Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 Beirne Stadium 1150 Douglas Pike Smithfield, RI 02917 Bryant Lacrosse website Beirne Stadium website Year Opened: 1999 Capacity: 4,400 Bryant Bulldog Lax Beirne Stadium, formally known as The David M. ’85 and Terry Beirne Stadium, was dedicated in honor of the Bryant alumnus, longtime University Trustee and his wife, who are among the largest benefactors of the University. Originally built in 1999 as Bulldog Stadium to coincide with the debut of the school’s football team, the facility holds 4,400 fans and serves as home to the Bulldog football and lacrosse teams. Renovations to Beirne Stadium took place in 2018, which included the installation of permanent lighting (making this the first college stadium in Rhode Island with permanent lighting) and the same FieldTurf surface used by the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium. Speaking of the Patriots, the team used this site for their training camp from 1976-2002. After competing for several seasons in the Northeast Conference, Bryant joined the America East Conference on July 1, 2022. Despite only existing since 2009, the Bulldogs have qualified for five NCAA tournaments, most recently in 2021. They may best be known for their 2014 tournament appearance, when they upset the number-2 ranked Syracuse Orangemen in the opening round. Food & Beverage 1 The concession stand, located on the south end of the main grandstand, is open during Bulldog lacrosse games. Operated by other Bryant sports teams as a fundraiser, only basic snacks are sold during games. Fans can pick up some chips, cookies or candy along with bottles of Coca-Cola products here. Fans are also able to bring in snacks to enjoy during the game. Atmosphere 3 Lacrosse games, more so than many other “minor” college sports, attract dedicated fans and promote a fun atmosphere. From the moment you enter the large parking lots at Bryant University and work your way through the many tailgating setups here, you’ll know you’re in for a good time. The party zone at field level in front of the Strength and Conditioning Center is a popular place from which to continue the festive atmosphere during the game. What lacrosse fans may lack in quantity, they more than make up for in quality. Many of the fans in attendance have a personal connection with players on the team, and are boisterous in their support of the Bulldogs. The metal floorboards at Beirne Stadium are most conducive to noisemaking, and many fans love to stomp their feet after a big play or to rile up the crowd. With the Bulldogs’ schedule consisting of many local teams, it’s not unusual to see a good turnout from visiting fans as well. There is a video board at the northeast corner of the stadium which is put to good use with replays, graphics and the occasional hype video. The sound system is excellent, with music and PA announcements augmenting the action on the field. Neighborhood 2 Bryant University is located in Smithfield, RI, about a twenty-minute drive from Providence. Although Smithfield is a very nice place to live, it’s certainly not a destination location, and there is not much to see or do near the Bryant campus. Dining options near Bryant University are few. Parente’s Restaurant is a favorite of students, as much for its location near campus as for its reasonably priced comfort food. J’s Deli serves up an impressive variety of submarine sandwiches and Blackie’s offers traditional neighborhood pub grub. Several national chain restaurants and shopping options are located about a 10-minute drive away on Route 44. Fans visiting from out of town should take the 20-minute drive to Providence, which has no shortage of top-notch restaurants. The same can be said for lodging options in Smithfield. There are a few decent options on Douglas Pike near campus, but visitors may be better served to check out Providence or Boston for places to stay or things to do. Twin Rivers Casino is in nearby Lincoln. If spending time in a casino is on your agenda, the twin resorts of Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun are located an hour away over the Connecticut state line. Fans 3 As mentioned earlier, lacrosse fans are a different breed, wholly dedicated to their teams and vocal in their support throughout the game. A lacrosse game is a fun place to be on a beautiful spring afternoon, and fans are welcoming to newbies and even opposing fans. Stadium Journey attended Beirne Stadium on a beautiful April Saturday afternoon with an announced crowd of about 500 in attendance. This appears to be a pretty typical lacrosse crowd at Bryant. The crowd mainly consists of family members and friends of players with a few members of the student body thrown in for good measure. Remember that the lacrosse season begins in February and goes until May. Crowds in this part of the country start off small and grow as the weather warms throughout the season. Access 4 Bryant University is located in suburban Smithfield, Rhode Island, 13 miles from Providence. The campus is most easily accessed by car. Visitors to Bryant will simply take exit 15B off Interstate 295. The campus is just over a mile away from the Interstate on Route 7. Beirne Stadium is located on the northern edge of the Bryant campus alongside the school’s other athletic facilities, including Conaty Park and Chace Athletic Center . For many years Bryant was primarily a commuter school, so there are ample parking lots around, including adjacent to the stadium. Fans using public transportation to arrive at Bryant will find a Rhode Island Public Transportation (RIPTA) bus station on the Bryant campus, offering service every 40 minutes to downtown Providence. T.F. Green Airport is 20 miles away, with Boston’s Logan Airport an hour’s drive away. Train service to the area is provided by Amtrak, which has its downtown Providence station 20 minutes away. Beirne Stadium consists of two sets of stands, a 3,200-seat structure on the home side, which houses the press box, locker rooms, and restrooms, and bleachers that can hold up to 1,200 on the visitor’s side. Most of the seats in the larger structure are metal bleachers, with three hundred individual bucket seats located in the center sections. There is a walkway along the front edge of the grandstand, so choose seats a row or two up from the bottom to avoid obstructions. For those fans requiring handicapped access, there is ample seating at the front of the grandstand, as well as some room fieldside to stand (or sit) and take in the game. Paved paths run around the exterior of the field. There are two restrooms underneath the stands that serve the facility. They are large enough to accommodate a typical Bryant lacrosse crowd. Return on Investment 5 Tickets to Bulldog lacrosse games are sold as general admission seating for $10. Discounts are available for youths and seniors. With free parking in the large lot adjacent to the stadium and inexpensive concessions, an afternoon at a Bulldog lacrosse game is a most affordable entertainment option for Rhode Island sports fans. Extras 1 An extra point is awarded for the Bulldog theme going on at Beirne Stadium. Twin bulldog statues guard both entrances to the facility. Throughout the game you are likely to bump into IronClad Tupper II, a live bulldog who can be seen roaming around Beirne Stadium all afternoon. Even if Tupper is not at the game, you’re sure to bump into several four-legged lacrosse fans during your visit. Even canines that don’t identify as bulldogs are welcome. Final Thoughts Beirne Stadium is an intimate, comfortable facility, which fits the needs of Bryant lacrosse perfectly. It’s a wonderful place to spend a beautiful Rhode Island spring afternoon enjoying some tailgating and sports action. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57 Harford Stadium 401 Thomas Run Rd Bel Air, MD 21015 Harford Fighting Owls website Harford Stadium website Year Opened: 1968 Capacity: 1,000 The Fighting Owls of Bel Air Harford Community College is located in Bel Air, MD, roughly between Baltimore and the Delaware state line. They play in NJCAA Division I, the highest athletic level for 2-year colleges, and are a part of the Maryland Junior College Athletic Conference. The Harford Stadium is in the same Thomas Run Park area as the Harford Varsity Baseball Field. and the Harford Varsity Softball Field. The nearby APG Federal Credit Union Arena also opened in the last fifteen years. The stadium was built in 1968 and most recently updated with an artificial field turf surface in 2007. Harford has hosted various championship events at the stadium including the NJCAA District H Men’s & Women’s Soccer Championships, NJCAA Region XX Championships, and the Maryland High School Men’s and Women’s Soccer All-Star Games. In 2023 it was the host facility of the NJCAA Men's Lacrosse Championship and in 2024 it is hosting both the Men's and Women's  Lacrosse Championship. The Aberdeen Arsenal of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball played the 2000 season at the baseball fields at Thomas Run Park. The Arsenal departed to make room for the Aberdeen IronBirds, the affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles owned by Cal Ripken, Jr. Food & Beverage 1 There technically is no food offered at the Harford Stadium but with the nearby Wawa convenience store a short walk down the paved path between fields, I count it as the field’s concession stand. The food offerings vary from hoagies, soup, quesadillas, and hot dogs. The prices are better than most concession stands. Atmosphere 2 There is not much to Harford Stadium. There is a simple old-style set of seats and that is pretty much it. There is some grass you could also sit on but we did not see anyone do that. There is not much else in terms of atmosphere as it is a JUCO-level lacrosse match game. The team does have a PA announcer who also plays some music. The field itself is a very well maintained field of play. Neighborhood 4 Harford Community College is suburban and has plenty of free parking. The area is safe and has many restaurants nearby. Naughty Dogs, like Wawa, is within walking distance and has a fun, cheap bar for pre and post-game refreshments, along with food such as pit beef. JD’s Smokehouse across the street provides another option for food and drinks and some pretty good barbecue. If you are in the mood for Mexican, La Tolteca is located just a brief distance away and is a consistently good food place. Travel into Bel Air and there are multiple chain and local options. Zen 16 Sushi Cafe and MaGerks Pub & Grill are some great options. A quick drive in the other direction is Aberdeen. Olive Tree is a local, better version of a well-known Italian chain, while Mamie’s Cafe With Love is an old-school Baltimore-style restaurant that offers free desserts with all meals. Super Chicken Rico is another choice with which you can’t go wrong. Fans 2 The attendees at most games are family members or other athletes. There may be a few residents who attend the games. The fans are knowledgeable and friendly to visitors. We did see some students which is surprising for a non-residential community college. Access 4 Harford is located just a few miles off of I-95, one of the largest highways in the northeast. But State Route 22 can be very crowded with commuters traveling between Aberdeen Proving Grounds (APG) and central Harford County. APG has become a large Army base after the last round of federal base realignment and closure activities. So leave some extra time getting to the campus. There is plenty of free parking. Towson University in Northeastern Maryland is an extension campus of the well-established state university that recently opened across from the Harford campus. Return on Investment 4 The match we attended was free for all to attend. There is a gate and they could charge if the game was big enough. Parking is free. Extras 1 The Harford Sports Complex also has two softball fields. a baseball field, as well as a convertible field that can hold softball and/or baseball games. If you get a chance to peek into the nearby APG Federal Credit Union Arena it is worth a visit as this is quite an impressive facility for a junior college. Final Thoughts The simple Harford Stadium does not necessarily impress, but it offers good sports action for the fans.

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Findlay Toyota Center 3201 Main St Prescott Valley, AZ 86314 Northern Arizona Wranglers website Findlay Toyota Center website Year Opened: 2006 Capacity: 6,200 Turnaround City The Northern Arizona Wranglers started playing indoor football just three seasons ago, the third indoor football franchise to play in Prescott Valley, Arizona. The Indoor Football League (IFL) Wranglers won just 1 game during the 2021 campaign, but amazingly, came back the following season to win 12 games, and then went on to win the 2022 IFL National Championship, stealing a 47-45 victory over Quad City. The Wranglers home arena is Findlay Toyota Center, a multipurpose 6,200-seat venue that was previously home to hockey and NBA G League basketball, as well as hosting the two prior indoor football teams in the city. Despite its small size, the venue offers some pretty solid amenities for indoor football. Food & Beverage 5 Findlay Toyota Center has a wide range of food and beverage options, and perhaps more important, offers most of them at very reasonable prices. Fans can choose from burgers, chicken tenders, pulled pork sandwiches, hot dogs, corn dogs, pizza, fries, popcorn, pretzels, nachos, nuts (chocolate-covered, cinnamon-covered, or salted), Dippin’ Dots ice cream, kettle corn, cotton candy, funnel cake, churros, shaved ice, and packaged candy, with some items starting as low as $4. Drink selections are just as varied, including coffee, cappuccino, hot cocoa, fresh-squeezed lemonade, Gatorade, energy drinks, bottled water, Pepsi products, and a range of alcoholic beverages from beer to hard seltzer to mixed drinks. Fans should plan to wander around the small concourse to check out all the options. Atmosphere 3 The Northern Arizona Wranglers have a great PA announcer, a cool mascot, and an amazing dance team to keep fans entertained and engaged throughout the game. There is also a team store on site if you want to pick up any Wranglers gear, and plenty of fans tailgating in the parking lot before games. The facility itself, however, is a bit lacking in some of the amenities you may be expecting based on visits to other professional venues – for example, the videoboards are quite small, and it can be hard to keep track of down and distance based on the static scoreboards as well. There aren’t any on-field games like you may see at other arenas, and the facility does not offer free Wi-Fi, which is odd for an arena that boasts mainly mobile ticketing. On the plus size, all the seats have chairbacks, and there are several “deluxe” seating options, such as the floor-level club seating and the Bucky’s Casino suite level. Fans are also invited out to an after-party/coach’s show with the team at Buffalo Wild Wings following the game. Neighborhood 3 Prescott Valley is in a small town about an hour north of Phoenix, but there is plenty of shopping right across the street from Findlay Toyota Center, and plenty of restaurants in the area, both fast food and otherwise. The town of Dewey-Humboldt, sort of a tourist destination thanks to the old west deco buildings along its tiny main street (even the Subway restaurant), is about 10-15 minutes south of Prescott Valley along Highway 69, and the Agua Fria National Monument (Native American petroglyphs and local wildlife) is not much further. Fans 3 The Northern Arizona Wranglers have a really solid fan base, who are loud enough and engaged in the game, but there are just not that many of them in the stands, likely due to the small city they are pulling from. For such a small venue the empty seats are a bit noticeable. Access 4 As long as you don’t mind the drive from Phoenix through the lonely desert, access to Findlay Toyota Center is remarkably easy – there is free parking right outside the stadium, and there is plenty of room in the concourse to move around, little to no lines at the concession stands and team store, and more than enough bathrooms. The only negative is that the facility does not offer Wi-Fi, even though you are directed to purchase mobile tickets when you go to the Wranglers website; fortunately, if you go to the ticket office they can print your ticket out for you if you are unable to pull it up on your phone. Return on Investment 4 Tickets to Wranglers football start at around $35 including ticketing fees, which is a great deal for this level of sporting event – add in the free parking and low-cost concessions, and you have a wonderful return on investment, better than a lot of similar venues. Extras 3 The biggest plus is that the team did win a National Championship last year, so you are likely going to see a good product on the field. The staff also does have some promotions and special events at certain games, for example at the last game I attended the flag bearers during the National Anthem were all decked out in Revolutionary War-era apparel. Final Thoughts While it may not have the over-the-top feel some sports fans may crave, a visit to a Northern Arizona Wranglers indoor football game at Findlay Toyota Center is a pleasant experience that won’t break the bank. With its proximity to Phoenix, you can also likely pair a game with some other sports down south (Arizona has 2 other IFL teams in the state, for example, as well as the Phoenix Suns and the Arizona Diamondbacks ), if you want to make a weekend of it. I recommend seeing an indoor football game if you have never seen one, and Findlay Toyota Center would be a great place to start.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Bob Ford Field at Tom and Mary Casey Stadium 1400 Washington Ave. Albany, NY 12222 Albany Great Danes Lacrosse website Bob Ford Field at Casey Stadium website Year Opened: 2013 Capacity: 6,394 Great Dane Lacrosse The University of Albany first sponsored a lacrosse team in 1970. The Great Danes began to play in Division III, where they qualified for three NCAA tournaments before moving up to Division II for the 1995 season. The highlight of their six seasons of competition in Division II was finishing as national runners-up in 1997. UAlbany moved up to Division I for the 2000 season. Since moving to the sport’s top division, they have experienced a great deal of success, qualifying for ten NCAA Tournaments and reaching the Final Four in 2018. Among the Great Dane’s lacrosse alumni is Lyle Thompson, who is considered one of the sport’s all-time greatest players. Thompson won the Tewaaraton Trophy, given to college lacrosse’s player of the year, in 2014 and 2015. He is the only player to win the award twice. His brother, Miles, shared the award with Lyle in 2014. The Great Danes lacrosse team traditionally played at John Fallon Field, located just to the north of Casey Stadium. As the lacrosse program grew in popularity over the years, the 2,500-seat venue became too small for the team’s needs. In 2015 the Danes played their first game at Casey Stadium and continue to play there today. Bob Ford Field at Tom and Mary Casey Stadium is named for the longtime football coach at UAlbany. Ford also served as the men’s lacrosse coach from 1971-1973 and as the school’s Athletic Director from 1978-1982. Ford retired after the 2013 football season, coaching for one year in a stadium named for him. The facility was given its current full name after Tom and Mary Casey donated $10 million to the school in 2015. Food & Beverage 2 There is one concession stand open during the Great Dane lacrosse games. A basic menu is offered here featuring hot dogs, pretzels, popcorn, chips, and assorted snacks. It’s not the most diverse menu around, but it will do the job if you need a snack during the game. Pepsi products are featured at Casey Stadium. No alcohol is permitted inside the venue during lacrosse games. Atmosphere 4 Lacrosse games generally feature a fun, party atmosphere. As you approach Casey Stadium you’ll notice the tailgate setups in the season ticket holder lot. Fans will get here pretty early to prepare themselves for the game. The tailgates are not as numerous as they are on football Saturdays, but that doesn’t diminish the atmosphere here. Lacrosse fans in general are a bit louder and more enthusiastic than many of their counterparts. It’s no different at UAlbany. The many family members in attendance seem to make their presence known. With a good turnout by the student body, the stands at Casey Stadium are filled with noise and activity. There’s a video board in the south end zone that is put to good use with game stats, videos, and graphics. The sound system is excellent, with music playing during all stoppages. The PA announcer does a great job of injecting some energy into the proceedings. Shooting contests for younger fans in attendance and t-shirt tosses add to the fun atmosphere. Neighborhood 3 Casey Stadium is located on the southern edge of the University of Albany campus near the school’s other athletic facilities, including Varsity Field and SEFCU Arena . The University of Albany is located in northwest Albany, out near the airport. Downtown Albany and the state capital are located about a 15-minute drive away. The area around campus, particularly along Route 20 (Western Ave.), features a great many dining options in the vicinity of the University. A complete listing of dining options can be found here . You’ll find many options for lodging on the north side of campus near Interstate 90. You can find a listing of all local hotels here . Fans 4 Lacrosse fans just seem to be a different breed. When compared to fans at a school’s other sports, lax fans appear to be just a little louder, a little more involved, and a little more connected to the team than other fans. At UAlbany, Great Dane lax fans fit this description to a “T.” The lower-level stands are abuzz with enthusiasm and noise throughout the game, particularly when the Great Danes are playing well. Albany draws between 1,000 and 1,500 fans per game at Casey Stadium. There’s a good turnout here from the student body and the requisite amount of family members in the stands. Remember that the lacrosse season runs from February through May. Crowds increase in number as the weather warms throughout the season. Even with larger crowds in attendance, there’s plenty of room to spread out at Casey Stadium. Access 4 The University of Albany is located in the northwestern part of New York’s capital city, right by the intersection of Interstates 90 and 87. The downtown area is about a 15-minute ride from campus. The Albany airport is just a 10-minute ride to the north. Casey Stadium is situated on the southern edge of the sprawling campus, near the school’s other athletic facilities. Entering campus via Route 20 (Western Ave.) gives visitors the easiest access to Varsity Field. There is a small parking lot adjacent to the stadium which is reserved for season ticket holders. Other visiting fans will be forced to park in the more distant Dutch lots, located about a half mile from the stadium. Fans will also be forced to pay a premium for the privilege. The area around the athletic facilities is well-manicured with wide sidewalks for easy access. Casey Stadium consists of a single large grandstand on the west side of the field, with a berm on the north end of the facility. Bleachers on the east side of the field are not utilized for lacrosse games. A narrow concourse runs along the top of the lower deck. Center sections of the lower deck contain individual stadium seats, while the remainder of the seating consists of metal bleachers without backs on both levels. Views of the field are excellent from all seating areas. The restrooms are clean and large enough for a typical Great Dane crowd. Lines are not an issue here or at the single open concession stand. There’s even a small souvenir stand on the main concourse. Return on Investment 2 Tickets for Great Dane lacrosse games start at $30 for chairback seats in the central grandstand sections, with lower-level bleacher seats priced at $25 and upper-level bleacher seats priced at $20. Children’s tickets are discounted at $10. Add on a two-dollar handling charge, and tickets to a UAlbany lax game are not cheap! Likewise, you’re going to pay to park at UAlbany. Parking in the preferred lot adjacent to the stadium will cost you $20 if you can even get in. Generally, these spots are reserved for season ticket holders, with a few spots available on a game-to-game basis. Parking in the Dutch lots, about a half-mile walk from the stadium, will still cost you $15. Fans looking for free parking can park on the far side of Varsity Field in the lot behind the Management Services Center. It’s a good walk to get here. Judging by the number of cars here, it’s not an option chosen by many fans. Concession prices are not outrageous for a sports venue but overall, you will spend a bit more money at a UAlbany lacrosse game than you might expect. Extras 1 Digital programs are available for all fans in attendance. There’s a small pro shop on the concourse which sells Great Dane gear. Flags of all the America East Conference teams fly atop the east side bleachers. Final Thoughts During their time in Division One, the Albany Great Danes have been a constant presence in the postseason. At Casey Stadium, the team enjoys a modern, comfortable home at which fans can enjoy some quality lacrosse. ---- Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Lacrosse is the fastest game on two feet and once again the National Lacrosse League is taking up residence in Albany. Can Dave convince Paul that box lax is as great as the outdoor game? Grab a beer and join Paul and Dave for the FIRST lacrosse episode of Stadium Journey's Obstructed Views. 🥍🥍 You can find Stadium Journey's review of MVP Arena and the Albany FireWolves gameday atmosphere here.

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.29 Dollar Loan Center 200 S Green Valley Pkwy Henderson, NV 89012 Vegas Knight Hawks website Dollar Loan Center website Year Opened: 2022 Capacity: 5,567 Sin City Indoors The Vegas Knight Hawks started playing indoor football at Dollar Loan Center in 2022; the team is owned by Bill Foley, owner of the NHL’s Vegas Golden Knights (hence the team name). The Knight Hawks currently compete in the Indoor Football League (IFL), which was founded in 2008. The atmosphere inside Dollar Loan Center certainly feels like fabulous Las Vegas – spotlights and strobe lights in different colors are constantly flashing and roving the stands, there is tons of loud, boisterous music, and the crowd, despite the arena not being very full, adds significantly to the noise level. Food & Beverage 4 There are plenty of food options inside Dollar Loan Center, including a full-size restaurant and bar called Craggy Range. There are also several smaller bar areas and several Marketplace concession stands, each with different food options, but all including a wall of refrigerated drinks of all types, including lots of beer and soda choices. Rosati’s Marketplace, for example, offers up an Italian theme with beef sandwiches, calzones, pizza, and even cannolis, while other Marketplace stands offer Shack Bites chicken, pulled pork, mac ‘n cheese, loaded baked potatoes, burgers, chicken sandwiches, hot dogs, and even eggplant burgers. Each Marketplace stands also offers up a sweet treat of some kind - Rosati’s has cannolis, while other stands offer beignets or funnel cake, and you can also get cotton candy or packaged candy. Note that the food at all these Marketplace stands is served as grab-and-go using hot plates, so I was a little skeptical that it might be stale, but they seem to replenish constantly, and the food was quite fresh, hot, and good (I recommend the Italian beef or the Shack Bites). The only drawback is that all the concession prices at Dollar Loan Center are on the high side (think $15 for a main dish), as you might expect from a pro sports arena nowadays. Atmosphere 5 As mentioned, the atmosphere here is electric – the stands aren’t full by any means, but the fans are loud; based on the noise level alone you wouldn’t be able to tell the arena is half full. There is also a great dance team, a great mascot, and a great P. A. announcer constantly asking the fans to “Caw Caw”. I already mentioned the spotlights and strobe lights, and when the team comes onto the field additional pyrotechnics and smoke are accompanying them through the tunnel. The arena itself is also amazing – not surprising given its location; besides all the bar areas and standing rails (places to eat your food or drink your beer so you don’t have to bump elbows trying to eat in your seat), there are TVs throughout the concourse, so you don’t have to miss any of the action while going to get something to eat. All the seats have chairbacks, and the scoreboard above the field is massive, making it easy to see replays, and there are even “Knight” elements like castle towers sporting Knight Hawks flags on the upper level. Neighborhood 5 What can I say about Las Vegas, other than it is fabulous? Dollar Loan Center is in Henderson, so is about 15-20 minutes (maybe half an hour with traffic) from all the glitz on the strip, but still close enough if you want to make a weekend of it – and why would you not? Henderson is better positioned, however, for one of the other major attractions in Nevada, that is Hoover Dam (probably 10-15 minutes on the east side of Henderson, on the NV-AZ border). Hoover Dam offers half-hour or hour-long tours where you can go inside the dam, and there are also multiple overlooks if you want to view it or take photos. Fans 3 I struggled with this rating a bit – Dollar Loan Center is not even half full during Vegas Knight Hawks games, but the fans are so loud it would be hard to tell that if your eyes were closed. The fans who are there are engaged and seem to be enjoying themselves. Part of the reason for the low turnout is likely the subpar 6-10 record the Knight Hawks earned last season, so I expect with more success on the field, you will see the turnout climb much higher. Access 4 There is a little bit of traffic getting to Dollar Loan Center, due to the fact the arena is right across the street from a shopping center, and there aren’t any roads that connect them, causing congestion. In addition, there are several stoplights nearby you have to navigate through, which are not timed well, making it hard to get all the way across in one go. Note that you should be careful with your GPS – the individual payday loan facilities (managed by the venue’s sponsor and namesake) all around town are also called Dollar Loan Center, so make sure you are looking at the arena itself, on Green Valley Parkway. Parking on-site costs $15, which is reasonable, and you can park very close to the building even if you arrive at the last minute. Then, once you physically enter Dollar Loan Center, access becomes as easy as pie–wide concourses, plenty of room to move around, short lines to get into the building and at the concessions (due to the grab-and-go set up), plenty of bathrooms, and the ability to pretty much sit wherever you want. The best place to sit, of course, for arena football is in the first or second row behind the end zone, so you can catch a football if it leaves the field of play (in arena football fans are usually allowed to keep these loose balls). Return on Investment 5 Tickets to Knight Hawks football start at around $35 including ticketing fees, which is a great deal for pro sports, and the parking cost is reasonable. The only potential downside is the high cost of concessions, but the amazing atmosphere easily makes up for it. Extras 4 There isn’t much in the way of a halftime show, but the dance team and other staff are constantly tossing things to the crowd, including t-shirts and mini footballs (and even cold hard cash during one specific promotion). You can also get autographs from the players and dance team following the game, and there are tons of tables set up in the concourse where fans can get freebies of all sorts, including hand sanitizer, candy, pens, mini footballs, and the like. There is also a full-size team store inside Dollar Loan Center, as well as a couple of smaller team gear, stands. Final Thoughts Visiting Dollar Loan Center for a Vegas Knight Hawks game is worth it – the atmosphere inside the arena is superb, there are food options to meet any need, and getting around the arena is not a chore – you are guaranteed to have a blast, not to mention you are in Vegas, baby! This is the perfect opportunity for that Vegas getaway you’ve been wanting, and if you have never seen indoor football before, this is the perfect way to start.

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.29 Robert and Mariam Hayes Stadium 8711 Phillips Rd Charlotte, NC 28223 Charlotte 49ers website Robert and Marian Hayes Stadium website Year Opened: 2007 Capacity: 3,000 Robert & Mariam Hayes Stadium: University of North Carolina–Charlotte 49ers Baseball came to the campus of the University of North Carolina-Charlotte in 1984 after playing their first five seasons downtown, away from their northeast Charlotte campus location. The original field was dedicated in 1988 as the wonderfully alliterative, Phillips Field, following a donation from local businessman Tom Phillips, who would pay for lights to be installed at the Niners’ home diamond. The field would receive a major facelift in 2006 through a nearly $6 million gift from North Carolina philanthropist Mariam Cannon Hayes; those renovations transformed the baseball facilities at Charlotte into the gem it is today. Food & Beverage 5 Hayes Stadium has two concession stands built into the lower level of the grandstand – their menus are slightly different, so make sure to check both before deciding on a meal. There are many typical concession items, such as hot dogs, burgers, fries, and chicken fingers. The availability of chili on the menu, though, takes some of the drab usual concession suspects and puts a whole new face on them. And one side of the concession stand also offers items from the popular regional southern restaurant Bojangles. Beverage choices include Coke products, PowerAde, and bottled water. The stadium also offers seltzers, wine, domestic beers, and craft beers from local Cabarrus Brewing Company. There are also the Charlotte 49ers branded Gold Rush Lager and Axe to Grind IPA. Overall, Charlotte takes traditional concessions and brings them to another level – it’s not just hot dogs, it’s chili dogs; it’s not just burgers, it’s jalapeno bacon cheeseburgers; it’s not just grilled chicken, it’s grilled chicken with Swiss or a Philly version of chicken with peppers and provolone. The Niners knock it out of the park with their concession offerings. Atmosphere 4 Hayes Stadium is a beautiful brick structure that sits down at the bottom of a small hill from neighboring Jerry Richardson Stadium . A statue of a baseball player in the upper entry plaza welcomes fans as they make their way under the canopy of trees, down multiple levels of brick stairs to the front of the stadium. Upon entering the main gates fans are greeted by a spectacular view of the university’s surrounding athletic facilities and heart of Charlotte’s campus. After admiring the backdrop, the combination synthetic infield with natural grass outfield really pops out as being unique; the green infield with yellow-toned grass outfield really complements the school’s green and gold color scheme well. The grandstand sits above field level and is made up of two sections of seats – the lower level consists of six rows of individual seat backs that run dugout to dugout, while the upper level is made up of aluminum benches with back supports. There is no covered seating in the stadium, however, so there is little escape from the elements be they sun or rain. Some fans looking for shade find themselves in the entry ways which run below the press box, creating a covered area. The seating bowl faces southeast, so the stadium itself can provide natural shade for games later in the day. With Phillips Drive running just beyond the right-field fence, it plays a bit short at 315’. The fence bows out a bit to accommodate the Niners bullpen, and probably shortens the wall to closer to 310’, before stretching out to 370’ in the right-center field power alley. Center field plays a touch short at 395’, while the left-center fence matches its partner at 370’, and the wall then wraps around to a more standard 335’ in left. For most of the game, the field's action is kept as the sole focus of entertainment. There are occasional drops of sound effects, but not to the point where every foul ball is accompanied by a slide whistle or the sound of breaking glass. A rather ominous tone is played when the pitcher gets two strikes on a batter, in anticipation of an impending strikeout. Neighborhood 4 Hayes Stadium is nestled in the heart of UNC-Charlotte’s athletic facilities. The university calls the stadium “a crown jewel on the camps”, which plays well off the city’s moniker “The Queen City.” The stadium is a bit of a transitional location between the school’s athletic facilities and the academic, administrative, and residential buildings on campus. The Charlotte campus is distanced from the hustle and bustle of downtown Charlotte, but that does not equate to a lack of entertainment and recreational options. The UNCC campus is on the city’s light rail line, so accessing Truist Field , home of the AAA Charlotte Knights, is just a short walk from the Convention Center stop. Also, Charlotte Motor Speedway is less than 5 miles north on Concord Highway, and has NHRA and NASCAR events in April and May. The area around campus is made up of several office buildings, regional chain restaurants, stores, a mall, and hotels. Even though there is not the feel of being in the heart of Charlotte, there are still plenty of options when it comes to filling time before or after a game. Fans 4 Games at Hayes Stadium are typically close to one-third of the stadium’s full capacity of 3,000. Fans tend to fill the lower-level seating area, and some can be rather boisterous in their support of the 49ers, or maybe even their opposition to the visiting team. The crowd appears to be a mix of alumni and parents of players, with a smattering of students spread out around the seating area. Fans remain actively engaged in both their support for the home team and in their heckling of the visitors. Overall, the 49ers fans recognize and show appreciation for good baseball, and do not typically take the natural chatter of college baseball too far. Access 5 The UNCC campus is a touch over 2 miles off I-85 which runs through Charlotte. Charlotte's Lynx light rail system has multiple stops at the Charlotte campus, which makes getting from downtown rather easy. There are two stops for UNCC’s campus, both about the same distance to Hayes Stadium. For fans driving to the facility there is a limited amount of parking available at Jerry Richardson Stadium . Free parking is also available at the CRI parking deck – make sure to bring your ticket with you and listen for an announcement regarding validating your parking. Even though parking directly at the field can be a bit challenging, Charlotte does everything it can to make getting to the field as easy as possible. There is one entry point into the stadium which fans pass through to a wide-open walkway between the levels of seating. The wide walkways help to eliminate chokepoints that can make it difficult for fans to navigate the stadium. Return on Investment 4 With field level seats running $10 and bleacher seats just $5, prices are very reasonable. When you consider free parking and relatively inexpensive concession prices, fans are definitely getting their money’s worth when attending a 49ers game. Extras 4 The 49ers have retired five numbers in program history: Bo Robinson (4), Joey Anderson (5), Brian Shifflett (7), Tim Collie (15), and Adam Mills (31). Those retired jerseys are recognized down the third base line. The baseball promotional staff has organized promotions for all their weekend games, along with several gate giveaways. Friday games are Friday Flight Nights featuring beer and hot dog ticket packages, followed by Saturday Bingo Nights and Sunday Family Fun Days with family friendly ticket packages and kids being able to run the bases after the game. The right centerfield wall proudly displays the program’s conference successes and NCAA tournament appearances. While Robert and Mariam Hayes Stadium is already an impressive facility, as part of Charlotte’s EverGreen Master Plan there are plans to improve it even further. Seated is planned to be extend down both lines, a shade canopy would be added around the top of the seating bowl, and a standing room only pavilion would be added, with many other improvements for the staff and players. Final Thoughts At initial thought, many might not give baseball at Charlotte much attention, but it definitely is a hidden gem on the college baseball scene. From the facilities, to the scenic back drop and baseball atmosphere created, baseball games at Charlotte provide a wonderful experience for even fans who might not have a rooting interest in the game.

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Tucson Arena 260 S Church Ave Tucson, AZ 85701 Tucson Sugar Skulls website Tucson Arena website Year Opened: 1971 Capacity: 8,692 Arizona’s IFL At present the Indoor Football League has 14 teams, 3 of which are located in Arizona – the Northern Arizona Wranglers, the Arizona Rattlers, and the Tucson Sugar Skulls, which probably have the best team name in the league. The Rattlers and Sugar Skulls have the same owners; the Rattlers have been so successful in their 30-year run (winning 6 championships in that time), it only made sense for the owners to create a second team in 2019. The Sugar Skulls play in Tucson Arena, the arena inside Tucson’s convention center. The arena is shared with minor league hockey’s Tucson Roadrunners , as well as a club hockey team from the University of Arizona. The facility has a maximum capacity of 8,962 fans and was built in 1971 – the complex is listed on the National Register of Historic Places due to some of the acts it has hosted, including the Ice Capades and Elvis Presley. Food & Beverage 4 Tucson Arena offers 2 tiers of concessions – when fans enter the facility they will most likely progress onto a walkway at the top of the seating bowl. This walkway holds a slew of higher-end concessions, including Mexican (nachos, tacos, etc.), Chick-fil-A, a pretzel and churro vendor, gourmet cheesecake by the slice and brownies, and hot mini donuts, along with a couple of beer vendors, with prices a little on the high side, for example, $9 for a Chick-fil-A sandwich or hot pretzel with beer cheese, and $12 for tacos, nachos, or the quesadilla. But if you walk down to the lower 100 level (either by walking down through the stands or by walking back out to the outer concourse and using the back staircase), there are 2 “hidden” concessions stands, one on each side behind/under the 100 level seating – this concession stands offer a smaller selection of lower priced options (hot dogs, popcorn, nachos, and packaged candy), as well as bottled water, soda, and draft domestic or premium beer. Admittedly the quality of the concessions downstairs is not quite as good as the upper level, but they do come in a little cheaper if you are trying to keep to a budget – think $4 for a pretzel (add $2 for cheese) and $7 for nachos. Atmosphere 3 The best thing about a Sugar Skulls game is their mascot – a skeleton-faced individual decked out in Skulls team gear. He is constantly roaming the field pumping up the crowd, often jumping up and dancing on the wall around the field, and directly interacting with the crowd in the first row. He also participates in some of the on-field contests, for example when two fans are invited onto the field to try and kick a field goal to win a prize, or at the end of the third quarter when fans toss mini footballs into a bucket at midfield – the balls are numbered, and any fan who gets their ball in the bucket has a chance to win a prize as well. Besides the mascot there is also a dance team, the Sugar Dolls, and plenty of loud music being played, especially favorites like YMCA and Sweet Caroline, where the music is turned down at certain parts and fans are asked to sing the words. All the seats are also soft chair backs, which is a plus, but there is only one scoreboard on the far end, making it hard to see replays, and there are not very many fans in the stands (more on this later). Neighborhood 3 Tucson Arena is not far from downtown Tucson, so you can find plenty to see and do not far from the venue, including myriad restaurants, the most common of which are Mexican, being that this is the southwest. A couple of non-Mexican options are Reilly Craft Pizza and Drink , known for its upscale thin crust pizza creations and beer garden, and Hub Restaurant & Ice Creamery , which offers ice cream of course, but also several seafood options, as well as lighter fare like sandwiches and salads if you are looking for lunch. There are also plenty of hotels in the area. Another great attraction to be on the lookout for is the Sonora Desert Museum , a few miles west of the city – this is a great way to look at some of the local flora and fauna. You can even look a cougar right in the eyes from about 1 foot away (through a thick pane of glass, fortunately). Also, as you travel up and down I-10, you may get to see some trains passing you – the area is still a hotbed for railroad activity. Fans 2 At the most recent game I attended, the game went into overtime and by the end of it, there were hardly any fans still in attendance. There was not a ton to begin with either, but to have so many of them trickle out during a close game was a little disappointing, and even at its fullest the low attendance made the arena seem very empty. Don’t get me wrong – there were certainly a few diehards in attendance, dressed in full regalia as you will always see at any sporting event, but overall the attendance was lackluster. It may take time for the team to build up more of a fan base, being a newish team. Access 3 Traffic is not too bad getting to Tucson Arena, but I would suggest parking across the street from the venue and walking over, rather than parking in the small parking deck right next to the convention center. The cost is $10 either way, but it took a while to get out of the parking deck, which given its small size (only 3 levels) should not have been the case. Access inside the convention center is a little odd as well – I mentioned what I called the back staircase earlier, and if you use that, it feels like you are walking through the dingy bowels of the convention center to get to your seat. On some level it is kind of cool, because you can walk right up behind the end zone where the players and Sugar Dolls are, and no one will stop you because that is technically one way to get to your seat, so from that perspective you can get a close view of the inner workings of a game. However, the main end zone is set off a little from the field, meaning fans can’t stand under the net and try to catch footballs after kicks like you can at other indoor football venues. Return on Investment 3 Tickets to Tucson Sugar Skulls games start at around $25 including ticketing fees, which is pretty reasonable, although they made me buy 2 tickets for 1 person because you aren’t allowed to leave a single seat in the row. Otherwise, I think the price is certainly fair, and parking and concessions are not out of line depending on what you get, but except for the mascot the experience inside is a little lacking. Extras 3 The Sugar Skulls do all the normal things you generally see at indoor football games, like the music and the on-field contests, but there isn’t a whole lot that stands out besides their cool team name and their mascot. The Sugar Dolls do a nice job, especially if you are sitting in the main end zone where they perform for most of the game (when they are not out on the field itself). I did notice the Sugar Skulls have cheaper team gear than other teams in the area, so that is a plus if you are looking for a souvenir of your visit. They also did have a local musician do a guitar solo for the National Anthem at the last game I attended, which was pretty sweet. Final Thoughts If you are in the area, a visit to Tucson Arena for a Sugar Skulls game should be somewhat enjoyable, but if you are willing to travel a little further north, some of the other indoor football teams in the region offer a bit more as part of their experience and have venues that are a little less dated.

Photos by Gregory Koch , Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Veterans Memorial Park 270 Veterans Memorial Drive Harrisonburg, VA 22807 James Madison Dukes website Veterans Memorial Park website Year Opened: 2010 Capacity: 1,500 Diamond Dukes Nestled in the scenic Shenandoah Valley town of Harrisonburg, Virginia is the campus of James Madison University. JMU’s athletic teams, known as the Dukes, compete in the Sun Belt Conference, having moved from the Colonial Athletic Association for the 2022-23 season. The Dukes softball program is best known for their miraculous run to the 2021 Women's College World Series, where they defied all expectations by reaching the semifinal. They were one win away from reaching the final series, but lost two in a row to number one overall seed Oklahoma, eliminating them from the double-elimination tournament and ending their miraculous run. The Dukes call Veterans Memorial Park home. This facility is shared with the baseball team, who plays in the adjacent stadium. Although the two facilities have separate entrances, they share many common facilities including a concourse that snakes between the two stadiums. Food & Beverage 3 A concession stand is located directly to your left as you come in, in between the softball and baseball stadiums, and offers a good range of options. Cheeseburgers, hamburgers, hot dogs, veggie dogs, sausage, and chicken tenders make up the main course options. Nachos, soft pretzels, fries, popcorn, candy, sunflower seeds, chips, and peanuts are available as well. To drink, fans can enjoy bottled soda and water, as well as hot chocolate and coffee. In an effort to be environmentally friendly, the water comes in aluminum cans rather than the typical plastic bottles. Prices are affordable - the only thing that costs more than $5 is the chicken tenders, and those come with fries. Atmosphere 4 Fans will enter Veterans Memorial Park for softball to the right of the ticket booth, although the window has been shuttered for quite some time as the Dukes no longer charge for admission to regular season games here. Nonetheless, the signage is still up, so look for the sign that says "Tickets" and enter the gate to the right of that. The one to the left is used for the baseball stadium and is closed for softball home games. Despite this, it is possible to walk along the concourse into the baseball stadium, and one will need to do this to access the concession stand and souvenir shop. However, to get to the stadium itself, you will walk right from the entrance, then up some steps or an elevator to the seating area. From there, seating is available both above and below the walkway you will enter onto. There are a few chairbacks behind home plate underneath the press box, and everything else is bleachers with backs. All seating is general admission, so arrive early if you want a chairback. The Dukes do a great job of keeping fans involved with promotions. From trading card giveaways of a different player every home game, to the Scream for Pizza (whoever screams the loudest gets free Domino's pizza), to name that tune and trivia contests to win a free hot dog at the concession stand, fans will definitely stay engaged here. Neighborhood 3 Harrisonburg is a quaint town in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. Although this doesn’t have the excitement of the big city, there is plenty to do here, including the Virginia Quilt Museum. For meals, there are plenty of options depending on your budget. The famous southern chain Cook Out has a location five minutes from campus, which serves up burgers, chicken sandwiches, and other options. Try one of their trays for a great value, as it comes with two sides and a drink for around $8. If you’re looking for something more upscale, or at least something with table service, the Magpie Diner and Macado's are both local favorites. Fans 5 Dukes fans pack Veterans Memorial Park for softball game in and game out. The game we attended had close to a thousand fans in a 1,500 seat stadium and this is typical for what they draw. Fans wear the school color of purple and cheer their team on throughout the game. Some are friends or family of the players, but most are just loyal JMU fans . The team also partners with many local youth groups, including youth softball teams, so expect to see a lot of kids in attendance, many of them clad in their team's uniform. The crowd here can get quite loud, especially after big moments such as JMU home runs. Their passion is bold and unwavering, and they help make this an electric place to watch a softball game. Access 3 Veterans Memorial Park is located a few miles off Interstate 81 via exit 247B. After exiting onto Market Street, continue a short while before turning left onto Martin Luther King, Jr. Way. Continue for about a mile and a half before the road ends at High Street. Continue through the light and you will be in the parking lot. You will need to navigate a roundabout in the middle of the parking lot to wind up in the lot nearest the stadium – other areas serve the Veterans Memorial itself or other parts of the park, although you can park there if the stadium lot fills up. Getting around the stadium once you get inside is easy enough, although it is a bit confusing to have to walk up and back down. Foul balls regularly fly onto the concourse so be careful while you are walking down there. A staff member will normally shout “Heads up!” when a ball is heading that way but be alert yourself anyway. Restrooms are located directly to the left of the entrance and are of sufficient size for the crowd. When getting out of the stadium, you may have to wait at the traffic light for a few minutes as the timing of the cycle was not designed for such traffic patterns as occur postgame, but once you get out, you should not encounter any problems. Return on Investment 5 Admission to softball games at JMU is free of charge, concessions are affordable, and parking is free as well. When combined with the fantastic atmosphere, that makes a trip to a James Madison softball game an excellent value. Extras 4 One star for all the banners and signs throughout the stadium honoring James Madison softball history, including the Women's College World Series appearance in 2021. There are free programs and JMU softball trading cards available at the marketing table. Fans who collect all the trading cards by attending every home game will receive a prize at the end of the season. A third star for the merchandise shop to the left of the concession stand selling JMU gear,. A fourth and final star for the potential to see both a JMU softball and baseball game in the same day if you time your trip right, or at least get the chance to explore two venues in one. Final Thoughts The excitement at a James Madison Dukes softball game is still palpable, even two years after their Women's College World Series appearance. This is a program on the rise, and the move to the Sun Belt Conference should enable that continued growth. The Dukes have some passionate and boisterous fans and a facility to match. Softball fans in the Shenandoah Valley will definitely want to spend an afternoon at a James Madison game here.

You know when a movie draws to a close, the happy ending unfolds, and the credits are about to roll? There’s that realisation of a critical loose end that’s not yet been tied up, will it be revealed? or will you always be left wondering? As the story of Wrexham AFC’s 22/23 promotion season concluded, Hollywood owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney voiced their hopes that Notts County, their season-long nemesis, would follow them up into the Football League. 21 days later, at the Play Off Final, we would finally find out the ending. Notts County nicknamed the Magpies or just ‘pies’, had found themselves in a difficult position. 107 points, winning 32 games, and losing only three, but no automatic promotion. This isn’t any old promotion either. The scramble to leave the highest tier of English football’s ‘non-league’ scene, into the professional ‘EFL’ is one of the toughest in football. The National League Promotion Play Off Final was introduced in 2003 and drama is guaranteed. Wembley was the host stadium this weekend and has now hosted 14 finals. 2022 saw a Grimsby win at the London Stadium and Hartlepool were the 2021 victors at Ashton Gate . Approaching Wembley Stadium, Photo by Chris Tuck, Stadium Journey Meadow Lane in Nottingham, which holds 19,841, was the venue for Notts’ play off semi-final where they beat Boreham Wood with a late equaliser and an even later winner. Chesterfield also had a thrilling semi-final win, eventually overcoming Bromley to reach the final, deservedly so after finishing the league season in third position. Chesterfield now plays at the Technique Stadium which opened in 2010 and holds around 10,500 fans. Their previous much-loved home was Saltergate, which was one of the oldest football grounds in England, notching up 139 years of use. Just 26 miles separates the town of Chesterfield and the city of Nottingham, the rivalry between the clubs isn’t just geographical, the miners’ strike in the mid-1980s caused tensions that simmer to this day. However, the atmosphere on Wembley Way was relaxed as 38,138 headed to their seats. And so, on Saturday 13 May 2023 at 3.30 pm, the final instalment of the story was played out. Notts County beat Chesterfield 4-3 on penalties after a 2-2 draw, reclaiming their status as the oldest professional association football league club in the world, older than the English Football Association itself, and competing in League Two next season. Wembley Stadium Interior, Photo by Chris Tuck, Stadium Journey Chesterfield had finished 23 points behind Notts Co in the regular season, but the 90 minutes that unfolded made a mockery of that. Notts goalkeeper Sam Slocombe had a first 5 minutes to forget. First giving away an indirect free kick in his box which he smothered himself, minutes later he rushed to the edge of his box, fouling Dallas and giving away a penalty. Dallas brushed himself down and dispatched the penalty. Notts, now 1-0 down, were simply not getting out of third gear, with the match drifting away from them on a day where goalkeepers grabbed the headlines. Now it was the Chesterfield goalkeeper Fitzsimons turn for infamy as he awkwardly fumbled John Bostock’s 87th minute free kick, the ball trickled into the net to send disbelieving county fans wild… 1-1 at full-time. So, we were heading to extra time, as the story of the Vanarama National League 22/23 season refused to end. In the 3rd minute of extra time, the Notts defence backed off, allowing Armando Dobra to cut inside and curl an absolute beauty into the corner of the County net. Chesterfield fans celebrated their 2-1 lead, their excellent vocal support, which had been non-stop in the first 87 minutes, was back. No fairy-tale ending for County? All bets were off in the 108th minute as County was level again! Ruben Rodrigues shot into the ground, and the ball ballooned up in slow motion and over the stranded Chesterfield goalkeeper into the net, we were heading to penalties! Not before Notts made a late substitution, goalkeeper Slocombe was replaced by Archie Mair a penalty-saving specialist. Two saves by Mair gave Bostock the chance to seal County’s win, but to their fans' dismay, his attempted Panenka came back off the crossbar. Despite Chesterfield’s successful next penalty, Notts could still win it. Scott stayed calm, smashed in his penalty and the Magpies players and fans were in dreamland. Notts County joins Wrexham in the EFL, cue the credits. The Winning Pen, Photo by Chris Tuck, Stadium Journey

Harford Community College, in Bel Air, MD hosted the 2023 NJCAA Men's Lacrosse National Championship, May 13-14 at Harford Stadium inside of Harford’s Sports Complex. The past two national championships have been held in Garden City, NY, home of Nassau Community College. The Saturday games saw the host Harford Fighting Owls defeat the CCBC Essex Knights by a score of 11-6, as well as the defending champion Nassau Lions winning over the Onondaga Lazers 10-8. The Sunday final was a match-up of heavy hitters, featuring the top two teams in the country. Harford secured its 1st NJCAA Men's Lacrosse Championship with a 13-8 victory. The Fighting Owls were able to complete an undefeated season with the win on their home turf. Harford had handed Nassau their only loss of the regular season and the last time before that they met in a tournament game was in the 2022 Championship game, which was a 12-11 double-overtime thriller that landed in Nassau's favor. Sophomore Attacker Dylan Tomarchio was named the Steve Caravana Offensive Player of the Tournament. Freshman Goalie Alex Epple was named the Defensive Player of the Tournament. Stadium Journey likes to remind readers that even smaller sports and/or smaller conferences offer great options for sports fans to enjoy.

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Comerica Stadium 2601 Avenue of the Stars Frisco, TX 75034 Frisco Fighters website Comerica Center website Year Opened: 2003 Capacity: 4,500 Fifty Yards of Fury The Frisco Fighters arena football team bills itself as the Fifty Yards of Fury (indoor football fields are only half the length of traditional football fields) – their cool fighter jet logo looks awesome on the helmets and signage. The warplane theme continues with the dance team, named the Bombshells, and the team does all the traditional things to entertain fans, such as having fans contests on the field and handing out t-shirts. While the facility itself may not offer much beyond the action on the field, the fans here seem to enjoy themselves. Food & Beverage 4 Comerica Center offers a decent variety of food and beverage options – I recommend the BBQ, but you can also find Mexican and more traditional items like upscale hot dogs and burgers, as well as pretzels, popcorn, packaged candy, and chips, as well as old-fashioned milkshakes. There are a few bar areas as well, and typical drink options beyond alcohol such as soda and bottled water. The prices tend to be a little on the high side for most of the main dishes, but the food quality and portion sizes are pretty good. Atmosphere 2 Comerica Center opened in 2003 and seems like a modern facility from the outside as you walk in, but the setup for arena football seems to be a bit lacking. The arena is also the home field for the Texas Legends of the NBA G League and also houses the Dallas Star’s practice rink. As mentioned above the fighter jet team logo is pretty cool, and there is a giant banner behind one end zone showing the logo in full, blaring color with two jets instead of one. However, there are no team logos in either end zone, and there isn’t the giant multi-sided center video board that many sports fans have gotten used to. There is also not a lot of pomp or ceremony when the team takes the field – the dance team comes on the field to welcome them on, there are spotlights, and they alternate games introducing the defensive versus offensive starters, but there is no mascot and no pyrotechnics. There are a few TVs in the hallways to watch the game on while you are waiting in line at the concessions, as you can’t see the field from there, and there are a couple of set-ups for people to play Xbox, but one of the screens wasn’t working during my most recent visit. Neighborhood 4 There are plenty of restaurants near Comerica Center, with Wild Pitch Sports Bar & Grill or Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille is the closest, both within walking distance – either would be a great option to hang out before or after a Fighters game. There are also numerous hotels in the area, several within walking distance, so definitely the arena is in a great location, about 4 miles south of downtown Frisco or half an hour north of Dallas, which has plenty of additional restaurant and entertainment options if you want to head into the big city. Within Frisco, you can find other sporting events during the same weekend as the Fighters if you plan it right (the Double-A Frisco Roughriders play at Riders Field , right next to Comerica Center), while closer to Dallas you may be able to catch an NBA or NHL game if the Mavericks or Stars make the playoffs. You can also head over to Arlington and watch either the Arlington Renegades of the XFL or MLB’s Texas Rangers , both of whom have games happening during this time of year. Fans 2 The fans at Frisco Fighters games are into the contest, and you will see a handful of those ultra-rabid fans who are dressed to the nines in team gear, or who go for those loose footballs with reckless abandon (in arena football you are usually allowed to keep balls that leave the field of play; the PA announcer will even scold you, and the staff may give it back to you if you try to be nice and return them to the referee). Unfortunately, there are just not a lot of fans here, so the already small arena, maxing out at 4,500 for basketball/football, looks pretty empty. Access 5 Getting to Comerica Center and around inside is a breeze – you can park in the deck connected to the center for only $10, and getting out of the deck after the game is painless. Entry into the venue from the parking deck will take you right by the Dallas Star’s practice, and you may even see kids geared up in hockey gear playing on that ice, or you might see them in the parking deck before or after their game or practice. Moving around the concourse inside is easy – there are no lines at the concessions due to the small crowd, and there are more than enough bathrooms. The best restrooms to use are the less trafficked ones tucked away in the corners, as few people notice them so they should be clean and fully stocked. Return on Investment 3 Tickets to Frisco Fighters games can be found for less than $10 (not including fees), and you can find a few low-cost concessions options if you look around. That said, attending an arena football game at Comerica Center is pretty inexpensive, but don’t expect a ton of amenities – this is a great option if you need something to entertain the kids, or are suffering from post-Superbowl football withdrawal, but may not be an event to go out of your way for. Extras 2 The Fighters do have a team gear stand inside Comerica Center, and there are also a ton of vendors on hand giving out freebies; for example, you can spin the wheel and do some quick cardio to win a boxing glove keychain courtesy of a local kickboxing studio, or you can pick up free candy or a pen from some of the other booths. Some of the vendors also offer discount cards for their services, and every fan who enters gets a free Frisco Fighters rally towel. Final Thoughts If you love football, attending a Fighters game at Comerica Center may be something you want to do, but overall, this experience is probably not something for the casual sports fan’s bucket list.

The United States Naval Academy, in Annapolis, MD hosted one half of the 2023 NCAA Men's Lacrosse Quarterfinals, May 22 at Navy–Marine Corps Memorial Stadium . There was two games this Sunday in Annapolis. In the first game, an intense matchup occurred between Penn State and Army. Penn State won with a 10-9 victory after a six-goal run in the first half. The second game saw Notre Dame taking on Johns Hopkins. The Fighting Irish won 12-9 and are going back to the NCAA Semifinals for the sixth time in program history, the first time since 2015. Penn State will face top-seeded Duke at Lincoln Financial Field next Saturday, with Notre Dame slated to play against Virginia. Duke/Penn State is at 12pm EDT and Virginia/Notre Dame is at 2:30pm EDT. The championship game is on Memorial Day, 5/29, at 1pm EDT. It was a beautiful day at the home of the Midshipmen and fans from all 4 teams seemed to enjoy the atmosphere. We heard many people comment on Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium being the perfect location for this group of contests. 13,354 people were in attendance and according to Navy they have had 5 of the  top 10 crowds in NCAA Men's Lacrosse Quarterfinals history (since 1996 when it started being held at 2 predetermined sites.) The top attended game day was also at Navy in 2008 when they had 17,017 in attendance. Navy–Marine Corps Memorial Stadium opened in 1959 and serves as the home stadium of the Navy Midshipmen college football and lacrosse teams, and was the home of the Chesapeake Bayhawks of Major League Lacrosse. The stadium is also the host of the Military Bowl. The stadium serves as a memorial to the Navy and Marine Corps; it is dedicated to those who have served (and will serve) as upholders of the traditions and renown of the Navy and Marine Corps of the United States. The thousands of memorial bench-back and wall plaques are a constant reminder, as well as the list of numerous battles involving the Naval and Marine Corps forces since the early 1900s.

Photo by Brian Wilmer, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Bill Masters Field at John Henry Moss Stadium Stadium Dr Boiling Springs, NC 28152 Gardner-Webb Runnin' Bulldogs website Bill Masters Field at John Henry Moss Stadium website Year Opened: 2010 Capacity: 550 Bill Masters Field at John Henry Moss Stadium Boiling Springs, North Carolina sits just across the North Carolina-South Carolina state line. The rural North Carolina town is a quaint college community built mostly around the university and a handful of businesses on Main Street. The Runnin' Bulldogs joined the Big South Conference in 2008 and have typically been toward the top of the conference standings at the end of each season. Food & Beverage 2 Bill Masters Field does not offer a great deal of options when it comes to concessions, but prices are kept very affordable. The baseball classic hot dogs are the main item of note on the menu. There are also nachos and pretzels that can be paired with cheese dip, but the menu is limited; popcorn, candy, and peanuts are also available. Beverages include Pepsi products, Gatorade, and bottled water. Gardner-Webb chooses not to sell beer or wine at its baseball games. Atmosphere 3 Upon initial approach to Bill Masters Field, fans can purchase tickets before passing through a brick archway into the stadium. A luminescent sign affixed to the end of the visiting team dugout welcomes all to Gardner-Webb University, as they make their way to the covered seating area. The aluminum bleachers are built into the brick grandstand that gives the small seating area a much larger appearance. Seating runs from dugout to dugout – the first two rows are fold-down seats and are separated from the bleacher seating behind it with a walkway. The five rows of bleacher seating are a combination of backed and backless benches. A large overhang runs along almost the entirety of the seating bowl, and provides a great deal of shelter from the elements, whether it be the sun or rain. Gardner-Webb has done well taking rather non-descript aluminum bleachers and creating a charming brick grandstand around them. The university's basketball arena, Paul Porter Arena , Green-Harbison Soccer Stadium, and the Tucker Student Center create a wonderful backdrop for college baseball. Just over the right center field fence is the Lloyd Little Memorial Scoreboard; the scoreboard sits in a large brick housing, with pitch speed display attached. The scoreboard itself provides fans with basic inning-by-inning line score, along with ball, strike, and out counts. The outfield fence runs 330' down both the left and right field lines, 360’ to left-center, and 365' to right-center – the centerfield fence is one of the shortest in college baseball at just 385'. The outfield fence is a consistent 8-feet from foul pole to foul pole. The Runnin' Bulldogs play on a synthetic surface with traditional green and brown “grass” and “dirt” areas of the field. The university’s red "GW" logo adorns the large, black turf area behind home plate. The presentation of the game keeps the action on the field as the main focus – other than player walk-up songs and music to fill the dead time between innings, there are not a lot of audio distractions. What is most noticeable is the lack of ad reads between innings; in a time where almost every opportunity to squeeze an ad in is taken advantage of, there are none during Gardner-Webb baseball games. Overall, the game is refreshingly kept at the focus of the day and there is not a lot to distract fans from that. Neighborhood 3 Boiling Springs is a small town, neighbored by the more populous Shelby, North Carolina, home of the American Legion World Series, and just under an hour west of Charlotte. Main Street in Boiling Springs runs directly through the middle of town. There seems to be just about all that would be needed on this stretch of road, from fast food joints like McDonald’s and Bojangles to locally owned eateries like College Pizzeria and Italian Garden. Visitors who enjoy getting out into nature and looking to make a day of a trip to Gardner-Webb might enjoy exploring the nearby Broad River Greenway. If planning a baseball exclusive trip, a visit can be paired with stops to the nearby Gastonia Honey Hunters of the independent Atlantic League, or to the Charlotte Knights , AAA affiliate of the Chicago White Sox – each of these stops are within an hour of Boiling Springs. Fans 3 The Runnin’ Bulldogs draw fairly well in comparison to other schools in the Big South. Even when students are not on campus, a couple hundred fans still file into a stadium that holds 550 fans. Gardner-Webb falls toward the top of the middle tier of conference foes in terms of baseball attendance. Fans are actively into the game, and they recognize and respond to big, in-game situations. It would be a long shot to call the atmosphere rambunctious, but fans are into the game. Access 3 Even though Boiling Springs is a bit off the beaten path, it is rather accessible from nearby Charlotte or for those traveling on I-85 northbound from the Spartanburg area. Fans coming from the Charlotte area can use US Highway 74 to NC State Road 150 to get to Boiling Springs, while those approaching from the south would exit in Gaffney, South Carolina, and then take SR 150 directly to the stadium. Most fans will park in the parking lot immediately through Bridges Gate; from here, it is just a short walk to the field. There is a small lot adjacent to the field that has a few parking spots, but those are mostly comprised of handicap accessible parking. The stadium’s seating area is easy enough to access. A concrete walkway leads fans to the first base side of the grandstand and wraps around the back of the press box to the home side of the seating bowl. In good weather, most visiting fans choose to sit or stand in the grassy area along the right field line. Return on Investment 4 With adult admission of just $5, free parking, and affordable concessions prices, the monetary investment of attending baseball at Gardner-Webb certainly is not cost prohibitive. The time investment might be a bit of a deterrent when it comes to traveling to Boiling Springs for some, but it can easily be negated if paired with another stop at a nearby ballpark. Extras 3 The back side of the visiting dugout celebrates the careers of four former Bulldog players and coaches. Not only are their numbers enshrined on the back side of the visiting dugout, but plaques with the career exploits of each are also on display. The large roof line gives a nice feel of a time gone past in stadium design. The covered seating also provides a great deal of shade, and a massive fan in the middle of the seating bowl helps bring even more comfort to the sometimes hot, uncomfortable spring and summer days. Final Thoughts Most might not consider Gardner-Webb as a target for a baseball experience, but fans of baseball in its purest form will find the game enjoyable due to the lack of distractions – constant sound effects, ad reads, and on-field games. It might not be the experience most are used to when it comes to the constant barrage of entertainment that has become almost commonplace in many ballparks today, but baseball at Bill Masters Field is a refreshing break where the game and the players on the field are kept as the main attraction.

Photos by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Phoenix Rising Soccer Stadium 3801 E Washington St Phoenix, AZ 85034 Map It Phoenix Rising FC website Phoenix Rising Soccer Stadium website Year Opened / Año abierto : 2023 Capacity / Capacidad : 10,000 Rising As One / Levantándose Como Uno Phoenix Rising FC es un club de fútbol de la USL-C, el segundo nivel de fútbol en los Estados Unidos, un escalón por debajo de la Major League Soccer (MLS). El club comenzó a operar en 2014 como Arizona United SC y se renombró como Phoenix Rising FC en 2017. El equipo ha tenido bastante éxito en los últimos años, logrando el título de la temporada regular del Campeonato de la USL en 2019. Llegaron a la final de los playoffs del Campeonato en 2108 y 2020 (que desafortunadamente se canceló debido a COVID) y los cuartos de final de los playoffs en 2021. El club ha mantenido su residencia a varios lugares, incluyendo dos sitios de entrenamiento de primavera de la Cactus League durante sus años como Arizona United SC. La temporada 2023 los vio mudarse a su tercer estadio específico de fútbol desde 2017, después de jugar previamente en el estadio Wild Horse Pass Chandler durante dos años. El contrato de The Rising en Wild Horse Pass terminó y la propiedad quería estar en el centro de Phoenix. Estaba disponible un nuevo sitio cerca del aeropuerto y en una línea de Valley Metro, por lo que los propietarios empaquetaron el antiguo estadio y colocaron la infraestructura casi exactamente en la misma configuración que el sitio anterior de Chandler. Se trasladaron las estructuras de asientos, el marcador, el palco de prensa/medios, la taquilla, los vestuarios, el campo de entrenamiento y se añadió otro edificio para el personal de recepción, almacenamiento, etc. Asistir a un partido es una velada agradable. Recomendamos ir a principios de la primavera o el otoño, ya que las temperaturas de Phoenix son más cómodas durante esos momentos de la temporada de fútbol. Food & Beverage / Bebida y Alimenticia 4 Las ofertas de concesión de los camiones de comida y quioscos de concesión tienen mucho para que los fanáticos del fútbol se den un gusto. Los puntos de venta de alimentos están en los terrenos fuera del área de asientos del estadio (excepto las secciones VIP), con puestos en los lados este, norte y oeste. Algunas mesas de picnic se colocan alrededor del vestíbulo exterior para que los fanáticos disfruten de sus refrigerios. El puesto de comida más popular es el PrimeTime Grill justo al dentro de la entrada este. Ofrece cinco canastas de comida: pollo tierno, sándwich de pollo, hamburguesa, hot dog y puerco desmenuzado (servido con papas fritas), y los precios oscilan entre $11 y $ 4.50. También se sirven papas fritas y nachos ($6 - $16). Los poseedores de boletos de temporada obtienen una tarifa con descuento. Asegúrese de caminar y ver los otros quioscos que incluyen pero no se limitan a: Lemonade and Kettle Corn, Ben's Soft Pretzels y Bahama Bucks Shaved Ice ($7 - $10). Bahama Bucks ofrece algunos sabores sin azúcar. Bro's Seafood tiene rollos de cangrejo y langosta, pescado y papas fritas y otros platos de mariscos que cuestan entre $13 y $26. Tuve los tacos de camarones, y eran fabulosos. Unos pocos puestos de bebidas alcohólicas se alinean en la explanada. Las cervezas, el vino y las gaseosas (enlatadas) cuestan entre $8 y $13.75 y los cócteles enlatados cuestan $13.75. Los productos de Coca-Cola cuestan $5.75 la botella. El estadio ofrece una hora feliz donde las bebidas tienen un descuento de $2 durante la primera hora después de que se abren las puertas. Atmosphere / Atmósfera 3 Esperaba un poco más con el nuevo estadio. La experiencia del día del juego no es tan agradable como en el anterior. Sin embargo, la organización hace un buen trabajo al proporcionar un ambiente familiar con fanáticos apasionados pero no rebeldes. Dentro del estadio, los asientos están en los cuatro lados del campo. Los asientos al nivel del campo, algunos con mesas altas, se alinean en el perímetro de la cancha. El lugar ofrece otros asientos premium, en la azotea y VIP. La mayoría de los asientos son asientos plegables grises elevados sobre el nivel del suelo, sin brazos ni portavasos. Estos asientos son más cómodos de lo que parecen. Las filas son largas (28 asientos de ancho), por lo que si eres un fanático que necesita levantarse con frecuencia durante el partido, elige asientos más cercanos a los pasillos (1-4 o 24-28) para evitar molestar a otros fanáticos. Los asientos elevados detrás de las porterías son de admisión general (gradas sin respaldo). Siéntese en el lado este para disfrutar de una bonita vista de la puesta de sol. Todos los asientos están cerca de la cancha, por lo que ver el juego ofrece una vista de cerca de la acción. Hay asientos mínimos para discapacitados disponibles detrás de cada portería. El estadio no está bien equipado para los aficionados que no pueden subir las escaleras con facilidad. El elevador/ascensor ADA se rompió el día que Stadium Journey visitó; no había ninguna indicación de cuándo iba a ser reparado. Recomiendo llamar al equipo con anticipación para ver si está funcionando. El lugar tiene un enorme marcador en el extremo sur. Muestra la puntuación, la mitad y el tiempo con algunos videos y anuncios, y es nítido, claro y fácil de leer. El marcador no ofrece subtítulos. El volumen de la música está bien; es fácil conversar con tu vecino sin tener que gritar sobre la música. Aún mejor, apagan la música cuando anuncian la alineación inicial. Player Introductions and Flags of Player's Home Country, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Desafortunadamente, el área de The Park (un campo donde los niños corrían y jugaban) que estaba en el antiguo estadio no está disponible en esta nueva ubicación. La explanada tiene algunas áreas de juegos para niños cerca de la tienda de souvenirs a las que muchos jóvenes acuden. Neighborhood / Barrio 2 Un mercado de pulgas Park 'n Swap deteriorado, el aeropuerto Phoenix Sky Harbor y Gateway College son los vecinos del estadio. No es inseguro, pero no es agradable a la vista. El barrio de la estación de tren no tiene un lugar para parar a tomar una cerveza o picar algo. Para los hoteles, se puede ver un Hilton Garden Inn desde el estadio de fútbol Phoenix Rising (un poco menos de una milla a pie). El Crown Plaza Hotel está a una milla a pie. El estadio está cerca del aeropuerto, por lo que muchos hoteles están cerca, pero es posible que no estén de distancia caminando. Otros deportes para ver cerca incluyen los Arizona Diamondbacks , los Phoenix Suns y el Phoenix Mercury (a tres paradas en el tren ligero). Fans / Fanáticos 4 Phoenix Rising FC tiene dos fuertes grupos de apoyo, Los Banditos y Unión 602. Tambores, banderas ondeando, humo de colores, cantar, aplaudir, saltar arriba y abajo, lo tienen todo. La mayoría de los aficionados se sientan en la zona de anotación sur, debajo del marcador, un área designada solo para ellos. Montones y montones de clubes de fútbol infantiles y juveniles asisten a los partidos. Verá una gran cantidad de familias y amigos presentes. Los aficionados son fijados en el juego en la cancha. Y ciertamente sabes cuando la multitud no está de acuerdo con las llamadas del árbitro. La afición hace que la asistencia al partido sea un cómodo evento deportivo donde todos los visitantes son aceptados. La asistencia es fuerte en los partidos de Phoenix Rising FC, con el club clasificado entre los cinco y diez primeros de la USL-C en asistencia en las últimas temporadas con un promedio de 6,600 a 7,000 fanáticos. En lo que va de 2023, los registros de asistencia promedio se acercan a los 8,000 por partido. Access / Acceso 3 Phoenix Rising Stadium se encuentra en el centro de Phoenix junto al Sky Harbor Airport. Los fanáticos pueden tomar el tren ligero Valley Metro Light Rail hasta la parada 38th Street y Washington, luego caminar 1/3 de milla más o menos hasta el estadio. Si bien esto es conveniente, la corta caminata es sobre asfalto sin sombra ni lugares para descansar. La caminata es dura durante los meses de verano. Phoenix Rising Soccer Stadium from Light Rail, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Hay más de cinco estacionamientos en el lugar con entradas desde 37th St y 38th St. El club ahora cobra por el estacionamiento (gratis para los poseedores de boletos de temporada) y debe comprarse con anticipación. El costo del estacionamiento es de $5 (más impuestos) o $10 (más impuestos) si se compra el día del partido. Se permite dar una fiesta en tres de los estacionamientos. El equipo también tiene un servicio de transporte Pub2Pitch donde los fanáticos van a bares selectos y los autobuses los llevan hacia y desde los partidos. Ese es un servicio bastante ingenioso. Los aficionados pasan por detectores de metales al entrar. Los fanáticos en la fila me dijeron que pasar por seguridad es impredecible. Se permiten bolsas deportivas transparentes y los boletos son digitales. Los baños son indeseables. Los escalones que conducen a los baños son altos y los pasamanos se tambalean. Las casetas de baño son quizás una pulgada más grande que los de los aviones y tienen una función de descarga similar. Vi un baño accesible para sillas de ruedas poco atractivo y ningún baño familiar. El estadio simplemente no es propicio para personas con problemas de movilidad. No vi una carpa de servicios para huéspedes, aunque el sitio web dice que tienen una. Return on Investment / Retorno de la inversion 3 Los boletos para un solo juego cuestan entre $22 y $41 y son comparables, aunque un poco más altos que otros equipos de la USL-C. Los boletos para las gradas comienzan en $25 (más impuestos) y ascienden hasta $200 para los asientos de campo. Los asientos del medio campo y de la línea de banda cuestan entre $30 y $53. Todos los asientos están cerca de la cancha para que tengas una buena vista sin importar dónde te sientes. El estacionamiento cuesta $5 - $10, lo que agrega un gasto adicional en comparación con los lugares anteriores del club. Tomar el tren ligero le ahorra unos cuantos dólares, ya que su boleto de Phoenix Rising FC incluye un viaje en el tren ligero. Es una buena opción si tomas bebidas alcohólicas en el partido. Los precios de la comida del estadio son similares a los de otros lugares deportivos profesionales en el área. Las bebidas y la cerveza tienen un precio más bajo. Llega temprano y la cerveza cuesta $2 menos. Los visitantes pueden traer dos botellas selladas de agua por persona. Los fanáticos definitivamente los necesitan para los partidos en los meses más cálidos. El club ofrece todo tipo de especiales y noches temáticas, incluyendo la noche de cerveza de $ 1, boletos con descuento para la noche militar y de reconocimiento militar, paquete de cuatro familias NAU, Navidad en julio, noche Back 2 School y más. Asegúrese de consultar su sitio web y sus redes sociales para conocer las ofertas especiales. . Extras 3 Las numerosas noches temáticas y especiales merecen una mención adicional. Acercar el club al centro de Phoenix es sin duda un atractivo para más fanáticos en la área metropolitana. El frente de las gradas oeste muestra con orgullo las banderas de los países de origen de los jugadores. Final Thoughts / Pensamientos Finales Ir y ver partidos de fútbol profesional está en aumento en Arizona. Phoenix Rising FC hace un trabajo decente al proporcionar una velada de entretenimiento deportivo agradable y segura. El nuevo estadio de fútbol es un buen lugar para que los fanáticos de todo Arizona visiten y vean un club de fútbol ganador. Muchas gracias a Jim Minard por su ayuda con la traducción.

Photos by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Phoenix Rising Soccer Stadium 3801 E Washington St Phoenix, AZ 85034 Map It Phoenix Rising FC website Phoenix Rising Soccer Stadium website Year Opened: 2023 Capacity: 10,000 Rising As One Phoenix Rising FC is a soccer club in the USL-C, the second level of soccer in the United States, one step below Major League Soccer (MLS). The club began operation in 2014 as the Arizona United SC and rebranded as Phoenix Rising FC in 2017. The team has been quite successful the last few years, clinching the USL Championship regular season title in 2019. They made it to the Championship playoff finals in 2108 and 2020 (which unfortunately got cancelled because of COVID) and the playoff quarterfinals in 2021. The club has called several venues their home, including two Cactus League spring training sites during their years as the Arizona United SC. The 2023 season saw them move to their third soccer-specific stadium since 2017, after previously playing in Wild Horse Pass Chandler stadium for two years. The Rising's deal at Wild Horse Pass ended, and ownership wanted to be in central Phoenix. A new site near the airport was available and on a Valley Metro line, so ownership packed up the old stadium and placed the infrastructure in almost the exact same configuration as the previous Chandler site. They moved the seating structures, the scoreboard, the press/media box, the ticket office, locker rooms, and the training field and added another building for front office staff, storage, etc. Attending a match is an enjoyable evening out. We recommend going in the early spring or fall as Phoenix temperatures are more comfortable during those times of the soccer season. Food & Beverage 4 The concession offerings of food trucks and concession kiosks have plenty for soccer fans to treat themselves. The food points of sale are on the grounds outside the stadium seating area (except VIP sections), with stalls on the east, north, and west sides. Some picnic tables are placed around the outside concourse for fans to enjoy their refreshments. The most popular concession stand is the PrimeTime Grill just inside the east entrance. It offers five baskets: chicken tender, chicken sandwich, burger, hot dog, and pulled pork (served with kettle chips), and prices range from $11 - $14.50. Fries and nachos are also served ($6 - $16). Season ticket holders get a discounted rate. Be sure to walk around and check out the other kiosks which include but are not limited to: Lemonade and Kettle Corn, Ben’s Soft Pretzels, and Bahama Bucks Shaved Ice ($7 - $10). Bahama Bucks offers a few sugar-free flavors. Bro’s Seafood has crab and lobster rolls, fish and chips, and other seafood dishes costing $13 - $26. I had the shrimp tacos, and they were fabulous. A few alcohol-only stands line the concourse. Beers, wine, and seltzers (canned) run $8 - $13.75 with canned cocktails costing $13.75. Coke products are $5.75 a bottle. The stadium offers a happy hour where drinks are discounted by $2 for the first hour after the gates open. Atmosphere 3 I was expecting a bit more with the new stadium. The game day experience is not quite as nice as at the old one. However, the organization does a good job of providing a family-friendly environment with passionate but not unruly fans. Inside the stadium, seating is on all four sides of the pitch. Field level seats, some with hi-top tables, line the pitch perimeter. The venue offers other premium, roof top, and VIP seats. Most of the seats are grey fold-down seats raised above the ground level, with no arms or cupholders. These seats are more comfortable than they look. The rows are long (28 seats across), so if you’re a fan who needs to get up often during the match, choose seats closer to the aisles (1 - 4 or 24 -28) to prevent disrupting other fans. The raised seats behind the goals are general admission (bleachers with no backs). Sit on the east side for a nice sunset view. All seats are close to the pitch so watching the game provides an up-close view of the action. Minimal handicapped seats are available behind each goal. The stadium is not equipped well for fans who can’t walk up steps easily. The ADA lift/elevator was broken the day Stadium Journey visited; there was no indication of when it was going to be repaired. I recommend calling the team in advance to see if it is working. The venue has a huge scoreboard on the south end. It shows the score, half, and time with some videos and advertisements and is crisp, clear, and easily read. The scoreboard does not offer closed captioning. The music volume is fine; it is easy to converse with your neighbor without having to yell over the music. Even better, they turn the music off when announcing the starting lineup. Nice job! Player Introductions and Flags of Player's Home Country, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Unfortunately, The Park area (a field where kids ran around and played) that was at the old stadium is not available at this new location. The concourse has a few kid’s play areas near the souvenir shop that many young ones gravitate to. Neighborhood 2 A run-down Park ‘n Swap flea market, Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport, and Gateway College are the stadium’s neighbors. It’s not unsafe, but it’s not pleasing to the eye. The neighborhood from the train station does not have a place to stop for a beer or a bite to eat. For hotels, a Hilton Garden Inn is visible from Phoenix Rising Soccer Stadium (a little less than a mile’s walk). A Crown Plaza Hotel is a mile’s walk. The stadium is near the airport so plenty of hotels are close but may not be within walking distance. Other sports to see nearby include the Arizona Diamondbacks , Phoenix Suns , Phoenix Mercury , and Arizona Rattlers (all just three stops away on the light rail). Fans 4 Phoenix Rising FC has two strong supporter groups, Los Banditos and Union 602. Drums, flags waving, colored smoke, singing, clapping, jumping up and down – they have it all. Most supporters sit in the south end zone, under the scoreboard, an area designated just for them. Lots and lots of kids and youth soccer clubs attend matches. You’ll see a whole host of families and friends in attendance. The fans are engaged in the play on the pitch. And, you certainly know when the crowd disagrees with the referee’s calls. The fans make attending the match a comfortable sporting event where all visitors are accepted. Attendance is strong at Phoenix Rising FC matches, with the club ranking in the USL-C top five to ten in attendance the last few seasons with an average of 6,600 – 7,000 fans. So far in 2023, average attendance records are close to 8,000 per match. Access 3 Phoenix Rising Stadium is in Central Phoenix next to Sky Harbor Airport. Fans can take the Valley Metro Light Rail to the 38th Street and Washington stop, then walk 1/3 mile or so to the stadium. While this is convenient, the short walk is across asphalt with absolutely no shade or places to rest. The walk is tough during the summer months. Phoenix Rising Soccer Stadium from Light Rail, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey More than five parking lots are on site with entrances from 37th St and 38th St. The club is now charging for parking (free for season ticket holders) and it must be purchased in advance. The cost for parking is $5 (plus tax), or $10 (plus tax) if purchased on game day. Tailgating is allowed at three of the parking lots. The team also has a Pub2Pitch transport shuttle where fans go to select bars, and buses take them to/from the matches. That’s a pretty slick service. Fans walk through metal detectors upon entry. Fans in line told me getting through security is hit or miss. Clear sports bags are allowed, and tickets are digital. Restrooms are undesirable. The steps up to the restrooms are high and the banisters are wobbly. The stalls are maybe an inch bigger than those in airplanes and have a similar flush function. I saw one uninviting wheelchair-accessible restroom and no family restrooms. The stadium is not conducive for those with mobility issues. I didn’t see a guest services tent though the website says they have one. Return on Investment 3 Single game tickets run $25 - $53 and are comparable, if a little higher than other USL-C teams. The bleacher tickets start at around $25 (plus tax) and run up to $200 for field seats. Midfield and sideline seats run $30 - $53. All seating is close to the pitch so you’ll get a good view no matter where you sit. Parking is $5 - $10 which adds an additional expense compared to the club’s previous venues. Taking the light rail saves you a few bucks as your Phoenix Rising FC ticket includes a ride on the light rail. It’s a good choice if you drink alcoholic beverages at the match. The stadium’s food prices are similar to other professional sports venues in the area. The drinks and beer are priced lower. Get there early and beer is $2 less. Visitors can bring in two sealed bottles of water per person. Fans definitely need those at matches in warmer months. The club provides all kinds of specials and theme nights, including a $1 beer night, discounted tickets for military and military appreciation night, NAU family four pack, Christmas in July, Back 2 School night, and more. Be sure to check their website and social media for specials and deals. . Extras 3 The many theme nights and specials deserve an extra mention. Moving the club closer to central Phoenix is certainly a draw to more fans in the metro area. The front of the west stands proudly display the flags of the players' countries of origin. Final Thoughts Going to and watching professional soccer matches is on the rise in Arizona. Phoenix Rising FC does a decent job at providing an enjoyable, crowd-pleasing, and safe sports entertainment evening. The new soccer stadium is a good place for fans across Arizona to visit and watch a winning soccer club.

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Ector County Coliseum 4201 Andrews Hwy Odessa, TX 79762 West Texas Warbirds website Ector County Coliseum website Year Opened: 1954 Capacity: 5,131 Permian Basin Football Ector County Coliseum is located in Odessa, Texas, in the heart of the Permian Basin. The Permian Basin is best known for its oil, and as you drive through the region you will see numerous oil derricks in the fields. These oil derricks tie-in to football here, as during indoor football games at Ector County Coliseum, you will see oil derrick imagery all along the walls that surround the field. Ector County Coliseum opened in 1954 and holds 5,131 fans – the venue is used by indoor football’s West Texas Warbirds of the National Arena League (NAL), as well as by junior hockey’s Odessa Jackalopes of the North American Hockey League (NAHL). The arena is built like the Idaho Vandals’ Kibbie Dome , curved on both sides and flat on the ends. Food & Beverage 4 While not all the concession stands are open during West Texas Warbirds games, there are plenty of options for fans. Being in Texas, both Mexican and barbecue are available, including beef or bean and cheese tacos, beef fajitas, and either chicken, pork, or brisket for BBQ (nachos or sandwiches). You can also find your traditional burgers, hot dogs, Philly cheesesteak, corn dogs, nachos, and mac ‘n cheese, and prices are reasonable / slightly on the high side (tacos start at $5, with burgers and hot dogs starting at $6). For sides, desserts, and drinks, the variety is even better – fans can find fries, tater tots, chips, pickles, and popcorn, as well as a wide selection of packaged candy, including Laffy Taffy, Sour Patch Kids, and numerous varieties of Skittles, instead of just the one option (red package) that is available at most sports venues. Drinks include Coke products, including orange soda and Mr. Pibb, as well as coffee and hot chocolate, and a wide selection of beer; Coors Light, Miller Lite, Bud and Bud Light, Michelob Ultra, and several flavors of White Claw. There is even a full-on restaurant as you enter, called The Blue Line Bar & Grill. Atmosphere 4 The Warbirds do a lot to make the experience fun – along with their mascot, numerous other local mascots are invited to the game, for example, McGruff the Crime Dog, Texas Roadhouse’s Armadillo, and the mascot from a local grocery store. The mascots do fun things all game long, including having a popcorn fight at one point when the other team scored, and challenging kids from a local peewee football team to a game during halftime (the kids won, of course). There are also motorcycles on hand when the team takes the field, and smoke and multi-colored LED lighting during player intros. The Warbirds do not have a dance team of their own, but they do invite local cheerleading squads, from high school down to kindergarten age, to perform throughout the game, which is a nice nod to the local community. There is also the traditional fan content, like a cornhole competition, and the MC is top-notch – he genuinely thanked the visiting team for coming (“…without visitors, we have no games…”), but then also mocked them mercilessly all game long, for example calling them ‘Goldfish’ instead of using their team name, the Sharks. The PA announcer also plays a special song for each opponent, in this case, ‘Baby Shark’ when the Jacksonville Sharks came to town. Neighborhood 3 Ector County Coliseum is right on the main drag in Odessa, so there are numerous restaurants within walking distance of the arena, both fast food and regular sit-down restaurants. Local favorites in Texas include Whataburger (try the Dr Pepper milkshake) and Chicken Express, or anything Mexican – my all-time favorite is Mexican Inn. There are also plenty of hotels in the vicinity, and even grocery stores and other shopping. One great attraction to check out while in town is the Petroleum Museum, which is over in Midland about 20 miles east of Odessa, but well worth the drive. There you can learn about how oil is produced, including some great geology lessons, learn about oil’s effect on the region, and even see an exhibit on how they make race cars go faster – a great place to stop during your trip to Ector County Coliseum. Fans 1 Very few fans show up for West Texas Warbirds games, which is unfortunate due to the great experience the team provides on gameday. However, the low attendance is most likely due to the team still being in the nascent stage – the Warbirds have only existed for 4 seasons, including this one, and will play more games this season than in all their prior seasons combined, thanks to the Covid pandemic. The Warbirds are also in their fourth league in four seasons, due to various issues, so I expect attendance to improve as the team gets settled in Odessa. Access 3 As you may have heard, Texas is big! It will take you 5 hours to drive to Odessa from Dallas or San Antonio, so just getting to the coliseum will be your biggest challenge. Once you get to Odessa, however, traffic is very light, and you can park for free right outside Ector County Coliseum. Once inside the arena, though, getting around is as easy as pie – there are plenty of bathrooms and short concessions lines, and you can sit pretty much wherever you want, no matter what ticket type you purchased. Return on Investment 5 Tickets to West Texas Warbirds games are only around $12 including all taxes and fees, which is almost as low as this writer has ever seen for indoor football, and parking is free. Concessions may be a little on the high side depending on your perspective, but since that is the only thing you have to pay for (potentially), a trip to Odessa to see the Warbirds represents a great return on investment – the game experience is guaranteed to be fun, and I had a blast in Odessa itself, visiting the Petroleum Museum and driving around seeing the oil derricks. I would go if you can make it. Extras 3 One of the sights around town is the jackrabbit statues (or maybe they are jackalopes) in various places which are painted by local artists – similar to what you might see in Huntington, WV (painted locomotives) or DeKalb, IL (painted huskies in support of Northern Illinois ); it might be a fun scavenger hunt-type game to find as many as you can. The team also has a great logo, reminiscent of WWII fighter planes.

Photos by Michael Davis, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.29 Dickies Arena 1911 Montgomery St Fort Worth, TX 76107 Panther City Lacrosse website Dickies Arena website Year Opened: 2019 Capacity: 14,000 Panther City Lacrosse The Panther City Lacrosse Club became the 14th franchise in the National Lacrosse League, and became the first professional men's lacrosse team in Fort Worth, Texas. Founded in 2020, the team plays their home games at Dickies Arena. Dickies Arena is a 14,000-seat multipurpose arena, located within the Will Rodgers Memorial Center, in the Art District of Fort Worth. In the short time it has existed, Dickies Arena has hosted the NCAA Women’s Gymnastics Championships, the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament First and Second Rounds, the American Athletic Basketball Championships, and numerous concerts. Dickies Area has many future major events in the pipeline and has become Fort Worth’s number one place for events. Food & Beverage 2 Dickies Arena has a vast number and variety of concessions, but only a few are open during lacrosse games due to the lack of fans in attendance. The concessions prices are trying to make up for the lack of attendance, and are on par with major sports teams. The choices are above the basic, but out of place for lacrosse fans. Tarrant Tex Mex sells Asada quesadillas, crispy taco baskets, chicken quesadillas, chicken flautas, Italian hero sandwiches, and turkey sandwiches for $11 to $14 each. The concessions also include the basic arena food snacks such as hot dogs, nachos, fries, pretzels, and candy from $5 to $6.50 each. Dickies Arena serves a various amount of Pepsi products at $5.50 for a 24oz fountain drink; bottled water is a little less at $4.75. The arena’s alcohol menu is acceptable, with the basic Bud, Coors Light, and Michelob Ultra ($11 to $12) – if you want to go to the next level, Karbach Brewery (Houston) has their Hopadillo and Love Street for $15 each; the wine list is extensive and ranges from $8 to $15. Atmosphere 2 The arena has two levels, but only one is used for Panther City games. The upper deck has a curtain blocking the seats to give the arena a more intimate feel. The seating and sidelines are good, as the arena itself is top notch. An LED scoreboard hangs above center court. It shows the game action video, score, shots on goal, time remaining, and quarter. The opening introduction of players has an impressive pyrotechnic opening. There is constant music being played to pump up the crowd, or at least bring noise into an otherwise dead crowd. Panther City does have dancers/cheerleaders that are on the end of the rink on a stage. Just like a second thought and weren’t really involved; out of sight, out of mind. Panther City does have a mascot named Prowler, who interacts with the crowd and is entertaining. There are events on the carpet between periods. The game itself has moments, but the lack of fans inside Dickies Arena really kills any type of atmosphere which would make someone who isn’t a lacrosse fan excited to attend a game. Neighborhood 3 The area directly surrounding Dickies Arena is Fort Worth’s Cultural District, and is located west of downtown Fort Worth. There isn’t much within walking distance for eating and drinking, and that brings this rating down, but within just one to three miles, plenty of choices for eating, drinking, and merriment are available. Seventh Street has everything from Velvet Taco, Rodeo Goat, Pei Wei Asian Kitchen, and for a dress up dinner, Eddie’s V’s Prime seafood. There are more restaurants downtown at Sundance Square, and just north of Fort Worth is the famous Fort Worth Stockyards, where there are several fabulous steakhouses to choose from, as well as a Fort Worth staple in Joe T Garcia’s Mexican restaurant. There is a lot to see in Fort Worth, and around Dickies Arena are the Fort Worth Botanic Gardens, Kimball Art Museum, and Museum of Science and History. A short distance away is the famous Fort Worth Stockyards, as mentioned, where you can see cattle run representing the Chisholm Trail bringing cattle from the Great Plains. Billy Bob’s Texas, titled ‘The World’s Largest Honky Tonk’ is also a great place to visit while in the Stockyards. In addition, the Fort Worth Zoo and Texas Christian University are within a short distance of Dickies Arena. Courtyard by Marriott Fort Worth and Extended Stay-Fort Worth are nearby for lodging, but there are also numerous other hotel options in the Fort Worth area – it just depends on availability, price, and preference to decide where you settle while in Fort Worth. Wyndham Garden Inn is across the street from Dickies Arena, while the Ramada Inn is a block and a half away. I stayed at Ramada and while basic, it is clean and safe. Many more hotels in a variety of price ranges are also in the area so you can pick your preference. Fans 2 Panther City lacrosse is trying to compete in a state that is very unfamiliar with lacrosse. Although lacrosse is played in high school there isn’t much of a fuss over it, especially in a football state. There is some interest, however, and the fans that show up to the games are vocal and know the game. The crowd consists of families, kids, and school lacrosse teams. There are a lot of lacrosse jerseys being worn by fans, but mainly for the local high school team and not Panther City, although Panther City does have very cool uniforms. The average attendance is around 2,880 per game; the arena only uses the lower half of the seating arena, but even that the fans can’t fill. Panther City is dead last compared to other teams in the NLL. Access 3 Dickies Arena’s nearest airport is Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport – the 27-mile drive with traffic can take 45 minutes to an hour depending on when you plan to arrive in the DFW area. Otherwise getting to the arena is easy, as it is right off I-30 using the Montgomery Street exit, just west of downtown Fort Worth. Plenty of parking is available in lots surrounding the venue for $20. The box office is on the north side of the building, but only the south and west entrances are open for lacrosse games, and doors open an hour before the game. Public transportation is available, but on a Friday or Saturday night, Uber/Lyft or renting a car is your best option. It is easy and painless to get through the security and scanning of your ticket, and the typical clear 12” x 6” x 12” bags are allowed. Fans can walk the entire concourse, but the upper level is off limits. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster, an online ticket provider. Fans purchasing tickets at the box office must download the AXS app on their phone to get their tickets, however. Return on Investment 2 For lacrosse fans, the return on investment may be higher, but the lowest price through Ticketmaster is $25 for general admission on the ends of the rink, while for better seats the prices can rise to $77. There are packages that offer a little discount, but with games being played only on Friday and Saturday nights, this event would be more for locals than travelers. The concessions prices seem a little high for the offerings, so I recommend visiting one of Fort Worth great restaurants instead. Parking at Dickies Arena is $20; parking in the neighborhood is not recommended, as towing signs are plentiful. You may find cheaper parking at other garages in the Art District. Extras 2 Panther City plays is an exceptional venue – Dickies Arena can compete with any arena in the country. Fort Worth is also a great city for visitors, with lots of lodging, restaurants, and tourist attractions. Final Thoughts This was my first experience with the NLL, and I see a lot of things Panther City should change to bring more fans to the games, and make going a big event instead of just being something for local lacrosse fans. There are so many things to do in Fort Worth, but the cost of going to a Panther City game discourages fans from attending, since they can go up the road to a TCU baseball game for half the cost. However, there is potential in Fort Worth, with changes in marketing and ticket prices, to bring in more fans, because really this lacrosse team is what is missing in Fort Worth, as the team is competitive in making the playoffs. The arena is exemplary – if Panther City can survive in the NLL, then Fort Worth will be a great tour stop for NLL fans.

Since its inception in 1986 as the Eagle Pro Box Lacrosse League, to its current iteration as the National Lacrosse League in 1997, the NLL has been at the top level of indoor lacrosse competition in North America. Each year the NLL seems to take another step closer to the mainstream, having survived the coronavirus pandemic to signing media deals with ESPN and TSN in Canada. The 2022-2023 season saw 15 teams hit the carpet for the NLL with some independent ownership groups and some part of larger sports empires. A healthy mix of major league and minor league cities and facilities are represented also. In the end, however, box lacrosse provides an affordable sports outlet, in a world where sporting dollars do not go nearly as far as they once did. We at Stadium Journey have compiled a ranking list for the experiences of the National Lacrosse League based on the reviews of our writing staff. Enjoy! 1. Buffalo Bandits - KeyBank Center - 4.29 Dave Cottenie - The year was 1992. The Buffalo Bandits were founded in what was then the Major Indoor Lacrosse League. The fledgling league was only five years into its existence and four from being the Eagle Pro Box Lacrosse League. Of that group of seven teams from the 1992 season, only the Bandits remain, uninterrupted and undeterred. The Bandits even predate the current National Lacrosse League, which is what the MiLL would eventually become. Since then, the Buffalo Bandits have been the crown jewel of the league, which has seen plenty of change, strong years, and lean years, and looks currently to be stronger than ever. 2. Rochester KnightHawks - Blue Cross Arena - 4.00 Meg Minard - The Rochester Knighthawks are a member of the NLL (National Lacrosse League), an action-packed game of box lacrosse. This is the second Knighthawk franchise to call the Blue Cross Arena at the War Memorial in Rochester, NY its home. The first was a very successful franchise that operated from 1995 to 2019. Its owner relocated the team to Nova Scotia and rebranded them as the Thunderbirds after the 2019 season. The NLL granted an expansion franchise to Pegula Sports and Entertainment (owners of four other professional sports teams in Western New York) to begin playing the 2019-2020 season. Pegula Sports purchased the Knighthawks name to keep that name and lacrosse in Rochester. The organization hired new players and staff and designed new logos and colors for the new team. All championship records of the former team moved with them to Nova Scotia. 3. Las Vegas Desert Dogs - Michelob Ultra Arena - 3.86 Meg Minard - The Las Vegas Desert Dogs are the newest members of the NLL (National Lacrosse League), joining the league in the 2022-2023 season. The team is co-owned by several well-known sports individuals: Wayne Gretzky, Steve Nash, Dustin Johnson, and Joe Tsai. They play their home matches at the multi-purpose Michelob ULTRA Arena, attached to the Mandalay Bay Resort in Las Vegas, NV. The arena also hosts the WNBA Las Vegas Aces as well as concerts, college basketball tournaments, and other entertainment. Box lacrosse is a fabulous, non-stop action indoor sport. It’s one that even leaves fans exhausted after watching a match. 4. Toronto Rock - FirstOntario Centre - 3.86 Dave Cottenie - Beginning in 2021, the Toronto Rock is returning to Hamilton, Ontario, where it all began. The Toronto Rock date back to 1998 when their existence began as the Ontario Raiders. After one season, the future Toronto Rock was purchased by Bill Watters, Paul Beeston, Tie Domi, and Bobby Orr and moved to Maple Leaf Gardens for a rebranding. Two immensely successful seasons at the Gardens saw the Rock close down the iconic arena before moving to the Air Canada Centre, which eventually became Scotiabank Arena. The Rock was sold to Oakville, Ontario businessman Jamie Dawick in 2009. Playing third fiddle in Scotiabank Arena for significant rent became unpalatable for the Rock and the move up the Queen Elizabeth Way to Hamilton was on the menu, back to where it all started. The Rock is retaining not only the Rock moniker for 2021 but will continue to be referred to as the Toronto Rock. The new home for the Toronto Rock is the First Ontario Centre in Honour of Victor K. Copps. Built in 1985 with an NHL expansion team in mind, the former Copps Coliseum has seen several different tenants over its 35-year lifespan, with the NHL not being one of them. 5. Philadelphia Wings - Wells Fargo Center - 3.71 Dave Cottenie - For many years, the Philadelphia Wings were one of the cornerstone franchises in the National Lacrosse League. The original Wings played in the old National Lacrosse League for the two seasons that they took the floor in 1974 and 1975. When the league resurfaced as Eagle Pro Box Lacrosse League in 1986 the Wings played in one of the original games on the first day. The league would go through changes, with a period as the Major Indoor Lacrosse League before settling in as the National Lacrosse League in 1998. The Wings were part of all of those iterations. When the announcement was made that the Wings were sold to the Mohegan Tribe and moving to Connecticut to be the New England Black Wolves, it is appropriate to say that the lacrosse community was shocked. It didn’t take long for the parent company of the Philadelphia Flyers, Comcast Spectacor, to dive right into the NLL and bring an expansion team back to Broad Street. The new Wings took the floor in 2018. The original home of the Wings was the venerable Spectrum. When the Wells Fargo Center opened and the Flyers and Philadelphia 76ers moved to the new venue, the Wings joined them. Opening in 1996 as the CoreStates Center, the building is now on its fourth moniker as a result of numerous bank mergers. 6. Calgary Roughnecks - Scotiabank Saddledome - 3.71 Jim Flannery - The Calgary Roughnecks are one of the most successful franchises in the history of the National Lacrosse League. Since they started playing in November 2001, they have only missed the playoffs once (their first year) and they have won two championships (2004 and 2009). This makes them the winningest professional sports franchise in the city’s history. Needless to say, their standards for performance are high and their fan base is dedicated and enthusiastic. While the Saddledome was state of the art when it opened for business, it is starting to be a little long in the tooth more than 30 years later. Consequently, the Flames have begun talking about building a new facility in the not-too-distant future. 7. Halifax Thunderbirds - Scotiabank Centre - 3.57 Greg Johnston - Halifax, Nova Scotia has quickly become an enticing city for attracting professional sports franchises.​ Curt Styres pursued an opportunity to relocate his National Lacrosse League’s (NLL) franchise. ​The Halifax Thunderbirds commenced play at Scotiabank Centre in 2019 after twenty-five seasons competing in Rochester, New York. Formally known as the Knighthawks, the team celebrated much success on the field winning five championships (1997, 2007, 2012, 2013 & 2014) and ten division titles. In an unusual turn of events, the Knighthawks are still in existence, but now as an expansion team with new owners, players, and logo. The records and championships belong to the Thunderbird franchise. 8. Georgia Swarm - Gas South Arena - 3.57 David Welch - Lacrosse has long been popular in the mid-Atlantic, northeastern states, and throughout Canada, but the sport’s popularity in the south has just started to blossom in the last decade. The growth of lacrosse in Georgia has been helped by the addition of the Georgia Swarm of the National Lacrosse League. The NLL is a 15-team indoor lacrosse league with teams throughout the United States and Canada, playing their inaugural season in 1987. Indoor lacrosse is a combination of field lacrosse, played within a hockey rink on sports turf, with the production level of professional basketball. 9. Saskatchewan Rush - SaskTel Centre - 3.43 Jim Flannery - Until 2016 the province of Saskatchewan was home to just a single professional sports franchise: the Roughriders, playing in Regina as part of the Canadian Football League. That is no longer the case as the Saskatchewan Rush are now residing in Saskatoon. The Rush had a busy and exciting 2015. In their 10th year of operation in the National Lacrosse League, they won their division for the third straight season, went to the Champion’s Cup for the second time, and won their first championship. A few weeks later, the team announced that they were relocating from Edmonton to Saskatoon. As a result, folks in Saskatoon are not only getting their first pro sports franchise, but they’re getting to see it played at the highest level, with a top-ranked squad coming to town. The Rush now play indoor (aka ‘box’) lacrosse at SaskTel Centre. The arena has undergone several renovations, expansions, and improvements since it opened its doors in 1988, with seating capacity more than doubled in that time, such that the facility can now hold more than 15,000 people. 10. Colorado Mammoth - Ball Arena - 3.29 Meg Minard - The Mammoth put on a good show; it is all very well coordinated. The introduction includes motorcycles on the court and smoke and fire when the Mammoth players are announced. The young, pretty, athletic Wild Bunch dancers entertain the crowd during breaks in the game. And, a halftime show includes various entertainment acts. 11. San Diego Seals - Pechanga Arena - 3.14 Meg Minard - The San Diego Seals are one of the newer members in the National Lacrosse League (NLL) beginning play in the 2018-2019 season. They have been successful, making it to the West Division semi-finals in their first season. So far in this early part of the 2021-2022 season, they are continuing their winning ways. The Seals play their home games at Pechanga Arena in the Midway District of San Diego, CA. Built in 1966, the arena is set up to be functional; not the whiz-bang marvels built these days for sports facilities. It serves the Seals well from a fan perspective. 12. Albany FireWolves - MVP Arena - 3.14 Dave Cottenie - In 2021, the National Lacrosse League returned to the Capital Region. From 2000 to 2003, Albany was home to the Attack, who would relocate to San Jose, California, and eventually settle in Vancouver. Albany has been home to several minor league hockey teams, most notably the Albany River Rats. However, the departure of the Albany Devils in 2017 left the area without a professional team to call their own. The New England Black Wolves would relocate in 2021 to Albany and the team would be cleverly named the Albany FireWolves. At one time the Arena Football League’s Albany Firebirds were a popular draw and the wolves' name was kept from the Black Wolves days. The mascot of the old Attack was also a wolf. 13. New York Riptide - Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum - 3.14 Dave Cottenie - The connection between New York and the National Lacrosse League is a long and significant one. The New Jersey Saints were one of the original Eagle Pro Lacrosse League teams and won the original championship in 1988. They immediately moved to Long Island to become the New York Saints, where they continued to participate in the various iterations of the league until 2003. The New York Titans would split time between Long Island and Midtown for their three seasons before moving to Orlando in 2009. In 2018, New York would once again be awarded an expansion team in the NLL and a return to Long Island was in the cards for the newly minted New York Riptide. The return to Long Island would bring with it a return to the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum. Famously the home of the NHL’s New York Islanders during their four Stanley Cup run in the eighties, the Nassau Coliseum received a significant facelift in 2017. Originally opened in 1972, the county-owned Nassau Coliseum experienced a massive renovation which included a significant reduction in capacity, deadly for NHL hockey, but perfect for NLL lacrosse. 14. Panther City LC - Dickies Arena - 2.57 Michael Davis - Panther City lacrosse is trying to compete in a state that is very unfamiliar with lacrosse. Although lacrosse is played in high school there isn’t much of a fuss over it, especially in a football state. There is some interest, however, and the fans that show up to the games are vocal and know the game. N/A Vancouver Warriors - Rogers Arena Unfortunately, Stadium Journey does not yet have a review for the Vancouver Warriors. If you are interested in writing a review for Stadium Journey, please contact us.

Photos by Matt Colville, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 Oakes Training Center 4957 Old Hwy 11 Hattiesburg, MS 39402 Southern States Stars SC website Oakes Training Center website Year Opened: 2016 Capacity: 1,500 Soccer Under the Oaks Southern States Soccer is a local soccer academy located in the Hattiesburg suburb of Oak Grove, Mississippi. The Academy was founded in 2016 and strives to provide well-organized soccer opportunities for youth players, in a positive environment that teaches life lessons through the sport of soccer. The academy currently offers four different classes for boys and girls. The beginner's group is the Little Kickers program for ages 3-6 designed for kids to learn the fundamentals of soccer. The Pre-Academy class is designed for kids ages 6-8 who want to advance their soccer skills, while the Academy2 class is the stepping stone of youth soccer in Hattiesburg, and designed for kids ages 8-19, who will eventually advance to the Main Academy program. All classes are held on the grounds of the state-of-the-art Oakes Training Center. The 6-acre site includes a lighted professional length field with bleacher seating, two smaller practice fields, and an indoor soccer training center called the futsal center. In 2021 the Academy began sponsoring a club that competes in the National Premiere Soccer League. The NPSL is a lower-level professional soccer league that has 99 teams as of the 2023 season, and SSSC competes in the Gulf Coast Division. The players from the main academy compete in the NPSL, while a second team made up of other academy players competes in the Gulf Coast Premier League, which is a semi-pro league with 10 teams throughout the Gulf Coast region. A full length professional sized stadium was built in 2021 as the home of Southern States Soccer FC matches. Food & Beverage 3 There is one main concession stand located on the east side of the complex overlooking the pitch, and they surprisingly have a lot of offerings here. The usual fare of hot dogs, hamburgers, and popcorn are sold, but they also sell corn dogs and funnel cake. They also have a nice selection of alcoholic beverages, including domestic and imported beers, as well as a few local beers from Southern Prohibition Brewing in Hattiesburg. The cool thing about the concession stand are the four picnic tables located near the stands, which have an excellent view of the match. The picnic benches also provide excellent shade from the Mississippi heat, and provide an excellent view of the sun going down to the west. Atmosphere 4 The Oakes Training Center is a beautiful soccer specific facility, the only one of its kind in the State of Mississippi. The main field is the one closest to the parking lot and faces north and south. Along the west sideline is the box-style metal bleacher seating that extends down the full length of the field; this is the general admission seating area. But what really makes this venue stand out is the setup on the east sideline – a large two-story brick building overlooks the field on this side. The indoor of this two-story facility houses the locker rooms, weight rooms, and indoor practice field, and the offices of the soccer academy. Outside along the patio there is chairback seating for a couple of hundred people, and you can also go upstairs to an A/C lounge area with couches and TVs that overlook the field – this is the VIP area seating. A concessions area makes up the south side of the brick building, which includes four wooden picnic benches. General admission ticket holders are welcome to sit at these picnic benches, although you will need a separate ticket to get to the chairbacks or the lounge area. Along the outside of the brick building are about 30 nationality's flags that you can see from the field – this entire complex and set up are really impressive for this lower level of soccer. Neighborhood 2 Oak Grove is a suburb of Hattiesburg with a population of about 2,000 people. It is mostly a quiet, residential community compared to its neighboring college town. There isn't much in the vicinity of the Oakes except Oak Grove High School and a library across the street. Venture about a mile or two north on the main highway and you'll find a few things to do; mostly chain stores and fast-food restaurants dominate this stretch of the highway, as well as Turtle Creek Mall, the largest mall in the Pine Belt. There are few local restaurants in Oak Grove though – Half Shell Oyster House is a popular seafood restaurant located on the highway, and another popular spot nearby is the Movie Star Restaurant, which is like Cracker Barrel. Movie Star has vintage memorabilia, old signs, movie props, and anything old you can think of adorning its walls. It remains a popular spot for brunch and is located about a mile from the Oakes. For stuff to do outdoors in Oak Grove there are two beautiful 18-hole golf courses, Canebrake Country Club and Shadow Ridge Golf Club. You will also especially want to drive through the Canebrake subdivision and check out all the huge mansions that overlook the lake. Another popular outdoors activity in Oak Grove is fishing or boating at Hennington Lakem also known as Lake Serene; it doesn't get its nickname for nothing, as the beautiful lake also has cabins and a campground where you can make a peaceful weekend out of your visit. The Long Leaf Trace, a popular paved 44-mile bike trail runs through Oak Grove as well. The Trace also has a few primitive campgrounds, as well as the famous Piney Leaf Resort, which has cabins. Those are just a few things you can do in the small community of Oak Grove. Of course, Hattiesburg is the next city over and you can find more restaurants and plenty of lodging available there as well. Fans 3 The Stars have a pretty big following in the Pine Belt, with each match averaging about 1,000 fans. This area is a surprising big soccer market, with tons of various youth leagues and rec leagues throughout the region – all around the practice fields you will find kids playing pick-up soccer. You will see a lot of the kids from the academy in attendance, many of them in soccer uniforms having just got done with practice. Before the match the Stars bring that professional soccer feel; as the Stars take the pitch they enter with a various local youth team, while opera style music plays over the PA system. The Stars also have their fair share of supporters who get into the matches. The general admission seating closest to the players' bench on the west side is where the group of fans called the Supernovas sit – this group tries their best to make it as rowdy an atmosphere as possible for this level of soccer. All throughout the game you'll hear various chants coming from this section, and when the Stars score they blow off smoke bombs and wave a giant flag. From the parking lot you can also see the field, so there is also a group of fans there that sit in their cars and watch the game and tailgate. Whenever there is a goal, those fans will honk their horns. Access 2 Getting to the Oakes can pose a problem if you are not familiar with the area. The Oakes is located off a back road in a residential area, off a busy highway. The best way to get here if coming from out of town is to take Interstate 59 to Exit 65, which is Hardy Street/Highway 98, the main drag into town. If you go east you'll get closer to Hattiesburg, so instead go west on Hardy Street towards Oak Grove, until you reach Oak Grove High School and Highway 11. Then, go south for about two miles until you get to the Public Library, and the Oakes is right across the street. The one drawback coming here is there is no signage directing you how to get to the facility – if you didn't know what you were looking for you would have no idea this place was back here. The entire stadium literally sits in the woods amongst a bunch of oak trees. In fact there is only a small sign at the main entrance, that you can miss if you don't look quick enough. Return on Investment 3 General Admission tickets are $10, and you can sit anywhere you want on the west bleachers, while for $20 you can sit on the padded chairs on the east side patio outside the training center. For $75 you can get the VIP experience, where you can sit in the lounge area upstairs from the Training Center on the east side. I consider seeing a match here a good return on investment; most of these guys won't be playing in the World Cup anytime soon, but you are getting to see professional soccer in South Mississippi. Extras 2 The Stars achieved some national success in just their second year of play in 2022, after advancing to play in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, which is a knockout months-long tournament to determine the best soccer club in the US. The tournament began in 1913 and is the oldest ongoing soccer tournament in the United States. The tournament is not only open to all MLS teams, but also to every league on the American soccer pyramid, including NPSL, which usually invites each division winner to compete in the Cup; SSSC won the 2022 NPSL Gulf Coast Division to advance to the tournament. The Stars then won their first-round matchup over the Georgia Revolution (the match was hosted at the Oakes), but later ended up losing to the Birmingham Legion of the USL. Another plus for the local fan engagement and community involvement that the Southern States Stars bring to the area during the summer months, when there is not a lot going on in the Pine Belt. In a college town dominated by Southern Miss the Stars do a great job at filling the local sports void during the summer months, in between the college baseball and college football seasons. If looking for a sporting event in Hattiesburg to attend in the summer months, then I highly recommend attending a Southern States Stars SC match.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 Stonewall Memorial Park 197 N Terrace Ave Elkton, VA 22827 Elkton Blue Sox website Stonewall Memorial Park website Baseball Blues in Elkton The Rockingham County Baseball League in Virginia's Shenandoah Valley is one of the oldest amateur baseball leagues in the country. Founded in 1924, the league includes both current college players with ties to the area and former high school and college players, some of whom have been playing summer ball in the league for years. While the Valley Baseball League may be better known in this geographic footprint, the RCBL has been playing small-town ball for almost a hundred years. One team in the RCBL is the Elkton Blue Sox, who play their home games at Stonewall Memorial Park, at a ballfield within a larger municipal park. The Blue Sox have been a member of the league on and off over the years, skipping the 2022 season before rejoining in 2023 after renovations to their stadium were completed. Food & Beverage 3 There is one concession stand down the first baseline at Stonewall Memorial Park, and while the menu is limited, the prices can't be beaten. Burgers are $3, or $3.50 with cheese, hot dogs are $2, nachos $3.50, fries $3 (extra 50 cents for cheese), sunflower seeds are $2, chips or lue popcorn are $1, candy bars $2, and freeze pops just 50 cents. Soda and water are available for $2 each. Atmosphere 2 There are several different places to sit at an Elkton Blue Sox game, some of which offer a better view than others. There are three sets of basic metal bleachers, one behind home plate and one more on each side. The bleachers behind home plate will have the view blocked by the backstop banner unless you are sitting at the very top, so we suggest sitting on one of the sides. The first base bleachers have a gorgeous view of Massanutten Mountain, but you will also be looking right into the setting sun. The third base bleachers don't have as scenic a view, but you will not have to squint to see the action. Some fans also bring their chairs and sit in front of the bleachers along the fence. Others will sit on their chairs on the grass further down the lines, although the view from there is obstructed by the bullpen and dugout. As is the case throughout the RCBL, there is not much going on here other than the baseball game. Some music is played pregame and between innings, although it seems to be the same dozen or so songs over and over. These include such baseball classics as "Cheap Seats" and Kenny Rogers' "The Greatest", but also songs that seem to make less sense in this setting, like "Spirit in the Sky" and "Down by the Schoolyard." Neighborhood 3 Elkton is a small town of about 3,000 people, but that does not mean there is nothing to do here. Goodfellas, just down the street from the ballpark, offers way better pizza than you would expect to find in rural Virginia. Old 33 Beer and Burger and Elkton Brewing Company are also popular. Given how small Elkton is, any place you visit is going to be close to the park. While Elkton is not a large city, it does have that small-town charm. Massanutten Resort is about a ten-minute drive away via US Route 33 and offers a water park, golf, and much more during the summer months. Harrisonburg is about a 25-minute drive away and offers more options than you'll find in Elkton. Fans 3 Any game in the Rockingham County Baseball League is going to be a town affair, and the Blue Sox are no exception. Most of the fans in attendance are from right here in Elkton and seem to know the players personally. Of course, since Elkton is so small, it seems everybody knows everybody. Blue Sox fans young and old are passionate and cheer on their team night in and night out. There will usually be a decent amount of visiting fans as well given how small the RCBL's footprint is. Access 3 Elkton is located along US Route 33 in the western foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. If coming from the east, you will have to go over the mountains to get here, but if coming from the west, you will have a much easier drive along smooth farmland and rural areas with gorgeous views of the mountains in the distance. Getting to Stonewall Memorial Park itself once you get to Elkton is slightly tricky as it is easy to miss the turn. The entrance to the lot is down a hill at a four-way intersection. However, the driveway is at about a 45-degree angle to the cross street, and some GPS apps may make it sound like you should turn onto the cross street instead. There is a spacious lot outside the ballpark, although parking too close may put your car at risk of getting hit with a foul ball. The restrooms are in a shed down the left field line. They are small but sufficient, although they look like they have not been cleaned in a while and one stall in the men's room was missing its door. Return on Investment 5 Admission to most Blue Sox games is free, thanks to sponsorship from local businesses. Check the Blue Sox' social media pages to be sure this is the case for the game you are attending, although it likely will be. Even if it is not free, the cost of admission should be no more than $5. Concessions are a great deal as well, making a trip to a Blue Sox game in Elkton an excellent value. Extras 0 There are no extras here. This is baseball at its most basic. Final Thoughts Town ball is alive and well in Rockingham County, Virginia, and the Elkton Blue Sox are no exception. Although the team was on hiatus, they are now back in action and locals flock to the games to check them out. While the quality of play on the field isn't as high as it would be in other leagues, the sense of community at Elkton Blue Sox games makes coming out worthwhile. Locals go to games here for a reason, and out-of-town visitors will find out why the RCBL is one of the best-kept secrets in baseball.

In the summer of 2023, Paul ventured to Toronto for his first trip to see Toronto FC. Not a soccer guy by admission, Paul was perplexed by what he found at BMO Field. Join Paul and Dave as they analyze the Toronto FC experience with a good beer and a good time! ⚽⚽🏟️ You can find Stadium Journey's review of BMO field and the Toronto FC game day experience here.

The Centennial Authority, which owns PNC Arena (the home of the Carolina Hurricanes and NC State Men’s Basketball ) announced a $300 million commitment to renovate the Arena. A 20-year lease extension between the Carolina Hurricanes and the Arena was also announced, along with a deal that would give the Hurricanes the rights to develop the land around PNC Arena into an entertainment district to include a small indoor music venue, housing, hotel rooms, and parking decks. Details of the agreement include: - A 20-year lease extension between the Hurricanes and PNC Arena. After the 2038-39 season, the team and Arena will negotiate the future of the arena or a replacement one. - $300 million in Arena renovations. Both NC State and the Hurricanes will get a say in the renovations. The Hurricanes will provide $10 million to furnish a sports betting lounge, team office space, and premium seating areas. - 3,000 to 5,000-seat indoor music venue adjacent to PNC Arena - NHL will host the All-Star Game at PNC within three years of the completed renovation and an NHL Stadium Series game within five years of the lease extension. - At least 95% of the parking lot in the development will be replaced, with 50% being surface parking, and the remaining parking decks. - 20 acres of development within five years including retail, office space, housing, and a hotel. - Tailgating: The development will affect Carter-Finley Stadium , home of NC State football and there are concerns about how tailgating for NC State football will be affected. Five acres of land adjacent to Carter-Finley will be dedicated to tailgating for NC State football games and will not be displaced with vertical development.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.00 Drass Field 401 Clara St Dover, DE 19904 Delaware State Hornets website Drass Field website Year Opened: 2004 Capacity: 2,500 Hornet Soccer in Downtown Dover Drass Field is the former home of several Wesley College athletics teams, including football, soccer, lacrosse, and field hockey. In June of 2021, Delaware State University purchased Wesley and turned it into its DSU Downtown campus, thus ending the Wolverines' athletic programs. The deal was notable as the first instance of a Historically Black College and University (HBCU) purchasing another school. Delaware State did find use for Drass Field, as its women's soccer and lacrosse programs moved there from Alumni Stadium, which remains home to the Hornets' football program . The stadium is located next to Bob Reed Field , the former home of Wesley Baseball and the current home of Delaware State Baseball. Delaware State soccer has not enjoyed much success, rarely winning more than a couple of games in one season. Although most of the Hornets' athletic programs compete in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference, the MEAC does not have enough soccer teams to sponsor the sport. DSU has previously competed in the Sun Belt Conference and as an independent, but now competes in the Northeast Conference for soccer. Food & Beverage 0 There is no food or drink for sale at Drass Field, but fans are free to bring their own. There is a water fountain that trickles out water if you are desperately thirsty. While there is a concession stand between Drass Field and Bob Reed Field, it was not open when we went. Based on our experiences, it is only open for baseball, not soccer or lacrosse. Atmosphere 2 There are three sets of bleachers at Drass Field, one on each sideline and a smaller one behind one of the goals. Fans use all three sets of bleachers, meaning the small crowd is quite spread out. Because Drass Field was built primarily for football and soccer, the field is wider than a football one. The views of the near sideline and the corners can be obstructed by the bleachers. The vast majority of the field should still be visible. If this is a concern, you can sit behind the goal, but then you will not be able to see the scoreboard. Some fans like to bring their chairs or stand along the chain link fence that separates the field from the path to the bleachers. A Delaware State soccer game is a pretty basic experience. Even the PA announcer does little other than announce the starting lineups before the game. Cards and goal scorers are only sporadically announced, if at all. Neighborhood 3 Although Drass Field is supposedly located on the DSU Downtown campus, there is not anything near the stadium other than some houses, a church, a synagogue, and a school bus depot. El Nopal is a hole-in-the-wall Mexican restaurant about a mile away, and Vincenzo's Italian is close by as well. You can also head towards DuPont Highway (US Route 13) which is lined on both sides with restaurants and hotels. Most of the places are chains, but you will find a few independent eateries such as the Speedway Cafe and Wolfie's Grille. The Dover Motor Speedway is also located along DuPont Highway and you can sometimes hear the cars revving their engines as you stand outside. Fans 2 The Hornets typically draw a few hundred fans a soccer game , which when spread out over three sets of bleachers, isn't that much. While the fans can get loud on occasion, the large size of this stadium reduces the impact they can have. Most of the fans are friends and family of the players, although there are some locals mixed in. A good portion of those in attendance will often be fans of the visiting team as well, they tend to sit together and cheer on their team. Access 3 If coming from the north or south, US Route 13 (DuPont Highway) runs right through Dover, but if coming from the east or west, you will have to take a series of local roads to get into town. Once you get to the stadium, street parking is available on Clara Street and the other nearby roads, or you can park in a grass lot across the street from the stadium. Restrooms are available to the left of the bleachers, behind Bob Reed Field. They are small but should suffice for the needs of the crowd. Return on Investment 3 Admission to soccer games at Drass Field is $5. DSU students get in for free. While this is not a lot of money, most college soccer programs outside the national elite have no charge for admission. If this were one of those programs, the $5 charge would be understandable, but this is a barebones stadium experience, a far cry from the top atmospheres in the country that can get away with charging for admission. Nevertheless, $5 is hardly going to break the bank. . Extras 1 Look for the "Welcome to Drass Field" sign honoring Wesley College athletics. Although the Wesley Wolverines are no more, their history is becoming Delaware State's future. Final Thoughts The simple fact is that Drass Field is far too big for the crowds that Delaware State soccer draws. Although the Hornets have made it their home, it seems few people other than those with a direct connection to the program will come out and watch a game. The history of Wesley College bears mention here, but this is still a pretty basic soccer experience.

Photos by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Eddie G. Robinson Memorial Stadium 100 Ballock St Grambling, LA 71245 Grambling State Tigers website Eddie G. Robinson Memorial Stadium website Year Opened: 1983 Capacity: 19,600 Where Robinson Roamed Grambling State University was founded in 1901. It originally was known as the Colored Industrial and Agricultural School. It was founded by African American farmers in the area who wanted a school for African Americans in their region of the state. The early years of the institution were focused on trades involving industrial and agricultural activities. Grambling achieved university status in 1974. Today it has a strong focus on rural education and teaching. The school offers nearly 70 degree programs and has an enrollment of 5,500 students. The Grambling State football program dates to 1926.During its’ history, Grambling State has won 26 SWAC Championships. Its overall football record is 586-286-19 (as of the 2023 season). It is especially hard for visiting teams to come to Robinson Memorial Stadium, as the Tigers are 99-36-1 in home games played at the school. The stadium is named for legendary Grambling State Coach Eddie G Robinson, the third winningest coach in NCAA college football history with 408 victories during his career. Coach Robinson had 41 winning seasons at GSU, winning 18 SWAC Championships and 9 Black College National Championships during his 57 years at the school. Robinson Memorial Stadium opened in 1983, and currently has a seating capacity of 19,600. It underwent upgrades during a renovation in 2017. This renovation included the installation of artificial turf and a new 22.5’ high X 47.18’ wide videoboard behind the north end zone. Food & Beverage 3 Robinson Memorial Stadium offers a combination of general stands and stands operated by local vendors that serve specialty items like pizza, BBQ and wings. They are sold at stands located beneath the grandstands on both sides of the field. The general stands offer the standard stadium fare, including popcorn, hot dogs, nachos, snacks, turkey legs and Coca Cola brand sodas. The specialty stands offer pizza, chicken wings, chicken fingers and ribs. No alcohol is served at Robinson Memorial Stadium. Atmosphere 4 Robinson Memorial Stadium is nicknamed “The Hole” by fans who have attended games. This is because the venue is dug down from ground level. It has stands on both sides of the field, with berms at each end of the playing surface. This construction allows music and crowd noise to be amplified throughout the game. This gives a distinct home field advantage to the Tigers. Most of the home fans, the Tigers Marching Band and the student section are in the west stands, with visitors seated in the east stands. Make sure to get to the stadium before the seats fill up, as the east stands feature a terrific tiger stripe graphic that makes a great backdrop for a selfie. A videoboard at the north end of the stadium provides replays of key plays in the game, as well as updated statistics throughout the game. Neighborhood 2 The immediate neighborhood surrounding Robinson Memorial Stadium is the campus of Grambling State University. Outside of the campus are the towns of Grambling and Ruston, LA. There are three hotels in Ruston, which is adjacent to Grambling. They include a Holiday Inn and Suites, a Country Inn and Suites and a Fairfield Inn. Two restaurants we recommend in town are Brister’s Smokehouse BBQ and Ponchatoula’s. While Grambling is a very small community, there is one attraction you must check out while you are in town. The Eddie G Robinson Museum is on the Grambling State campus. The museum features a timeline of Coach Robinson’s more than 57 years on the Tigers sidelines. It also includes displays about Tigers practices and a mockup of the Tigers locker room. A very colorful feature is the professional jerseys of each of the Tigers who went on to play in the NFL. Make sure to take a selfie of yourself with the statue of Coach Robinson before you leave. Admission to the museum is free. Fans 4 The Tiger Nation is very loud in its support of the home team. The GSU fan base turns out crowds of over 10,000 when games are at Robinson Memorial Stadium. The Tigers have very few games on campus, as they play two games each year at a neutral site, in addition to their away games. The high energy level in the stands is maintained by Eddie, the Tigers mascot and the Tiger Marching Band, aka “The Best Band in the Land”. The band was chosen to play at the inaugural Super Bowl game, and has taken part in Coca Cola commercial’s, Presidential Inaugural parades, BET shows and the movie “Drumline”. We must admit that many folks who attend are simply “band fans” i.e., they are there simply to cheer on the band both before the game and at half time. After the halftime show these fans typically leave the stadium. Access 2 Grambling State University is quite isolated as far as nearby large cities. It is more than 150 miles from either Jackson, MS or Baton Rouge, LA. Shreveport is about an hour west of GSU via I-20. Directions once at the campus: Continue on RWE Jones Street, past the Stewart Building and the Tiger Village clubhouse. Turn right at Central Avenue and continue past Adams Hall. Merge left at a small intersection just past the basketball courts and continue into the General parking lot. There are six entry gates at Robinson Memorial Stadium. Students enter through Gate 4. Once inside the stadium, the concourses are underneath both grandstands. Most of the time the concourses have a good flow of fans, however it gets crowded shortly before the kickoff and during the halftime break. Return on Investment 3 Tickets are available at the following price points. General admission seats are $30 in advance or $40 the day of the game. Reserved seats are $40 in advance and $45 the day of the game. GSU students are admitted free of charge by showing their GSU ID card. General parking at Robinson Memorial Stadium is $25 cash on Tiger gamedays. Extras 4 Grambling State has sent more than 200 players on to play in the NFL. Four players (Buck Buchanon, Charlie Joiner, Willie Brown, and Willie Davis) are members of the Pro Football Hall of Fame. GSU also sent the first black player (Tank Younger) to the NFL, as well as the first black QB in the NFL (James Harris). The Tigers play two rivalry games each season, with both games taking place off campus. They play Southern University in the Bayou Classic at the Superdome in New Orleans and Prairie View A&M in the State Fair Classic in Dallas. The area in the east grandstand between the 40’s features a dramatic graphic with the letters “GSU”, and tiger stripes emblazoned on it. Get there early before the stands fill to get a shot of this piece of Tiger art. Final Thoughts Every HBCU fan should make a pilgrimage to the “House that Eddie built”. Even though he died several years ago, the aura of his presence is still felt at Grambling home games. Tiger games are full of tradition, excitement, reverence, and great food. Make sure you include the Eddie Robinson Museum on your itinerary.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.14 Elizabeth Burger Jackson Field 1500 Johnston Dr Farmville, VA 23901 Longwood Lancers website Elizabeth Burger Jackson Field website Year Opened: 2006 Capacity: 350 Field Hockey in Farmville Opened in 2006, Elizabeth Burger Jackson is home to Longwood University's field hockey team and is part of the Longwood Athletics Complex which also includes Longwood Soccer Field . The stadium, which opened in 2006, seats approximately 350 fans and is also home to the Lancers' women's lacrosse team. Although Longwood normally competes in the Big South Conference, its field hockey program competes in the Mid-American Conference (better known as the MAC) as the Big South does not sponsor the sport. Food & Beverage 0 There is no food or drink for sale at Elizabeth Burger Jackson Field, but fans are free to bring their own, except for alcohol. Some fans set up outside with tents and food before the game, but this is for particular groups who know each other. Atmosphere 2 When walking into the Longwood Athletics Complex through the main gate, you will have the option of walking to your right to the soccer field or your left to the field hockey stadium. Both fields are visible throughout most of the complex, so if games are going on in both places, you can easily watch them both at the same time. Elizabeth Burger Jackson Field has a few rows of bleachers beneath the concourse. Smaller fans can lean against the press box in the back row, but these bleachers have less depth than the rest so it will only be possible for kids and small teens as attractive an option as it may seem. Many fans also choose to bring their chairs and sit alongside the concourse or bring their blankets and sit on the hill that runs down from the concourse to the right of the bleachers. Wherever you sit, you will be up close to the action and able to hear the players, referees, and coaches chattering. Other than the game itself, there is not much of anything going on here. This is typical of college field hockey, particularly outside a few elite programs. You will come here to watch the game and there is not much else to the experience. The PA announcer will announce the starting lineup before the match as well as the goal scorers, but for some reason will not announce penalty cards although that information would be useful for fans to know. Neighborhood 3 Farmville is a quaint, small town, and while it’s in the middle of nowhere, there is still plenty to do here. Although there are typical chain places, your best bet is to check out the local color at places such as Walker’s Diner or Riverside Café, both of which are very close to the stadium. Everything in Farmville is very close to the stadium because it’s a very small town. Just head off campus and turn onto Main Street and just about everything will be right there. Fans 3 Longwood draws a couple hundred fans a game for field hockey, spread out between the bleachers and the hill. Keep in mind the capacity is only about 350, so it can get fairly full. Most of the fans are friends or family of the players (including some coming to watch the visiting team) although you do get a few local Lancer fans as well, plus some Longwood students who make the short walk over from campus. By tradition, the first home game at the Longwood Athletics Complex during each fall semester is designated as the Greatest Athletics March Ever, or G.A.M.E. for short, and Longwood students will march in droves from campus to the complex. Depending on how the schedules fall, this could be a field hockey match but might also be a men's or women's soccer match. These games have drawn crowds of over 2,000 fans to whatever sport it happens to be. However, the excitement among students does not seem to carry over into later games, as few of them turn up beyond that one match. Access 2 There are a few roads into Farmville, but regardless of how you get into town, you are going to have to drive quite a bit. Most likely you will end up taking either State Route 45 or U.S. Route 460, but if you’re coming from any sort of populated area, Farmville probably isn’t close to you. Lynchburg is the closest remotely large city, and it’s a full hour away. Richmond is about an hour and 15 minutes, while Washington, D.C. is about three hours. The Longwood Athletics Complex, of which Elizabeth Burger Jackson Field is a part, is not located on the Longwood campus but rather a short drive from it. Although students will often make the walk over, if you’re driving in you will be able to park right there at the stadium. There is a small lot adjacent to it, and if it fills up, which it will if you don’t get there early, you can park on the grass behind the lot. If parking on the pavement is important to you, make sure to get there at least 45 minutes to an hour before the first game of the day, or you will be parking on grass most likely. Restrooms are available in the back of the concourse, with additional ones in the adjacent soccer stadium that are usually open during games. However, barring unexpected plumbing problems, you have no problems using the ones in the field hockey stadium as there are never any lines. Return on Investment 4 Admission to Lancers field hockey games is free, and you won’t pay for concessions or parking either. That being said, there isn't enough here to earn the top score. Extras 1 Look for the plaque on the concourse honoring Elizabeth Burger Jackson herself, the stadium's namesake. Jackson was a former Longwood professor as well as a field hockey player herself. Final Thoughts Field hockey is not a big deal at most colleges, and Longwood is no different. While they have a small but loyal fan base and have attracted much more massive crowds for The G.A.M.E. if it happens to be a field hockey match that year, this excitement does not seem to carry over into the remainder of the season. Longwood does well to market that one game at the beginning of the season in whatever sport it happens to be in that year, and if they can somehow manage to continue even a portion of that excitement for the remainder of the season, they can significantly improve the experience here. For now, though, it is a pretty basic matchday experience.

(And Hard of Hearing) USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center offers excellent accessibility for deaf and hard-of-hearing tennis fans, and it continues to improve those efforts. The center is hosting the US Open and is celebrating 50 years of equal prize money (contestants get paid the same amount of prize money). The US Open is a prominent and must-see tennis event for tennis fans worldwide. 50 Years of Equal Prize Money, Photo by Gary Noll Gary Noll advocates for live closed captioning and ASL (American Sign Language) on video boards in NJ and metropolitan NY sports stadiums and arenas. He also provides suggestions and feedback annually to the USTA (United States Tennis Association) for improvements for deaf and hard-of-hearing tennis fans. He has attended the US Open Tennis event multiple times throughout the years. Billie Jean King National Tennis Center Billie Jean King National Tennis Center provides captioning in Arthur Ashe Stadium, Louis Armstrong Stadium, Grandstand Stadium, and various other locations throughout the Center. Arthur Ashe Stadium provides captioning on video boards located in the Northeast and Southwest corners of the Stadium. Arthur Ashe Stadium usually hosts the men’s and women’s tennis championship matches and fields the top women’s and men’s tennis players on the court. The newly renovated Louis Armstrong Stadium provides captioning on video boards located In the Northwest and Southeast corners of the Stadium. Louis Armstrong Stadium, Photo by Gary Noll Captioning in the Grandstand Stadium is available on www.mobilecap.net (When prompted, enter your name and Event ID 2671, and then click “Join.” The program will start running automatically. Remember to log out after the event). If guests do not have their mobile device/tablet, mobile devices may be obtained at the Guest Services booth in the Grandstand Stadium, subject to availability. Collateral, such as a driver's license or credit card, is required to borrow a mobile device and will be exchanged at the end of the event. Source: US Open Tennis official site Grandstand Stadium, Photo by Gary Noll Currently, Grandstand Stadium does not provide captioning on its scoreboard or ribbon boards because it does not have those types of boards, only a video scoreboard. The stadium operations are looking to have a mobile captioning QR code message on the video scoreboard this 2023 season. This will allow visitors to scan the code and read live captioning of the game progression and public address announcements. Example of QR code at UBS Arena , Photo by Gary Noll Future Improvements US Open tennis is considering having ASL signers for the national anthem and even ASL performance (signing the match progress and other public address announcements) for the 2024 tournament at Arthur Ashe Stadium . Gary has already had conversations requesting ASL provisions via a Picture in Picture on video scoreboard for the whole time. We’ll have to see if that happens. Gary also recommended the USTA have deaf volunteers or even employees so the venue can have ASL interpreters and make ASL more visual. Live captioning is nice, but having double accessibility allows deaf and hard-of-hearing fans to feel more included in the match experience. Gary campaigned for live captioning outside of the Arthur Ashe Stadium, where there is currently lots of information and details, but it’s missing for deaf and hard-of-hearing fans this 2023 season. This includes the ESPN and Tennis Network booths and up-to-date match details (closed captioning on video scoreboards) from all courts in the complex. This area is a popular spot for fans to follow other matches while they eat, drink, visit exhibits, and shop without going inside the stadium. Plaza outside Arthur Ashe Stadium, Photos by Gary Noll Fans need this most during championship games and post-tennis match celebrations from ESPN and Tennis TV Network. Gary encourages the US Open, ESPN, and Tennis TV Network to use ASL for these championship matches and post-celebration interviews. Even with all these recommendations, the US Open tennis has been so great with accessibility and is a champion at giving fans the best experience. Billie Jean King National Tennis Center Map, Photo by Gary Noll

Photos by Joseph Oakes, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.57 Founders Park 431 Williams St Columbia, SC 29201 South Carolina Gamecocks website Founders Park website Year Opened: 2009 Capacity: 8,242 Sandstorm In Summer Founders Park (formerly known as Carolina Stadium) opened in 2009 at a price of $35 million as South Carolina beat Duquesne 13-0 in front of 8,153 fans. Country music singer Darius Rucker sang the national anthem. Founders has a seated capacity of 6,600 and a total capacity of 8,242 including grassy berm areas. Food & Beverage 5 Founder’s Park offers a wide range of concession offerings all around the ballpark. These range from grilled chicken to hotdogs, nachos, corn dogs, popcorn, peanuts, soft pretzels, sunflower seeds, and cracker jacks. There are two sizes of Coca-Cola fountain products, with the larger size being a souvenir cup. Dasani bottled water is also offered. Both premium and domestic beer are also offered. There are also several independent stands and tents around the ballpark that offer hamburgers, sausage dogs, cheese steaks, and ice cream. You may also see a couple of food trucks parked in the outfield depending on which game you attend. Atmosphere 5 Upon approaching Founder’s Park, you realize immediately that you are in a “big-time” SEC atmosphere. The outfield exterior gates are donned with the famous South Carolina palm trees. Just beyond the outfield entrance, you will national championship trophies from the 2010 and 2011 seasons when the Gamecocks won the College World Series in Omaha. Seating at Founder’s Park runs from foul pole to foul pole. All seats are chairback and are angled toward home plate for better sightlines. There is a small tiered picnic area around the left field foul pole that offers a great view of the field. Around the right field foul pole is a large grassy berm, which extends into the outfield. Beyond the left field wall is a large set of bleachers. While these are in the outfield, they are bench-back and offer a great view of the ballpark. However, you will be sitting in the direct sun during day games. A large upper level with suites and a press box sits above the concourse and can be a great source of shade on hot South Carolina days. A large video board rises above left field. There is also a ribbon scoreboard on the façade of the suite overhang for folks sitting in the outfield. Founder’s Park has a large 360-degree concourse with many areas to stand, socialize, and watch the game. When you are walking the concourse, be sure to check out the live chicken – Gamecock mascot. Neighborhood 4 Founder’s Park sits on the banks of the Congaree River in South Carolina’s capital city. While there are few dining or lodging within (reasonable) walking distance, there are several choices about a mile or so away within the vicinity of Columbia Convention Center/ Colonial Life Arena and South Carolina State House. There is a Hampton Inn and Hyatt in this area, as well as several restaurants and breweries including Jimmy John’s, Longhorn, Marks Burgers and Shakes, Palmetto Pig BBQ, and Columbia Craft Brewing Company just to name a few. If you are looking for other sporting events while in town, South Carolina baseball season overlaps with Gamecock softball and part of the basketball season as well. The Columbia Fireflies single A team also plays across town at Segra Park. The state capitol building and several museums are all within a mile or so of Founder’s Park. Fans 5 The Gamecock baseball program has a proud tradition and a large following. The official capacity of Founder’s Park is 8,242 and you can expect a near-capacity crowd of 7,000-8,000 for a weekend SEC series. Even for midweek games, the Gamecocks average 5,000-6,000 fans. Access 4 Columbia, SC is accessible from three major interstates: I-20, I-26, and I-77. Founder’s Park is located near downtown Columbia about a block from the intersections of US 321 and US 76. Parking is available in the lots between US 321 and the ballpark and on the opposite side of US 321. Several of the businesses between Huger St. and Williams St. also sell parking for baseball games. Unfortunately, South Carolina enforces a clear bag policy. Otherwise, the security at entrances is pretty painless. There is a wide 360-degree concourse all the way around the ballpark and handicap-accessible seating and restrooms are all readily available. Return on Investment 5 Ticket prices start at $25 which is not bad for this level of competition. Expect to pay around $10 to park near the stadium. Concessions are about on par with most athletic facilities. All in all, not a bad deal for top-notch SEC baseball in a beautiful ballpark. Extras 4 Extra points for the following: - Large playground for kids - National Championship trophies and retired numbers - Live “Sir Big Spur” mascot - City skyline view from behind home plate Final Thoughts Founder’s Park is one of the nicest and most beautiful college ballparks that you will visit. Gamecock fans support their program like few in the country and it is a college baseball bucket list experience to take in a game here.

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

Photos by Aaron S. Terry , Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Builders Field 700 41st St Newport News, VA 23607 Apprentice School Builders website Builders Field website Year Opened: 1980s Capacity: 1500 USCAA Football Virginia Builders Field in Newport News, VA is the home of the Apprentice School Builders football team. Built in the mid-1980s and seating 1500 fans, the stadium sits next to one of Newport News Shipbuilding’s facilities, located not far from the pier. Newport News Shipbuilding has been building US Navy ships for the past 135 years, and is currently working on the Gerald R. Ford class of aircraft carriers, including 10 next generation carriers in total. The Apprentice School Builders take their name from the city’s ship building history, and in fact their athletic teams use the same motto as Newport News Shipbuilding – Always Good Ships. Food & Beverage 2 There are two concession stands at Builders Field, one a fixed stand called Glo’s Eat & Go and the other a food truck call Georgia’s – Glo’s offers wings, chicken tenders, chopped BBQ, hot dogs, burgers, and fries, along with bottled water, soda, candy, and chips, while Georgia’s sells ribs, pulled pork sandwiches, fish sandwiches and fried fish pieces, polish sausage, wings, nachos, hot dogs, and fries, as well as soda, canned iced tea, and bottled water. Prices at both stands range from $5 to $14 for the larger items, and $1 to $2 for drinks and small snacks. While there are plenty of options at Builders Field, one of the stands ran out of food by halftime, so I ended up running down the street to a nearby fast food place called Chick-A-Sea (specializing in fried chicken and fried fish), which is very good and was swamped with people. Atmosphere 3 Builders Field is a nice facility with hedges bordering the field on each side, with plenty of Builders signage and shipbuilding artifacts on display, for example a propeller statue and an anchor statue behind one end zone. There are also chairback benches along the whole length of the main stands, as well as a tent with tables and chairs where you can sit if you prefer more shade, and some attendees even park outside the fence and watch from their cars while tailgating. There is not much entertainment here besides the game itself, however, as there is no mascot, no band, and no cheerleaders to be seen. I also did not hear much in the way of set cheers or catchphrases yelled at certain points in the game by the home crowd. Neighborhood 2 Builders Field appears to be located in a rough part of town – the stadium is surrounded on three sides by government housing, and there is a major freeway right behind the main stands, which you can hear the traffic from all game long. One of Newport News Shipbuilding’s facilities is also visible behind the visitor stands, as well as a school bus parking lot. There are a few fast-food restaurants within a short drive, like the aforementioned Chick-A-Sea and others such as Popeye’s or Church’s Chicken. The Virginia War Museum is also nearby, which is well worth a visit if you plan to be in town for the day or weekend – I didn’t go inside, but I had a fabulous time driving around the property looking at all the tanks, self-propelled guns, cannons, navy Big-Guns, anti-aircraft guns, etc. dotted around the park. Fans 3 The Builders draw a pretty good crowd – the stadium is not full by any means, but you will see many fans wearing Apprentice School gear, and the fans are very passionate when they cheer. The visiting stands are much smaller than the main stands, so during some games, especially for nearby opponents, you will definitely see the visitor section filled to capacity. Note that on the home side, the middle sections of the three to four rows closest to the press box offer some great shade, so you may want to try and sit in those rows if you can. Access 4 Getting to Builders Field is a piece of cake – Newport News is on the water, so you may have to fight some traffic on the bridges and in the tunnels depending on which direction you are coming from, but as I mentioned above, a major highway (I-664) goes right by the stadium, so you practically can’t miss it. There is also free parking right next to the field, close enough that you can watch the game from your car if you want. The bathrooms here are a mixed lot – the Apprentice School athletics building behind one end zone houses the only “regular” bathrooms; behind the opposite end zone you will instead find port-a-johns (behind the scoreboard) or a trailer (next to the main stands) with restrooms that are kind of in the middle (a step up from a port-a-potty, but not quite a full bathroom either). Return on Investment 4 Tickets to Apprentice School football games only cost about $8 each, including fees, but you must purchase them online – you can print the tickets out and bring them with you, though, if you don’t want to worry about having them on your phone. Alternatively, you can watch the game for free from just outside the fence, but with tickets this cheap I would recommend sitting in the stands (if you can find some shade) or under the aforementioned tent. Extras 2 Builders Field is pleasant to walk around, the hedges are great, and you may enjoy taking a photo of the anchor and propeller. Final Thoughts Apprentice School football offers a pleasant, low-key way to enjoy the fall weather. You won’t hear the over-the-top crowd noise that some college football stadiums are famous for, but if you are looking for a family-friendly experience that won’t cost a fortune, this is the perfect choice.