katrina and removed, leaving the arena with only a small replay board on the side for nearly two decades. When Master P took over leadership of the program, however, he helped finance this impressive new LED videoboard, finally giving UNO Lakefront Arena a modern videoboard, complete with HD replays. Neighborhood 4 UNO Lakefront Arena is located in the Gentilly neighborhood of New Orleans, away from the many tourist areas like the French Quarter and Bourbon Street. However, you can still find plenty to do nearby if you want to experience a quieter side of the city, with less traffic and more locals. Less than 100 yards behind the venue you’ll find many people fishing, boating, walking and riding bikes along the over 6 miles of paved walking trails, nestled along the south shore of Lake Pontchartrain. Make sure to check out Mardi Gras Fountain along the way, which lights up in Mardi Gras colors at night, or you can check out the remains of old Fort St. John, an abandoned Spanish controlled fort located along the lake and Bayou St. John. The New Basin lighhouse also makes for a great spot to visit and take a tour. While riding the trail you can also see some of the levees that failed New Orleans during Hurricane Katrina; getting an up-close look at these levees, which were the scene of so much destruction, is a surreal experience in itself. Another popular spot to check out in the area is City Park – if it’s a gorgeous day you can spend all day in one of the largest public parks in the U.S., and the 20th-most visited park in the country. There’s so much to do here: two regular golf courses, a disc golf course, multiple stadiums, and miles of trails that flow through the bayous and lagoons that make up City Park. Also, inside the park there’s the Museum of Art and the beautiful outdoor sculpture garden. If you have kids or are visiting family, you might want to check out Carousel Gardens Amusement Park and Storyland, a small amusement park with roller coasters and a few carnival rides. You can take a gondola ride or a duck boat ride through the lagoons, and there is also access to Bayou St. John, which is the main tributary through the city. The bayou is a popular spot for kayakers and people canoeing during the summer months. You can also hop on the streetcar in City Park and go to the French Quarter, Uptown, or anywhere else in the city. Another cool attraction to check out in Gentilly is Fairgrounds Race Course, the second-oldest horse racing track in the country. If you come to a game at UNO Lakefront Arena on the weekend, then there is a good chance that horse racing will be going on at the Fairgrounds. Or, for restaurants near UNO’s campus you’ll find plenty of local spots and dives that aren’t as well-known as some of the French Quarter institutions. Some of my favorites include Opelousas Seafood, The Original Fiorella’s Cafe, and Walker’s BBQ, famous for its BBQ po’boys, while closer to the horse track and City Park you’ll find plenty of other favorites like Parkway Tavern, Liuzza’s at the Track, Cafe Degas, and Seahorse Saloon. City Park also has a Cafe du Monde location, which is a lot quieter and less crowded than the chain’s more popular French Quarter location. Fans 2 With Master P stepping into the program in 2025 as general manager and assistant coach, the Privateers have gained a level of exposure and energy that the once-struggling program had not seen in years. Attendance during the most recent season hovered just under 1,000 fans per game. While that number may seem low on paper, it represents a noticeable improvement compared to the post-Katrina years, when the program’s future was uncertain and there was even talk of dropping UNO athletics down to Division III. The fans who do show up, however, are fully invested. Because many UNO graduates remain in the New Orleans metro area after college, the crowd tends to lean heavily toward alumni rather than current students – even in smaller numbers, these fans bring real passion and familiarity with the program. The game presentation also helps keep the atmosphere lively. The Privateers cheerleading squad does a strong job engaging the audience, while Captain Bruno, the school’s pirate mascot, works the aisles to keep energy high throughout the night. Adding to the local flavor, UNO also embraces its New Orleans identity with a soundtrack that feels true to the city. Expect plenty of bounce music, along with artists like Lil Wayne, Big Tymers, and naturally, a steady dose of Master P echoing throughout the arena. Access 3 UNO Lakefront Arena is located on the north side of the city, away from most of the tourist sites in New Orleans like the French Quarter. There are several ways to get here, but the best and safest way would be to take the Franklin Ave or Elysian Fields exits off Interstate 610, then travel north for about three miles and you’ll see UNO Lakefront Arena straight ahead. Your GPS may advise you to go through some of the rough areas in New Orleans East to get to campus, but I would not take that route, especially at night. Also do not take the Chef Blvd or Morrison Road exits off the Interstate, unless you are absolutely familiar with the vibes of the city. Once on the grounds you will find plenty of parking surrounding the arena; the only issue is most of the parking is in a large grass lot, which may get muddy after heavy rain. The best part, however, is that parking is free, and once inside the facility you can walk around the entire building and sit anywhere you want – as there won’t be a big crowd, there is plenty of room to spread out and walk around. The venue also has excellent sightlines, except for the upper rows, which may have views obstructed by the low ceilings. Return on Investment 4 Tickets to UNO basketball games are usually easy to come by, since UNO Lakefront Arena rarely sells out. Honestly, the best option is to just buy them in person at the box office. General admission tickets are only $10 there, while on the secondary market you can sometimes end up paying $20 or more, especially for bigger conference matchups. One of the nicest surprises about attending a game here, though, is that parking is completely free. When you pull up to the arena, parking attendants are out directing cars into a huge open lot, so it’s simple to find a spot, and you don’t have to worry about getting boxed in. Also again, there is no charge for parking at all. Concessions here are solid, even if there aren’t any signature New Orleans-style menu items. The setup does have a cool old-school charm though, with a classic soda fountain feel that stands out compared to most modern arenas. For a lot of fans, a lower-level game with fewer than 1,000 people in the stands might not feel like a must-see event, but if you’re someone like me who enjoys visiting historic venues in a city as iconic as New Orleans, there’s still something memorable about the experience. It’s probably the most iconic building in the Southland Conference, when it comes to legendary figures who’ve played here and the iconic events the venue has hosted. Extras 4 One extra for rapper Master P taking over the program as the general manager/assistant coach. Not only did he help finance the new videoboard ahead of the 2025–26 season, but he also remains an active presence on game nights, sitting courtside with the team. Before tip-off, Master P also often takes time to meet with fans and pose for photos. His involvement has made him a true ambassador for both New Orleans and UNO basketball. The New Orleans Privateers have had seven players selected in the NBA Draft, with eight former UNO players appearing in NBA games. The most recent draft pick was Michael McDonald, taken in the second round by the Golden State Warriors in 1995. The program’s most famous NBA alum, however, is Ervin Johnson, a 1993 first-round pick who played 13 seasons in the league and has his jersey retired at UNO Lakefront Arena. Another major bonus of UNO Lakefront Arena is the sheer variety of events it has hosted over the decades; as mentioned earlier, this venue carries a truly storied history. It served as a temporary home for the Atlanta Hawks during the 1984–85 season, welcoming NBA legends such as Michael Jordan, John Stockton, and Larry Bird, who famously scored 60 points on this very court. The arena has also played host to major championship moments, including the 1991 Women’s Final Four, won by Pat Summitt’s Tennessee Volunteers. The facility also hosted the Sun Belt Conference Basketball Tournament in 2002 and again from 2012 through 2019, along with UFC events, professional wrestling cards, and countless concerts from some of the biggest touring acts in the world. The venue was also the setting for the fictional Spinal Tap reunion concert in the 2025 Rob Reiner movie, This is Spinal Tap II. Beyond sports and entertainment, UNO Lakefront Arena has also been a gathering place for historic public events. The Dalai Lama has spoken here, and more than 100,000 people filled the grounds outside during a mass led by Pope John Paul II. Over the years, it has also welcomed numerous presidential candidates and political figures. To truly grasp the arena’s legacy, take a walk around the concourse and look up at the ceiling tiles, to see a unique timeline showcasing just how many iconic events have passed through this building. And of course, an extra point goes to the arena’s remarkable recovery after Hurricane Katrina devastated the facility in 2005, forcing it to remain closed for more than three years. More than $25 million was invested in renovations and repairs, ensuring UNO Lakefront Arena would return stronger than ever, and continue hosting UNO basketball and many other major events for decades to come.

Photos by Matt Colville, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Maestri Field 6801 Franklin Ave New Orleans, LA 70122 LSU New Orleans Privateers website Maestri Field website Year Opened: 1977 Capacity: 2,900 Miracle on the Lakeshore Editor's Note - On July 2, 2026 the University of New Orleans announced that they were transitioning into the LSU system, becoming LSU New Orleans after a $20 million transition in an attempt to attract new students. The University of New Orleans was built on the shores of Lake Pontchartrain using the property and buildings of the former Naval Air Station New Orleans. Originally called LSU-New Orleans, it welcomed its first students in 1958 – in 1974 it officially became the University of New Orleans. Over the years it grew in size, and today represents the city as the only public college In New Orleans. The Privateer baseball program began as a D2 program in 1970; the legendary Ron Maestri took over as head coach two years later, bringing a new era to the UNO program. Under his guidance the school made an appearance in the Division 2 World Series before transitioning to Division 1 the next year, joining the Sun Belt Conference in 1976, and winning two Conference titles in 1978 and 1979. The Privateers would be a powerhouse in the early in 1980s, and in 1984 UNO made history as the first college from Louisiana to make it to the College World Series. UNO even produced a Golden Spikes Award Winner in Augie Schmidt, as the best college baseball player in the country. UNO has faced several challenges in recent years, mainly to the Covid pandemic, but also the college never really recovered from Hurricane Katrina – the current enrollment is 5,400 students compared to the average of 15,000 students pre-Katrina. After Katrina there was talk of moving the athletics program back to D2, but ultimately the school stayed in Division 1 and joined the Southland Conference in 2014. Coach Maestri came out of retirement in 2014 after a 28-year coaching absence, coaching for 2 years before retiring again. Current Angels skipper Ron Washington was his assistant coach in 2015. Food and Beverage 3 There is one concession stand located on the plaza at the front entrance; hamburgers, nachos, hot dogs, popcorn, and a unique item of Frito chili pie round out the menu. At Maestri Field you will find some of the cheapest concession prices in all of D1 baseball, with prices for most items ranging between $3 and $7. Bottled sodas are $5 with Coca-Cola being the official soft drink provider of UNO. Alcohol is priced kind of high, with canned beer selling for $10 – the beers offered are Michelob Ultra, Bud Light, Stella Artois, and Cutwater canned cocktails. A few local beers offered include Holy Roller and Paradise Park IPA, brewed by Urban South Brewery, which is located in New Orlean’s Lower Garden District. Atmosphere 4 Coach Maestri is the namesake of beautiful Maestri Field at Privateer Park, which opened in 1977. The stadium sits about a mile east of campus, a part of the university sports complex that includes all the school’s athletic facilities – on the grounds around the park you will find the tennis and beach volleyball courts, as well as UNO Lakefront Arena, home of the school’s basketball program, which looms over the field from behind home plate. Maestri Field has been renovated several times since Katrina, with the most recent being in 2014, so this is basically a 10-year-old ballpark. The main entrance is behind home plate, where you will walk under an iron gate welcoming you to Privateer Park. Gayle and Tom Benson Plaza at the main entrance doubles as the concourse, named after the late Saints/Pelicans owner and his wife. There is a pop-up trailer to the left, where you will purchase your tickets and buy a good selection of UNO merch; in the trailer you’ll also find the one concession stand, as well as a neat history display dedicated to the program. All the school’s regional appearances, conference championships, All-Americans, and the 16 former players who have gone on to play in the Major Leagues, are recognized in the display. The UNO colors of blue and white are everywhere, from the signage in Benson Plaza to the outfield wall pads and chairback seating. The main grandstand features seating for about 800 people, and extends from home plate to the dugouts; every seat in the grandstand behind home plate is a blue chairback. The good news is the seats are comfortable, with cupholders and plenty of leg room, while the bad news is that nothing in the ballpark is covered, so there is nowhere to get shade. Down the right and left field lines is metal bleacher seating for a couple of hundred, and also down the left field line is a tent with a full spread of buffet-style food items for season ticket holders. Note that if you sit in the left field side bleachers your view of home plate may be obstructed by the tent. The field dimensions are 330-405-330, and along the outfield wall you’ll find a basic blue wall pad with just a few local sponsors, while in left field there is a large scoreboard with a small videoboard. Beyond the outfield you’ll find several hills, which are actually ridges that are part of the levee system that helps protect New Orleans from constant flooding. Neighborhood 3 The UNO campus and athletic facilities are located in the Gentilly neighborhood of the 7th Ward, on the Lake Pontchartrain side of New Orleans, away from many of the tourist spots in the city, such as the French Quarter and Bourbon Street. However, you can still find plenty to do in Gentilly if you want to experience a quieter side of the city, with less traffic and more locals. Just beyond the outfield wall you’ll find many people fishing, boating and walking along the over 6 miles of paved walking trails, along the south shore of Lake Ponchtratrain. Make sure you check out the Mardi Gras fountain along the trail, which lights up in Mardi Gras colors at night, or you can check out the remains of old Fort St. John, an abandoned Spanish-controlled fort located along the lake and Bayou St. John. While riding the trail you can also see the levees that failed New Orleans during Hurricane Katrina; getting an up-close look at these levees, which were a scene of so much destruction, is a surreal experience in itself. Another popular spot to check out in the area is City Park – if it’s a gorgeous day out you can spend all day in one of the largest public parks in the US, and the 20th most-visited park in the country. There’s so much to do here in City Park; if interested in sports there are two (regular) golf courses, a disc golf course, multiple stadiums, and miles of trails through the bayous that flow into City Park. Or, if you are interested in museums and art there is the New Orleans Museum of Art and the outdoor sculpture garden. If you have kids or are visiting with family you might want to check out Carousel Gardens Amusement Park and Storyland, a small amusement park with a few rides, roller coasters, and a storybook theme. City Park also provides a romantic getaway if you want to take a gondola ride or a duck boat ride through the bayous of City Park. There is also access here to Bayou St. John, which is the main tributary through this area of the city. Bayou St. John is a popular spot for kayakers and people canoeing during the spring and summer months. City Park is also a streetcar stop, in case you want to take the streetcar into the French Quarter or the Garden District to see the other tourist areas in New Orleans. Another cool attraction to check out in the 7th Ward is Fairgrounds Race Track, the second-oldest horse track in the country. If you come to a weekend series at UNO during February and March there is a good chance that the track will be hosting horse races in preparation for the Louisiana Derby, usually held on the second to last Saturday in March. Alternatively, if you come to a game during April it is more likely the fairgrounds will be hosting a Jazz Fest event. For restaurants and places to eat near UNO’s campus, you will find plenty of local spots and dives that make New Orleans so great. There’s so many to name, but a few near UNO include Opelousas Seafood and The Original Fiorella’s Café. Another one of my favorite’s nearby is Walker BBQ, famous for their BBQ po’ boys, while closer to the fairgrounds and the city you’ll find a wider selection of restaurants like Parkway Tavern, Liuzza’s at the Track, Café Degas, and Seahorse Saloon. City Park also has a Café du Monde, which is a lot quieter and less crowded than the popular French Quarter location. Fans 2 The Privateers average about 300-500 fans per game, which is kind of disappointing considering the history of the program. I also figured there would be more students at games, but the student section here is non-existent. The one plus is that there is plenty of room to move around, and you can sit wherever you want and have entire rows to yourself. Just don’t expect any between-inning promotions or giveaways; the focus here is strictly on the game. The few fans that did show up are knowledgeable about baseball and diehards of the UNO program. I also talked to several older gentlemen who’ve been coming to games here for over 40 years, including Coach Maestri, who still shows up to support the Privateers when he can. You’ll also find a large number of visiting fans who show up, as many of the Southland Conference schools are within a few hours. For example, the most recent game I was at had a large number of Northwestern State fans who made the trip from upstate to take advantage of a spring weekend in New Orleans. When Southeastern Louisiana, Nicholls State, Tulane, or McNeese State visit you can expect a good number of visiting fans – Tulane and UNO meet up every year in the Pelican Cup, while Southeastern Louisiana and UNO play every year in the Pontchartrain Bowl. Access 4 Maestri Field is located on the north side of the city, away from most of the tourist sites in New Orleans like the French Quarter and Bourbon Street. There are several ways to get to the baseball stadium, but the best and safest way would be take the Franklin Ave/Elysian Fields exit off Interstate 610 – travel north for about three miles and you’ll see UNO Lakefront Arena, with Maestri Field right next to it. Your GPS may advise that you go through some rough areas in New Orleans East to get to campus, but I would not go that route, especially at night – don’t take the Chef Blvd or Downman Road exits. Once on the grounds you’ll find plenty of parking; I was able to park in the lot closest to the stadium, but there is additional parking near UNO Lakefront Arena and the school’s tennis center. Once inside Maestri Field you are free to move around and sit wherever you want. There are also not long lines at the concession and merch stands here. Return on Investment 4 All tickets can be had for $12, and you are free to sit wherever you want, including in the chairbacks. Parking is free near UNO Lakefront Arena and the school’s tennis center, but in regard to concessions I would recommend getting something to eat at one of the many restaurants in New Orleans if you can help it, instead of eating at the ballpark. The level of baseball you are getting to see in the Southland Conference is pretty good, with several of the players on the field, either playing for UNO or their opponent, usually getting drafted. I considered this a good return on investment – you can't beat D1 baseball in a cool city like New Orleans either. Extras 3 The Privateers made 14 regional appearances in Division 1 and two in Division 2, with their most recent regional appearance in 2008. UNO also earned six conference titles in baseball, although none since joining the Southland Conference in 2014. In addition, UNO has had 16 players make it to the Big Leagues, with the most prominent alum being Braves skipper Brian Snitker, who played at UNO in 1976 and 1977. The Privateers best player ever in the baseball program was Augie Schmidt, who played for UNO from 1980-1982. He won the 1982 Golden Spikes Award as the best player in college baseball, and would be drafted # 2 overall by Toronto in 1982, bouncing around the minors before retiring in 1986. The Privateers best season was in 1984, when they advanced to Omaha for their first and only appearance in the College World Series; UNO made history as the first school from Louisiana to ever advance to the CWS. One extra for Maestri Field hosting minor league baseball for four seasons in the early 1990s – from 1993-1996 the stadium was home to the New Orleans Zephyrs, the Triple A affiliate of the Brewers. Jeff Cirillo, Jose Valentin, Mike Matheny. and B. J. Surhoff are a few of the big names who played here on the way to the show.

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta 5300 Winder Hwy Braselton, GA 30517 SRO Motorsports website Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta website Year Opened: 1970 Capacity: 10,000 Hot Cars in Hotlanta SRO America moved its annual June visit from VIR in 2026 to Road Atlanta, a historic circuit just an hour north of Georgia’s capital city. Known for its high speed and high commitment corners, this facility is a favorite among fans and competitors alike. However, unlike the IMSA Petit Le Mans weekend in the fall, this event features searing summer temperatures and a condensed race format for what you see on track. Nonetheless, the action on track no doubt features something for everyone. Food & Beverage 3 There aren’t a lot of concession stands at this track; one lies in the outer paddock behind the Michelin Tower. Here you can find burgers ($8.99), grilled chicken sandwiches ($8.99), hot dogs ($6.99), chicken tenders ($9.99), and more standard fare. Fries ($5.99) and drinks (soda, water, beer, and energy drinks) are also offered. Another stand is located in the infield near the Turn 5 area, and various food trucks populate the fan zone midway. Atmosphere 3 As a first year event, it is easy to see how this would seem like a much more toned down event compared to others at the facility. Mostly comparable to Trans Am weekend in March in attendance, the roar of the crowd isn’t there like it is for IMSA in October. Nonetheless, the Georgia fans showed up and camped trackside making it feel like a solid attendance. The facility also is the same, so easy access to the paddock for fans, as well as the fan zone in the infield, make for a great way to see the cars and stars up close. Neighborhood 3 The main downside to Road Atlanta is its location – an hour north of Atlanta proper, this track isn’t near much. Aside from a few small hotels and fast food locations a few miles down the road, Road Atlanta is very much dominated by rolling hills, suburbs, and farmland. A 15-minute drive south gets you to Buford and the big Mall of Georgia, however, where you can find plentiful hotels and restaurants. Also nearby is Chateau Elan resort and golf course for a more high-level resort experience; recreation can also be found outdoors in nearby Lanier. Fans 3 A respectable attendance showed up for the first iteration of this event in 2026. While not quite to IMSA levels, this no doubt will improve over time with stability on the schedule. Fans in the south love racing, and sportscar fans love Road Atlanta. Perhaps the biggest setback for anyone wanting to watch is the date. Summer in June is absolutely brutal in Georgia. High temperatures soar as the sun rises, baking the fans watching the action trackside. Access 5 To get to Road Atlanta, Exit 129 off I-85 or Exit 17 off I-985 will both get you to the track in the most direct manner – being located equidistant between these two interstates means getting in and out of the venue is easy. Once at the track parking is plentiful, and the facility also offers a tram that takes fans around the track to various viewing areas. Return on Investment 5 Tickets to SRO America weekend are always affordable. Friday-Saturday tickets are $61.90, Saturday-Sunday tickets go for $73.15, and a Sunday-only ticket is just $39.40. A weekend pass for all three days is $84.40, and all kids 12 and under are free with a paying adult. Infield parking ($11.25) and motorcycle parking ($5.65) are also available, as is tracking camping ($33.75-$112.50). Two-day ($112.50) and three-day ($140.65) car corral packages are also available, while fans can even bring their own golf carts for $78.75. Extras 3 The event has a fan walk before races on Saturday and on Sunday. Fans can also enjoy autograph sessions throughout the weekend, including Sunday’s combo autograph session and fan walk during quiet hour in the morning. The fan zone also features several sponsor displays and merch tents. Finally, numerous trackside viewing areas are open to fans, and access is much easier than during Petit Le Mans weekend, giving fans the chance to see more of the track than on a normal race weekend for sportscars in Atlanta. Final Thoughts This event has promise, but the high temps of June make it a slog for even the most diehard fans. Time will tell if the fans embrace SRO America here in Atlanta, or if it just becomes another event on the schedule for both parties.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.43 North Point High School Field 2500 Davis Road Waldorf, MD 20603 Southern Maryland Senators website North Point High School Field website Year Opened: 2005 Capacity: 200 (estimated) Senators Baseball The Cal Ripken, Sr. Collegiate Baseball League is a summer collegiate baseball league featuring eight teams in the Washington, D.C. metro area. The newest club in this league is the Southern Maryland Senators, who joined the league in 2023. For the first three years of their existence, the Senators played their home games at Regency Furniture Stadium in Waldorf, the 4,200-seat home of the Atlantic League's Southern Maryland Blue Crabs. This was by far the largest stadium in the CRSCBL and was never even close to capacity. In 2026, the Senators opted to move to the significantly smaller but much more basic baseball field at North Point High School, also in Waldorf. Food & Beverage 2 Concessions are sold from a table to the left of the bleachers, which you will pass by as you come in. The menu here is pretty basic. Water, soda, and chips are available at all home games, with hot dogs and burgers sometimes being available as well. Prices are quite reasonable - the cheeseburger is the most expensive option at just $4. Payment is made by scanning a QR code with your phone, which will take you to a website where you can enter your credit card number or pay via mobile wallet. Atmosphere 2 Even by the standards of the league, the baseball field at North Point high school is pretty basic. A set of bleachers is located directly behind home plate, with a thick chain link fence separating it from the field of play. It is almost deserted for a typical game, as most fans bring their own chairs and either sit at the top of the hill behind the bleachers where they can be in the shade of some trees, or further up the line near the walking path into the stadium where they won't be behind the chain link fence. There are other issues with sitting in the bleachers as well. Most areas will have a view obstructed by some combination of support poles, the speakers, and the electrical panel. There is also a generator used to power staff laptops and other electronics which lets off exhaust which can be annoying depending on which way the wind is blowing. Even though the crowd is usually dead silent, the sound of the generator drowns out the chatter on the field unless you head further up the line. There are no lights at North Point High School, so all the Senators' home games will be played during the heat of the day. The latest any game will start is 5 PM, which still means you will be in sunlight for most if not all of the game. A scoreboard in left-centerfield shows the linescore, but can be hard to read with the glare from the sun and the chain link fence. Neighborhood 3 North Point High School is located in a residential neighborhood of Waldorf, so there is not much in the immediate vicinity. Many businesses are located along Route 301 in both Waldorf and nearby La Plata, although they are mostly chains. You will have to drive a couple miles to get to either one as well. La Plata seems to have more non-chain options, including Marie's Diner and La Tolteca. Fans 2 The Southern Maryland Senators average only a few dozen fans a game, and as mentioned, they tend to be quite spread out through the facility and often far away from the field. You will find a few fans in the bleachers, some at the top of the hill, and some further up the left field line. They are not very involved in the game, and many of the kids play catch down the line and ignore the game entirely. This is one of the smallest fan bases in a league that is already not known for its large crowds at most venues. Access 2 North Point High School is located near Maryland Route 228, a few miles away from US Route 301 and several of the other major roads that run north-south through Southern Maryland. Most GPS systems will try to take you to the main entrance of the school, but to get to the baseball field, you will want to use the entrance further down Davis Road, across from the hospice, and park by the tennis courts. You will then walk past the tennis courts along a walking path to the field. There are no real bathrooms at the baseball field. Instead, a couple of Port-a-Potties are located on the top of the hill behind home plate. Return on Investment 4 Tickets to Senators home games are just $5 each, with kids 12 and under getting in for free. Concessions are quite affordable as well, though fairly limited. Overall, a Senators game is a good value, but there isn't enough here to earn the top score despite the low cost. Extras 2 At select home games, the Senators hold raffles giving fans a chance to win prizes. As there are not that many fans in attendance, you actually have a decent chance of winning. A merchandise tent near the concessions sells Senators gear to fans. Final Thoughts A Southern Maryland Senators game at North Point High School is a very basic experience, even by the standards of the Cal Ripken Senior Collegiate Baseball League. it is obvious from the way the staff treat what few fans do show up that they care about the team. However, with not much to work with in terms of facilities, and low turnout so far, their hard work has not yet paid off. We hope it will do so in the future.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Mulcahy Stadium 498 E. 16th Ave. Anchorage, AK 99501 Anchorage Glacier Pilots website Mulcahy Stadium website Year Opened: 1963 Capacity: 3,500 Glacier Pilots Baseball Mulcahy Stadium in downtown Anchorage, Alaska, is one of the largest outdoor sports facilities in the state of Alaska. In addition to serving as the home to both the Anchorage Glacier Pilots and Anchorage Bucs of the Alaska Baseball League, several high school and American Legion teams use the field for games. The ballpark is named after former Alaska Railroad station auditor William Mulcahy. Mulcahy, who was instrumental in putting together the early baseball games that entertained the Anchorage community, was the first National Baseball Congress Commissioner of Baseball for Alaska. He introduced Little League Baseball to Anchorage and was known around town as “Mr. Baseball” and the “Grand Old Man of Baseball.” The Anchorage Glacier Pilots were formed in 1969. Members of the Alaskan Baseball League since its inception, they won the National Baseball Congress World Series five times (1969, 1971, 1986, 1991 and 2001). The Glacier Pilots have had more alumni reach the Major Leagues than any other team in the ABL. Some of their notable alumni are Randy Johnson, Mark McGuire, Aaron Boone, J.T. Snow, and Aaron Judge. Food & Beverage 4 The Glacier Pilots operate a small concession stand out of a storage shed down the right field line. No, seriously. Even with the numerous permanent structures around Mulcahy Park, since the Bucs and Glacier Pilots can’t share, the Glacier Pilots operate their concessions out of temporary digs far from the center of the ballpark. Standard ballpark fare is grilled up fresh here. You can get burgers, “Pilot Dogs” or regular hot dogs here, along with chips, peanuts, pretzels and popcorn. Assorted Coca-Cola products are also available here. Combine your burger or dog with some chips and a drink in a combo meal to save a few dollars. You can also get an ice cream sundae in a Pilots mini-helmet, complete with blue sprinkles and a blue spoon. There’s a permanent stand closer to home plate serving up adult beverages if that’s what you’re looking for (priorities!) In addition, there’s a party deck that overlooks the field with another bar there. This really looked like the place to be during Stadium Journey’s visit. A nice selection of local craft beers are available from 49th State, Kenai, Bear Paw, Cynosure, Susitna and Midnight Sun Breweries. It’s a very impressive selection of Anchorage’s best microbrews. Atmosphere 2 The game day presentation at a Glacier Pilots game is old school, to say the least. Fans used to the constant noise and distraction at most games today might not know what to do with themselves, but those fans who prefer a traditional approach will feel right at home. There is little in the way of extraneous noise, music or other shenanigans at a Pilots game. The game itself is the entire focus here. There are no walk-up songs for each batter, no between-innings shenanigans, no constant sponsor ads ringing in your ears (save for ad reads after every foul ball. Yes, every single one.). What noise there is here at Mulcahy Stadium comes the PA announcer, who makes lineup announcements and between-inning sponsor ads with a professional delivery over a very loud sound system. Music is only played between innings. The Glacier Pilots share Mulcahy Stadium with another Alaska League team, the Bucs. This is not a typical “shared facility” situation. The ballpark is almost split right down the middle. Think of that Brady Bunch episode where Peter and Bobby put a line of tape down the middle of their room to split it in half. It’s almost that extreme. Each team has their own clubhouse on site, their own concession stands, their own season ticket holder sections, their own merchandise stands, and their own displays. It’s almost as if you experience a different stadium for a Glacier Pilots game than you will for a Bucs game. For a Pilots game, the first base side of the ballpark is open, while the third base side is shuttered. Glacier Pilots Game Action at Mulcahy Stadium. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey. Neighborhood 3 Mulcahy Stadium is part of the Chester Creek Sports Complex in the Fairview neighborhood of Anchorage. Also part of the complex are Sullivan Arena and Ben Boeke Ice Arena. This municipal facility also contains fields for football, softball, street hockey, soccer, pickleball, and tennis. Visiting fans looking for dining or lodging options directly adjacent to the ballpark will be disappointed, but the options for dining and lodging just a short distance from Mulcahy Stadium are many and varied. Ingra Street, located just to the east of Sullivan Arena, anchors a busy commercial district, loaded with dining options for those happy with the usual chains. For those seeking a more traditional Anchorage experience, head to the downtown area, located just over a mile away. For more information on the best lodging, dining and tourist attractions Anchorage has to offer, visit Anchorage.net. Fans 3 Getting an exact attendance number for the Glacier Pilots is difficult, as the league does not release attendance figures. Stadium Journey visited Anchorage on a Wednesday night in late June with a crowd of about 500 fans in attendance. The crowd on this night was boosted by a good-sized group who took up residence on the party deck, adding a lot of energy to the proceedings. As mentioned before, the Pilots share Mulcahy Stadium with the Bucs, who tend to draw comparable, if slightly smaller crowds. The big draw in these parts is the annual Fourth of July game between the Pilots and Bucs, which draws a standing room crowd of up to 4,000 people each year. The teams even manage to coexist on this night and open up all the concessions and restrooms. The crowd at a Pilots game seems to be made up largely of regulars, as it’s one of those places where everyone seems to know everyone. As with most summer college games, you’ll find a good number of families and youth groups out enjoying some affordable entertainment, as well as a core group of die-hard baseball fans. With the compact footprint of the Alaska League, you’ll be sure to see many fans of the opposing team in the stands as well. The fans are exactly what you would expect from the good people of Alaska. They are friendly and welcoming, even to outsiders. You can feel comfortable striking up a conversation with your neighbors, as they are very used to people traveling here from all over. Given the die-hard nature of many of the fans here, they are very knowledgeable about the players and the team. Mountain View at Mulcahy Stadium. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey. Access 3 Mulcahy Stadium is centrally located within the city. It is easily accessible via Route 1 (Ingra St.) or A Street on either end of the complex. Downtown Anchorage is just over a mile from the ballpark. For fans utilizing public transportation, Anchorage’s People Mover Route 25 stops on A Street about a block from the ballpark. A large parking lot is located between Mulcahy Stadium and Sullivan and Boeke Arenas. Fans can enter the ballpark on the third base side, where the ticket booth is located. There is another entrance in deep right field, with a small lot adjacent to it. The seating area is a hodge-podge of sections built up over the years. The main grandstand behind home plate features metal bleachers, as well as room for those who bring their own chairs. There are newer sections on either baseline featuring individual bucket seats. These are reserved for season ticket holders. The popular beer garden is located on the right field side. Metal bleachers round out the seating down both foul lines. Seating along the first base side of the field is preferred, as the sun will not be in your eyes, and you can enjoy a spectacular view of the Chugach Mountains in the distance. There are a pair of restrooms for use on the concourse, and the ballpark is easily accessible. Lines are not an issue at the concession or beer stands. Return on Investment 5 Tickets to Glacier Pilots games are priced at ten dollars for reserved seats and eight dollars for general admission (bleacher) seats. Discounts are available for seniors, youths, and members of the military. Parking is free in the lot adjacent to the ballpark. With inexpensive concessions, a night at a Pilots game is an inexpensive entertainment option for local sports fans. Extras 2 The Pilots have hung a series of tarps along the fences on the right field concourse honoring notable alumni and championship teams. Some of the names you’ll be sure to recognize here are Mark McGwire, Chris Chambliss and Aaron Judge. Two rows of seating located at field level on the third base line were formerly used at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum. Final Thoughts Mulcahy Stadium is a quaint old ballpark located in a wonderful destination city. The back story of the Glacier Pilots and Bucs, who cannot exist in their shared ballpark, makes for a unique visiting experience. Throw in the fact that the Alaska League continues to be one of the premier summer college circuits in the nation, and you have found yourself a fantastic Stadium Journey. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Terry McCutchen, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Crutcher Scott Field at Bullock Brothers Park 555 Walnut St Abilene, TX 79601 Abilene Christian Wildcats website Crutcher Scott Field at Bullock Brothers Park website Year Opened: 1991 Capacity: 4,000 ACU Baseball Established as a hub of the Texas and Pacific Railroad in 1881, Abilene, Texas quickly became a regional economic center and centerpiece for the “Big Country”. Dubbed Key City, Abilene has maintained its importance to the west-central area of Texas for nearly 150 years since. Abilene Christian is the largest and most prominent of three Christian universities in this city of over 100,000 citizens. Its roots run deep and the influence from its alumni is vast. ACU athletics competes at the NCAA Division I level, with its baseball team competing in the Western Athletic Conference. The baseball program, formed in 1955, competed at the NAIA and NCAA Division II levels until being disbanded in 1978. Thanks to fundraising efforts by MLB Hall of Fame pitcher Nolan Ryan, however, the baseball program was reinstated in 1991. Ryan’s former MLB teammate, Wildcat alumnus Bill Gilbreth, was tapped as the first coach of the newly reinstated program. Since its rebirth, the ACU baseball program has seen its facilities upgraded with many modern amenities, and has grown into a solid mid-major NCAA Division I team; from 2021-2023, ACU was the 3rd winningest mid-major program with 101 wins. Since its most recent renovation, “The Crutch” seats a total of 1566, which includes 959 theatre-style seats that are accessible via a large stairwell on the first base side, or via ramps on either the first or third base side of the concession stand. The general admission and reserved seating sections are divided, and can be accessed by different ramps and stairways; GA seats on the home side (first base) are accessed from a raised concourse that feeds down into the seating bowl. There is also an elevator for fans needing accommodation, and all the folding seats in the venue are in the shade. Restroom facilities are located at both the ground level and on the concourse level, located on the first base corner of the press box. Food & Beverage 3 Concession options at Crutcher Scott Field include standard ballgame fare. Cash, credit/debit cards, and ACU campus Bean Bucks are all accepted. Food options include solely the basics like hot dogs, nachos, popcorn, pickles, and candy. Pickles, ice cream bars, and candy cost $3, while popcorn and hot dogs are $4. Nachos and chili dogs are $6, with the chili nachos being the most expensive item on the menu at $7. Condiment tables with napkins and forks are located across the concourse from most concession stands. Beverages are served in plastic bottles, with no souvenir cups available. Coca-Cola is the drink provider, which means Coke, Diet Coke, Coke Zero, Sprite, Dr Pepper, Dasani bottled water, Gold Peak tea, Body Armor, Smartwater, and Powerade are among the offerings. The stands also sell Monster Energy Drinks, but no alcohol is available, nor is it allowed on ACU’s campus. Most of the drinks cost $4, with Monster and Smartwater costing $5 each. There is only one concession stand here, located just inside the front gate of the stadium, easily accessible from either side of the stands. This is adequate for most of the games on the schedule, since crowds at baseball games here average between 400 to 600 fans. Atmosphere 3 While 400-600 fans per game is average, attendance spiked for high-profile mid-week games against high-level Power 4 programs such as Texas Tech, TCU, and Baylor. There is an emcee that leads two or three between-inning games during the day to involve the crowd, including frozen t-shirt contests, races from foul pole to foul pole, and a dizzy bat race. There are also a couple of innings where there are trivia questions or guessing games on the HD videoboard. The production team misses some opportunities, however, by underutilizing the board, since there are no live camera feeds to it. A simple live crowd feed would allow them to include the fans in activities such as the Simba cam, kiss cam, and dance contests, among others. The PA system can be heard clearly from anywhere in the park. As mentioned above, there is a nice HD scoreboard that is located beyond the right field fence, which is clearly visible from every seat in the stands. Neighborhood 4 Abilene Christian, located on the eastern edge of the University Hills neighborhood of Abilene, is surrounded by a mixture of mid-century single-family homes, duplexes, and condos that are popular with students, faculty, and short-term vacation rentals. Traditionally a safe and quiet area of town, this Rockwellian setting is slowly showing signs of modernization through business development north and east of the university, as well as urban renewal one home at a time. Paired with the school’s desire to compete academically and athletically with top-tier schools across the US, Abilene Christian’s campus has grown into a beautiful gem on “The Hill”. Within a short drive, visitors will find numerous dining and sleeping options. In addition to multiple Airbnb and Vrbo listings near campus, there are multiple hotels within a couple miles of the facility, including Courtyard by Marriott, Home2 Suites, Residence Inn, TownePlace Suites, Holiday Inn Express, and Comfort Suites, among others. I would suggest searching the whole Abilene area for accommodations, however, due to multiple federal construction projects in the area occupying much of the rental and hotel space in the city. Prices can be elevated and rooms limited, especially during high traffic times. Dining options within a short drive of the stadium are varied, with choices ranging from drive-thru fast food to fine dining restaurants. Located catty-corner from Anthony Field, ACU’s football venue, you will find Allen Ridge, a retail and dining center featuring lakeside dining options, a playground, and walking trail. Restaurants found in Allen Ridge include Twisted Root Burger Company, Cork and Pig Tavern, Phoenix Pho, and Fuzzy’s Taco Shop. With ample parking across the street from both the ballpark and restaurants, dining and walking to the game is a viable option. Multiple fast-food options can quickly be found by traveling south on Judge Ely Boulevard, or east on Ambler Avenue. Among these options you will find McDonald’s, KFC, Braum’s, Rosa’s, Schlotzsky’s, Raising Cane’s, Taco Casa, Panda Express, and Jason’s Deli to name a few. For casual sit-down experiences in the same areas you can find Cracker Barrel, Chili’s, Chipotle, Blu Barrel Bar and Grill, and Buffalo Wild Wings. Other local favorites within a reasonable drive include Galveston Seafood Company, Oscar’s Mexican Food, Rock and Rollerz Burgers, and Texas Flaming Grill. Or, another local favorite, a Texas top 50 barbecue joint, is Jay’s BBQ Shack on South 11th Street. For fine dining, a few suggestions that require a bit longer of a drive include The Beehive, Taylor County Taphouse, and Perini’s Steakhouse, among many more. Perini’s is located in Buffalo Gap, approximately 30 minutes south of Abilene, where the owner, Tom Perini, is famous for serving presidents, governors, and celebrities – his meals provide some of the best bites of food you will ever eat. When coming to see a game here, the author’s suggestion is to take advantage of some of the local restaurants, especially Jay’s BBQ, Galveston Seafood, or Texas Flaming Grill, for meals instead of counting on ballpark cuisine. Fans 3 Wildcat fans are known to be loyal. They are generally neither rude nor confrontational, but get loud, cheer success, and expect to be competitive in all athletic endeavors. As the university has grown, and their athletic programs have moved up in competition, the number of regional rivalries has diminished, yet there are a few that remain. Smaller college baseball crowds are generally referred to as “family and girlfriend” crowds, with limited student attendance. ACU is no different, with rare occasions where large groups of students are in attendance for games. This leads to a quieter, less confrontational group at Crutcher Scott Field. Access 5 Abilene Christian University’s athletic complex is located mere blocks off Interstate 20 in Abilene, Texas, via exit 288 at the corner of Ambler Avenue and Judge Ely Boulevard. With Abilene Regional Airport a mere 12 minutes’ drive away, the university is easily accessible whether you are flying or driving into town. If flying commercial, you will be forced to utilize American Eagle with connections to DFW Airport; Abilene Regional allows private planes as well. There are multiple rental car agencies at the airport to choose from, in addition to ride share services, but public transportation is not a reasonable option within Abilene. Parking near Crutcher Scott Field is plentiful since it is shared with the football and basketball facilities. I would avoid parking along the fence directly in front of the stadium, however, as this is the first base side of the field, and is thus prime territory for foul balls off the bat of right-handed batters. Parking is free for all baseball games, and in the event of a sell-out might become tight, but the parking lot extends for nearly half a mile, and businesses across the street from “The Crutch" also allow you to park for free. Once inside the venue, there is access to reserved seating behind home plate via ramps on either side of the concessions/restroom facility. Access to general admission seating along either baseline is available via a brick stairway on the first base (home) side, or via a long wheelchair ramp on the third base (visitor) side. There is also an elevator granting access to the concourse above the first base general admission seating – the elevator is located beyond the brick stairwell, using the entrance to the Wessel Player Development Center. Return On Investment 4 Single game general admission tickets cost $10, while reserved tickets are $15. The quality of the mesh folding seats in the reserved section behind the plate, compared to the plastic theatre seating along the first base line or in the bleachers down the third base line, is worth the extra charge unless the game is on a hot day, in which case the GA seats in the shade are far more desirable than anything in the sun. Parking around Crutcher Scott Field is free for everyone, which is always a welcome feature. With concession prices allowing a couple to eat for less than $20, the return on investment of attending an ACU baseball game is well above average. Extras 4 The abundance of shaded general admission seating for all games is well worth extra recognition. Late-season games can be hot, with temperatures reaching into the mid-90s, so comfortable seating that gives protection from the sun is a welcome relief. The ability to bring in food and drinks from outside restaurants is also worth extra points. ACU policies state this is not allowed, but at all the games I’ve attended in the last few years, fans were able to bring in food and drink from outside, although they may enforce this policy more strictly in years to come. Extra points are also given for the ultra-convenience of accessibility to the field here. Unless the opponent is a highly touted Power 4 school, there is plenty of parking within steps of the gate. In addition to the close parking, the amount of quality food, hotel, and shopping options within two minutes of the university create a convenient and easy-to-traverse setting. Final Thoughts Abilene Christian University baseball has grown into a top-notch program through facility improvements and quality play on the field. Through major investments by the university and from donors in the past decade, Crutcher Scott Field at Bullock Brothers Park has transitioned from an average mid-major ballpark to a hidden gem with a bright future.

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Sebring International Raceway 113 Midway Dr Sebring, FL 33870 SRO America website Sebring International Raceway website Year Opened: 1950 Sweltering Sportscar Speed The race season at Sebring may be more well known for the annual IMSA 12 Hours, but another event is on the schedule to garner the attention of fans. The annual SRO America weekend, featuring no less than five race series on track, showcases sportscar racing’s best machines on this historic circuit. Running the former WWII B-17 airfield course, this race is a great place for families and car enthusiasts, complete with car shows and thrilling race action. Food & Beverage 3 There are only a few food vendors around the track at Sebring, all of them located in the paddock area by victory lane. The ever-popular Track Shack by the main tower closes during the weekend and operates out of a smaller location by the podium area, but there are also a few food trucks and vendors that set up on that side as well, with a large open-air tent set up for you to enjoy your food and drinks in the shade, with a trackside view. The cost of everything is also what one may consider moderately fair, as food and snack items range from just a few dollars to $12-$14 for bigger items at the Snack Shack. Atmosphere 3 The Sebring facility is steeped in racing history; fans from around the world regard it as one of the best tracks for many reasons. SRO America’s race weekend features a much more laid-back vibe compared to the IMSA 12 Hours, and everyone seems to be here to have a great time. This track lacks many of the conventional amenities one would expect from a top-level racetrack, but makes up for it with its viewing access and history. Access to Green Park is included all weekend, something not always open during smaller events, and fans can also watch from the main tower’s second-level viewing platforms, an area roped off during IMSA weekend and reserved then only for suite guests. The biggest downside to SRO’s date in May is that the early summer heat of Central Florida means temperatures can soar into the 90s – this makes for quite a steamy day of watching racing, with very little shade to be had for fans without suite access. Neighborhood 3 There isn’t exactly anything around Sebring International Raceway, as it is located in the middle of nowhere. Sebring itself is a town located in the middle of Florida, at least an hour and a half drive from the nearest major city or population center. Thus, while the town of Sebring itself may have some shopping and dining, as well as a few hotels, you are likely better off camping at the track and staying there the whole weekend. Fans 2 The fans at SRO America weekend cross over from other events at Sebring, including the IMSA, SCCA, and HSR events. Trackside camping is popular all around the track, and as usual, several fans decorate their campers and campsites with lights and decorations, though nowhere to the level of 12 Hour attendees. Thankfully, the craziness of IMSA weekend is nowhere to be found here either, and a much more family-friendly atmosphere can be enjoyed because of it. Without a doubt, Saturday is the best day to attend, with the most racing action on track happening that day, as well as car shows and fan access to several grid walks on pit road throughout the event. Unfortunately, fan interest in this event has dropped over the past few years, leaving a much less busy track, as well as fewer trackside campers seen in the infield. Access 3 The roads in and out of Sebring aren’t exactly major highways, with the biggest road being US-27 running towards Miami to the South and Orlando to the North. There is plenty of parking at the track, however, and trams are available to help take you from the further parking lots to various points of interest around the track. At Sebring International Raceway you never feel like you are too far from anywhere either, as there are several perfectly placed crossover bridges around the track to get you to key points of interest throughout the weekend. Any fan can also come down to the paddock and get up close to the stars and cars that are in attendance. Return on Investment 4 Tickets to SRO America weekend here are much less expensive than at the IMSA event in March – this means you get to enjoy the sights and sounds of similar race cars and drivers without breaking the bank. Without a doubt, SRO weekend is a great event to take younger fans to as well, and your access during this event is much more up close than at traditional races you may go to. Friday tickets are just $15, with tickets for Saturday or Sunday at just $25. A 3-day ticket runs $50, with weekend parking sold for $20. Camping trackside is $200, while car corral access runs anywhere from $60 to $100. Various club access options are also available for the event. Extras 3 Taking in the race at Sebring has its perks for fans, with various autograph sessions held throughout the weekend. In addition, fans also have the opportunity to get into the paddock area of the track free of charge, getting an up-close view of the teams as they prepare for racing on the historic circuit. Also, before the main event on Sunday, all the teams bring their cars out to the pit lane before the race starts, so fans can come to see the cars and drivers up close. Final Thoughts The annual SRO America weekend is a great place to watch some racing action on one of America’s most historic race circuits. Filled with exciting action, this weekend is a must-go for all the fans who don’t want the craziness of the IMSA 12 Hour, and instead are looking for a family-friendly race day. While the heat of early Florida may be rough for some, you get a great weekend with lots of race action if you’re willing to brave it.

Photos courtesy of Gregory Koch Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Carlini Field 4900 Bates Rd NE Washington, DC 20011 District Elite FC website Carlini Field website Year Opened: 2019 Capacity: 1,000 (estimated) Elite Soccer in the District District Elite FC is a semi-professional soccer team who joined the National Premier Soccer League (NPSL) in 2025. Their home games are played at Carlini Field on the campus of the Catholic University of America (CUA) in Washington, D.C. During the academic year, Catholic's soccer and lacrosse teams call Carlini home, but over the summer, it is home to District Elite. The NPSL, together with the UPSL and the confusingly named USL League Two, comprise the fourth division of American soccer. They are the highest level that is not fully professional, and consist mostly of current college soccer players and recent graduates. The pay is structured in a way that allows current athletes to retain their amateur eligibility if they are competing in the NPSL over the summer. However, occasionally some aging former professional who just wants to continue playing somewhere will show up in the NPSL as well. Like many teams at this level, the District Elite FC organization includes not just the NPSL club but also a club in the Women's Premier Soccer League (WPSL), the women's equivalent of the NPSL, as well as several youth development teams of various ages. It is not uncommon to see kids from District Elite's youth program in the stands for an NPSL game, and the team regularly plays doubleheaders with the WPSL club. Food & Beverage 4 There is no permanent concession stand at District Elite FC games. Instead, there are several food trucks and other local vendors in the parking lot outside the stadium. Fans can exit and re-enter to purchase food. El Jefe Wood Fired Pizza serves up made-to-order pizza in their wood oven. In addition to a classic pizza with cheese and tomato sauce, various specialty pizzas are available, including a unique one topped with sweet corn, mozzarella and cotija cheese, cilantro, and chipotle aioli. The pizza only takes a few minutes to make, but you may have to wait on line, so we suggest getting it before the game. If you go at the beginning of halftime, you should be back in time for the second half. This vendor also sells bottled water and soda cans. Prices for a whole, personal-sized pizza range from $13-$17, which for the quality of the food is pretty much what you'd expect. There was also a Kona ice truck when we visited. Atmosphere 3 There are several places at Carlini Field where fans can watch the game. Entering the stadium from the parking lot will put you on a plaza of sorts, with various patio-like furniture fans can sit on and watch the game. You will have to arrive early if you want to sit here, as it is first-come, first-served. You can move the chairs around, but there are very few places that won't be at least partially obstructed by trees. You can also walk down the steps from the plaza to a path, then walk down the path and up to a more conventional seating area. The middle section here consists of plastic chairbacks, while the two outer sections are metal bleachers. These seats will put you up close to the action. However, there is no shade in these seats until the sun goes behind the plaza and the trees, which will not happen until around 7:30 or 8 PM depending on when in the summer you are seeing a game. The plaza is in the shade, so many fans will hang out there to stay cool. A scoreboard on the far side shows only the most basic information and can be hard to see in the bright light. There is not much going on here other than the game itself. Before the game, staff will go through the stands looking for children to work as ball kids. Many of them are eager for the chance to go down on the field and be with the players and will jump at the opportunity. Overall, this is a relatively basic experience, about what you'd expect for a game at this level. Neighborhood 4 Catholic University is located in the Brookland neighborhood of Washington, D.C. This neighborhood is sometimes called "Little Rome" due to the large number of Catholic institutions. In addition to CUA, there are several other Catholic high schools, colleges, and other institutions, as well as the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. There are certainly other places to go in Brookland as well. Busboys and Poets is a popular bookstore, coffee shop, and restaurant located across Michigan Avenue from the south side of campus. The Brookland Pint is a popular bar serving beer and burgers. The Brookland Grill on 12th Street is a more affordable option. Fans 3 District Elite FC will draw about 100-200 for a typical home match. As most of their opponents are located close to the District, a good portion of them will be there to cheer on the visiting team. Many of them are friends and family of the players on the field, and as noted above, many of them are families with kids participating in District Elite's youth system. Only a few have no personal connection whatsoever to either of the teams. Those in attendance are deeply knowledgeable about the teams, players, and even the referees working the game. They can get loud at times, and one or two of them will bring flags and wave them during big moments, but for the most part, this crowd is standard for this level of play. Access 5 There are many options for arriving at Carlini Field. There is a lot next to the stadium with free parking, and if that fills up, fans can park in the much larger DuFour Center lot. However, this is unlikely to be necessary. Parking for District Elite games is free. Fans can also take Metro's Red or Green Line to Fort Totten or the Red like to Brookland-CUA. Despite having CUA in the name, the Brookland station is a slightly further walk to Carlini Field. Although the Brookland station is closer to the center of campus, Carlini Field is on the northern edge, putting it closer to Fort Totten to the north than Brookland to the south. That being said, the difference is so marginal that riding the extra stop on the Red Line to Fort Totten (if you are coming from that direction) would take longer. In either case, the walk should take about 15-20 minutes. Restrooms are available on the plaza by the entrance - the men's room is on one side of the building, and the women's room is on the other. Return on Investment 5 Tickets to District Elite FC games are just $12, with children getting in for just $8. The concessions are decently priced for the quality of the food. Overall, a District Elite FC game is an outstanding value. Extras 3 One extra star for the many vantage points from which to watch a game including the plaza seating area. Look for the merchandise tent by the entrance selling District Elite FC merchandise. A third and final star for a chance to see multiple games on a single ticket, a WPSL and NPSL game. Not all matches are doubleheaders, but if you plan right, you can spend an entire afternoon or evening watching soccer. Final Thoughts If you're a soccer fan in the DC area looking for a chance to watch a soccer game at a great price, a District Elite FC game is worth a visit. It's not the most elaborate or fancy experience you will find at a soccer game, but it's still something a whole family can enjoy in a fan-friendly environment.

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 Apple Bowl 1555 Burtch Rd Kelowna, BC V1Y 4A9 Canada BC Lions website Starlight Stadium website Year Opened: 1995 Capacity: 19,500 BC Lions at the Apple Bowl Normally home to the Okanagan Sun of the Canadian Junior Football League and Okanagan FC of the Pacific Coast Soccer League, the Apple Bowl in Kelowna, British Columbia has fixed seating for about 2,300 fans. However, in 2026 the BC Lions of the Canadian Football League will play two games here, bringing in 17,000 additional seats in the form of temporary bleachers, transforming the space into a party-like atmosphere. The east side of the stadium is filled with all manner of fan activations, including plenty of sponsor giveaways, as well as games such as cornhole, football tosses, and even a little putt-putt. There are also plenty of concession stands, as well as myriad tents selling alcohol, and even a team gear tent for you to stock up on your Lions paraphernalia. A party stage featuring a live band completes the ensemble, and there are also picnic tables on that side if you want to sit and eat while you listen. Food & Beverage 4 There are plenty of food and beverage options at the Apple Bowl during Touchdown Kelowna, although the lines can get a little long, and you may have to walk a bit to get to the concessions from your seats, depending on where you are sitting. The main tents feature a limited selection from Triple O’s, a local burger joint, specifically just four items: burgers ($10), hot dogs ($6), chips ($2), and water, but there are plenty of food trucks right next door, serving up tacos, donuts, poutine, Indian food, kettle corn, ice cream, and lemonade to name a few. All these concessions are located in the southeast corner, so they are a bit of a walk for those sitting on the north side. The west side is limited to club seating where food is (mostly) included with your ticket. For alcohol, there are several giant tents set up right behind the east stands, selling 10 varieties of beer, as well as gin cocktails, hard seltzer, and vodka for $11 each. Atmosphere 4 The atmosphere at Touchdown Kelowna is top-notch; the east side feels like a party all game long, with fans enjoying the games and giveaways, and listening to the live band. The party zone in the northwest corner (standing room only section) is also buzzing, and you will see plenty of fans in Lions gear, although there are also lots of fans supporting the other side, as well. In terms of the field layout, there are videoboards in both the northwest and southeast corners, which are a little hard to see from far away. The PA announcer is also a little difficult to hear; it may help to have larger screens to at least show the score and down and distance. Most of the seating is uncovered; if you want to stay out of the sun, your only choice is the fixed seating on the west side, which naturally sells out first, and those tickets are much more expensive. The cheerleaders perform throughout the game from in front of the party zone, on the same side as the BC Lions bench. Neighborhood 4 The Apple Bowl is located in Parkinson Recreation Park on the east side of Okanagan Lake, a long, winding lake that seems more like a river. There are plenty of places to eat in this bustling town of over 200K, as well as plenty of outdoor attractions such as parks, wineries, and even a kangaroo farm – for my money, this is the best attraction in town, charging just $20 admission and open daily from 9 am to 3 pm. Besides kangaroos, Kangaroo Creek Farm boasts many other animals, from pot-bellied pigs and tortoises to turkeys, peacocks, and hares. But the most recognizable resident at the farm has got to be the albino wallaby, a down-under cousin of the kangaroo that looks very much like one. There are plenty of hotels in Kelowna as well, on both sides of the river. Note that in 2026 the Lions are playing back-to-back games at the Apple Bowl as part of the Touchdown Kelowna festival, so you may have a choice as to which game to attend. Fans 5 While the Apple Bowl cannot hold as many fans as the Lions are used to seeing at BC Place, at least since the recent ownership change, both games at the Apple Bowl are likely to be sellouts, and as mentioned earlier, you will see plenty of fans sporting Lions gear. The larger team gear tent is on the east side, but there is also a smaller one on the west side, behind the club seats and next to the fixed stands, so you have options to get your Lions swag no matter which side you are sitting on. The fans are into the action all game long – the staff did a great job scheduling two of the Lions’ biggest (and closest geographically) rivals, the Stampeders and the Elks, for the two games in 2026, which really helped increase the size of the crowd. Access 3 Kelowna is about four hours from Vancouver and three hours from Chilliwack. Once you get close to Kelowna, the drive along Okanagan Lake is enjoyable with the stunning water views, but before that you are faced with a long slog across a mostly barren expanse, with few gas stations and only a handful of tiny, strategically placed rest stops along the way. Be sure to fill up when the signs warn you to, so you don’t run out of gas and get stranded along the way. Once you get to the stadium, there is not much in the way of parking nearby; most fans walk a fair distance to get to the gates. Gate A is where most fans enter, on the east side, while Gate B is near the fixed stands on the west side. If you try to walk around the whole facility, you won’t be able to cross the northwest corner, but the rest of it is open – you may want to keep that in mind when trying to move around the venue. Return on Investment 5 Tickets to Touchdown Kelowna are pretty cheap, and can be had for about 40 CAD from the venue website if you are willing to stand in the party zone all game long; other tickets, especially in the fixed stands, can cross well over 150 CAD, but may be worthwhile, as the fixed stands have the only covered seating in the whole place. If you are able, I definitely recommend taking in a BC Lions game at the Apple Bowl. There is no guarantee the Lions will come to the Apple Bowl every year, and if they do, you may only have the chance to see one or two games here in a season. I would definitely take advantage of the chance to see the Lions in a whole new way if you can. Extras 4 The staff brings in several junior flag football teams to play during halftime, and the BC Lions mascot will be on hand as well to greet fans and pose for photos. The facility also has water stations set up where fans can refill their water containers to help keep fans hydrated during the contest. Final Thoughts It may be a long trek for the typical BC Lions fans over in Vancouver, but a trip to Touchdown Kelowna at the Apple Bowl is well worth the trip. Here’s hoping the Lions decide to keep coming back to this wonderful pop-up venue, year after year.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57 Central Recreation Centre 519 Drury Lane Burlington, ON L7R 2X3 Burlington Blaze website Central Recreation Centre website Year Opened: 1968 Capacity: 1,300 Blaze of Glory In 1976 the Hamilton Bengals joined the ranks of Junior A lacrosse in Ontario. Success came quickly for the Bengals, as they finished the regular season in 1st place in their division in just their fourth season of play. The Bengals subsequently fell off and ended up competing with Jr B teams for a number of years in the playoffs after a poor showing during the regular season. The Bengals merged with a Burlington team to form the Bay Area Bengals in 1984. By 1992, Hamilton split off to head to the Junior B circuit leaving Burlington to play in Junior A as the Chiefs. In 2023 the Chiefs rebranded to the Burlington Blaze, jettisoning their aboriginal name, and ended up winning the Iroquois Cup as OJLL Champions and then going on to defeat the Coquitlam Adanacs to take home the Minto Cup as National Champions. The Blaze are a not-for-profit organization under the auspices of the Burlington Minor Lacrosse Association. Home for the Blaze is the Central Recreation Centre, commonly referred to as Central Arena. Built in 1968, Central Arena is nicknamed The Oven, which seems to be an apt home for a team referred to as the Blaze. Alumni for the Blaze and Chiefs include Andrew Kew, Brent Noseworthy, Ryan Smith and Ed Comeau. Food & Beverage 1 At the game that was reviewed, there was no concession stand. There were some vending machines that sold soft drinks and candy. 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 will enter the building at the main entrance at the west side. The main entrance leads fans into a small lobby with temporary tables for the 50/50 and ticket sales. The feeling that the building is designed more for recreation as opposed to spectators becomes evident. The main arena is available to fans after traversing a set of stairs. There are a number of trophy cases located in the hallway just outside of the main arena, one of which showcases some Burlington Minor Lacrosse items under the old Chiefs name and logo. Another trophy case is dedicated to the Blaze and has a number of items related to the 2023 Minto Cup Champion team. Inside the main arena fans are met with a very plain area with no markings to let fans know that this is the home of the Blaze. Banners for the 2023 Minto Cup Championship are found on the east wall. The polished concrete floor 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 hockey style scoreboard is found on the west wall. Inside the arena there are two other major items that become evident. The first is that the moniker “The Oven” is apt as there is no air-conditioning and the arena can be very hot in the summer months. The second is that there are a number of diagonal structural I-beams that can obstruct the view of the floor from the seating area. The gameday production is very simple. No music is played before the game or during down periods. It could be possible that this was due to technical difficulties as during the game that was reviewed the national anthem was unable to be played. However, after Blaze goals, a goal song was provided by a fan holding a large portable speaker. The PA system is very poor and it is difficult to understand announcements that are made. 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 or 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 Cougars of the OJHL during the winter months. The Blaze have a rivalry with the Oakville Buzz, who are a short drive northeast, along the lake. Hamilton is very close also and has a bunch of sporting options. 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 Assessing fans in the OJLL is difficult as attendance figures are not published. There were probably around 150 fans at the game that was reviewed. It would be considered a “friends and family” crowd at a regular season game. Fans in attendance were supportive of the team and into the game. It was not a crowd that was too much different than most of the other teams in the league. 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. There are plenty of obstructed views due to the diagonal structural beams and railings. The washroom facilities are adequate. Return on Investment 4 OJLL lacrosse offers tremendous value for a small investment. Tickets for the Burlington Blaze go for $10, parking is free and concessions are very affordable. The product on the floor is top notch and very fast and exciting. If the Blaze offered a little more when it comes to the atmosphere, then the ROI would be better. Extras 2 An extra mark for the Blaze earning the 2023 Iroquois Cup as OJLL champions and 2023 Minto Cup as National Junior A Lacrosse Champions. An extra mark for the strength of lacrosse in the area with the Toronto Rock located in Hamilton and the Oakville Buzz just up the highway in Oakville. OJLL teams are also found in nearby Kitchener-Waterloo, Toronto and Six Nations. Final Thoughts The Burlington Blaze continue to provide strong competition in the OJLL and can even boast a Minto Cup. Although Central Arena is not an ideal home, it provides a serviceable venue for lacrosse. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube, Twitter, Threads and Instagram @profan9.

Photos by Jim Flannery, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Currie Field 750 Winnipeg St North Regina, SK S4R 1H8 Regina Red Sox website Currie Field website Year Opened: 1968 Capacity: 3,200 Regina Red Sox The Regina Red Sox have a long and storied history in various iterations going all the way back to the 1940s. The current version, playing in the Western Canadian Baseball League, has been active since 2005 and has won the league championship three times, most recently in 2025. The Red Sox play at Currie Field, located on the north side of Regina. It is the centrepiece of the Mount Pleasant Sports Park, nestled among soccer fields, green spaces, as well as a junior ballpark. Currie Field has hosted several teams since the mid-1990s and has been the home diamond for the Red Sox since the franchise began. Discussion of replacing the aging ballpark is underway, with a couple of possible locations being reviewed, both more centrally located. While the team and the city are still in the fundraising phase, they are looking to move forward in the next few years. Food & Beverage 3 Options on the menu are fairly typical, located at a trailer just behind the main grandstand on the first base side. Burgers, hot dogs, and an assortment of candy are available at the main concession, next to the main entrance on the first base side of the diamond. There is also an adult beverage stand tucked into the bleachers between the third base stands and the home plate stands with a selection of beer and coolers. Atmosphere 3 It’s a very laid-back atmosphere in the stands at Currie Field. Crowds are relatively sparse, averaging about 700 fans in a park that seats 3,200, so there are small clusters of people spread out across the many sections of stands. The three central sections of the stands are assigned seating and are comfortable, moulded plastic. Stretching out from there are sets of bleachers stretching down the baselines. These are a mixture of wood and metal bleachers. Stick to the wood bleachers on a hot summer day—they’re much cooler to sit on. Currie Field Interior, Photo by Flannery, Stadium Journey Having the fans spread so thin across the stands means the crowd noise drops off quickly as you move away from behind home plate, which reduces the energy. But things remain pleasant, with fans looking like they’re having a good time. Neighborhood 2 Located north of the city, next to an industrial park, means there isn’t much to do in the immediate area. Mount Pleasant Sports Park itself is nice to walk around in, if you’re looking to take a stroll and touch some grass. If you want a bite to eat after a game, however, you’ll be going for a drive. A few blocks straight south of the diamond, on Winnipeg St., is Ginger Garlic Nepalese Cuisine, a highly rated restaurant for people looking for something exotic. For more conventional fare, try Trifons Pizza, located southwest of the park on Broad St. A few blocks further west gets you to Northgate Mall, which has a food court and a couple of free-standing restaurants as well, such as Osmow’s Shawarma and Arby’s. Fans 3 The smaller audience lends itself to groups of people hanging out and enjoying each other’s company as much as watching the game. But cheers and applause happen at the appropriate moments, so fans are engaged in the action on the diamond. Overall, the fans are fairly low-key, but pleasant. Access 4 Access to the diamond is fairly easy, with Mount Pleasant Sports Park located right off Regina’s Ring Road, which circles through the entire city. You’re also fairly close to Albert St, which bisects the city, running north-south. Parking is to the north of the diamond and is free. Inside Currie Field’s walls, pathways around the stands are wide and make it easy to get from point A to point B. Return on Investment 4 Pricing is quite reasonable at Currie Field, and right in line with other teams in the league. Premium seating behind home plate is $20.99. Adult tickets are $17.92; youths (6-14) are $7.68. Children aged 0-5 are free if accompanied by an adult, so this is a very family-friendly venue. For the quality of ball being played, this is a bargain. Extras 2 Just to the first base side of the main grandstand is a pro shop, with all the team ball caps, shirts, and bunnyhugs (that’s the Saskatchewan word for a hoodie) you might want. The Red Sox have a mascot named Slyder who makes his way around the field, entertaining the kids in the audience. Final Thoughts Currie Field remains a decent place to take in a ball game. A relaxed, comfortable, and welcoming atmosphere. While it is long in the tooth, it still does its job while the team and the city look forward to building a new home.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Mulcahy Stadium 498 E. 16th Ave. Anchorage, AK 99501 Anchorage Bucs website Mulcahy Stadium website Year Opened: 1963 Capacity: 3,500 The Bucs of Alaska Mulcahy Stadium in downtown Anchorage, Alaska, is one of the largest outdoor sports facilities in the state of Alaska. In addition to serving as the home to both the Anchorage Bucs and Anchorage Glacier Pilots of the Alaska Baseball League, several high school and American Legion teams use the field for games. The ballpark is named after former Alaska Railroad station auditor William Mulcahy. Mulcahy was instrumental in putting together the early baseball games that entertained the Anchorage community. He was the first National Baseball Congress Commissioner of Baseball for Alaska and introduced Little League Baseball to Anchorage. Mulcahy was known around town as “Mr. Baseball” and the “Grand Old Man of Baseball.” The Anchorage Bucs were formed in 1980 as the Anchorage Adult League Team. The team was renamed the Cook Inlet Bucs when they joined the Alaska Baseball League in 1981. In 1984 the team was again rebranded, this time as the Anchorage Bucs. Some notable alumni of the team include Wally Joyner, Jeff Kent, and Keith Foulke. Food & Beverage 4 There is a small concession stand behind home plate. There is a decent menu served here, with hot dogs, burgers, nachos and kielbasa anchoring the menu (see what I did there?). You can add chili, cheese or bacon to your item for an upcharge. If you’re looking for something a little different, reindeer dogs are sold at the concession stand too. An assortment of snack items are also available, including pretzels, ice cream treats, candy and popcorn. Pepsi products are featured during Bucs games. If you are looking for an adult beverage, the beer stand has a good selection of beer and wine, as well as a large array of draft choices from local favorite Alaskan Brewing Company. Atmosphere 2 The game day presentation at a Bucs game is old school, to say the least. Fans used to the constant noise and distraction at most games today might not know what to do with themselves, but those fans who prefer a traditional approach will feel right at home. There is little in the way of extraneous noise, music or other shenanigans at a Bucs game. The game itself is the entire focus here. There are no walk-up songs for the batters, no between-innings promotions, no constant sponsor ads ringing in your ears (save for one unfortunate ad read after every foul ball. (Yes, every single one.). What noise there is here at Mulcahy Stadium comes the PA announcer, who makes lineup announcements and between-inning sponsor ads in an overly energetic manner over a very loud sound system. Music is only played between-innings, and the excellent playlist consists of classic 80’s rock. The Bucs share Mulcahy Stadium with another Alaska League team, the Glacier Pilots. This is not a typical “shared facility” situation. The ballpark is almost split right down the middle. Each team has their own clubhouse on site, their own concession stands, their own season ticket holder sections, their own merchandise stands, and their own displays. Think of that Brady Bunch episode where Peter and Bobby put a line down the middle of their bedroom to divide their room in half, it's almost that extreme. You will practically experience a different stadium for a Bucs game than you will for a Glacier Pilots game. For a Bucs game, the third base side of the ballpark is open, while the first base side is shuttered. Bucs Game Action at Mulcahy Field. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey. Neighborhood 3 Mulcahy Stadium is part of the Chester Creek Sports Complex in the Fairview neighborhood of Anchorage. Also part of the complex are Sullivan Arena and Ben Boeke Ice Arena. This municipal facility also contains fields for football, softball, street hockey, soccer, pickleball, and tennis. Visiting fans looking for dining or lodging options directly adjacent to the ballpark will be disappointed, but the options for dining and lodging just a short distance from Mulcahy Stadium are many and varied. Ingra Street, located just to the east of Sullivan Arena, anchors a busy commercial district, loaded with dining options for those happy with the usual chains. For those seeking a more traditional Anchorage experience, head to the downtown area, located just over a mile away. For more information on the best options in the area and Anchorage attractions, visit Anchorage.net. Fans 2 Getting an exact attendance number for the Bucs is difficult, as the league does not release attendance figures. Stadium Journey visited Anchorage on a Monday night in late June with a crowd of about 250 fans in attendance. In speaking with people around the ballpark, this seemed to be a pretty representative crowd. With it being a cloudy Monday night, it felt like a decent crowd indeed. As mentioned before, the Bucs share Mulcahy Stadium with the Glacier Pilots, who tend to draw comparable, if slightly larger crowds. The big draw in these parts is the annual Fourth of July game between the Bucs and Glacier Pilots, which draws a standing room crowd of up to 4,000 people each year. The teams do manage to coexist and open all the concessions and restrooms that night. The crowd at a Bucs game seems to be made up largely of regulars, as it’s one of those places where everyone seems to know everyone. As with most summer college games, you’ll find a good number of families and youth groups out enjoying some affordable entertainment, as well as a core group of die-hard baseball fans. With the compact footprint of the Alaska League, you’ll be sure to see many fans of the opposing team in the stands as well. The fans are exactly what you would expect from the good people of Alaska. They are friendly and welcoming, even to outsiders. You can feel comfortable striking up a conversation with your neighbors, as they are very used to people traveling here from all over. Given the die-hard nature of many of the fans here, they are very knowledgeable about the players and the team. Fans in the Old Mulcahy Stadium Grandstand. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey. Access 3 Mulcahy Stadium is centrally located within the city. It is easily accessible via Route 1 (Ingra St.) or A Street on either end of the complex. Downtown Anchorage is just over a mile from the ballpark. For fans utilizing public transportation, Anchorage’s People Mover Route 25 stops on A Street about a block from the ballpark. A large parking lot is located between Mulcahy Stadium and Sullivan and Boeke Arenas. Fans can enter the ballpark on the third base side, where the ticket booth is located. There is another entrance in deep right field, which may or may not be open, depending on the game. The seating area is a hodge-podge of sections built up over the years. The main grandstand behind home plate features metal bleachers, as well as room for those who bring their own chairs. There are newer sections on either baseline featuring individual bucket seats. These are reserved for season ticket holders. A beer garden, which contains some popular seating options, but which is not open during Bucs game, is located on the right field side. Metal bleachers round out the seating down both foul lines. Seating along the first base side of the field is preferred, as the sun will not be in your eyes, and you can enjoy a spectacular view of the Chugach Mountains in the distance. There are a pair of restrooms for use on the concourse, and the ballpark is easily accessible. Lines are not an issue at the concession or beer stands. Return on Investment 5 Tickets to Bucs games are priced at ten dollars for reserved seats and eight dollars for general admission (bleacher) seats. Parking is free in the lot adjacent to the ballpark. With inexpensive concessions, a night at a Bucs game is an inexpensive entertainment option for local sports fans. Old Signage at Mulcahy Stadium. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey. Extras 1 The Anchorage Bucs Hall of Fame is located on the third base concourse. Among the notable names found here are Keith Foulke, Jeff Kent and Wally Joyner. Two rows of seating located in front of the Bucs clubhouse were formerly used at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum. Final Thoughts Mulcahy Stadium is a quaint old ballpark located in a wonderful destination city. The back story of the Bucs and Glacier Pilots, who cannot exist in their shared ballpark, makes for a unique visiting experience. Throw in the fact that the Alaska League continues to be one of the premier summer college circuits in the nation, and you have found yourself a fantastic Stadium Journey. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course 7721 Steam Corners Rd Lexington, OH 44904 IMSA website Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course website Year Opened: 1962 Capacity: 65,000 Mid-Ohio’s Support Series Weekend IMSA’s weekend at Mid-Ohio isn’t a full showcase of what the series usually offers. While the headliner WeatherTech Series is missing, Michelin’s Pilot Challenge has the chance to be the showcase series alongside other support events like Mazda’s MX-5 Cup and VP Challenge. Mid-Ohio was known for being a top-level destination for car racing, but the quality at the facility has fallen off greatly in the last decade. The facility provides exciting racing and has loyal fans, but unfortunately that is where the positives end; the traffic issues getting in and out aren’t much help either, and just hope it doesn’t rain too much, lest the track live up to its nickname of “Mud-Ohio.” Food & Beverage 3 The food here ranges from the standard burgers ($8 solo, $14.50 combo) and hot dogs ($6, $10) to chicken tenders ($9.50, $12), with sides ranging from $2.50 to $8.25 for chips, candy, cookies, or fries. Drinks (soda and water) are standard as well, costing from $4 to $8. The main concession stands in the infield and paddock are the main attractions, while some food trucks also fill up the infield fan area. Atmosphere 2 The atmosphere at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course has declined greatly from a facility standpoint in the last few years. Where once existed great sightlines for fans, you now have catch fences and high barriers in a lot of places. The former Honda bridge in the back section of the track was removed and not replaced in the winter of 2021, leaving fans with less mobility around the track to get different viewpoints. The bathrooms are also far from clean, and their age shows as well, though the paddock restrooms were renovated and expanded a few years ago. Unfortunately, most of the facilities on site are also made of wood, and haven’t been upgraded in decades, meaning the carpenter bees have exploded in population in the past few years. In addition, where paved pathways once existed in the parking areas, they are now cracked and falling apart, making for a bumpy drive around the track, which has resulted in many a flat tire. The dirt paths are also never watered down, meaning dust covers everything at the track if it doesn’t rain during the weekend. Neighborhood 2 Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course isn’t in a major city, nor is it near a thriving metropolis. Instead, it is quite literally in the middle of farm country outside of Mansfield – the biggest town near the track is also not that big of a place, but has its own mall and several places to eat and stay. While nice, the track is separated from civilization, giving a bit of an isolationist feel to the facility. One of the track’s entrances actually features a driveway that goes through a farm field, while another road leading to the front entrance goes through Lexington, a small town with a 35 mile per hour speed limit – this small town does embrace race weekend, however, with local shops and restaurants putting out their best for race fans who pass through. For food, driving into Mansfield will bring you to Texas Roadhouse and Olive Garden, two popular stops for drivers and teams. For hotels, Hampton Inn & Suites Mansfield South and The Inn on Smith’s Hill are also popular stays. For sights, the Ohio State Reformatory, located outside of Mansfield, was the filming location of the popular “Shawshank Redemption,” and even offers tours. Another popular stop is Cedar Point theme park, an hour and a half north in Sandusky. Fans 3 The fans at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course are known for packing the hillsides on race day. Even if they don’t know the drivers on track, they’ll pick their own favorite car and cheer for that team, whether they’re first or last during the race. In addition, if you get lost most are more than willing to help you find your way. While the crowds may not be as big as during IndyCar here, IMSA weekend still brings a ton of locals, as well as series-loyal fans, to the facility. Access 3 Getting to Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course isn’t exactly easy, as the track is in the middle of nowhere. It is also a fair driving distance from the highway, all down one-lane roads with speed limits that average about 40 miles per hour. And once you get to the track, all the parking is in grass or dirt fields, with some spots on the hills – your rarely-used parking brake will come in handy at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, as many parking areas are on hillsides with noticeable slants, which will become slippery if it rains. Needless to say, getting out after the races takes a lot of work and patience, as traffic is quite an ordeal. The one-lane road coming in and out, as well as the single bridge leading from the infield to the outer portions of the venue, mean you may spend hours walking or driving before you even reach the main gates. Return on Investment 3 While it may take some travel to get to the track, going to Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, a track steeped in history and sporting tradition, is still worth the trip. There are plenty of places to watch from where you can see big sections of the track, and the beautiful hillside scenery makes for a great backdrop during a race. Tickets start at $60 for Friday or Saturday, $70 for Sunday, and $90 for a weekend pass. VIP hospitality is available for $500, while car corral VIP packages range from $180 to $290. Infield parking is $50, while camping spots range from $305 to $480. Extras 3 Something that really gets fans engaged is the large fan zone in the interior of the track. With displays, shopping for souvenirs, and driver interaction events, fans can get up close and personal with their favorite drivers and teams. In addition, autograph sessions throughout the weekend give you the opportunity to meet your favorite drivers up in the paddock areas for the MX5 Cup and Pilot Challenge series. Fans can also wander throughout some of the garage areas to see their favorite teams at work, preparing their cars for the on-track action. Perhaps the most unique thing about Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, however, is that the garages feature a fan walkway above that looks down on the old-fashioned wooden and open-air rooms; this gives you a unique bird’s eye view of the teams working on their machines, a view that few other tracks offer, especially for sportscar racing. Final Thoughts If you want a quick, action-packed racetrack that features great camping, a Mid-West hillside forest setting, and one that is far from the hustle and bustle of city life, Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course is the place for you. Just be ready, as you may leave in a long line of traffic (fair warning), and you shouldn’t expect the most modern of facilities.

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca 1021 Monterey Salinas Hwy Salinas, CA 93908 WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca website IMSA Series Year Opened: 1957 Capacity: 11,000 IMSA’s Throwback Weekend WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca is a world-famous speedway housed atop the high hills outside of Monterey, California. The speedway has hosted some of the world’s biggest racing stars over various racing series, and continues to be a fan and driver favorite as the years progress. One of the biggest draws of the year, IMSA’s annual spring visit to the track brings large crowds and plenty of on-track action. With no less than four racing series taking to the speedway’s tight turns, fans have a lot of racing action to watch during a weekend. Also, thanks to a recent investment in the track’s infrastructure, fans can expect an even better product going forward. 2026 saw the introduction of IMSA’s “Throwback” weekend, with several cars sporting retro liveries of the past. And, a renewed push by the track to reconnect with the local community means more events for fans leading up to the race. Food & Beverage 4 Finding something to eat is easy to do at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, as the track is home to various food vendors and beverage carts around the property – at nearly every vantage point there is something to eat. The majority of food selections are standard burgers, hot dogs ($6), sausages ($14-$18), and a few salads, but one of the most popular spots is the local Mexican food booth that features tacos ($18), burritos ($20), and carne asada fries ($20) – while pricey, the flavor is worth every penny. Atmosphere 5 The weather in central California is almost always perfect. Rarely seeing the temperature rise higher than the low 80s on race day, the atmosphere at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca is nearly all-but-guaranteed to be ideal. In addition, the facility is located on the top of the coastal hills outside Monterey, making it a perfect spot for a breezy afternoon. Large oak trees line the track at various places, giving fans somewhere to hide from the sun if it does get warm. Additionally, fans can camp over the weekend at the track, as the property serves as a recreational park during weekends when there’s no racing. The upgrades to the facility in recent years include an improved crossover bridge connecting the paddock to the outside of the front straight. In addition, where once stood a simple wooden bridge now sits a fully golf-cart accessible walkover bridge that features gardens of local flora, as well as great elevated views of Turns 3 and 4. Neighborhood 4 Monterey is like much of the rest of coastal California; beautiful and relaxing. Boasting the weather and scenery of the Bay Area, but with the small town feel of more inland locations, Monterey features a regional airport, numerous locations to stay, and a wide variety of places to eat. In addition, the world-famous Monterey Bay Aquarium is just minutes from WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, as are Fisherman’s Wharf and Cannery Row. The locals are kind and courteous, always willing to give you directions and recommendations on where to go. And no matter what time of year you are going, there is always some form of festival or celebration going on, such as Italian Fest, Jazz Fest, or Octoberfest. For great food, check out Gusto’s Handcrafted Pasta & Pizza, or Hula’s Island Grill. Hotels are also plentiful, including Hilton Garden Inn Monterey and Hotel Pacific. Fans 3 The fans in Monterey are big-time race fans, having flocked to WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca for years. They know all the best places to watch from, so asking for a little advice will be met with kind suggestions for the newbie race fan. They also know how to party, putting on some great cookouts overnight in the camping areas. And if you want help understanding what’s going on, you can ask anyone. The fans also cheer loudly with every close pass and thrilling corner on the track, making for an enjoyable race event. However, in a marked change, the most recent event saw a visible decline in attendance for whatever reason, as the large crowds of years past did not return this year, despite the great weather and hot action on track. Access 3 Getting to WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca is a bit of a difficult task, thanks in part to the traffic coming in and out of the canyon in which the track is located. While the route from either Salinas or Monterey is pretty straightforward, the roads are almost all one-lane thoroughfares, meaning one slow car can make traffic a nightmare. Additionally, getting up the side of the mountain once inside the track’s gates can be daunting to those who aren’t used to driving up steep inclines. Traffic in and out of the track is directed through Boundary Road to the west. Via that route fans are only allowed to enter the facility, while the traditional entrance is limited to camping, and can only be used as an exit during the event. After a certain time, however, Boundary Road turns into an exit-only route, allowing for better traffic flow out of the facility. Parking is plentiful and available at various locations on the property, with additional parking passes available for different parking lots. And once you are at the raceway, moving around is aided by various bridges across the track to get from the inside to the outside of the course; just be sure to bring your hiking shoes, as the hillside walks are pretty impressive. Return on Investment 4 The track itself is very challenging, making for some of the most exciting and closest racing in the sport. The famed corkscrew complex is also world-famous for its difficulty, giving the best of drivers fits on race days. Combining the free autograph sessions, massive fan zone, and easy-to-see victory lane setup, this event offers a lot of up-close access that fans may not get at other racing events. Tickets to this event are generally affordable, with a 3-day ticket running $139.55; individual tickets are available for Friday ($10.35), Saturday ($87.80), and Sunday ($87.80), while tent camping ranges from $118.85 to $232.70. Parking is plentiful and free at the track, but those looking for preferred parking ($61.93) or car corral parking ($82.62) can find better spots for a price. Extras 5 The corkscrew is the biggest draw here, and the hillside viewing at the track gives fans the best chance to view one of the most intimidating corners in all of racing. Spectators can also experience a great fan zone here at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, featuring numerous autograph sessions during race weekends. Something that is also different about WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca is the hiking trails on site; walking up the hills to several of the viewing spots can be a workout unto itself. The weather also gives fans a beautiful backdrop from which to watch racing, as the typical morning fog in California creates a dramatic vista in the early hours. During the weekend, several free autograph sessions take place for fans to be able to meet the stars of the various IMSA series on track. In addition, this year saw several community events take place to engage with fans, including a downtown Monterey fan fest with show cars and driver autograph sessions on Wednesday before the event. Another new addition was a charity event featuring drivers’ wives and girlfriends showcasing local fashion, as well as local canines from the Monterey County SPCA. Final Thoughts If you want to find a historically significant spot to watch racing that features brilliantly perfect weather conditions, a culturally vibrant city nearby, and the essence of thrilling action on track, you should look no further than WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca. The fans will welcome you with open arms, and the symphony of motors roaring through the mountains will fill your heart with joy. This is definitely a bucket-list track for true racing fans to visit.

Photos by Jon Hart, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 LIU Athletic Center 161 Ashland Pl Brooklyn, NY 11201 LIU Brooklyn Blackbirds website LIU Athletic Center website Year Opened: 2006 Capacity: 2,500 The Hoops of LIU *Editor’s Note – At the time of the writing of this review, the LIU system had not yet merged, and the team playing in Brooklyn was known as the Bluebirds. When the LIU campuses merged, the teams adopted the nickname Sharks.* The LIU Blackbirds, which plays out of the Northeast Conference, made the NCAA tournament in 2018, and they have an arena befitting a championship team. The LIU Athletic Center (also known as Steinberg Wellness Center), which is a short walk from Barclay’s Center as well as a plethora of worthy destinations, is an arena with the intimacy of a gym. Food & Beverage 3 LIU has two competent concession stands, offering candy, soda, chips, fresh popcorn, and hot dogs. No item costs more than $3. You might consider saving your appetite, as the immediate area has no shortage of dining options. Just a block away on Dekalb Avenue, there are several old-schools, hole-in-the-wall spots. Teriyaki Burrito House, which offers Mexican with Japanese flavors, is worth a look for its name alone. For something more conventional, Appleby’s is a field goal up the block. The legendary Junior’s is close by as well. For new schools in Brooklyn, the Dekalb Market Hall offers an array of choices. Atmosphere 3 It’s low-key and eclectic. LIU has a fun band and a very capable dance squad. Both add a lot to the package. Neighborhood 4 The Blackbirds fly in the heart of downtown Brooklyn, which is growing by the day and has no shortage of activities, everything from the arts at BAM to axe throwing. Perhaps the best activity is strolling around, checking out the different, adjacent neighborhoods. If you crave more college ball, St. Francis plays just over a mile away. Fans 3 New York City is a professional sports team town, so it’s an uphill struggle for colleges to garner big-time support. However, Blackbird fans, which range from students and alums to casual neighborhood spectators to mothers with kids, are engaged. And yes, the kids take the court at half-time. The Blackbirds attract about 600 fans a game. Access 4 LIU is a short walk from every imaginable public transportation option. It’s a 20-minute subway ride from midtown Manhattan. If you choose to drive, expect to hunt and peck for space, which is certainly doable. Or, you can pay for a garage, which there appears to be no shortage of. Return on Investment 4 All tickets go for $5, and there are no bad seats. Snacks are cheap. In short, it’s one of the best deals to be had. Again, this team is coming off an NCAA year. Extras 2 When I attended, the Blackbird players stuck around after the game to sign complimentary posters. They lost, but the Blackbird players put on happy faces. They seemed like good, talented dudes, worthy of support. Derek Kellogg, who formerly coached at UMass, is the Blackbird's head coach. A John Calipari disciple, it’s interesting and fun to watch how Kellogg's operates during a game. This is something you will not see at a place like the Barclay’s Center. In short, it’s big basketball at a small venue. Final Thoughts The LIU Athletic Center is a first-rate facility, which offers D1 basketball at unheard-of prices. When the LIU Blackbirds soar, they will fill up. There is no shortage of interesting activities for pre or post game fun. _____ You can follow Jon Hart @ManVersusBall.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57 Bogota Savings Bank Center 1000 River Road Hackensack, NJ 07601 FDU Knights website Rothman Center website Year Opened: 1987 Capacity: 6,000 FDU Basketball Shines in North Jersey Editor's Note: On January 18, 2024, Fairleigh Dickinson University and Bogota Savings Bank announced an naming rights agreement to rebrand the former Rothman Center. This makes FDU the only NEC school with a corporate name on their basketball gym. George and Phyllis Rothman dedicated the Rothman Center on September 9, 1987, as the home of the Fairleigh Dickinson University basketball program. The self-made millionaire donated the entire $1 million to cover the cost of the building that is the centerpiece of athletics on campus. On February 9, 2007, the naming rights to the athletic venue inside the building were renamed the Stratis Arena after a generous donation from alumna Mary Kay Stratis. The arena holds just a tad under 3,000 that, includes 500 chairback seating bleachers and enough parking spots for more than 2,000 vehicles. The building consists of four playing courts, a six-lane, 200-meter track, and the Stratis Lounge that overlooks the main arena and can seat up to 150 guests. Its trademark feature is its tent-like roof design that has hosted three former presidents (George H. W. Bush, Bill Clinton, and Barack Obama) along with an array of campus events, trade shows, and entertainment options. The Knights are members of the Northeast Conference and have made five NCAA Basketball Tournament appearances since 1985. The team has not ranked higher than 15 each year and has yet to win in the postseason tourney. The program's only victory in a tournament was in the NAIA in 1952. Food & Beverage 2 There is a small concession area that serves hot dogs, nachos, and popcorn. There is, at times, pizza offered at the arena, along with frozen treats. The prices are relatively inexpensive and will tide your hunger over until you can grab a bite to eat after the game. Atmosphere 3 The Rothman Center is an interesting-looking building with a roof that is somewhat unique compared to other basketball arenas in the area. The ceiling roof comes together in a series of tan and dark brown triangular pieces that contrast beautifully with white-washed walls. A standard pull-out bleacher section pulls out from both sides. Various championship banners hang from the rafters, along with a centerpiece scoreboard that adds a nice touch to the building. The fans are close enough to the action on the field that you can hear every squeak of a sneaker or drop of sweat fall to the court. When it comes to a pure basketball environment, it is here at the Rothman Center. Neighborhood 3 The FDU campus stretches between the cities of Teaneck and Hackensack. These two cities are a mix of residential and urban. The best part about attending an FDU game is that you are close to many places to eat and shop. The Shops of Riverside is a mall that features well-known chain franchises, including P.F. Chang’s, Cheesecake Factory, Friday’s, Smashburger, and Houston’s. There is also a Hooters and several other local pizza parlors nearby, but the best place for a pie is at Brooklyn Coal-Oven Pizza. It is a must before or after the game with their coal oven pizza and in-house mozzarella, which give their pizza a kind taste at a low price. Also, try the fried ravioli, a somewhat rare treat in this part of the country. If you’re in the mood for more Italian food, then Donn Pomodoro is an excellent choice, especially for brunch on Sundays. Fans 2 A typical crowd for an FDU game is anywhere from 300 to 500 games in an arena that seats about 5,000. The student section does its best to provide a home-court advantage against conference rivals LIU Brooklyn, Wagner, and Saint Francis, but the rather intricately detailed facility deserves more than the sparse crowds. Access 3 The Rothman Center is located on the Metropolitan Campus of FDU and is accessible by either Route 17 or the Garden State Parkway. The arena is on Hackensack Ave. S exit of Route 4 on Temple Ave. There is plenty of parking in the lot, and once inside, it is very easy to get around to all parts of the arena. Return on Investment 3 Visitors have the option of purchasing general admission tickets for $10, reserved seating for $15, or premium courtside seating for $25. The parking is free, and concession items are relatively inexpensive. However, with crowds hovering around 300 to 500 people per game, an FDU game is for the die-hards and alumni only. Extras 2 The arena’s tent-like shape roof and ceiling add a distinctive look to the building, along with the championship banners. The ticket prices are relatively inexpensive, and parking is free for all games. Final Thoughts A game at the Rothman Center is accessible if in North Jersey and won’t break your bank when it comes to pricing–even with its unique roof design and other features–but might be only for the die-hard fan or alumni. ----- Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel. Email at marc@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Sargent's Stadium at the Point 100 Johns Street Johnstown, PA 15901 Johnstown Mill Rats website Sargent's Stadium at the Point website Year Opened: 1926 Capacity: 7,500 Mill Rats Run Rampant at The Point The Johnstown Mill Rats began operations in 2021 as members of the summer collegiate Prospect League. They play out of Sargent’s Stadium at the Point, which has been in operation since 1926 and underwent an $8 million renovation between 2005 and 2006. ​ The original stadium opened as Point Stadium because of its location at the confluence of the Little Conemaugh, Stoneycreek, and Conemaugh rivers. It had a capacity of 17,000, but that was soon lowered to 10,000. Then, when the renovations were completed in 2006, the capacity was reduced to 7,500. ​ The stadium’s diamond has a southeastern alignment; most features have an east-northeast alignment. There are also gridiron markings in right field, since the stadium hosts high school football in the fall. A giant net is in place in left field to keep balls in play and prevent them from crashing down onto the neighboring street. ​ The Mill Rats name was chosen as a nod to the once-thriving steel and coal industry in Johnstown. At one time, it was home to Bethlehem Steel and the US Steel plants. To match that vintage look, gold and brown were chosen as the team colors. They have made the playoffs three times in team history. Food & Beverage 4 There are two concession stands at the ballpark: 1st base and home plate. The first base area is larger and busier, featuring everything from perogies to mac and cheese. However, fans can enjoy hot dogs, machos, pretzels, chicken strips and fries, hamburgers, Italian sausage, and walking tacos. ​ There are sweet treats that include funnel cake fries, bomb pops, candy, and ice cream. A $10 souvenir cup is available, and it includes three free refills during the game. IC Light, IC Light Mango, Bud Light, and Yuengling are served in cans. Happy Dad Hard Seltzers are available in three varieties. ​ There is quite a variety of food and beverages at the stadium, and many of the items appeared to be homemade, including the chili for the loaded fries and the fries that are somewhat wavy like a potato chip. Atmosphere 4 The stadium’s size and features do not detract from the atmosphere at the game. Fans can expect a small-town family vibe during a Mill Rats game where the prices are affordable, kids run around the concourse, a mascot gives high-fives, and natural surroundings add to the charm of the stadium. ​ The main entrance is on the right field portion, and kids toss and throw the ball around to one another in the large plaza area just inside the building. They bounce balls off the giant cement wall that acts as part of the road, and murals of Babe Ruth and past teams are etched on it. A small outfield grandstand is also available for overflow crowds. ​ The main grandstand behind home plate features reserve chairback seating. The bleacher seating juts down the right field line and also serves as prime viewing for high school football games in the fall. Just above the right field corner is a small bridge that allows fans a pleasant view of the playing field from up above. ​ There is a small videoboard in right-centerfield and another scoreboard underneath the 60-foot wall and screen combination. The wall serves the purpose of keeping fly balls in play and preventing them from breaking windows on business buildings on Johns Street. The playing surface is made of synthetic material and parts above the concourse level, where certain parts of the concourse allow fans a slightly obstructed view. ​ Younger fans can be seen on the entrance ramp behind the home dugout, where many attempt to grab an autograph from a Rats player. Milton, the mascot, can also be seen handing out handshakes and hugs, while members of the staff dance on the dugout during certain parts of the game. In between innings gimmicks include races, pizza tosses, and dance competitions. Neighborhood 3 Sargent’s Stadium is in downtown Johnstown and across the street from Fetz’s Sports Pub, a popular spot before and after the game. The small tavern has room for fans to grab a plate of wings or a beer, or partake in karaoke on Wednesdays. A few more neighborhood places include Stone Bridge Brewing Taproom, Game Plan on Market, and Scott's by Dam. Coney Island Lunch has been around since 1916, ten years before the ballpark opened. ​ The Johnstown Incline Plane is a 19th-century funicular & lookout featuring scenic panoramas, a visitor center, and an eatery. It is within walking distance of the stadium and perfect for views of it during the day. Fans 4 There was a large crowd on hand during our visit to the stadium. It was Little League Night, and the kiddos were cheering passionately for the Mill Rats. They were waving their shirts around the concourse, yelling aloud and marching up and down the aisles. The rest of the crowd added enough revelry to the night. Access 4 The stadium is massive, with 7,500 seats that stretch from right to left field. The seating bowl features an inner concourse, and there is an upper level that provides additional room for fans at the game. The only issue with access is driving through the hilly streets of town. Return on Investment 5 Ticket prices are $5 for general admission and $8 for box seats. Kids under the age of 3 are admitted into the game for free. There is no charge for parking in the nearby lots and on the city streets. Food is also affordable, with $3 hot dogs and $6 beers. ​ Extras 3 The ballpark earns a point for its unique features, including a small bridge across the left field corner, the 60-foot wall and screen combination, the gridiron markings of the football field, and Yoder Hill and the river behind the first base side. ​ The ballpark earns a second point for the various murals on the wall, which also act as the street’s bridge. The kids use this area to bounce balls off it and play catch. ​ The third point is for the field-level view below near the main concession stand. It provides a different type of viewing of the game for patrons. Final Thoughts Sargent’s Stadium at the Point is a nod to grand old ballparks of the past. The historic presence can be felt throughout the building, but modern additions provide comfort to the fans. The tickets are among the cheapest in the league, while concession prices are affordable on any budget. Everyone at the game appeared to have fun, and that is probably the best part about a night at a Mill Rats game. ---- Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel. Email at marc@stadiumjourney.com

Photo Courtesy of Eastern Michigan Eagles Athletics Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 George Gervin GameAbove Center 799 Hewitt Rd Ypsilanti, MI 48197 Eastern Michigan Eagles website George Gervin GameAbove Center website Year Opened: 1998 Capacity: 8,824 East of Ypsi Eastern Michigan’s Convocation Center opened in time for the 1998-1999 season, tipping off with a 23 point loss against the nearby Michigan Wolverines. The venue has a capacity of 8,824 and is a comfortable spot to watch Division I college basketball. The Convocation Center is the home of Eastern Michigan men’s and women’s basketball teams, as well as the volleyball team. The venue has also hosted numerous concerts from artists such as The Killers, Jay-Z, and Jason Mraz. Prior to the 2012-2013 season, EMU installed a new center hung video scoreboard. The screen is 15.7×11.5 feet and adds to the overall experience of an Eagles game. Eastern Michigan has been a member of the Mid-American Conference (MAC) since 1972. The team has made four appearances in the NCAA Tournament (1988, 1991, 1996, and 1998) with their best finish coming in 1991 when they advanced to the Sweet 16 as a 12 seed under the leadership of coach Ben Braun. Note: The venue name changed in Dec 2021 from Convocation Center to George Gervin GameAbove Center. Food & Beverage 2 There’s not much of a selection, but enough to provide for a snack or a drink if needed. The small concession stands offer pizza ($3.50 a slice or $15 for a whole pie), Johnsonville brats ($4), and hot dogs ($3.25). Snacks include popcorn ($2.50), nachos ($3.25), or a pretzel ($2.75). The prices are below what you would normally see at an arena, but the selection is certainly disappointing. I’d recommend saving your money and having a bite before or after the contest. Pepsi is the soda provider of choice here. A small will cost you $2.50 and a large 32-ounce goes for $3. Hot chocolate or coffee are available as well on a cold winter Saturday ($2). Once again, the prices are a little lower than expected, but not very interesting. Atmosphere 2 There are some positives about seeing a game at the Convocation Center. Almost all of the seats in the arena have chairbacks, with the exception of the upper sections behind each basket, which are bleacher seating. The first seven rows are folding seats, and are a little less comfortable, so try to sit in the eighth row or higher. Tickets for the upper deck seats are not sold until the lower bowl is sold out, but you can move into the upper section if you prefer a better view of the flow of the game. Seats provide average leg room, but no cup holders. They also have a pep band, the “EMU Basketball Band” with 30 or so members, which is utilized throughout the game. Outside of those niceties, the atmosphere is pretty stale. The arena seems about the right size for the university and their conference affiliation (the MAC), but the reality is that emptiness is a hard thing to overcome. Specifically, the student section is severely lacking. They do the turn off the lights thing during pregame for the home team introductions, something that feels a little out of place when there isn’t much of a crowd. Neighborhood 3 There are several options within a short driving distance from the Convocation Center. For really good food and a terrific beer selection, then make the trip to the Wurst Bar before or after the game. In the neighborhood known as Depot Town, you’ll find Aubree’s Pizzeria & Tavern, a bar that has an outstanding selection of draft beers, including several local options. They have plenty of activities to keep you entertained including a pool table and trivia game. The food is decent, but nothing special. I tried their pizza as well, it has a buttery crust and a comforting greasy quality. This is a good place to go if you are looking for some fun either before or after the game. Across the street is Sidetrack Bar & Grill. This place is known for its outstanding burgers, and was once named as one of the top 20 burgers by GQ Magazine. The burgers are very good, as well as their deep-fried pickles, a huge basket of beer-battered spears. The beer selection offers 16 interesting beers on tap, including some good local options. This place is a little less sports-focused than Aubree’s, but the food is better. You may also want to check out the Hudson Automobile Museum or the Michigan Firehouse Museum, both located in Depot Town. Fans 2 The student section has gotten better in recent years, and works well with the pep band to provide some atmosphere. Otherwise, the crowd seems pretty ambivalent except for the occasional threat of catching a t-shirt thrown by a member of the cheerleading squad after a three point basket. The issue at Eastern Michigan comes down to a lack of attendance. The low point occurred when the team hosted a game for the College Insiders Tournament in 2014, and only 373 fans showed up. This was for a postseason home basketball game! The Eagles drew fewer than 1,000 fans for the 2013-2014 season, and similar unspectacular numbers in 2015. Access 5 Parking is free, and there is plenty of it. Concourses are wide and easily handicap accessible. Bathrooms are small, but there are plenty of them so you shouldn’t expect a line, even if they do get a crowd (which they probably won’t). Traffic shouldn’t be a problem, and you are within a couple of miles of both I-94 and M-23. Overall, this is a very accessible venue. Return on Investment 4 Eastern Michigan University is doing a good job of doing everything possible to attract fans to the Convocation Center. Parking is free, concession prices are very reasonable, and tickets are cost effective. Tickets are only $12 each, with youth (12 and under) only $7. The fact remains that the Eastern Michigan Eagles have not been in the NCAA Tournament since 1998, and have been consistently bad. However, while the experience is by no means memorable, it is worth the price you will pay. Extras 2 One extra point for the efforts that the school is making to attract fans, including a beautiful new scoreboard, free parking, and other reasonable price points. An additional point for the retired numbers for George “The Iceman” Gervin, Earl Boykins, and Grant Long. All had significant college and pro careers. Final Thoughts It’s a shame that more people don’t see games at Eastern Michigan’s Convocation Center. It is a fine, but empty facility. A winning team usually cures all. Hopefully the Eagles can find their way back to postseason success and fans can enjoy their basketball arena.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 First Responder Field at SERVPRO Stadium 4501 Olney Laytonsville Rd Olney, MD 20832 Olney Cropdusters website SERVPRO Stadium website Year Opened: 2022 Capacity: 600 Crop Dusting in Olney The Cal Ripken Senior Collegiate Baseball League consists of eight teams from across the Washington, D.C. metro area, in Maryland, Virginia, and the District itself. The newest team in this league is the Olney Cropdusters, who play their home games in Olney, Maryland, at SERVPRO Stadium, formally known by the much more verbose name First Responder Field at SERVPRO Stadium, with some sources for the name also referencing the Olney Boys and Girls Club property on which the stadium lies. Whatever the name of the stadium, it opened in 2022 when the Cropdusters joined the Cal Ripken League. Originally, the stadium had no lights and fans sat on hay bales or brought their own chairs, but by 2024, both artificial lights and a 600-seat grandstand had been added. Food & Beverage 4 The concession stand at SERVPRO Stadium is located down the right field line, in a red building that is right by the entrance to the stadium. The usual menu includes hot dogs, chicken tenders, burgers, and bratwursts as well as Gatorade, water, soda, chips, and candy. A combo meal comes with a main course food item, chips, and a drink, or you can buy the items individually. Combo meals range from $7.50 for a hot dog to $15 for chicken tenders, while getting the same items a la carte will be about 30% cheaper if you don't want chips and a drink. Oddly enough, the combo meal does not always save you money . Getting chicken tenders a la carte, with a drink and chips separately, will only cost you $14 while the combo will cost you $15. For the bratwurst and cheeseburger, it will cost the same whether you get the combo or get all items separately. For the hot dog combo you actually will save $1.50 by getting them together. For Sunday morning or afternoon games, the Cropdusters also have a Bases Loaded Brunch, with cocktails, mimosas, beer-mosas, and breakfast-related concession items. Atmosphere 5 The home of the Olney Cropdusters has come a long way from when it first opened in 2022. A 600-seat grandstand consisting entirely of chairbacks is located behind home plate and offers outstanding views of the action on the field. Gone are the days when fans were forced to bring their own chairs or sit on hay bales. That being said, some fans do still choose to bring their own seats and sit further up the right-field line close to the bullpen. The sound system has been greatly improved as well and is now at a perfect volume - loud enough to hear clearly but not so loud that it's blaring. A scoreboard in the outfield shows the linescore and other basic information. The Cropdusters do a lot to keep fans engaged. Many games have giveaways for the fans in attendance. Ceremonial first pitches take place before the game, featuring anyone from former Cropdusters to members of local community groups the team partners with. After players show hustle, a "Dusted Off" sound effect will play over the PA system, bringing to mind the players getting dirty and having to dust off their jerseys, as well as being a pun on the team name. During the seventh inning stretch, "Thank God I'm a Country Boy" by John Denver will play after "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" and the fans will clap along. Neighborhood 3 Olney is a thriving suburb of Washington, D.C. with the typical options one might expect there. Lone Oak Farm Brewing Company is just down the street from the field, but your best bet is to head a couple of miles away to the downtown area near the intersection of Georgia Avenue and State Route 108. Depending on how you get to the ballpark, you may wind up heading through that intersection anyway on your way in and out, so it is not as burdensome as it might seem. The Greene Turtle is a popular regional sports bar, and the Olney Grille is a nice restaurant as well. You can find a wide range of cuisines here ranging from traditional American to seafood to Vietnamese. The Olney Theatre Center is a short drive east of the intersection, for those looking for some non-sports entertainment. Fans 4 The Cropdusters have one of the largest fan bases in the Cal Ripken League. While the grandstand will not usually fill up, expect a couple hundred fans for a typical home game, many of them clad in the yellow and red colors of the Cropdusters. They are enthusiastic and there to cheer on the team and have some fun at the same time. Expect them to stay engaged, cheering at big moments, participating in promotions, and clapping along to "Thank God I'm a Country Boy" during the seventh inning stretch. Access 4 First Responder Field is located a few miles off State Route 200 (the Intercounty Connector, a toll road) via Georgia Avenue (State Route 97) and State Route 108. Once you get to the OBGC, you will see large signs announcing that there is a Cropdusters game that night and prompting you to turn into the stadium. Once you get in, there is a large, spacious lot serving not just SERVPRO Stadium but the entire Olney Boys and Girls Club. If there are youth sporting events going on on the back fields, parking may be more difficult but you should still be able to find a spot. Restrooms are located near the concession stand and are sufficient for the crowd. It is easy to get to the grandstand and up and down the aisles, even with large crowds. Return on Investment 5 Admission to most regular season home games is $12 in advance online or $15 at the gate the day of the game. There are some exceptions. The Cropdusters will host a fireworks night close to July 4th where tickets go for $20 and are available online only as they sell out well in advance. (If you do go to this game, be careful you are buying tickets to the game itself and not one of the fireworks passes that go on sale once the game sells out. The latter will get you into the fireworks but not the game.) Scheduled doubleheaders cost $18 (though you may be able to buy tickets for unscheduled ones at the normal price, and they will still get you into both games) and select games offer discounted $5 tickets. Concessions are reasonably priced, though it may help to double check the math on the combo deals. Overall, an Olney Cropdusters game is an outstanding value. Extras 2 There is a team store down the first baseline which sells Cropdusters merchandise. We'll give a second star here for the numerous promotions the Cropdusters have throughout the season, ranging from bobblehead giveaways to partnerships with local youth organizations. Not many teams in this league have that level of engagement. Final Thoughts The Olney Cropdusters have come a long way with their stadium since it opened in 2022. Even back then, they had an outstanding experience, but with all the renovations and improvements to the ballpark, this is truly a top-notch summer collegiate baseball venue. Baseball fans in the area will definitely want to make the trip out to Olney during the summer months to see a Cropdusters game.

Photos by Sean MacDonald, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 OceanFirst Bank Center 400 Cedar Ave West Long Branch, NJ 07764 Monmouth Hawks website OceanFirst Bank Center website Year Opened: 2009 Capacity: 4,100 College Basketball at the Jersey Shore Monmouth University is a small private institution located in West Long Branch, New Jersey, just a mile from the Jersey Shore. Although their men’s soccer team has achieved some moderate success recently, their basketball squad has only four tournament appearances, winning a single play-in game over Hampton in 2006. The school was a member of the Northeast Conference until 2013 when all but football moved to the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC). With their arena being named the rather uninventive Multipurpose Activity Center (MAC), you could say they play in the MAAC MAC. [Editor’s Note: The arena is now called OceanFirst Center]. Don’t let the boring name or my stupid joke turn you off though; the MAC is a surprisingly enjoyable place to watch college basketball. Opened in 2009 to replace the aging Boylan Gymnasium, the MAC holds 4,100 fans and includes a 200-meter indoor track above which some of the seats are temporarily installed during basketball games. It’s new, clean, and has a few ways to keep you entertained during all the media timeouts. Food & Beverage 3 There are two concession stands here that do brisk business throughout the game. The main stand is right inside the entrance, while the other is in the far corner. Offerings are slim, but there are some items you won’t see at other small schools. First, the typical offerings of hot dogs ($3), a pizza ($6), and popcorn and pretzels ($2 each) are inexpensive. Candy is also $2 and homemade chips are $3. The specialty items include three types of sandwiches (Buffalo Chicken, Meatball Parm, and Chicken Parm) at $5 apiece and Chile Cheese Nachos at $6. Add chips to any sandwich for just a dollar and another buck gets you a fountain beverage, normally $2 by itself. I had a Chicken Parm sandwich and it was decent and filling, but what you would expect from something made an hour or two before and left on a heating stand. One thing you will avoid here is the nachos, as there is a local taco restaurant offering free tacos and nachos about 30 seconds away from the main concession stand. A few other sponsors provide free samples too, which enhances the overall food and beverage score a bit. Atmosphere 4 With a capacity of 4,100, the MAC is the largest on-campus basketball facility in the conference. There are two seating levels along three sides of the court with the single-level student section in one end zone. Above the student section is a standing area, which is generally filled with students chatting with friends and families allowing their youngsters to take advantage of the room to run around. When the seats are nearly filled, there is a great buzz during the game as fans are chatting and make noise. As in all college basketball games, there are eight media timeouts, and here at Monmouth, they have a plan for each one to keep you in the game. There are the usual cheerleader and dance team performances, a three-point shooting contest, a t-shirt toss, and a Happy Birthday sing-a-long among others. The MC goes by the name Showboat and he can be a bit annoying at times with his over-the-top demeanor, acting like it is minor-league baseball instead of low-level college hoops. Regardless, the overall atmosphere is healthy and fun and you should enjoy your time here. Neighborhood 2 The campus is about four miles from the Garden State Parkway, quite small, and surrounded by quiet residential areas. Midway between the highway and the campus lies the Monmouth Mall, the largest shopping center in the area, and there are several family restaurants such as Chili’s, Buffalo Wild Wings, and Applebee around there but I did not notice any establishments worth stopping for. The northern edges of the Jersey Shore are just a mile east. There are several bars and restaurants that cater to Monmouth students, and although they are probably not hopping in the winter, they seem to be the only places worth checking out if you are looking for something to do before or after the game. Fans 3 Even when the arena is 95% full many fans don’t seem particularly interested in the game itself. A large number of the student section had cleared out at halftime during my most recent visit (I believe many belonged to the football team, there for Miles Austin’s jersey retirement ceremony), but even the fans in the areas I sat were having more fun playing pranks on each other than taking in the action. Seating arrangements are haphazard in some places and I was forced to take a spot up top, not a problem in a small arena such as this but something that could be annoying if you had a good seat, to begin with. Overall, the fans don’t seem to care if the team wins or loses. Access 4 If you are living in or visiting New York City and want to get out to Monmouth, transit is probably your best option if you don’t have a car. New Jersey Transit’s North Jersey Coast Line takes just over 90 minutes to the Long Branch station, with some trains requiring a transfer at Newark Penn Station. From Long Branch, you can try the two-mile walk to the MAC or take a bus. Check Google Maps or NJ Transit for details. Fares are not cheap, with an off-peak one-way ride going for $15. Elberon is the other nearby station, but that is about 1.5 miles from the MAC so you might save a few minutes if your train stops there. If you decide to drive, use Google Map’s avoid tolls option to plan the cheapest route, which will take about 90 minutes from Manhattan including traffic. More than likely though, you will be driving through the area, which is the preferred option. Monmouth is about four miles east of the Garden State Parkway, exit 105 onto Route 36 then right onto Route 71. The Parkway is a toll road, but not ridiculously overpriced like some. Parking is free on campus and there are two lots right next to the entrance off Larchwood Avenue. Inside the arena, there is plenty of room to move around. The Leon Hess Champions Hall has TVs along the walls that are tuned to the game and other sports channels, which make a nice halftime distraction. The seats have small chair backs that fold up, and are comfortable enough, although you might be a bit cramped if your row is full. Washrooms are next to the main concession stand and are more than enough for the crowd. Return on Investment 5 Standing at the northwest corner of campus, the MAC is a good-looking building with a white roof over beige bricks. Visiting at night I was unable to capture it properly with a photo, but it still has that new venue feel. The box office is right next to the entrance, and tickets are $12 at the window for center-court seats in the upper section. The court is not big, so there are no bad vantage points here. You may prefer to stand behind the end zone here as it gives you a better view of the play developing and leaves you closer to the concession stand, as well as giving you room to move around and take pictures from different angles. Although the team was terrible in the 2013-2014 campaign, the overall atmosphere, free parking, good food options, and cheap tickets make this an unexpectedly good road trip destination. Extras 3 The sculpture of a large hawk out front of the MAC is quite nice and worth a point. A point for the TVs showing the game above the concession stands, as well as those in the Leon Hess Champions Hall, which were tuned to other college basketball games that evening. Finally, a point for all the free stuff being given out by sponsors throughout the complex. Final Thoughts Monmouth is not a school that most people know about and certainly only true college hoopheads would be adding this one to their bucket list. But if you enjoy live sports and are in Northern New Jersey at some point, you should consider a visit to the MAC. This is one place where you can’t judge the book by its cover; the Multipurpose Activity Center offers a lot more than you would expect from a small college program like Monmouth and is worth a look for any stadium traveler.