Photos by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 Centene Community Ice Center 750 Casino Center Drive Maryland Heights, MO 63043 Lindenwood Lions website Centene Community Ice Center website Year Opened: 2019 Capacity: 2,500 Lindenwood's Mane Attraction The Centene Community Ice Center opened in 2019 at the cost of $83 million. It was developed through a partnership between the City of Maryland Heights, St. Louis County, and the St. Louis Blues. The Center features a wide variety of programs from skating lessons to leagues from youth ice hockey to adult level leagues. It also serves as the home ice for special populations hockey, including sled hockey, special needs hockey and Blues Blind Hockey. The City of Maryland Heights Parks and Recreation Department manages the facility. The facility has four NHL sized ice sheets, including a covered outdoor rink. One of the rinks is set aside for use by the St. Louis Blues practices, Lindenwood University Men’s and Women’s Ice Hockey games, as well as the Blues AAA team and the St. Louis Lady Cyclones hockey program. Lindenwood University has had a men’s ice hockey team since 2003. The team played at the ACHA level until the 2022-2023 season, when it moved up to NCAA Division I status, where it plays as an independent. The Lions were a juggernaut in the years they played in the ACHA, as they won four national championships (2009, 2010, 2016, 2022). Their last national championship game at the ACHA level was held on their home ice at the Centene Community Ice Center in 2022. In accordance with NCAA rules, Lindenwood’s men’s team will not be eligible to play in any postseason NCAA games until the 2026-2027 season. Food & Beverage 3 The Centene Community Ice Center offers food and beverage service at three levels. These are the 314 Social Bar and Grill for sit down service, the Schnucks Grab and Go Store for convenience store type of purchases such as snacks, drinks, and light sandwiches and the individual concession stands, which sell your typical stadium fare. Each concession level features Pepsi brand sodas and Budweiser brand beers (you are in St. Louis, after all !). The 314 Social Bar and Grill offers a much wider menu than the other two options. We found this option had the highest prices of the three options and offered very slow service. The menu includes nachos ($14), quesadillas ($12), salads ($14), chicken wings ($14/lb.), chicken tenders ($13), cheesesteaks ($16), burgers ($14) and pizza ($13). Drinks are Pepsi brand sodas ($4), Pure Leaf tea ($4), coffee ($4), and bottled water ($4). Budweiser brand beers are $7 for a draft beer and $5 for canned beers. Wines ranged from $7 - $13 and mixed drinks are $6 - $16. The Schnucks Grab and Go option offered food and beverage offerings at the same prices you would find at one of their convenience stores. It also was the fastest option of the three at the Centene Community Ice Center. There is one larger concession stand located in the lobby of the Ice Center, with smaller stands on the concourses inside the seating bowl. It offers your usual stadium fare, at higher-than-average prices. The main stand was overwhelmed during the between periods break. We suggest using the inside the seating bowl stands during breaks in the action. However, they do offer fewer concession items than the main stand due to limited space on the concourse. Atmosphere 4 The Lions hockey home is the 2,500-seat competition rink at the Centene Community Ice Center. The seats at the rink feature tip up chairback seating, as well as high table seating at one end of the ice. All seats are below the concourse and are within 25 rows of the ice, so there literally is no bad seat in the house. The rink also features a four-sided, center-hung scoreboard /videoboard at center ice, with smaller auxiliary boards at the ends of the ice. The Lions hockey home is the 2,500-seat competition rink at the Centene Community Ice Center. Neighborhood 4 The immediate area surrounding the Centene Community Ice Center consists of office parks and businesses that are related towards the nearby Missouri River. The closest hotel to the Ice Center is the Homewood Suites by Hilton St. Louis Riverport-Airport. The only activity close by is the Hollywood Casino and Hotel St. Louis, which is located down the street from the Ice Center. However, just across the river and one exit further west on I-70 is St. Charles, MO. It offers a wide variety of cultural sites, restaurants and historical sites for visitors. There are a number of sites devoted to Lewis and Clark, as the city was the departure point for their expedition to the western United States. The city also features many unique shopping experiences in the historic district. St. Charles is also the home of the Lindenwood University campus. It is well worth a visit, as it is a beautiful campus with some stunning architecture. Fans 5 The Lindenwood men’s hockey team has an extraordinarily strong and diversified fanbase. There are several factors in place to explain this. First of all Lindenwood has a strong record of success in collegiate hockey. The men’s program was a powerhouse at the ACHA level, bringing home several national championships. The women’s hockey team has been in Division I of the NCAA for several years, and has been very successful in postseason play. This explains the staunch support from the alumni, as well as the present student body at the school. The student body section at Lions games is known as the Uproar, and it typically fills two sections of the stands at each game. Even though the Centene Community Ice Center is an off campus venue, it is only six miles and one interstate exit east of the campus. This makes it easy for students to get to. Another strength of support for the Lindenwood hockey program is that the St. Louis region is a hotbed for hockey at all age levels…. and the Centene Community Ice Center reaches all those markets. This includes the NHL Blues using the Ice Center as their practice facility, as well as minor league teams from both sexes, down to the high school, youth and kids leagues that call the center home. Access 4 Centene Community Ice Center is easy to reach from anywhere in the St. Louis region. It is 30 minutes from downtown St. Louis, and 10 minutes from St. Louis’ Lambert Airport. Take I-70, I-270, or Highway 364 West to Casino Center Drive. Follow the Ice Center employees’ directions to the appropriate parking lot. The arena entrance is through the main center entrance to the Centene Community Ice Center. This brings you into the main entrance lobby. The lobby is very large and includes access to the 314 Social Bar and Restaurant, the concession stands and the Schnucks Grab and Go store. Additional concession stands are available at the concourse level inside the arena. Return on Investment 4 For the most part, the Centene Community Ice Center is a very affordable place to enjoy a college hockey game. Seating is open and first come, first serve for Lindenwood Lions hockey games, except for a portion reserved for season ticket holders. Tickets are priced by categories rather than seat location. These categories are General Public ($15), Senior Citizens 55 years or older ($15), Alumni ($10), Group ($5) and children aged 12 and under ($5). These are advanced purchase ticket prices. Tickets purchased the day of the game are $3 more at each ticket level. Parking at the Ice Center is $10. We found the concession prices to be much higher than normal at the concession stands and the 314 Local Bar and Restaurant. . Extras 5 Centene Community Ice Center has been named as one of the Top Ten Hockey Venues in the Country by the Sports Planning Guide . Centene Community Ice Center also serves as the home ice for the Saint Louis Blues AAA program, the St. Louis Lady Cyclones. The Centene Community Ice Center also has ties to the NHL. It serves as the St. Louis Blues practice facility and hosted the NHL Alumni All Star Game in 2020. The Ice Center will serve as an NCAA Regionals location in 2026 as St. Louis will host the Frozen Four Ice Hockey Tournament. The Centene Community Ice Center is adjacent to the St. Louis Music Park. This is a 4,500 seat outdoor music venue with an amphitheater setting. Final Thoughts The Lindenwood University men’s hockey program has finally made the leap into NCAA Division I competition. Their home ice at the Centene Community Ice Center will immediately become one the top collegiate hockey venues in the Midwest. It provides an excellent playing surface, training facilities, a dedicated locker room for visiting teams, as well as lodging options just around the corner from the rink. However, visitors should be careful when they enter this Lions den!

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey. Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Campus Ice Centre 2200 Simcoe St N Oshawa, ON L1H 7K4 Ontario Tech Ridgebacks website Campus Ice Centre website Year Opened: 2005 Capacity: 550 The Dog Pound In 2006 the University of Ontario Institute of Technology in Oshawa, Ontario, entered the world of Canadian University sports joining what is now USports and Ontario University Athletics. Their beginning was ice hockey and the UOIT Ridgebacks were born. A small school of around 10,000 students, UOIT went through the expected growing pains of any new team. Success on the ice did not come early or easily, but the Ridgebacks would develop a loyal following, with typical attendance figures for OUA hockey. In 2019, UOIT took to the drawing board and rebranded as Ontario Tech University. The Ridgebacks name remained for the hockey team, but new logos and colours were on the menu and the team continued to truck on. Home for the Ridgebacks is the Campus Ice Centre. An on campus hockey rink and recreation facility, the Campus Ice Centre is the perfect size for OUA hockey and serves the community as an additional community rink. Most hockey fans would know Oshawa and the home of the very successful junior hockey franchise, the Oshawa Generals, but the Ontario Tech Ridgebacks have carved themselves a nice niche in the crowded hockey market. Food & Beverage 3 In the hockey arena, there is one main concession stand behind the seating arena. Shagwell’s offers coffee, hot chocolate, water and Coca-Cola products. French fries, hot dogs, nachos, chips and candy are also available. Shagwell’s has your basic snack bar offerings. However, fans have the opportunity to head to the other side of the arena to Simcoe Arms which offers a full array of food and beverages. It is a perfect spot for a snack, drink or meal before or after the game and it’s just steps away from the arena seats. Atmosphere 3 The Campus Ice Centre is very much a community hub. A pair of ice pads, the Ice Centre attracts plenty of youth hockey players from Oshawa and the surrounding area. The exterior is attractive enough and large windows on the north side of the building offer plenty of natural light to those inside. Entering the Ice Centre draws fans to markings letting all know that this is not just a community rink, but the home of Ontario Tech and the Ridgebacks. Ascending the stairs will bring fans to the main entry for the ice pad that the Ridgebacks call home. A temporary ticketing table is at the top of the stairs to welcome fans who require tickets. To the right is the entry to the ice pad, which brings fans behind the seating area. There are six sections of seven rows of wide, plastic, stadium seats for a capacity of around 550. The ice surface runs from south to north with all of the seating on the east side. In the northwest corner hangs a banner welcoming all to the “Dog Pound.” Ontario Tech excels at showcasing their extremely short history. On the wall behind the grandstand hang numerous framed pictures memorializing moments in Ridgeback history, including the first goal, first win, first playoff appearance, and even an appearance for the women’s team at an outdoor game. In the southwest corner hang the banners for the retired numbers of Nathan Spaling and Jill Morillo. Both played huge roles on their respective teams and Spaling has the distinction of being the first captain in Ridgebacks history. The game day presentation at a Ridgebacks game is simple. Ontario Tech doesn’t try too hard and assault the fan with too much going on and they take advantage of their excellent audio equipment, which is not always the case at university sport in Canada. Neighbourhood 2 The Ontario Tech Campus Ice Centre is located on campus, which is in the north part of Oshawa, a fair distance from highway 401. The Ice Centre is also at the north end of the shared campus of Ontario Tech and Durham College. In the immediate area, there is not too much that will interest travelers. On Simcoe St, just south of campus, there is a St. Louis Bar and Grill. Fans are better off heading further south on Simcoe Street. Shoeless Joe’s and other chain restaurants can be found at Simcoe and Taunton Road. Being so close to Toronto, there are not a ton of exciting entertainment options in Oshawa. Hitting Simcoe Blues & Jazz for some live music may be of interest. Checking out the Canadian Automotive Museum might also be of interest. The other sporting option in Oshawa is of course to take in an Oshawa Generals game at Tribute Communities Centre. Ontario Tech has also added a basketball team in 2019 and they play at the Campus Recreation and Wellness Centre. There is not much in the way of accommodations near Ontario Tech. The best bet for travelers would be to head to downtown Oshawa where there are a few options, including a Holiday Inn Express. Fans 3 Ontario Tech has a small but very loyal following of fans. They usually draw between 100 and 250 fans per game, which is pretty common for the second tier of OUA hockey teams. Although the average attendance at the Campus Ice Centre may not be among the best in the conference, Ontario Tech lacks a signature hockey game that can skew the attendance figures in a team’s favour. The small capacity of the Campus Ice Centre is an advantage for the Ridgebacks as it feels just about right for arena attendance. Access 4 Ontario Tech University is located in the north end of Oshawa. Although the campus is not very large, the Campus Ice Centre is at the north end of campus as well, making it easy to find. Essentially between highway 401 and the express toll road 407, Ontario Tech will require a very significant drive through Oshawa to get to campus. The 407 is a better option, but as far as toll roads go, it is very expensive. There is plenty of free parking available at the Ice Centre. East of the arena there are large parking lots where fans can park for free. For fans looking to get to the arena with public transit, route 401 of Durham Transit brings patrons to the Ontario Tech campus. Check out the Durham Transit website for maps, fares and schedules. The Ice Centre can be entered from either the north or south and the atrium is large with plenty of natural light. The stairs to the rink are at the north side of the building and lead to a temporary ticketing table. Make sure you bring cash to purchase tickets as credit cards are not accepted. Considering the number of fans in attendance, getting around the arena is not a big challenge. The washroom facilities are not huge and can be found behind the seating area in the main arena. Return on Investment 4 Taking in an Ontario Tech Ridgebacks hockey game is very affordable. Tickets for adults are a mere $10 and seniors, students, staff and alumni are only $5. Ontario Tech students and kids under 14 years of age are free. Parking can be found on campus for free and concession prices are not exorbitant. Although the presentation and venue are not flashy, the quality of play on the ice is solid and the arena is comfortable. This all adds up to some solid entertainment for a few hours at a very low cost. A great return on investment for sure. Extras 2 An extra mark for the original Ridgebacks name. An extra mark for the rebranding to Ontario Tech University and the new logos for the Ridgebacks. Final Thoughts Ontario Tech has successfully carved out a nice little niche for itself in the Generals-dominant hockey market in Oshawa. Taking in a Ridgebacks game comes with a simple, yet effective presentation and a return on investment which is fantastic. When in Oshawa, a trip to see some OUA hockey is a great idea for the whole family. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on Twitter @profan9 and on Instagram .

Photos by Paul Swaney, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Ewigleben Arena 210 Sports Dr Big Rapids, MI 49307 Ferris State Bulldogs hockey website Ewigleben Arena website Year Opened: 1976 Capacity: 2,493 Ferris State Hockey at Ewigleben Robert L. Ewigleben Ice Arena opened in 1976, a year after the Ferris State Bulldogs joined the ranks of the NAIA hockey. In 1979, the program made the jump to NCAA Division I. The first thing you need to know is how to pronounce that mouthful of a name. I am told that it is AVA-globe-in. Get that down and you’ll fit right in. Ferris State University is found in Big Rapids, Michigan – about an hour north of Grand Rapids. I was told that this is very much a hockey town, and it doesn’t take long to verify that. The arena itself is tiny, and this is a very good thing. The students fill the student end, complete with the pep band. The low ceilings and capacity of 2,493 seats make for an intimate and loud experience, especially when an intrastate rival is in town. Food & Beverage 4 The food selection is consistent with the no-frills approach of the entire arena experience, but there is still enough to get you through the contest. On the positive side, the prices are very affordable. I tried the hot dog ($2), and it was tastier than most that you’ll find at a small arena like this. I also tried the pizza ($2.50) which you will want to skip. The concession was pretty slow when I ordered about 40 minutes before the puck dropped. I asked what the Wing Dings were, and I was told they would take 30 minutes to make. OK, no wing dings then. I’m usually up for a hot beverage at a hockey game, and Ferris State offers coffee, cocoa, and cappuccino ($1.50/$2). I was also glad to see that you could get a donut with your coffee (75 cents). Slush puppies ($2), and Coca-Cola fountain drinks round out the menu ($1.50/$2). You can also buy a refillable travel mug ($4). There is no alcohol served at the game as this is an on-campus facility. Atmosphere 3 There is nothing remarkable about the building as you approach Ewigleben Ice Arena. Once inside, you won’t be blown away either. There is one large hallway that serves as the bridge between the ice arena and the basketball arena, Jim Wink Arena. All seats inside the arena are maroon plastic bleachers with adequate legroom and no cup holders. Only 11 rows deep, there is no doubt that you will have a good view of the action no matter where you end up. Aim for center ice as high up as you can. There are seats on three sides; the two ends and along the side opposite the team benches and penalty box. It is certainly unusual to only have seats on three sides, but it only adds to the intimacy of the facility. As the National Anthem winds down, you’ll hear the student section sing along with the line, …the land of the free, and the home of the DAWGS! The arena is too small to have a scoreboard hanging over the center. Instead, there are two fairly basic scoreboards on each end that give you just the necessary information; time, score, penalty information, shots on goal, and period. There is also a clock behind the penalty box. Neighborhood 4 During my visit, there was a pre-game party being held at the nearby Buffalo Wild Wings. I was told that this happens from time to time, and it certainly adds to the overall experience if you’re able to spend some time with the fans before a game. They have plenty of Ferris State sports memorabilia on the walls, so this is a good place to begin to build that bulldog spirit and ingest some delicious wings while you’re at it. Closer to downtown is The Gate & 7-10 Bar and Grill. This is also a good place to spend some time before or after the game, especially if you have your bowling ball and shoes with you. Fans 4 The doors open 60 minutes before the game begins. Fifty-five minutes before the game, the student section is already half full. You know it’s going to be a great atmosphere when the students are that anxious to get into the game. I would guess that the students take up 1/3 of the seating area, and they are standing throughout and doing a good job of leading the energy in the arena. The student section is known as the Dawg Pound, and they are engaged throughout the contest. There is also a pep band that sits near the students, helping to add to that collegiate atmosphere. The middle section of the crowd tends to be alumni and season, ticket holders. They are also very engaged, shouting encouraging words and referring to the players by their first names. The end opposite the students tends to be fans with families, or who more irregularly attend. This is the quieter end, and a bit less rowdy if that’s what you prefer. Access 4 There is only one main concourse with one large bathroom for each gender. It is adequately clean and I noticed no lines during the game. One minor inconvenience is that you need to keep your ticket on you as you will need to show it when going from the concourse back into the arena. Just make sure you keep it in your pocket and it won’t be a big deal. Parking is only $5, and there are plenty of spots. Return on Investment 4 Tickets for a premium game are only $16. This would include intrastate rivals like Michigan and Michigan State. In most games, the tickets are only $12, and with an arena this small there are certainly no bad seats. Food prices are much below average cost, and while there aren’t any amazing food items, the pricing is very fair. With parking at only $5, you can easily have a spot to park, a ticket, and something to eat and drink and still stay under $25 for the night. It is a great value, and well worth it. Extras 4 There’s a nice pro shop offering Ferris State apparel and hockey gear. The prices are quite fair, including jerseys for just $80, much less than what you will find in most arenas. Near the Ferris State bench, there is an area set up as “Date Night with the Dawgs.” It’s a table for two with a chef on duty right along the glass. The school gives away the date night of each home game to a season ticket holder. The Ferris State staff does a good job of injecting innovative ideas into the media time-outs and intermissions. My favorite was the first intermission shootout where kids got to have a breakaway opportunity against the FSU mascot. On the opposite end, members of the student section shot against the buffalo from Buffalo Wild Wings. A student with a Michigan State t-shirt was thoroughly booed, which was rather good fun. Speaking of the staff, this is one of those places where everyone you run into goes above and beyond. It is a simple premise to be friendly to your fans, but it is still difficult to execute with consistency. Tip of the cap to the game day staff for pulling it off.

Photos by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.29 Enmarket Arena 620 Stiles Ave Savannah, GA 31415 Savannah Ghost Pirates website Enmarket Arena website Year Opened: 2022 Capacity: 7,300 Savannah’s New Haunted House of Hockey Savannah, Georgia is a city that has received national acclaim for its historic preservation over the years. As the original city of Georgia in the colonial era, it has one of the largest historic districts in any American city. However, the Savannah Civic Center in Downtown Savannah has not been on any preservation lists. Built in 1974, the building is now technically obsolete in many ways and is worn by its heavy usage over the last 48 years. It had lost much of its business to the Savannah Convention Center, located just across the Savannah River from the Historic District of Savannah. Numerous sites for an updated venue to take some of the load off the civic center were considered. Fast forward to 2022, and that much-needed facility is now open. The Enmarket Arena opened its doors for business in February 2022. The facility has a seating bowl that can hold 9,500 for basketball and large meetings and 7,300 for ice hockey. In addition to the seating bowl, the facility offers 12 luxury suites, five loge boxes, and a large party suite. Enmarket Arena is less than two miles west of Downtown Savannah and the Historic District. The new arena will buoy the fast-developing Canal District. Enmarket, the naming sponsor, is the largest convenience store and gas station operator in the Coastal Empire. Once the arena was on its way to becoming a reality, the business community set out to recruit a hockey team/program to serve as the featured sports program in the venue. Their search for a tenant was successful in the form of the Savannah Ghost Pirates hockey team. The Ghost Pirates are an expansion team, playing in the Southern Division of the ECHL. This Division includes teams from Charleston, SC (South Carolina Stingrays); Greenville, SC (Greenville Swamp Rabbits); Orlando, FL (Orlando Solar Bears); Estero, FL (Florida Everblades); Norfolk, VA (Norfolk Admirals), and the metro Atlanta, GA area (Atlanta Gladiators). This division is set up to foster multiple rivalry games each season due to the cities’ proximity. The Ghost Pirates are affiliated with the Vegas Golden Knights of the NHL and the Henderson Silver Knights of the AHL. Food & Beverage 4 Enmarket Arena has recruited a wide variety of food vendors nationally and locally to be a part of its food and beverage offerings. Many of the vendors specialize in one type of food, such as the 912 Doghouse (chili cheese dogs, slaw dogs, brats), Taquero Y Taco (Birria tacos, pork tacos, beef tacos, and vegetarian tacos), Last Kernel Popcorn and Backstage BBQ (BBQ nachos, pulled pork sandwiches, and BBQ chicken). Among the local restaurants opening a location at the arena are Spanky’s, Port City Pizza, PS Tavern, and 520 Wings. Enmarket Arena Hometown Favorite Spanky’s, Photo by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Alcohol is the focus at the Jack Daniels Bar, the Wicked Weed Brewing Company, and the Enmarket Grab and Go. All transactions at Enmarket Arena are cashless. Atmosphere 4 The opening of Enmarket Arena has been in the making for many years, and the locals have turned out in droves to enjoy some great concerts and the arrival of ice hockey in Savannah. The entrance to the arena features a soaring two-story lobby with plenty of glass to allow plenty of natural light. The lobby is home to the ticket windows for the facility, as well as the Ghost Pirates team store. Fans are delivered to the seating bowl of the arena via several escalators. A spacious concourse is filled with a wide variety of concession items that should fit the taste of most every fan. There are three levels of seats surrounding the hockey action, with the first and second levels accessed via the concourse. The top level of seats is considered club level and can only be accessed via a private elevator. Very comfortable chairback seating is found throughout the area. The legroom is quite comfortable and there are no obstructed views of the action. There is netting at both ends of the ice for safety reasons, but it is a fine enough thickness that it will not interfere with your enjoyment of the game. The puck-in-play rule is strictly enforced throughout the facility. Our only disappointment was the lack of drink holders in some areas of the seating bowl. Fans can keep up with the key plays and game stats via the four-sided center-hung videoboard/scoreboard. Numerous quizzes, music, kiss cams, and news of upcoming events fill the breaks in the action on the ice. Neighborhood 5 Savannah is one of the top tourist cities in the southeastern United States. It is famous for its preservation efforts, which have resulted in one of the largest historic districts in the country. Many of the homes in the historic district have been converted to B&Bs, giving visitors a unique opportunity to stay in a home dating back to the 1700s. The city is also known for River Street, which fronts the Savannah River, and is filled with restaurants, nightlife, and shops. Enmarket Arena is in the Canal District of Savannah, which is just west of the Historic District and the River Street entertainment and shopping area. The arena is less than two miles from the many squares that have existed since colonial times and that Savannah is known for. Amongst the many attractions in the area are the Georgia State Railroad Museum , the Mercer-Williams House Museum (made famous by the book “Midnight in the House of Good and Evil”), and the many museums and galleries linked to the Savannah College of Art and Design. Savannah is also known as a foodie heaven, as it is home to Paula Deen, Elizabeth’s on 37th Street, and the Bird Cookie Company. Most of the downtown hotels are concentrated along Bay Street and River Street, and they are a short walk from the Enmarket Arena. The Plant Riverside District opened recently as an extension of River Street and has both hotels and B&Bs as lodging options for visitors. To get detailed information on the sights, sounds, tastes, and lodging options available in Savannah, go to Visit Savannah. Fans 5 The Savannah Ghost Pirates have gotten off to a terrific start with the development of a fan base. Savanah attracts people for vacations from all over the country. It also has a huge retirement population due to its warm weather, history, and a wide range of recreational activities, both on dry land and on the ocean. A sizable portion of these retirees lived most of their lives in areas of the country where hockey is readily available and popular. This has provided a very hockey-knowledgeable fan base that is thrilled to have a team in Savannah. The Ghost Pirates already have one of the largest season ticket bases in the ECHL. In their inaugural season, most games were sold out weeks in advance, leaving some fans with a “ghost of a chance” to get in the game! You may be wondering about the name Ghost Pirates. Well, one of the first things the ownership of the team did was to allow the public to take a role in the naming of the team. Savannah has a long history of pirates plying their trade along the Georgia coast. The city is also known for its supposedly haunted cemeteries and homes. This was a brilliant move, as it gave the public some “buy-in” to the new franchise. The public also named the team’s mascot… resulting in Davy (as in “Davy Jones locker.”) The team uniforms are green. This is in recognition of the fact that Savannah has a heavily Irish population and hosts the largest St. Patrick’s Day celebration in the U.S. after New York City. The most involved fans are the season ticket holders, known as ‘Fantoms.” Access 4 Enmarket Arena is located less than a mile west of Downtown Savannah and the Historic District. The arena is easy to get to through a variety of routes. Free Trolleys run from the Savannah Civic Center lot on West Liberty in the Historic District to the Enmarket Arena both before and after the games. Trolley service starts 90 minutes prior to the puck drop. The Enmarket Arena strongly urges fans to prepurchase their parking well before their event. Once at the Enmarket Arena, doors open 60 minutes prior to the puck drop. Return on Investment 3 Enmarket Arena offers Ghost Pirate tickets at a variety of price points based on location in reference to the rink layout. Tickets on the sides in the lower level cost $44, while tickets on the sides in the upper level go for $32. Corner seats on the lower level retail for $34, with tickets in the corners on the upper level going for $20. Seats behind the nets on the lower level are $27, while seats on the upper level behind the nets go for $25. Parking is $15-$20 depending on which lot you choose. Parking passes must be prepurchased from the Enmarket Arena website. Concession prices are no bargain, but they are in line with what you would expect at a sports venue (i.e., $6 hot dogs, $10 hamburgers, $6 sodas, and $5 bottled water). All purchases at the Enmarket Arena are on a cashless basis and all tickets are digital. These prices are in line with what other ECHL-level hockey venues are charging. However, Savannah is one of the top tourist destinations in the South, and downtown and riverfront hotels can be very expensive (more than $300/night). The rule of thumb is that the further away from the historic district and the riverfront your hotel is, the price goes down dramatically. Lodging in the Midtown and Airport areas is much less expensive, and still offers easy access to the arena. Extras 5 The Enmarket Arena partners with Live Nation to book concerts for the facility. In the first year of operation, the arena has hosted concerts by Reba McIntyre, Alan Jackson, Jason Aldean, Keith Urban, Jimmy Buffett, Bon Jovi, Journey, Pitbull, the Eagles, and Andrea Bocelli. The arena incorporated the latest in building techniques to exceed the goals for low carbon emission, energy efficiency, water efficiency, and minimizing the amount of waste produced. Savannah has a large military presence in the form of Hunter Army Airfield and Fort Stewart. The Ghost Pirates offer a 10% discount on tickets for military members and their families. Season ticket holders for the Ghost Pirates are referred to as “Fantoms,” while children enrolled in the team’s junior hockey club are known as “Davy’s Matey’s.” The Hostilo Hoops Basketball Tournament features 10 college basketball teams competing over a two-week period each November. The tournament has both men’s and women’s competitions. The Savannah Athletic Hall of Fame is located at Enmarket Arena. Savannah Athletic Hall of Fame Enmarket Arena, Photo by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Final Thoughts Savannah has been one of the top tourist destinations in the South for many years. What it has been missing is an active sports scene. The opening of the brand-new Enmarket Arena promises to change that situation very quickly. The addition of a minor league hockey franchise in the form of the Ghost Pirates will result in several natural sports rivalries being created between Savannah and neighboring ECHL teams in Savannah, Jacksonville, and North Charleston. Savannah’s Hockey Haunt is on!

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Jerry D. Young Memorial Field 840 12th St Birmingham, AL 35294 UAB Blazers website Young Memorial Field website Year Opened: 1984 Capacity: 1,000 Jerry D. Young Memorial Field – UAB Blazers In the shadows of the statue of Vulcan, the Roman god of fire and the forge which sits atop Red Mountain near the city of Birmingham, sits the University of Alabama-Birmingham’s campus, and Jerry D. Young Memorial Field. UAB is the lone remaining member of Conference USA since its inception in 1995, but announced in the fall of 2022 they would be moving to the American Conference at the start of the 2023-24 academic year. Food & Beverage 4 A small concession stand sits under the grandstand. While the stand might be small, it does offer a decent variety of options. Main entrees include smoked sausage, grilled chicken, BBQ sandwiches, hot dogs, and nachos. Candy and other snack foods are also available. Beverages include Pepsi products and Gatorade, along with beer and wine at a neighboring beverage cart. Concessions at Young Memorial Field are cashless. Atmosphere 3 The area around Young Memorial Field is currently undergoing significant construction, so it can be somewhat of a maze traveling to the stadium. The temporary inconveniences should be ironed out in due time, though, as the area receives upgrades. The Blazers had a new synthetic playing surface installed following the 2022 season. The infield “dirt” now has a much lighter brown hue, which gives it the appearance of natural dirt rather than the deep brown most baseball fields have. Centerfield is emblazoned with the university’s dragon logo, which adds a bit of personalization to the playing surface. The field plays a touch shorter for left-handed hitters, with the right field line playing 330’ compared to 335’ down the left field line. The right center power alleys run 360’, compared to 370’ to left center and 400’ to dead centerfield. The fence runs 8 feet high around the outfield – the massive batters' eye is out of play, but does help break up the continuity of the consistent 8-foot fence. The scoreboard at Young Memorial Field provides typical inning line score information, and is topped with a videoboard that provides player statistical information and the batting team’s lineup. The game starts with a bit of a college feel, as the UAB fight song plays while the Blazers take the field; this is a nice touch that helps to establish the college atmosphere. Between inning entertainment is typically filled with a mix of ad reads and music, much as would be expected at most baseball games. There is not much in the way of interactive scoreboard fan cams or games, and other than a kid’s dizzy bat race there are not many of the field games either. In-game sound effects are kept to a minimum for the most part. The lack of these features does not take away from the game experience, however. Neighborhood 4 Young Memorial Field is less than a mile from Regions Field , home of the Birmingham Barons, AA affiliate of the Chicago White Sox. Since the Barons moved back to Birmingham following an extended stay in nearby Hoover, the Southside neighborhood has seen a significant revitalization. Many of the former warehouses and industrial buildings have been transformed into restaurants, breweries, condominiums, and apartments. Fans coming to early season games might be able to double-up and take in a Blazers’ basketball game at Bartow Arena , just a block from Young Memorial Field. With the University of Alabama-Birmingham's location, there are several hotels in the immediate vicinity. Those who might not want to stay in the city, though, can find an almost endless number of hotels anywhere off Highway 280, which runs from Birmingham to the suburbs on the back side of Red Mountain. Fans 2 Over the years, opponents from Power 5 conferences have drawn relatively large attendance numbers to Young Memorial Field, often more than 1,000, but typical attendance numbers range from 200 to 400 fans per game. Students do not seem to make up a significant portion of the overall attendance – attendance numbers remain consistent regardless of whether classes are in session or if students are on break. Fans who do turn out appear to be enjoying themselves, but do not seem to make for a sizable home field advantage. Access 4 Getting to Young Memorial Field is rather simple, save any traffic backups that might need to be navigated through. The downtown Birmingham area is at the junction of I-65 and I-20, making Birmingham easily accessible to nearby cities. The city bus line also has a stop just a block north of the stadium. The main parking lot used for baseball is located behind the softball complex, almost immediately off the I-65 off ramp. From here it is a short walk around Mary Bowers Field to the entrance that both teams share. The current construction contains fans to the third base side of the field, the grandstand, and the small area between the grandstand and the visiting dugout. At the moment fans cannot access the first base side of the field from inside the stadium; expect this to change as construction progresses. Return on Investment 4 Ticket prices typically top out at $5 for most games, but tickets for premium games are priced at $10. Either of the two price points are not going to break the wallet. When you factor in free parking and none of the concession items costing more than $6, excluding alcohol options, taking in a game is kept to a very reasonable rate. Some higher profile UAB baseball games are held at Regions Field , which are priced on the premium side, while a handful of other games are held at Hoover Metropolitan Stadium, with free admission for those games. Extras 2 Just outside the right field fence is a nondescript stone seating area. It does not look like much, but it was once part of the original baseball field at Mortimer Jordan Park, which sat on this same parcel of land. This stonework has been preserved, and the chain-link fence in this part of the outfield wall gives passersby a chance to sit and watch the game from this location. The grassy area between the softball and baseball fields is a wonderful place for young fans to run and play catch during the game. Final Thoughts In a city rich with baseball and iron industry history, the UAB Blazers have been working to forge their own baseball history since the program’s inception in 1979. While some stadiums earn their reputation as great baseball experiences through large, rambunctious stadiums and fans, something can be said for baseball at smaller stadiums. Stadiums that are not constantly consumed with sound allow fans to pick up on a lot of the finer points of college baseball – the sizzle of a fast ball, the barks of the coaches toward the umpires, and the chirps between teams. Though the game experience at schools with smaller attendances might not be at the top of the list when it comes to the most memorable, games at these stadiums are a wonderful time for those who enjoy the finer details of college baseball.

Photos by Michael Davis, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Lupton Stadium 3700 Berry St Fort Worth, TX 76109 TCU Horned Frogs website Lupton Stadium website Year Opened: 2003 Capacity: 4,500 Texas Christian University Baseball Charlie and Marie Lupton Baseball Stadium at Williams-Reilly Field is located on the TCU campus in Fort Worth, Texas, and is home to the Texas Christian University baseball program. Lupton Stadium is named for Charlie and Marie Lupton in recognition of a $2 million gift from the Brown-Lupton Foundation, of which Charlie was a founder back in 1944. The playing surface at Lupton Stadium is natural grass with dimensions of 330 feet down the lines, 385 feet to the power alleys, and 400 feet to center field. The double-decker stadium has a capacity of 4,500 and features a cantilevered roof that covers part of the stadium’s grandstands, which helps keep fans protected from the unpredictable Texas weather. Lupton Stadium has had a few renovations in its 20 years of operations – the G. Malcolm Louden Player Development Center was constructed before the 2015 season and features a hitting facility and a Field Turf practice area. Following the development center’s construction a new player’s facility was also added, which includes the home team locker room, team lounge, sports medicine center, equipment room, team classroom, coaches’ offices, and an alumni locker room. The renovations also included the addition of a new 40′ x 23′ video scoreboard in left-center field, as well as the installation of new outfield fences and a general admission grass berm beyond the right field wall. Lupton Stadium has played host to two conference tournaments (2008, 2009), nine NCAA Regional tournaments between 2009 through 2023, and three NCAA Super Regionals (2014, 2015, and 2023).   Food & Beverage   3 Lupton Stadium is packed with enough food options that the concourse can’t hold all the food stands, so the TCU Grill, State Fair, and Bobby’s Fajitas are located outside the main concourse along the walkway. The TCU Grill serves burgers and chicken sandwiches for $8.50, while the State Fair stand offers funnel cake, corn dogs, fat free chills, and fresh squeezed lemonade for $5 each. However, Bobby’s Fajitas is the place for Mexican food – the fajita quesadilla and fajita nachos cost $12, regular fajitas tacos cost $5, and a meat and bean burrito or cheese quesadilla run $6 each. Inside the concourse on either side of the baselines, the stadium offers your regular stadium fare of chopped beef sandwiches ($8) and hot dogs ($6). There are also several menu choices for $5 including pretzel, peanuts, fresh fruit cups, and sunflower seeds. Depending on the size popcorn will cost either $4.50 or $7, while regular nachos are $5.50 and candy is $4. Lupton Stadium serves Coca-Cola product at $5 for 24oz, while the larger 32oz size is the better value at $6.50. Other beverages on the menu are sweet tea ($6), 20oz bottled water ($5), and hot chocolate ($4). There is alcohol sold inside the ballpark, though an ID wristband is required to show verification – the beer selection is Coors/Coors Lite or Michelob Ultra, and you can also get wine spritzers; all of these selections cost $9.25.   Atmosphere   4 Most of TCU’s baseball games during the season are held on the weekends, with a single game during the week each season. Lupton Stadium has country music being played as you walk towards the entrance, and there are free programs and posters on tables inside the concourse. Behind home plate there is also a lineup card for both teams, as well as a display showing the current Big 12 baseball standings. During the game there are free contests, such as Baseball Bingo, that help you really get into the game, and between innings there is plenty of music, including Sweet Caroline at the top of the sixth, and the traditional seventh inning stretch song, “Take Me Out to the Ballgame”. The atmosphere at Lupton Stadium is always a great one, especially when the noise level reaches certain heights – one of those heights is when a visiting player has 2 strikes, or during other key game situations. It can become electrifying as fans stomp their feet on the metal underneath the bleachers or when the Horned Frogs score – the T-C-U chant can then be heard outside the stadium in the parking lots. Also, regardless of the final score, the TCU baseball team along with the Horned Frog fans sing the alma mater at the end of each game.   Neighborhood   4 The Texas Christian University campus is located about 4 miles from downtown Fort Worth, and Lupton Stadium is on the southwest corner of campus. The campus is divided by University Drive, which is the location of a few restaurants popular with TCU students. Buffalo Bros is a sponsor of TCU baseball and a popular place for all TCU fans. Fans flock to this local sports bar, which serves New York Style wings, pizza, and subs. Dutch’s Hamburgers, a burger and beer café that faces campus, is also a great place to eat before attending a TCU event. Dutch’s namesake is Leo “Dutch” Meyer, a TCU grad who became the most successful football coach in football history. But Texas is also big on BBQ, and one eatery listed in Texas’ Monthly Top 50 is Heim’s BBQ, not far from TCU’s campus. There are several tourist attractions in Fort Worth near campus – Fort Worth Zoo on University Drive near the Colonial Country Club is a good place for families. Another option is the Cultural District which has several museums, including the world famous Kimbell Art Museum and Will Rogers Memorial Center, home of the annual Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo, both of which are within 5 miles of Lupton Stadium. In addition, a trip to the Fort Worth Stockyards is a must when visiting the Fort Worth area, located just a few miles on the other side of downtown. Fort Worth provides many options for lodging near TCU’s campus – a few suggestions include Sheraton Fort Worth Hotel (1701 Commerce), Courtyard by Marriott Fort Worth (3150 Riverfront Drive), and Fairfield Inn & Suites (1505 S University Dr. Fort Worth).   Fans   4 Texas Christian University is a private school with an undergraduate enrollment of nearly 9,000 students, and the estimated number of living TCU alumni is about 88,800, which produces the sense of a close-knit community, making TCU fans support genuine. Horned Frog also fans rank 15th among Division I baseball programs in terms of attendance, with an average of 4,287 last season. When visiting Lupton Stadium you will see plenty of purple and white Horned Frogs apparel, from the youngest child to the most senior adult. Most fans are polite, friendly, and just love their Horned Frogs despite the result on the field.   Access   3 Lupton Stadium is located off West Berry Street on the southwest corner of TCU’s campus, near Bayard H. Friedman Tennis Center and Lowdon Track & Field Complex, both of which are about a mile from the center of campus. The main parking lot for baseball games is Lot 13 on Bellaire Drive N, between the soccer and baseball fields. However, on the other side of Bellaire Drive N you may park for free along the streets in the neighborhood – just follow the other cars that will be parked, and be observant of street signs, fire hydrants, and driveways when parking your vehicle. Lupton Stadium has four entrances, with the first two behind home plate – a lower entrance and an upper entrance, both of which are near the ticket booth. Either way there will be stairs, since there is only one concourse, but there is a ramp for people requiring handicap access. In addition to the two entrances behind home plate there is a third entrance behind right field off W. Berry Street, as well as a fourth entrance along the third baseline, which is mostly for students. Once inside Lupton Stadium the walkway concourse is narrow, but perfectly adequate for the crowd size. The signage here provides easy navigation for everything from restrooms and concessions to the seating sections. The bathrooms are okay for small crowds, but with larger crowds there is some backup into the small concourse, as well as lines at the concessions. There are plans for future renovations to widen the concourses, however, which will include new restrooms and renovating the main entrance. The lower level at Lupton Stadium has individual seats, while the upper level consists of metal benches built above the dugouts. The stadium also has suites located between the seating levels that connect to the concourse. Along the right field line near the visitor’s bullpen there is also a large, tiered grass berm that extends around the right field foul pole almost to center field – while this large berm provides an area for kids to play, it also serves as the general admission seating area when the reserved seating is sold out. However, all the reserved seating except for the patio area is protected by netting, so the large berm area is an excellent place to stand for a clearer view of the game. Note that all TCU sporting venues use the clear bag policy, which states that only clear plastic bags will be allowed into the venue.   Return on Investment   4 Single game tickets at Lupton Stadium are $18 (adult) or $12 (youth), with general admission in the grass berm and behind the right field fence. Unfortunately the general admission ticket price is the same as the price for reserved seating, which lowers the return on investment – general admission tickets are only offered once the reserved seating is sold out. A trip to Lupton Stadium provides a great fun-filled day which includes free parking, low-cost concessions, and a baseball program which has frequent appearances in the post season, with 6 trips to Omaha and the College World Series in the past 15 years.   Extras   4 Historical information at Lupton Stadium includes signs showing players who have gone on to the professional baseball ranks, the stadium’s façade showing past team accomplishments, and the foul and flag poles having been brought over from the program’s former home TCU Diamond. The Texas Christian University mascot is also one of the best mascots in college sports. The various promotions throughout the year that the TCU staff incorporates into the home schedule are also a plus, such as the St Paddy’s Day cap, All-Star sleepover, Kids Days, and the concessions specials.

Photos by Stefano Romagnoli, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 Autodromo del Mugello Via Senni, 15 Scarperia, Tuscany 50038 Italy Italian Motorcycle Grand Prix website Autodromo del Mugello website Year Opened: 1974 Capacity: 45,000 Italy’s Most Famous Non-F1 Race Track The Mugello International Circuit is located in the town of Scarperia. It owes its name, “Mugello,” to the geographical area where it is located, which is a green valley in the northeast of Florence near the Apennines, the mountain range that separates Tuscany from Emilia Romagna. While road racing had been around the public streets of Mugello for over 60 years, the construction of the racing-specific track began in 1972. Two years later, on June 23, 1974, it was inaugurated with a Formula 5000 race. First managed by Automobilclub of Florence, the Mugello International Circuit has been owned by Ferrari since 1988. In May 2012, the facility has hosted the group test in Formula 1 — the teams that took to the track were Ferrari, Lotus, McLaren, Williams, Mercedes, Red Bull, Toro Rosso, Force India, Sauber, Caterham and Marussia — and it is home every year between June and July, to the Italian Grand Prix for the Moto World Championship. It was also twice the finishing stage of the Giro d’Italia cycling race. Outside of racing, over the years, its buildings have hosted conferences, university lectures, and other events. The Mugello International Circuit has received the “Best Prix” Award as the best circuit in the Moto World Championship five times. (All price equivalents are in U.S. dollars and accurate as of the time of this posting, July 2013.) Food & Beverage 3 We visited the Mugello International Circuit at the ACI/CSAI racing weekend on 6 and 7 July 2013. Before arriving at the circuit, we stopped in the center of Scarperia for breakfast: frothy cappuccino and croissant with cream for a total cost of €2 ($2.60). Once we arrived at the circuit, we had a cup of coffee at the restaurant located at the paddock’s entrance (€0.80, $1). We decided to return to the same refreshment point for lunch. We ate a small pizza and a bottle of water (0.5 liters) for a total cost of €5 ($6.60). The menu also offers sweet and salted snacks, various types of sandwiches, and ice cream. Also, if your tastes require it, there are some well-marked areas for barbecue. Atmosphere 5 The track of Mugello International Circuit extends for 5.245 meters and is situated 292 meters above sea level. The circuit features 15 curves, with 9 to the right (their names, in order: San Donato, Poggio Secco, Borgo San Lorenzo Casanova, Arrabbiata 1 and Arrabbiata 2, Scarperia, Correntaio, Biondetti 2), and 6 to the left (Luco, Materassi, Savelli Palagio, Biondetti 1, Bucine). Cars and motorcycles reach a top speed in the final stretch of the main straight before taking the San Donato curve. The roar of the cars that echo in the hills around the plant is an indescribable feeling and really exciting. Neighbourhood 4 The town of Scarperia dates from the 14th century. In the city, you can visit the Palazzo dei Vicari, a building similar in appearance to the Palazzo Vecchio in Florence, inside of which is the Museum of Cutting Tools. Other buildings in the old town of Scarperia are the Church of Santi Jacopo and Filippo and the Oratorio della Madonna di Piazza. These two buildings date back to the first decades of the 14th century. In addition, during the year, Scarperia is home to some culinary festivals which are worth attending. For example, there is Sagra del Cinghiale (cinghiale is a wild boar), Sagra del Tortello (tortello is a large ravioli), and Sagra del Fungo Porcino (porcino is a mushroom). About 10 km from Scarperia is Lago di Bilancino. It is an artificial basin of about 5,000 square meters that includes various activities, from fishing to windsurfing. Fans 4 When we visited the circuit, there wasn’t the audience that crowded the facility during the Italian Grand Prix (record about 150,000 viewers), but the spectators present were competent and passionate. We spoke to some of them who told us the history of the facility and some curious aspects relating to races of the past. Access 4 Reaching the Mugello International Circuit is really easy. By car, use the A1 motorway and exit at Barberino di Mugello, then just follow the road signs. From the motorway exit, you have to drive about 15 km to the facility. By train, it can be accessed by either the Borgo San Lorenzo (about 5 km away from the track) or San Piero a Sieve (around 7 km away) stations. During the Italian Motorcycle Grand Prix, a free shuttle bus service will take you from either station, while during the rest of the year, you can still get to the circuit from Borgo San Lorenzo and San Piero a Sieve with regularly-scheduled public buses. Return on Investment 5 Ticket prices at the ACI/CSAI racing weekend ranged from €5 to €15 ($6.60 to $19.80) and gave the opportunity to attend the “Prato,” “Tribuna Centrale” (the Main Grandstand), and “Terrazza Box” areas of the track. Also, for those under 18, women, and residents of the town of Scarperia, access was free. Please note that the entrance fee includes allowing you to park your cars and motorcycles inside the track, just behind the paddock. Extras 4 The Mugello International Circuit is open for 270 days a year (2013 calendar runs from March to November) and offers the ability to run on the track with private cars and motorcycles. On the circuit’s website, in the Events section, there is all the information you need to feel the emotion of being race car drivers for a day. Racing training is available for both cars and motorcycles, with the track offering to time your lap for you. Within the facility, there is also a kart and minibike circuit. As we can read on the website of the circuit, in the News section, Formula 1 driver Fernando Alonso once said on Twitter, “I would love to race at Mugello. I know the track well, and it has everything you need, in every respect, to be part of the calendar.”

Baseball Heritage Museum and League Park Entrance in 2025. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey. Major League Baseball teams in Cleveland have had many names over the years (Lakeshores, Bluebirds, Broncos, Naps, Indians and now, Guardians), but they have had only three home fields. The team has played at Jacobs/Progressive Field downtown since 1994. From 1932 – 1994 the team played on the shores of Lake Erie at Cleveland Stadium, also known as Municipal Stadium, Lakefront Stadium or Cleveland Municipal Stadium over the years. Cleveland Stadium was torn down to build Huntington Bank Stadium on the same site. But for many years before that, professional baseball in the city was played in the residential Hough neighborhood, roughly three miles west of where Progressive Field now stands. League Park was built in 1891 as a wood structure and rebuilt in 1910 using concrete and steel. In addition to serving as home to the Indians, League Park was home to the Spiders of the National League and American Association, the Lakeshores of the Western League and the Buckeyes of the Negro American League. It was also home to several football teams, including the Cleveland Rams of the National Football League. The Cleveland Browns used the field as their practice facility. The location of League Park, at the corner of Lexington Avenue and Dunham Street (later renamed East 66 th  Street) was chosen because team owner Frank Robison owned the streetcar line that ran along the road. Fitting the ballpark into the city block required irregular field dimensions typical of ballparks of the day. Left field was 385 feet away, center field 460 feet, with right field just 290 feet away. To make up for the short porch in right field, there was a 40-foot tall fence there. League Park Aerial View. Photo courtesy of Wikipedia. The ballpark opened on May 1, 1891 with 9,000 wooden seats as the Spiders hosted the Cincinnati Reds. Cy Young threw the first pitch. When the ballpark was rebuilt in 1910, capacity was increased to 21,414. The left field fence was moved in 10 feet and the center field fence 40 feet. Some of League Park’s highlights: ·         Addie Joss threw a perfect game against the Chicago White Sox on October 2, 1908. ·         In the first inning of Game 5 of the World Series on October 10, 1920, Elmer Smith of the Indians hit the first World Series grand slam. ·         Jim Bagby of the Indians hit the first home run by a pitcher in World Series history in the fourth inning of the same game. ·         In the fifth inning of that same Game 5, Bill Wambsganss executed the only unassisted triple play in World Series history. ·         On October 12, 1920, the Cleveland Indians won their first World Series. ·         On August 11, 1929, Babe Ruth became the first player to hit 500 home runs. ·         July 16, 1941 saw the final game of Joe DiMaggio’s 56-game hitting streak. The streak was broken the following night at Cleveland Stadium. ·         In 1945 the Cleveland Buckeyes won the Negro League World Series. In 2011 the Cleveland City Council approved a plan to complete renovations to the facility. Preserved and restored were a piece of the ballpark façade along the first base side of the stadium, as well as the ticket office building. A new ball field was to be built at the site of the old one. Renovations were completed on August 23, 2014 and the field was dedicated as Fannie Lewis Community Park at League Park. Fannie Lewis was a City Councilwoman who was instrumental in encouraging the renovations to the ballpark. League Park in 1905, 1910 and 2021. Photos courtesy of Wikipedia. When League Park was renovated in 2014, the Baseball Heritage Museum was moved to the park's ticket office building. Founded in 1997 by Robert Zimmer to coincide with the Major League Baseball All-Star game being held at Jacobs Field, the museum first consisted of the Zimmer family’s collection of baseball artifacts, which were displayed at their jewelry store. The museum grew to include artifacts from not only the Major Leagues, but the Negro Leagues, Caribbean Leagues, women’s baseball leagues, local industrial and barnstorming leagues, all with Cleveland ties. The museum moved to the Euclid Arcade in 2006 before arriving at League Park. 2,000 patrons were in attendance for the grand opening. Today the museum sponsors the Baseball Heritage Museum Buckeyes Travel Baseball Team Program as well as youth clinics and events at League Park. Baseball Heritage Museum Artifacts and Exhibits. Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey. While you’re unlikely to encounter a crowd of that size during your visit to the Hough neighborhood in Cleveland, that’s probably for the best, as it will give you more time to peruse the unique exhibits, artifacts and grounds of League Park and the Baseball Heritage Museum in Cleveland, an excellent side quest to your next Stadium Journey through Ohio. Visit the Baseball Heritage Museum website here. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter  and Instagram  @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Greg Venuto, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Ingalls Rink 73 Sachem St New Haven, CT 06511 Yale Bulldogs men's hockey website Ingalls Rink website Year Opened: 1958 Capacity: 3,500 Same As It Ever Was At The Yale Whale The more things change, the more they remain the same. And maybe that’s a good thing, especially if you are a fan of old-time hockey barns. Ingalls Rink, affectionately known as the Yale Whale, has changed little since our last visit to New Haven. The building was designed by famous Finnish-American architect Euro Saarinen, who created the Gateway Arch in St. Louis. Ingalls Rink, named after David S. Ingalls (‘20) and David S. Ingalls Jr. (‘56), was completed in 1958 and renovated in 2009. It fits all the cliches: old school, old-time hockey, and turning back the clock. This hockey rink is all about one thing—hockey. There are no LED ribbon boards, digital signage, fancy scoreboards with video replays, fog horns, or air raid sirens. But the building has charm, sort of like the Old Boston Garden did. The seats are close to the action, and the glass sounds like it’s going to crack when hit by a shot or run into by the players. Other distinctive features are the cold interior, although not as bad in November, the occasional smell of locker room aroma, and a public address system that is, at best, difficult to decipher when seated behind the goals. There are no luxury boxes or high-end food choices. Yale University boasts the oldest collegiate hockey program in the United States. Yale played its first game in 1896, a 2-2 tie versus Johns Hopkins. The Bulldogs are members of the 12-team ECAC (Eastern Collegiate Hockey Conference) and have qualified for eight NCAA Tournaments, a pair of Frozen Fours, and the national championship in 2013. Food & Beverage 2 Viewing a game at Ingalls is a great experience, eating there is not so much. There is one concession stand at the back of the arena, and there is one underneath the main entrance, which offers identical fare. To access the lower concession stand, team store, and additional bathrooms, fans need to hit the stairs. The other concession stand has bathrooms on the main level. The limited menu includes hot dogs ($4.50), nachos and popcorn for $4, peanuts, and cotton candy and chips. The drinks include Coca-Cola products, water, hot chocolate, and coffee. On the plus side, one change is a bar at the back side of the arena next to the concession stand. Atmosphere 3 The atmosphere can be electric, but on this visit, the arena was only one-third of capacity, and the mascot was not in attendance. The ceiling, which looks like the bottom of an old ship, is quite captivating. Fans are often looking up to check out the surroundings. The scoreboard is old school and displays - the score. The arena has several display cases to showcase great moments in Yale men’s and women’s hockey. Banners hang from the rafters to commemorate conference champions, NCAA tournament appearances, and its 2013 National Championship. There are also 12 large flags, six each on each side, containing the logos of all 12 ECAC member schools. On the lower level, there is a timeline of Yale hockey containing pictures and memorabilia that was erected following a renovation of the building. Neighborhood 4 Ingalls Rink is situated on the northern edge of a charming campus with beautiful architecture. It is an open campus and easily walkable. Less than a mile away are a host of restaurants, including Bar for classic pizza (not coal or wood-fired), Louis Lunch (opened 1895), which claims it invented the hamburger sandwich, and Rubamba, a small, unassuming restaurant on 25 High Street. New Haven, referred to as the pizza capital of the United States by Barstool Sports, boasts a small but hearty Italian section that includes legendary pizza places Frank Pepe’s and Sally’s Apizza (both coal-fired) on Wooster Street. There is also Modern Apizza (brick oven) and Next Door less than 1 mile from Yale. Fans can’t go wrong with a pie from any of these four establishments, but be prepared to wait for a table at Pepe’s and Sally’s, especially on weekends. New Haven also offers an array of entertainment. The Schubert Theater (247 College Street) and the College Street Music Hall offer plays, shows, concerts, and comedy acts. The only concern for fans is not to wander too far off campus, as New Haven has some less desirable areas that are not as safe, especially at night. The bars on Temple and Crown Streets are hopping on weekend nights and are a great place for post-gaming. Fans 3 Fan support had been staunch at Ingalls, but losing seasons have taken a bit of starch out of the fan base. Tickets were readily available last season (2023-24). Yale has not posted a winning season since 2018-19. The Bulldogs averaged 1683 per contest in 2023-24 (48% of capacity) but averaged over 3000 per game from 2009-10 to 2018-19. Several locals attend games, and many enjoy standing and watching from above, which might be the best view at Ingalls. The bowl has an interesting configuration with walkways on each side of the ice that go up and then back down and afford great views of the ice. Access 4 There is adequate access to the campus coming from I-91 or I-95 into downtown New Haven. The campus is about 90 minutes from New York City and 45 minutes from Hartford to the North and Stamford to the South. There is the four-level Prospect-Sachem parking garage next to the rink, and there is another garage on 55 Lock Street There is also street parking, and meters are in effect until 9 pm. New Haven is the last stop on the Metro-North Railroad, and the station on State Street is situated just over one mile from Ingalls. Getting into the arena can take a bit of time as there is no lobby. Crowds sometimes back up outside on a cold night, waiting to get through security. The seating area consists of wooden benches with backs, and the sightlines vary based on the irregular configuration of the seating area. Most of the views are great. There are no chairbacks in the facility. Return on Investment 5 A center ice seat runs $25 and $35 for premium games versus Harvard and Quinnipiac. Seating behind the net is $20 for non-premium games, and standing room is only $10 ($15 for premium). Seniors (62 and up) can get seats for $25 on the sides and $15 behind the goals for all non-premium games, with an additional $5 for premium. Extras 3 The display and trophy cases in the lobby and downstairs are a nice touch and include the 2013 NCAA trophy. Downstairs, there are tributes to past Yale teams and the history and construction of Ingalls Rink. Ingalls Rink is about as extra as a rink can get. The great design and the classic feel make one reminiscent of the old Boston Garden on a much smaller scale. The building was included on America’s Favorite Architecture list of 2007 by the American Institute of Architects. There is no organ, but the crowd and the Yale band generate excitement. The PA system plays many arena classics. Final Thoughts The Yale Whale is a bucket list destination and worthy of inclusion with other classic hockey arenas like Matthews Arena in Boston, home of Northeastern, and Hobey Baker Rink in Princeton, New Jersey, home of the Princeton Tigers. Once a ticket is purchased, a treat is in store for all sports fans; just bring some warm clothing if attending on a cold winter’s night. Hopefully, it stays the same for years to come. ----- Follow Greg Venuto’s stadium journeys on Twitter  and   Facebook .

Photo courtesy of Weber State University Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Dee Events Center 2701 University Circle Ogden, UT 84408 Weber State Wildcats website Dee Events Center website Year Opened: 1977 Capacity: 12,000 Dee-Lightful Affectionately known as the "Purple Palace," the Dee Events Center in Ogden, Utah has been home to the Weber State Wildcats since 1977. As the largest arena in Utah north of Salt Lake City, and a capacity of 12,000, the DEC has hosted nine Big Sky Conference men's basketball tournaments, games in four NCAA Tournaments and countless Utah high school basketball tournaments. Food & Beverage 4 Weber State knows its family-friendly fan base well, and prices their concessions accordingly. The offerings are quite affordable for a family of any size. Let's start with the usual fare. Main food items include cheeseburger ($5), pulled pork ($5), chili ($5), pizza slice ($3), hot dog ($2), or Polish dog ($4). Smaller items include popcorn, fries, nachos, and chips ($2-$3 each). If you want something sweet you have plenty of options available to you. These include cotton candy, kettle corn, funnel cakes, boxes of candy, or Rice Krispie treats. "Purple-Pak" ice cream is also available in two sizes. A smattering of kiosks offer these specialty products, including an alarming number of seeds/nuts. Beverages are your standard Coke products. A bottle of water or soda is $3, or you can get a large cup for $4. There's not much in the way of chain infiltration, though I always love a good Chick-fil-A ($5-$8 combos with regular and spicy sandwiches or nuggets). The other chain is a Utah original: Teriyaki Stix. Touting themselves as a "Japanese grill," they offer a bowl of rice topped with either veggies ($6) or teriyaki chicken ($7). Financial troubles have closed a lot of Teriyaki Stix locations and its sandwich cohort, Hogi Yogi, so these bowls are rarer than ever. Atmosphere 4 The family-friendly feeling you get from the concessions is consistent when you make your way to your seat. A very tight circular seating pattern (all chairs, no bleachers) offers closeness to the court while still being a classy facility. In other words, you feel an upgrade from the "high school gym" atmosphere many expect from a low-to-mid-major conference setting. You'll find a large sense of community throughout the night, particularly in activities and promotions during timeouts and halftime. Lots of local businesses get involved by sponsoring these activities, and Weber State goes out of their way to honor outstanding community members, as well. Throw in a massive amount of cheerleaders and the always-on-the-move Waldo the Wildcat (whose pre-game ritual includes a stroll across press row) make for an ideal small-school college basketball experience. Neighborhood 4 The DEC is largely surrounded by residential areas and other Weber State facilities, so the nearby main drag of Harrison Blvd. is your closest food source. All of your typical college-town, fast-food fare is available, plus a couple of unique, award-winning food options. If you're in the mood for Mexican, try Javier's, a northern Utah mini-chain. The Javier's closest to the DEC is at 4874 Harrison Blvd, about a half-mile from the arena. All your Mexican favorites are there, including fajitas. There are lots of plates and combinations to choose from, ranging from $6-$12. If you're in the mood for dessert, don't miss the Nachos Dulces ($5.99): A deep-fried flour tortilla slathered in honey butter and cinnamon topped with ice cream. For pizza lovers, The Pie Pizzeria (1225 Country Hills Dr; 0.3 miles away from DEC) has a devoted following, and for good reason. The Pie's creativity, whether put in its own hands or those of the customers, is its defining characteristic. Not only can you create your own pie, you can make your own slice depending on the time of day. Besides, pizzas, they have plenty of salads, subs and zappis (calzones). Specialty pizzas range from $9.49 for a medium "Italian Special" to $41.99 for a giant 23" "Pie's Combo." If you want to try something new on a pizza, The Pie would like to interest you in either "The Greek" (white cucumber yogurt sauce, gyro meat, mozzarella and feta cheese, topped with tomatoes, red onions and a squeeze of lemon) or the "Thai Pie" (spicy Thai peanut sauce, chicken breast, carrots, red onions, fresh basil and chopped cilantro topped with mozzarella and toasted sesame seeds). Fans 4 I was a bit wary about what kind of crowd I would see when, at tip-off, there were more cheerleaders on the court than students in the student section. Those students in attendance (including the guy in the Whoopie Cushion costume) still made their voices heard early with their signature chant: "Turn-over! Turn-over! Turn-over! YOU SUCK!" Not the best day or place for Montana to have 17 turnovers. Each successive turnover meant a louder chant as more students filled the space throughout the first half, but there just weren't enough there to justify a full five points. The rest of the 5,579 fans in attendance were loud enough to make it seem as if more were there, especially when the officials were due for a ribbing. All in all, not bad for a Thursday night crowd. One quirk to be ready for: Fans stand and rhythmically clap to begin each half until Weber State scores its first points. Access 5 There are plenty of parking spaces surrounding the DEC, and they are all free. Season ticket holders have a section roped off for them, but all other spaces are fair game. I was able to park about 50 feet from an entrance with no hassle. There are lots of ways in and out of the DEC parking lot, and each exit is monitored by local police post-game, so traffic runs incredibly smoothly. It took me less than three minutes to get out of the lot. The restrooms are impeccable, and each one has both walls (not just one) lined with urinals, so you always have somewhere to 'ahem' go. The tight circular interior architecture assures you won't need to walk too far to find a restroom. Return on Investment 4 I was pleasantly surprised by my DEC experience. I had been there before for a handful of high school tournament games, but never to see the Wildcats. The intimate setting of the arena coupled with the ease of access to everything made for a nice night. As I wrote earlier, more students getting to the game (on time, if possible) would only enhance the experience. Extras 3 One point for the Whoopie Cushion guy in the student section. Whether you chalk it up to determination or a sheer disregard for embarrassment, he showed a strong commitment to a quirky costume. One point for the army of staffers available to help things go smoothly. No matter the size of the crowd, you are never too far away from someone who can help resolve any issue. It just helps add to the family-friendly atmosphere of Weber State basketball. One point for pulling off the all-purple look. Purple is not one of the most-used colors on the sports landscape. Nevertheless, nobody is as committed to displaying purple pride as Weber State. The result is a visually pleasing rotunda of purple seats, something you'd be hard-pressed to find anyplace else. Final Thoughts If my family lived closer to Ogden, I know we would make more frequent trips to the DEC. If you are a fan of small-town college basketball anywhere in the country, a trip to Weber State will thoroughly satisfy.

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Melching Field at Conrad Park 555 South Woodland Blvd DeLand, FL 32724 Stetson Hatters website Melching Field at Conrad Park website Year Opened: 1999 Capacity: 2,500 Stetson Baseball Comfort Taking in a baseball game at Stetson’s Conrad Park at Melching Field is both comfortable and enjoyable, mixing the conveniences of a college baseball field with the feeling of a minor-league field.The stadium is nestled in a small-town Florida feeling that everyone should experience at some point.Conrad Park at Melching Field truly offers the best of central Florida around the stadium, and offers some great family fun at the ballpark. Food & Beverage 3 The stadium offers two concessions stands, but both can handle the crowd of even a sellout game pretty well. The offerings are pretty standard for baseball fare, ranging from hot dogs ($3) and Cracker Jack ($2) to burgers ($4/$5) and peanuts ($3). Prices don’t rise higher than $5 for anything, with drinks ranging from $2 to $4 for small to large. Perhaps the neatest thing on the menu is a Key Lime Pie on a stick for $4, something you don’t get at stadiums elsewhere. Atmosphere 4 The feeling at Conrad Park at Melching Field is unique, as the facility is not in the middle of campus, yet still holds on to the college atmosphere one expects to feel in NCAA baseball stadiums. While the stadium may not look like the ultra-modern shining temples of newer stadiums, it nonetheless holds up for having opened in 1999.The outside is well-manicured, with large trees along the street and near the parking lot.The inside features comfortable individual seats behind home plate, while the remaining seats are bleachers with backs to them.The stadium is also decked out from top to bottom in Stetson colors, logos, and memorabilia. Neighborhood 5 Conrad Park at Melching Field is located just blocks from the heart of downtown DeLand, Florida. DeLand is known for being one of the quintessential small towns in Central Florida, featuring the quietness one would expect from such an atmosphere. In addition, the town is just a short drive up I-4 from Daytona Beach, only an hour from Orlando, and is surrounded by several state parks and great nature areas. For those wanting to travel and see the sights, Blue Springs State Park is home to manatees upon manatees in the winter months. In addition, the NASCAR Racing Experience is not far away, located just north on I-4 in Daytona Beach. For hotels, Comfort Inn DeLand and Hampton Inn & Suites DeLand are the closest spots. For food, Shokudo 413 is a popular sushi stop just blocks away from Conrad Park at Melching Field. Doug & Lil’s Potato Patch is also a popular breakfast and brunch place near the stadium. Fans 3 Fans flock to Conrad Park at Melching Field, but the crowds aren’t exactly rowdy. That said, they do know their Hatters players, and are usually fans of the team alongside family members who went to the university. While sellouts aren’t frequent, the facility is small, meaning crowds tend to fill in the seating pretty well. However, there isn’t the massive eruption of noise with home runs that you get at bigger D1 programs. Nonetheless, the fans remain family-friendly and enjoyable overall. Access 3 Getting to Conrad Park at Melching Field involves driving on some small-town roads.Either exit 116 or 118 on I-4 will take you to DeLand. Once there, the stadium is off of US-17 and Euclid Ave. Parking is plentiful on site and across the street, making finding a spot easy. Getting around the stadium is also easy, thanks to plenty of signage around to help you figure out where your seats are. Return on Investment 4 Tickets to Stetson baseball games at Conrad Park at Melching Field are pretty affordable, meaning taking the family to watch some baseball is a lot more affordable than driving to see a professional MLB stadium in Tampa or Miami . With the addition of low concessions prices, you can take the family and friends to baseball without depleting your entire banking account. . Extras 3 The downstairs area inside Conrad Park at Melching Field features two large trophy cases that showcase photos and trophies from Stetson’s baseball championships and tournament appearances. The team also celebrates their MLB stars who graduated, including 2-time Cy Young winner Corey Kluber. The staff also has a giveaways table set up at games, with t-shirts and posters usually the most popular items being given away to fans in attendance. Final Thoughts Conrad Park at Melching Field is located in a beautiful corner of Florida, meaning you can visit and enjoy the area around the stadium while taking in the game. The stadium’s central location in Florida means you’re also not far from most major cities in the state. Low prices will greet fans, making the game one you can go to without losing your life savings. The family-friendly atmosphere also means you get to enjoy the game in peace and comfort.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Jack Manley Wellness and Athletic Center 800 S. Rolling Road Baltimore, MD 21228 CCBC Catonsville Cardinals website Jack Manley Wellness and Athletics Center website Year Opened: 1972 Capacity: 1,000 Cardinals In A Dome One of the largest colleges in Maryland is largely unknown outside of the area. The Community College of Baltimore County (CCBC) has an annual enrollment of greater than 72,000 students. Created in the 1990s by a merger of Essex Community College, Dundalk Community College, and Catonsville Community, the new college kept each of those three main campuses, along with a bevy of extension campuses around the suburban Baltimore County area. The three colleges shared a common board of trustees for years but previously operated independently. Essex, Dundalk, and Catonsville have each kept their own distinct athletic identity. CCBC Catonsville began in 1957, operating out of nearby Catonsville High School. The college is located on the site of the historic Knapp Estate. There is still the manor house of the estate, as well as ruins of various historic buildings scattered around the hilltop campus. The school mascot is the Cardinals and they play ten sports. They are a member of Region XX of the National Junior College Athletic Association and the Maryland Junior College Athletic Conference. The basketball program runs out of the Jack Manley Wellness and Athletics Center which also includes two additional basketball courts, five regulation volleyball courts, a four-lane 160-meter running track, and an eight-lane pool. Food & Beverage 1 There are no food options except for some snack machines. There is a closed concession stand behind the seats and along one of the walls but it appears unused most of the time, although it does have a concession price list posted. Atmosphere 2 There is a decent atmosphere under the Jack Manley Wellness and Athletic Center dome. The PA announcer does a good job, the fans are reasonably loud, and at the game we attended there was a cheerleader group offering some atmosphere. The basketball court is a rubberized surface and not the preferred hardwood court. The court sits at the center of the arena, with even the small grandstand floating out inside the venue’s running court. There is a very large amount of extra space around the basketball floor. There is only a single set of stands opposite the benches and scoring table. Neighborhood 3 CCBC Catonsville is a suburban community college with its main neighbor being the high school and nearby University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC). You will have to venture a bit far from campus for any food or drinks. Downtown Baltimore is roughly a 15 to 20-minute drive down I-95. Catonsville's main street, Frederick Road, is filled with many food and drink options. Nearby Arbutus will also be a good source of options. We like Sorrentos in the downtown section of Arbutus for a good sub or cheesesteak before the game. Fans 3 The attendees at most games are family members or other athletes. There may be a few residents who attend the games. Access 4 The CCBC Catonsville campus is easy to access, as it is located off Route 166 / Exit 47B of I-95. There is plenty of free parking on the campus. If classes are in session you may expect to park a bit further away from the dome. Return on Investment 5 The games are free to attend. That, along with the free parking, means that you can attend a good-level JUCO program at no cost. . Extras 2 Walk around campus and see the solar panels that have been added to many parking areas on campus. All of the CCBC campuses have added these and expect to get more than a quarter of their electricity from solar. This 5.1-megawatt project is expected to generate 6.5 million kilowatt-hours of electricity each year and joins the 16.1-megawatt array at Mount St. Mary’s University in an effort by local colleges to expand solar usage. There are many banners and plaques scattered around the Jack Manley Wellness and Athletic Center displaying the various personal and team accomplishments of Cardinals athletes. Final Thoughts The Jack Manley Wellness and Athletic Center serves as a decent venue for sports and classes, but currently, it is an outdated venue for any level of intercollegiate sports. Even so, the experience here is lively and fun.

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 Harold Alfond Diamond at Dr. John Winkin Sports Complex 1 College Cir Bangor, ME 04401 Bangor Babes website Harold Alfond Diamond at Dr. John Winkin Sports Complex website Year Opened: 2001 Capacity: 6,000 Bangor Time The Bangor Babes come to the Greater Northeast Collegiate Baseball League (GNCBL) and Bangor, Maine as a new stop in the league. Previously the GNCBL used a nomadic structure where teams would play at various fields around the state. However, following the sale of the league heading into the summer of 2024, each of the league’s five teams was assigned a designated home field. The Bangor Babes, as in lumberjack legend Paul Bunyan’s “Babe the Blue Ox”, who in one version of the story claims Bunyan is from Bangor. The city has even gone as far as to erect a 30-foot statue of the legendary woodsman. The Babes play at Harold Alfond Diamond on the campus of Husson University – the diamond is part of the multi-use Dr. John Winkin Sports Complex.   Food & Beverage   4 Food trucks rotate on a game-to-game basis, so food options here will differ with each visit. This typically would indicate a well-thought-out menu that serves handmade items to order. Regardless of which food truck might be at the stadium, however, expect there to be the ballpark classics of hot dogs, popcorn, chips, and soft drinks from the Pepsi family of beverages, along with the food truck-specific dishes. And who knows, you might even be lucky enough to catch a truck serving up the Maine red snapper hot dog.   Atmosphere   2 Winkin Sports Complex is a multi-use facility that not only serves as the home of Husson baseball but also hosts football and field hockey teams. The many uses of the facility give the seating area a bit of an awkward feel, as the bleachers along the third base line are much larger than those on the first base side, to accommodate football and field hockey spectators. Also, the seating bowl has two press boxes, one atop the bleachers behind home plate and another aligned with midfield of the football field layout. Despite them being out of season, the football markings are still visible during baseball games, giving the field a nostalgic feel reminiscent of the 1980s when many baseball stadiums shared their fields with NFL teams. The section behind the home plate is equipped with molded plastic seats that extend into adjacent sections, while the seating down each baseline consists of aluminum bleachers. With no shade over the seating area, both the plastic seats and aluminum bleachers can get extremely hot and uncomfortable. Efforts are made to create a typical collegiate baseball experience with player introductions and walk-up music, but the stadium’s sound system lacks sufficient volume to make these elements audible. Otherwise, there are no on-field games or mid-inning fan engagement activities, such as have become common at many levels of baseball. The Babes, along with the Old Orchard Beach Bugs, probably do the best job in the league of promoting and marketing themselves – Bangor frequently hosts groups throughout the year and runs promotions to try to draw out the community.   Neighborhood   3 Harold Alfond Diamond is part of Dr. John Winkin Baseball Complex, on the campus of Husson University in Bangor, Maine. Husson is roughly 2.5 miles from downtown Bangor with its high concentration of restaurants. Bangor might most notably be known as the hometown of famed horror writer Stephen King – while King spends much of his time in the western Maine mountains, his Bangor home is still a popular stop for many visitors. The Bangor waterfront and the aforementioned Paul Bunyan statue are also popular landmarks around town. For a local restaurant experience take a trip across Penobscot River into the neighboring town of Brewer, for Mason’s Brewing Company’s unbelievable riverside views.   Fans   2 With much of the Babes roster made up of players from central Maine, the team has a much higher local makeup than many others in the league. Bangor excels in engaging the community, and actively encouraging attendance at games – from offering free admission to Little League players wearing their jerseys and organizing appearances by Special Olympians and Unified teams during doubleheaders, the Babes have done a good job at laying the foundation in drawing interest throughout the community.   Access   2 Bangor benefits from its location just off I-95, which runs up to the Canadian border. However, it is still a two-hour drive from Portland, and the train service does not extend that far north or inland. Therefore, unless traveling from a nearby community, a roundtrip to Bangor will likely require a significant investment of time. Bangor does have bus service to Husson University, but the limited evening runs will impact those wanting to go to a weekday night game.   Return on Investment   5 Admission to a Bangor Babes game runs $5.57, a bit of a peculiar price, but the online charge is added to walkup ticket sales. Also, in a bit of an oddity, fans are charged for both games of a doubleheader – this does seem to be a moot point though, as the ticket table is packed away before the first game is completed.  While this is common practice for day-night doubleheaders, most levels would simply have a split doubleheader with one ticket for each game. Either way, under $6 does seem to make sense for this level of summer baseball.   Extras   1 The Bangor Babes do sell apparel at the stadium, being just one of two teams in the league to do so.   Final Thoughts The reorganization of the Greater Northeast Collegiate Baseball League seems to enhance its credibility and establish stronger ties with the towns hosting its teams; this could make it an attractive option for families in the community to consider during the summer months. The Bangor Babes have given themselves a strong foundation to build upon – this is possibly one of the top baseball experiences in the GNCBL when considering both the work the team has done to market the Babes and its comfortable baseball setting.

Photos by Ryan Napralla, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Fox Cities Stadium 2400 N Casaloma Dr Appleton, WI 54912 Wisconsin Timber Rattlers website Neuroscience Group Field at Fox Cities Stadium website Year Opened: 1995 Capacity: 5,900 Snakes in the Fox’s Den The community of Appleton, Wisconsin is the largest of the Fox Cities, a collection of towns that lie along the Fox River. Located just over 100 miles north of Milwaukee, and about 30 miles southwest of Green Bay, Appleton is also home to the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers of the Midwest League. The team continues a proud tradition of minor league baseball in the area, playing out of Neuroscience Group Field at Fox Cities Stadium, another of the venues that manage to acquire sponsorship money without giving up the original name of the stadium. The ballpark is actually located in Grand Chute but uses an Appleton mailing address. The Timber Rattlers began as the Appleton Foxes in 1962 and spent three seasons as the Fox Cities Foxes as well, before rebranding in 1995 in an effort to attract fans from across the Dairy State. It was during that season that they moved into Fox Cities Stadium, which is now in its 23rd year. So how does a trip to see the Snakes play in Fox’s den compare? Read on to find out. Food & Beverage 5 The food here is among the most varied I have seen at any minor league ballpark. There are several concession stands each with very detailed menus as you can see in the photo gallery. Each stand has a few unique items to do check them all out before deciding. It would be foolish to detail the choice here, as it would take up the entire review. My recommendation is the Authentic Wisconsin Grill, where a freshly made grilled cheese sandwich is just $5, though there are other heartier options such as a helmet mac ‘n’ cheese for $5 or a grilled Cajun chicken mac ‘n’ cheese sandwich for $10. Other stands have fried cheese curds for $5. As you are in the Dairy State, cheese is mandatory. Pepsi products are available with a 16-ounce soda going for $3.50, 21-ounces for $4.50, and a 32-ounce souvenir cup $6.75 (refills are $3.75), while bottled soda is $4.25. An excellent variety of craft beer is available at most stands, with Leinenkugel’s Snake Tail Ale the obvious choice for Rattlers rooters. $6.25 gets you 16 ounces, two bucks more gets you a large (24 ounces). Domestic beers (Miller/Coors obviously, but Budweiser is also available) are slightly cheaper. If that is not enough, there is an all-you-can-eat buffet ticket for $30 with seating along the first base line. As well, there are patio sections with wait staff along both sides of the stadium that are great for families that want to share several items. Box seat holders can also visit the Fox Club, which offers an extended menu. The free program contains a map of all concession stands and can be a good reference guide. In sum, come hungry to Fox Cities Stadium, it might have the best food choices of any stadium in the minors. Atmosphere 4 Entering by the main gate, you will immediately be greeted by a giant bobblehead of the mascot, Fang, whose wobbling head is a source of unlimited amusement to children. In the seating bowl, you will find ten rows of maroon seats to match the team color and ten rows of bleachers with backs. Berms can be found in both corners; behind the right field berm is a kids zone. Behind the right field, fence is the Home Run Porch, a picnic area for groups, while another picnic deck is along the third base concourse. The concourse is more than wide enough for the crowd, even with several portable concession stands along the walls. You can walk along a boardwalk behind right field to the bullpens in the outfield, from where you can see the entire stadium. However, you cannot complete the circuit and must return along the boardwalk. The Call-Up Worthy board lists previous T-Rats who have made the show. This is part of a larger sponsorship across the minors, but this is the first such display I have seen; most parks have a more detailed Road to the Show display. The scoreboard sits above the left-center field and includes a large video board above the line score. A new feature for the 2017 season is a party deck behind the outfield fence that includes 2 cabanas for shade during day games, all-you-can-eat-tacos, and a drinks rail. This is a clear attempt to reach newer fans who see sporting events as a social exercise rather than one of entertainment and it should appeal to the younger generation. Neighborhood 3 The stadium is located in the northwest area of town, surrounded by an industrial park, while I-41 passes by the outfield fence. There is nothing within walking distance in terms of bars or eateries as the area is not particularly pedestrian-friendly, but Osorio’s Latin Fusion is just south on Casa Loma Drive. Further south on the other side of Wisconsin Avenue is the Fox River Mall and all of its attendant chain restaurants such as Chili’s and Olive Garden. The Fox River Brewery and Restaurant is your stop for locally produced craft beer, while the Milwaukee Burger Company has 40 taps and build-your-own-burgers. Downtown Appleton is 5 miles away and includes a number of interesting bars such as Cleo’s Brown Beam Tavern, not to mention Vince Lombardi’s Steak House. Fans 5 It was very chilly on the night I attended, but that did not stop over 4,700 from joining me, more than double the season average for the Timber Rattlers. The crowd skewed towards families, drawn by the numerous amenities and fireworks that night. Wisconsin folk are hardy and not used to allow a bit of cold to stop them from attending a sporting event, and that was clearly in evidence on this day. Those in attendance were fun, friendly, and polite. Access 4 As mentioned, I-41 runs directly behind the stadium, with either the Northland or Wisconsin Avenue exits providing quick access to the stadium. There is a single road to the main parking lot, and this can cause some delays after the game. There are two lanes going in and out, so make sure you are in the correct lane after the game to turn right or left onto Olde Casaloma Drive. Inside the stadium, there is plenty of room, even with a near-capacity crowd. Concession lines move quickly and there is no issue with restrooms or anything else. Return on Investment 3 Parking is $5, a bit much for Class A ball, though there was an Uber drop-off point if you wanted to avoid that. There are three ticket options for the average fan: $14 for box seats, $11 for bleachers, and $8 for general admission, with all tickets a dollar cheaper if bought in advance. For a family of four arriving a game day, it would be $49 for bleacher seats before considering food. There are two special seating options. For small groups, the patio seats are sold in packs of 4 for $76 and include wait service as well as the buffet mentioned above. Extras 4 The displays in the Legends Lounge are very detailed for this level and deserve a few minutes of your time. There are a lot of baseball greats who have played here and each has a plaque; there are also old style jerseys on display. The Lounge is also heated and thus a good spot to warm up during inning breaks. There is a bullpen car that zooms around the warning track to drop off the relief pitcher warm-up jacket a rare sighting these days. It was Pirate Day and both staff and fans participated with vigor. The scoreboard dressed up the Timber Rattlers as buccaneers, which was good for a laugh. There was a car sale out front of the stadium that could be quite helpful to sports travelers in need of a new set of wheels. Final Thoughts Overall, Fox Cities Stadium is an excellent minor league destination that has aged well since its opening in 1995. I really enjoyed my time here, with the food and fans among the best that the minor leagues have to offer. Appleton is not on many tourist itineraries, but if you are a ballpark chaser, this is one that you should not miss.

Photos by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Allegiant Stadium 3333 Al Davis Way Paradise, NV 89118 UNLV Runnin’ Rebels website Allegiant Stadium website Year Opened: 2020 Capacity: 65,000 Rebels And Roulette Wheels The University of Nevada at Las Vegas (we will use UNLV for brevity) is a relatively young academic institution, as it was founded in 1957. It has an enrollment of 31,142 students with more than 200 undergraduate degree programs to choose from. The UNLV campus is located 2 miles east of the Las Vegas strip. If you have a chance to visit the campus while you are in town, it has a fascinating set of desert flora and fauna that is unlike any other campus you may have seen. The athletics programs at UNLV are much younger than the academic side of the school. UNLV has only fielded a football team since 1968 and joined the Division I level of the NCAA in 1978. The team plays in the Mountain West Conference. Until October 31, 2020, the Rebels played their home football games at the on-campus Sam Boyd Stadium. UNLV played its first game in the brand-new Allegiant Stadium on Halloween night of 2020, losing to their archrival, the University of Nevada, Reno. The attendance at this and all games during the 2020 season was restricted to just a fraction of the stadium’s capacity due to the pandemic. Allegiant Stadium has a capacity of 65,000 for football. It is outfitted with 127 suites for Vegas high rollers and 8,000 club seats. It also provides a cool place to watch a game as temperatures can exceed 100 degrees in Las Vegas well into the fall. Allegiant Stadium is covered with a transparent EFTE roof, which keeps the stadium at very comfortable temperatures. UNLV plays on a synthetic turf field, while the Las Vegas Raiders play on natural turf, as their late owner Al Davis was old school and believed football deserved grass stains and dirt (mixed in with a little blood in the Raiders mentality!) The natural turf is stored outside of the stadium where it can get sun and be watered and will only be brought inside on Raider game days. This is done on a retractable tray type of pulley system that can be rolled in and out of the building. UNLV sports teams are known as the Rebels. This name was chosen to represent Las Vegas. It is a town that is unconventional and celebrates its independence while playing by its own rules. In other words, it is a James Dean-type of a rebel than the Civil War version. (Nevada was only a territory when the Civil War occurred.) Food & Beverage 4 As one of the few colleges to share a home field with an NFL team, UNLV has an above average choice of concessions for their home games. For your typical stadium fare head to the Nation’s Tailgate Favorites locations. Allegiant Stadium also features food and beverage from Las Vegas’ top restaurants. Hot dog and burger lovers can choose from Neon Dogs and Holsteins Shakes and Buns or Fukuburgers. Pizza is available at Pizza Rock, Evel Pie and Pizza Squared. South of the border selections include Viva Las Noches, along with BBQ Mexicana and Mexican Specialties. Other stands include Rollin’ Smoke BBQ AND Graffico Bao Chinese. Adult beverages are available at the Modelo Cantina Club, Casamingos Tequila Lounge, Area 41 or the Blue Moon Brewing Company. It is one of the few NCAA football venues to allow alcohol sales at games since it is not located on campus. Atmosphere 4 This review took place during the first year fans were allowed to come to games with no attendance restrictions, so the crowds were big and boisterous. There were plenty of fans wearing the red and silver of the Rebels, but even more, sported the colors of the visiting team. UNLV only utilizes the lower bowl of the stadium for its games, resulting in a capacity of 30,000. We also noticed that much of the crowd at the game was there to check out Allegiant Stadium itself. The concourses stayed busy throughout the game, as people were checking out the various food vendors, studying the exhibit on the Raiders Hall of Fame or having their photo taken on the upper deck where the Al Davis Memorial Flame and window looking out over the strip are located. This made it difficult to determine whether the game or the new stadium was the main draw for people. We also attended a Raiders game and noted that the attention of the fans was much more directed to the action on the field, rather than the amenities the stadium offered. Either way, the venue is a spectacular building to experience. It offers fans so many new options in the way they enjoy a game. We found the same to be true when the Vegas Golden Knights had their debut in the NHL… the production values before the game, during the intermissions, and after the game was just as entertaining as the game itself. Neighborhood 5 The new home of the UNLV Rebels football team is located at the southern end of the Las Vegas strip, just across I-15 (Frank Sinatra Drive) from the Mandalay Bay Convention Center . It is within easy walking distance of all the casinos, hotels, attractions, and entertainment venues that Las Vegas is famous for. Worried about walking at night? The city and the crowds are heaviest and liveliest at night… this is the city that never sleeps! In general, you can count the entire Vegas Strip as the neighborhood for the Allegiant Stadium. The closest casinos to the stadium are the Luxor and Mandalay Bay, but the Las Vegas Monorail makes it very easy to reach a majority of the casinos located north of Allegiant Stadium as well. Fans 3 The UNLV fanbase is small but supportive. There are many reasons why this is the case. First of all, UNLV has a very large academic program training students for the hospitality industry. This means that current students (and graduates) are very likely at work when the games are going on Saturdays. Also, the sport’s history at UNLV has revolved primarily around the basketball program, hearkening back to the days when Jerry Tarkanian was the coach. Often times a visiting team will bring more fans with it to a game, as the draw of a weekend in Vegas can often cause fans from the Mountain West to travel when they typically do not go to away games. Access 5 Allegiant Stadium is just a couple of miles from the Rebel’s former home at Sam Boyd Stadium. It is easily accessible from virtually anywhere in Las Vegas, as it is just across I-15 from the world-famous Las Vegas strip with all its casinos and entertainment venues. It is also just 4 miles from the city’s McCarran International Airport. Fans driving to the games will also find the stadium to get to via I-15. Most visitors to Las Vegas find it is much cheaper to use a taxi or shared ride service to get around as parking rates at hotels in town are ridiculously high and you will only be traveling a short distance to get anywhere in town. Return on Investment 3 Individual game tickets come at several price points. The lowest tickets are available in the high-end zone seats at $33, low-end zone seats are priced at $38. The corner seats are priced at $49 and $60 respectively. Priority seats on the sides run between $82 and $137. There is really no reason to rent a car and have to pay for parking at Allegiant Stadium, as shuttle busses will run up and down the strip on game days to deliver you to the stadium. The concession prices, like everything else in Vegas, tend to run on the high side. If you are coming specifically for the game, look for hotels located a few blocks off the strip. They do not charge the resort taxes and premium rates that are found in the hotels with large casinos and big-name entertainment. Extras 4 As you would expect in Las Vegas, Allegiant Stadium offers a top-of-the-line electronics package. This includes ribbon boards down the facing of the upper decks and a pair of videoboards at each end of the field that measures 11,000 square feet each. Some of the famous players in UNLV football history include QB Randall Cunningham, Running Back Ickey Woods, and Kenny Mayne… a UNLV QB and ESPN sports anchor. Allegiant Stadium also serves as the home of the Las Vegas Raiders, the Pac 12 Championship Game, and the Las Vegas Bowl. It will also serve as the home for concerts featuring Las Vegas’s top performers. Stadium officials plan to bid on major events, including the Super Bowl, the Final Four, and the World Cup. They also hope to land an MLS soccer franchise to the city. We have more extras we could tell you about, but as you know… what happens in Vegas…stays in Vegas! Final Thoughts Any trip to Las Vegas for a football game is going to be different from visiting a college campus. There is so much quality entertainment available at the various hotels/casinos that you really need to make a weekend of it. The new Allegiant Stadium is one of the premier college venues in the country and you can enjoy the game in air-conditioned comfort. You can expect many football kickoff weekends, bowl games, and even an NCAA Football Championship game in its future!

Photos by Andrei Ojeda, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Pauley Pavilion 650 Westwood Plaza Los Angeles, CA 90095 UCLA Bruins website Pauley Pavilion website Year Opened: 1965 Capacity: 12,829 The House The Wizard Built Originally opened in 1965, Pauley Pavilion was named for the primary donor, Regent Edwin W. Pauley. The original cost of the facility eclipsed the $5 million mark with contributions coming from the state, the student body, and the alumni. On December 20, 2003, former coach Wooden and his wife, Nell, were honored as the court was named "Nell & John Wooden Court."  Upon its opening, Pauley Pavilion was designed to accommodate various athletic events. Before the renovation, the baseline seats behind the 2nd half-visiting team's basket were a great distance from the floor. Legend has it that Coach Wooden, the gentleman he is, wanted it that way to prevent his teams from having an “unfair advantage.”  Though it has been 29 years since their last run to glory, the UCLA Bruins basketball are still college National Champions leaders with 11 banners hanging upon the rafters, 10 of which Coach John Wooden is responsible for.  They are members of the Pac-12 Conference. Food & Beverage 4 Along the south concourse, fans are permitted to an outdoor patio to soak in the Southern California weather.  Food trucks occupy the space and along the outdoor patio, providing additional concessions for fans. In addition, this area also provides an extended concourse for fans to roam as well as dining tables for those wanting to dine outside. This is a much-welcomed addition, providing fans more room to dine, stretch and roam while providing the opportunity to soak in the outdoor elements.  The area for food trucks can allow UCLA to rotate vendors and options do vary. Some of the food truck offerings include a wide variety of taco and burrito options from Malibu Cove Seafood, including the surf and turf with steak, grilled shrimp, rice, black beans and a citrus salsa, one of my favorites. Other food truck offerings include tasty taquitos from Roll ‘Em Up Taquitos, a fan favorite, kettle corn and real fruit ice cream New Zealand style from Creamy Boys Ice Cream.  The inner concourse offers your usual arena fare: Bruin Dogs, nachos, peanuts and Cracker Jack, an assortment of candies, and Coke products. Other dining options include California Pizza Kitchen and Jersey Mike’s, offering their share of specialty pizza and sandwiches. Beer and wine are also now available at men's and women's basketball games.  Atmosphere 5 The moment you approach Pauley Pavilion you feel a heavy sense of tradition. If it is your first time coming to a UCLA basketball game, you will want to enter through the north entrance. Outside the north entrance is a statue of the late great John Wooden, the man responsible for 10 of the 11 National Championship banners that hang in the rafters.  John Wooden Statue, Photo by Andrei Ojeda, Stadium Journey Like with any historic venue that undergoes a renovation, fans at first can be resistant to change, as many of the Bruin faithful were. But even the most storied venues get an occasional facelift, and Pauley is no different. When the facelift was complete, Bruin fans quickly warmed to her new look as the renovations not only provided wider concourses but countless displays throughout that pay homage not only to UCLA basketball’s storied history but its other athletic programs as well, over 100 plus total national championships. UCLA Honoring Past Glories, Photo by Andrei Ojeda, Stadium Journey Neighborhood 4 The popular area just outside of campus is known as Westwood Village and there are certainly options for everyone. During weeknight games, players from both teams are known to roam around The Village. Most will say hi and take pictures with you.   If you're in the mood for a drink, Barney's is the main watering hole for thirsty fans. Diddy Riese has been serving ice cream and cookies to Westwood since 1983. Lines can be pretty long for this popular vendor, serving up ice cream sandwiches for the student-friendly price of $1.75. Not your same old chocolate wafers with vanilla ice cream between them, you can choose from 12 flavors of ice cream as your filling and from 10 types of freshly baked cookies as your "bread."    Fat Sal's is also another local favorite that serves up huge sandwiches. The one I always get is the Fat Bruin, served on extra wide hero bread with cheeseburgers, chili, bacon, onion rings, fries, ketchup, and garlic aioli.  Fans 3 UCLA Game Time, Photo by Andrei Ojeda, Stadium Journey With a young and inexperienced team going through transition, fans haven’t filled Pauley much this 2023-24 season. However those who have shown up have been very supportive, if at times critical. UCLA hoops fans, like their crosstown football counterparts, are a demanding bunch.  With 11 National Championship banners hanging in the rafters, an annual trip to the post-season tournament is never enough to satisfy. To the majority of Bruins fans, a trip to March Madness should be a given, so yes, expectations are always high. Attendance during conference play generally tends to pick up, especially against rivals Arizona and USC. When things are going great for the Sons of Westwood, Pauley is rocking where even the Hollywood types can be seen. Access 3 The UCLA campus is located in Westwood, and as a result, fans are likely to face some frustrating traffic on the way to the game. To get to Pauley Pavilion, you'll likely take either the 10 Freeway or the 405 Freeway and take the Wilshire or Sunset Blvd exit. If it is a weekday game, traffic is inevitable, especially on Wilshire.  Once you approach the arena, take note of the many signs directing fans to the parking. Most spots go for approximately $11 and in a secure garage. If staying on LA's west side, several of   Santa Monica Big Blue Buses  operate inside the campus and will drop you off a short walk from the venue. Given Pauley Pavilion’s location, like with most any venue in LA, give yourself plenty of preparation time, and bring plenty of patience.  Return on Investment 4 For most games, advance ticket planning is not necessary. With most games not selling out, particularly early season games when the schedule may include some least attractive opponents, tickets can be found below face value as low as $5 on various third-party sites. Ticket prices can be somewhat pricey however, with the team struggling this season, tickets to even higher profile opponents such as University of Arizona have been available as low as $13 if waiting toward the day of game . Extras 5 Located right next to Pauley is the UCLA Athletics Hall of Fame. Open up until tip-off before most games, the HOF features many of the school’s many athletic accomplishments, including all the national title hardware accumulated over the years as well as the Victory Bell on years the football team has defeated their crosstown rivals. UCLA The Victory Bell, Photo by Andrei Ojeda, Stadium Journey Also on display at the HOF is a replica display of John Wooden’s den, displaying many memorabilia dedicated to The Wizard.  A popular meeting spot for fans is the John Wooden statue outside of the arena. This life-sized statue lists his years with the program and one of his more memorable quotes on a plaque below. The statue is located outside the north entrance of the arena. The statue of Mr. Wooden is not only a focal meeting point for fans, but it’s also one of the more popular photo-op spots among the faithful.  Inside the arena, fans may also note an empty seat behind the Bruins' bench. This seat was where Wooden would sit once his coaching days ended, so the school keeps it open as a tribute to him. Fans are allowed to take pictures of the seat after the game. Out of respect for The Wizard, most fans will not sit in his seat.  Also inside the arena, fans will spot many "Incredible Moments" signs on pillars throughout the concourse. Difficult to miss with their UCLA blue and gold color scheme, these signs honor many of the great achievements in Bruin sports history. No other NCAA men's program has as many NCAA Championship banners as the UCLA program has on display at Pauley. Eleven in total, the first of the championships came in 1964, and the most recent occurred in 1995. Each of the banners has a blue background with gold print showing the year and the phrase "National Champions."  While most programs will also acknowledge their conference titles and Final Four appearances, only National Champion banners are raised here. Before the renovation, the banners were located along the rim of the court. With the banners currently hanging above the court, the 11 banners give Pauley that special imposing presence.  Beginning in 1990, UCLA began retiring the jerseys of several of its notable players. The first two inductees to be named were Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (#33 who played as Lew Alcindor) and Bill Walton (#32). In 1996, four additional players retired: Walt Hazzard (#42), Sidney Wicks (#35), Marques Johnson (#54), and Ed O'Bannon (#31). In 2004, a seventh member was added as Gail Goodrich (#25) also had his number retired during the game that commemorated the 40th anniversary of UCLA's first championship.  Lastly, fans need to take a stroll down Wooden Way, where they will find one of the more interesting collections of college basketball memorabilia that they will ever encounter. There is John Wooden's Pyramid of Success, hardwood from previous UCLA home courts, a list of All-Americans, the wall of champions, signed basketballs, and much more.   Final Thoughts UCLA Royce Hall, Photo by Andrei Ojeda, Stadium Journey If you appreciate a deep history, give yourself plenty of time before or after the game, to check out the numerous displays throughout the concourse, particularly those along the east concourse, appropriately named Wooden Way. Even in a year of transition for the program, a visit to Pauley Pavilion should be on every hoop fans list.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 Fraser Field 365 Western Ave Lynn, MA 01604 North Shore Navigators website Fraser Field website Year Opened: 1940 Capacity: 3,804 Crumblin’ Down A product of the Works Progress Administration, Fraser Field opened its gates on June 18, 1940 with a game between the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Lynn All-Stars. With Fraser Field’s location just outside of Boston’s city limits, it became a popular spot for Major League teams to play exhibition games on their days off, which was a common practice at the time. Many notable players, including Ted Williams, Carlton Fisk, Satchel Paige, Bob Feller, Roy Campanella, Don Newcombe, Josh Gibson and Jimmie Foxx played on the Fraser Field diamond. Several professional teams have called Fraser Field home, starting with the affiliated Lynn Red Sox (1946-48), Lynn Tigers (1949), Lynn Sailors (1980-82) and Lynn Pirates (1983). In 1995 the Massachusetts Mad Dogs of the independent Northeast League set up shop for three seasons, followed by the North Shore Spirit of the Can-Am League from 2003-2007. In 2008 the North Shore Navigators of the New England Collegiate Baseball League took up residence in the vacant ballpark. The Navs won a championship in the NECBL in 2010. In 2012, the Navs moved to the Futures Collegiate Baseball League, a rival wood-bat league that set up shop in several former minor league ballparks across New England. Food & Beverage 3 Fraser Field has a decent assortment of concessions for a small ballpark. There is a building behind the main structure that houses the main concession stand. In addition, a pair of small stands sell food and beverages as well. The menu doesn’t stray far from basic ballpark fare, with hot dogs, pizza slices, burgers and sausage sandwiches making up the bulk of the menu. Hot dogs can be purchased at every game for only a dollar. Pepsi products are featured at Fraser Field. Fans looking for an adult beverage will find Budweiser, Bud Light, Michelob Ultra, Shock Top and Lime-A-Rita sold at a portable stand behind home plate. Another portable cart serves up Dippin’ Dots for Navigator fans. Atmosphere 3 In comparison to their neighbors in the Cape Cod League and the New England League, the Futures league features a game day experience more akin to minor league baseball. Promotions and between inning entertainment are the norm in this league, and a Navigators game is no different. 50/50 raffles, sponsored promotions and party decks make a night with the Navs an event rather than just a ballgame. Highlights include a chance for youngsters in attendance to take the field with the team during pregame ceremonies and to run across the outfield from the third base stands to the first base stands during the sixth inning. Chomps, the team’s alligator mascot, roams the ballpark taking pictures and taking part in promotions. There is a small playground located behind home plate that is a popular destination for younger fans needing to expend some energy during the game. Neighborhood 2 The city of Lynn is a working class city of 90,000 residents located about four miles northeast of Boston. Traditionally Lynn has been known as a city with a high crime rate and poor standard of living. However, the city is enjoying a resurgence, as young urban professionals are moving to the North Shore to avoid the high prices of neighboring Boston while still retaining the urban atmosphere. Lynn has some fine beaches, and the popular Lynn Woods Reservation is located within its city limits. The area around Fraser Field can hardly be considered a destination, particularly when you consider the proximity of the North End of Boston, the popular beaches of the North Shore, or the tourist destinations located throughout Greater Boston. The few blocks immediately surrounding Fraser Field are residential, and fans looking for more to do in Lynn will have to widen their search. Most fans visiting from out of town will head into Boston for their sightseeing and dining needs. For those fans looking to stay in the vicinity of Fraser Field, there are some small businesses and restaurants located a within a few blocks of the ballpark, along with a great many dining and shopping options a few miles away on Route One. Fans 4 The Navigators have consistently averaged around 1,200 fans per game during their time in the Futures League. With the game day entertainment geared towards groups, families and younger fans, it’s not a surprise to see many younger fans roaming the grounds at Fraser Field. There’s a real neighborhood feel at a Navs game, as it feels like everyone knows each other here. With the proximity of the teams in the Futures League, it’s not unusual to see fans of the visiting teams turn out in decent numbers. Access 2 Fraser Field is located in Lynn, Massachusetts, a city of over 90,000 residents located about four miles northeast of Boston. Despite its location close to Boston, Fraser Field can be a difficult place to get to for out-of-town visitors. The area is not served by any highways, with Route One the closest major route to the area. Visitors will have to navigate several miles of local roads to arrive at the ballpark. Traffic in this area is generally heavy, particularly on weeknights. An advantage to Lynn’s location so close to the city of Boston is that it is well served by public transportation. There is an MBTA commuter rail station just over a mile from Fraser Field, which can deposit travelers at Boston’s North Station in just over 20 minutes. In addition, the MBTA’s bus routes #435 and 436 have stops within walking distance of Fraser Field. Parking is available on-street around Fraser Field, or in two small lots adjacent to Manning Field, which is located just beyond the center field fence. There is no charge for parking at Navigators games. If parking near Manning Field, you will have to walk around the length of the outfield to the entrance in deep left field. The seating bowl at Fraser Field stretches roughly from first base around to third base. Seating consists of individual folding stadium seats close to the field with aluminum bleachers without backs towards the back of the seating bowl. There are party decks on both sides of the field which contain some bar-style seating and standing room. If entering from left field, you will need to climb stairs from ground level up to the top of the seating area to access the rest of the ballpark. Rest rooms are located in a separate building behind the first base side of the ballpark. Like many parts of Fraser Field, it is in need of some repair. The main reason for the sub-par score here is the condition of Fraser Field’s signature cantilevered roof. This roof, which at one point extended all the way to the edge of the seating bowl, was cut back in 2003 due to deterioration in the structure. For the 2019 season the team had to close off several sections underneath the roof due to crumbling cement. This has the effect of making a great many of the seats at Fraser Field unusable. In addition, if you take a walk around the facility you will notice deteriorating concrete throughout the structure. The city of Lynn is in the process of making repairs, which should be completed during the summer of 2019, but it appears that more than patchwork repairs are needed to make Fraser Field safe. Return on Investment 4 Tickets to North Shore Navigators games cost six dollars for any seat in the ballpark. Parking is available on the streets around Fraser Field or in the parking lot beyond the right field fence at no charge. Concessions are quite affordable, highlighted by the dollar hot dogs available at every Navigators game. Extras 1 An extra point is awarded for the great amount of baseball history that has occurred at Fraser Field. Unfortunately, none of it is on display anymore. Go to the Navigators website to check out the long list of baseball legends who have played at this old ballpark. Final Thoughts The Futures League has been a savior to old ballparks throughout New England that once housed minor league teams and otherwise would have simply faded away into history. In addition to Fraser Field, former minor league parks in Nashua , Brockton , Worcester , Pittsfield and Bristol are part of this circuit. Unfortunately, Fraser Field is really starting to show its age and is in dire need of repairs. The city of Lynn is taking measures to fix the ballpark’s legendary cantilevered roof, but it appears that more than just stopgap measures are needed to keep this ballpark in usable condition. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey For over a century, the Historic Mooresville Gymnasium has provided a home for basketball. No longer a home for high school hoops, the building is now home to members of the Mooresville Junior Basketball League. In an area where buildings over the after 40 years are abandoned and left to deteriorate, times have not been a foe to one of Indiana’s oldest basketball arenas. The genesis of the gymnasium began when a railway conductor, Virgil Self would talk constantly with city passengers about the need for a home for basketball in town. The idea took off in the summer of 1920 when 94 residents and merchants loaned $100 each to the Mooresville High School Athletic Association. Construction began in the fall and the building would be dedicated on New Year’s Eve. Communications Director, Mooresville Schools, Susan Haynes took me on a tour of the building and share its history with me. “The Mooresville Gymnasium began its life as a community center built with donations from the townspeople and it has held that special place in our community’s heart for a century. Those who’ve lived here know that our parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents all have great memories in that building.” The crowd that took in the inaugural ceremonies watched an array of events from an orchestra, a tug-of-war contest, and four basketball games. The portions of the proceeds were used to pay off the debts from the loans and all families that had loaned money were given free passes to attend the home basketball games for the coming season. That would turn into free passes for life for many individuals instead of being paid back for their initial loans. The building would house the Mooresville High School basketball team until the 1959 season and then serve as the home arena for the middle school program until 1965. It was then used primarily for the junior basketball league which would take sole possession of the property in 1993. By this time, the building needed major renovations, and that is when school administrators, civic leaders, and junior basketball league officers took action. The Save Newby Gym Committee was formed in 1996 and worked until renovations were completed in the fall of 1999. A grant from the Lilly Endowment for $77,150, along with funds raised by the committee through their efforts was enough to complete the much-needed renovations to the aging gym. Due to their hard work, the renovations included improving the structural integrity of the north wall, building and painting the bleachers, replacing all of the windows, adding a new basketball court, and the installation of handicap accessible bathrooms and seating. The improvement also included evicting numerous bats from the building. The gym was dedicated on September 11, 1999. A historical marker sits outside the building along the main road into town and the place has never looked so good. The place has a few donated items from past graduation classes that include the former game clock and scoreboard, curtains for the stage, and an encased monogram M from the classes of 1954, 1955, and 1956. “When I walk on that stage, I know my grandmother walked across it for her graduation and my mother was there for elementary school and junior high plays, programs, and more,” Haynes added. Those memories and that legacy are worth preserving for generations to come.” The gym now has a capacity of 500 people and the upstairs balcony, one home to additional seating, is now a small concession area with a few tables that perhaps provide the best seats in the house overlooking the east end of the building. The simple block M is the court’s center logo.  However, the gymnasium is much more than a place for basketball. It has served the town in many facets throughout its over 100 years of life. To an Indiana high school basketball fan, there is enough appeal to visit the gymnasium, but to someone from out-of-state, the gym is a tourist destination, explains Haynes. “I think to a non-Hoosier you might say it’s just an old gym, but this building was the home of high school plays, graduations, concerts, and sports throughout the 1950s; junior high and elementary plays, programs, and more through the 1980s; and community youth sports into the 2020s. The Mooresville Gymnasium doesn’t just have an amazing basketball legacy, it has an amazing community legacy as well.” ----- Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel .  Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photo by Sean Rowland, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.00 Jack Kaiser Stadium 8000 Utopia Pkwy Jamaica, NY 11439 St. John's Red Storm website Jack Kaiser Stadium website Year Opened: 2000 Capacity: 3,500 The Home of St. John's Baseball When the name St.John’s comes up, the immediate thought in the sports world turns to basketball. But there is another sport in which the school has historically seen success. The Northeast US is not exactly a hot spot for college baseball, so it is surprising to some that the Johnnies have made the NCAA Tournament 34 times, with six of those appearances ending in a trip to the College World Series. Their home field is relatively new, as it was built in 2000 and originally known as The Ballpark at St.John’s. The school honored former athlete, coach and longtime AD, Jack Kaiser, with a renaming ceremony in 2007. The all-bleacher facility seats 3,500, which is unusually large for the region. Despite the size and young age, the word stadium should be used loosely, as there are several aspects missing from a standard ballpark. Food & Beverage 0 Without counting the lonely vending machine for drinks, the most notable omission is food, as not a single area features concession goods for fans. At the game I attended, there was a campus event next to the stadium that had food tents, thus satisfying my hunger. Otherwise, fans should prepare to bring in food if they want to eat during the game. Atmosphere 2 Jack Kaiser Stadium can be looked at in a few different ways. Within the Northeast region and the Big East Conference, the ballpark is relatively large and features more variety than the norm. On the other hand, it is a very basic stadium that does not offer all that much more in comfort or design. Made up of entirely bleachers, seating is set up behind home plate and then down the first base line. These metal seats also include a red back. Down the third base side, a separate and more temporary set of stand-alone bleachers can be found. The outfield view is pedestrian, with a mix of trees and neighborhood housing. There is a scoreboard on the left field wall that at first glance seems simple enough with a box score. Between batters and during breaks, a nice video graphics package will run through various animations. Neighborhood 3 Queens is the easternmost borough of the five that make up New York City, and it is full of many smaller neighborhoods. St. John’s University is right on the imaginary border between Jamaica and Hillside, though most people associate the school with Jamaica. While the immediate surroundings aren’t bad (it’s almost even briefly suburban if arriving from the west on Union Turnpike), there is nothing that entices the visitor to stick around before or after the game. Along the main nearby road, a classic city neighborhood includes a row of adjoining stores and restaurants. For those looking to dine, the Sly Fox Inn and Turnpike Cafe are a few stops worth looking into. Outside of the immediate area, Queens is known for Flushing Meadows Corona Park, about a 15-minute drive away. In addition to being home to Citi Field and the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, the grounds include an Art Museum, Science Hall and the interesting remains of the 1964 World’s Fair. Fans 1 Each game features a couple hundred fans, and I counted close to 300 in attendance for the Saturday game I saw. The crowd is mixed between locals and students, and it is nice to see some of the kids supporting their school. A quiet atmosphere can be expected, with most of the cheers coming from the dugout and nearby families of those playing. Access 3 Getting to Jack Kaiser Stadium by car is surprisingly easy, thanks to a plethora of expressways and highways that reach the area. While the Grand Central Parkway is closest, I found coming from the Clearview Expressway (I-295) easiest, as Exit 2 leads right to Union Turnpike and St. John’s is just a mile or so down the road on the left. After entering either Gate 3 or Gate 4, a large parking lot can be seen in the athletic complex near the ballpark. Traffic at times is an issue, but weekend games are easier to drive to than during a weekday. Surprisingly for a city that relies heavily on mass transit, arriving by train or subway is not as simple. The closest station is about a 20-30 minute walk to the ballpark. Via subway, the end of the F train runs to Hillside Ave, while commuters via the Long Island Rail Road can stop at the Jamaica station. Neither are optimal choices, so driving to the game is best, if possible. Another confounding aspect of the stadium is the near complete lack of bathrooms. Only one single port-a-potty is available; tucked around a corner at the end of the seating. Not only is there just one bathroom, but the players also use it! You certainly don’t want to get caught in the way of a ballplayer scrambling for the facility in between innings. Return on Investment 3 St.John’s is one of only two Big East schools to charge admission for baseball, but the Johnnies also play in the second-largest conference ballpark. Tickets run $6 and parking is free. While this is not an ideal place for college baseball, it is at least a Division I game. . Extras 2 While the exterior design of the ballpark is nothing more than the guts of the bleachers, the front entrance is at least nicely decorated. Two large baseballs are incorporated into the sidewalk, and as the season turns to spring, red tulips bloom in many of the landscaped areas. There is also a nice entrance that includes an arched sign reading “Jack Kaiser Stadium. Another point for using the catchy song “New York Groove” after each run scored. Final Thoughts Jack Kaiser Stadium may be a bare-bones facility, but it is one of the larger college ballparks in the Northeast, and it is home to a perennially good St.John’s squad. A visit to the stadium offers a simple baseball experience, but be sure to eat and use the bathroom before arriving.

Photos by Stefano Romagnoli, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Stadio Arena Garibaldi – Romeo Anconetani Via Antonio Rosmini, 61 56123 Pisa (PI) Italy AC Pisa 1909 website Stadio Arena Garibaldi – Romeo Anconetani website Year Opened: 1909 Capacity: 8,500 Arena Garibaldi – Romeo Anconetani Play a football game two hundred meters away from one of the most beautiful places in the world. From the stadium Arena Garibaldi – Romeo Anconetani we can see Piazza dei Miracoli, in the World Heritage Centre since 1987. As we read in the UNESCO website, the place “houses a group of monuments known the world over. These four masterpieces of medieval architecture – the cathedral, the baptistry, the campanile (the ‘Leaning Tower’) and the cemetery – had a great influence on monumental art in Italy from the 11th to the 14th century.” In the place where the system that hosts the home matches of AC Pisa 1909 now stands, at the beginning of the nineteenth century, there was an open space on which rides horses and theatrical performances were organized. Initially indicated by the name of Arena Federighi, it had been baptized Arena Garibaldi before the twentieth century. Shortly before the First World War, the Pisa Sporting Club won several regional tournaments and, in the season 1920/1921, with the title of champion of Italy south central, challenged the FC Pro Vercelli for the national championship. The early success convinced the leaders black & blue to buy the land. On October 26, 1919 the first official football match was played. Later the land became the property of the municipality and in the fascist period changed appearance (with the construction of the grandstand and staircase) and name (it was inaugurated a second time on October 8, 1931 as the Campo del Littorio). The facility resumed his old name, Arena Garibaldi, after the fall of the fascist regime and the dismantling of the military hospital, which had occupied its pitch during the war. Between the beginning of the sixties and late seventies numerous works were carried out that gave the stadium its present appearance: 1961 construction of the Curva Nord 1968 construction of the Curva Sud and a new Gradinata 1978 expansion of the two curves to unite the various sectors On December 9, 2001, the property was co-registered to Romeo Anconetani, historic president of Pisa, who led the black&blue in its best seasons for sports scores. At the end of the season 2015/2016 AC Pisa 1909 was promoted to Serie B, the second tier of Italian football. The return to this category after almost ten years of absence (the Tuscans were missing since the 2008/2009 season) required further interventions to the structure. Therefore, the black&bluer played the first two home games at the Carlo Castellani stadium in Empoli. Since September 24, 2016 the Arena Garibaldi – Romeo Anconetani is again the home of AC Pisa 1909. Also we have to remember that twice, in 1959 and in 2015, the Arena Garibaldi – Romeo Anconetani was home to the final of the Viareggio Cup for the unavailability of Torquato Bresciani Stadium in Viareggio; that the Azzurri, the nickname of the Italian national football team, have used it to play some friendly matches between 1987 and 2009; finally, that it has been home to seven Serie A championship matches. Food & Beverage 2 On a cold and rainy winter afternoon try the eating place that serves the Tribune area. The available hot drinks are coffee, tea, chocolate. Snacks include sweet and salty, packets of crisps and sweets. Some bars are also present in Gradinata and Curva sectors, with a similar offer to the Tribuna. After the match, eat a hot dog and a beer (5.00 euros the total cost) from one of the many peddlers present around the stadium. Atmosphere 3 The Tribuna is the only covered stadium area. The two curves (the Sud is reserved for visiting supporters) and Gradinata are discovered. On the latter, before the spectators take place, you can read the inscription “Pisa” thanks to the blue color that stands out on the gray concrete steps. The pitch is separated from the fans through a transparent barrier that does not disturb the visibility. Between Curva Sud and Gradinata is a game board, but is not currently used, either before or after the competitions. The two teams enter on the pitch through a tunnel that opend between the two benches. The leadership of AC Pisa 1909 is dialoguing with the city government for a plan of improvements of the entire structure and would include: the coverage of all sectors; the expansion of capacity from the current 8,500 to 16,000/18,000 seats; expansion of services and level of comfort, including the approach of the spectators to the pitch. Neighborhood 3 The facility is located in the district of Porta Lucca on the northern outskirts of the city. The area takes its name from the door opening along the walls of the medieval age that surrounds the historic center of Pisa. Characterized by rather low houses it is full of shops including restaurants, bars, bakeries and pizzerias. Fans 4 Dancing and singing occur from beginning to end of the match. The Curva Nord is the sector of the hottest fans of AC Pisa 1909. Fans wave flags that recall the colors of the team but also public symbols. The curve is just entitled to a supporter, Maurizio Alberti, who died after a heart attack that struck him on the stadium stands Picco of La Spezia on January 24, 1999. The warmest matches are those who see the black&bluer opposed to Livorno . But there are also strong rivalry with the Fiorentina , the Lucchese and outside its region, the Spezia . Access 4 Pisa is not a very big city and reaching the stadium Arena Garibaldi – Romeo Antonetani is quite simple. Fans who choose to arrive in the city of the ‘Leaning Tower’ have two options: stop at Pisa Central Station and walk through the old town with all its quaint shops, or get off at Pisa San Rossore Station and go through Piazza dei Miracoli. Pisa is home to an international airport. The city is connected to the main roads through the Firenze-Pisa-Livorno or the A11 Florence-Pisa. Also we must not forget that the nearby Livorno is home to one of the most important Italian ports. Return on Investment 4 Ticket prices of the four areas range from a minimum of 5.00 euro, for boys aged between 6 and 14 years, to 30.00 euro for the upper tribune. Follow a match of AC Pisa 1909 2016/2017 season costs are 10,00 euro in Curva Nord; 15,00 euro in Gradinata; 20,00 euro in Tribuna Inferiore. On the official website of the Tuscan company further discounts and concessions are also listed, as well as additional information to buy tickets to Pisa Point or online. Extras 4 Pisa is a city with an incredible history. Founded by the Etruscans, and passed under Roman rule it is known for being one of the most important maritime republics. And the city is full of traces and museums that recall its glorious past such as the Piazza dei Miracoli. The university, founded in 1343, which among its teachers includes Galileo Galilei, while among its students three Nobel awards: Giosuè Carducci (Literature in 1906), Enrico Fermi (Physics 1938) and Carlo Rubbia (Physics in 1984). Finally, space to the riches of the table. Beginning with the “cecina,” similar to an omelet made with chickpea flour (hence the name) and baked. Another characteristic whim is the “torta co bischeri,” also renamed “torta del 28.” A kind of American pie, with a filling of pine nuts, fruit, egg, chocolate and rice boiled in milk.

Photos by James Hillchen and Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Allianz Field 400 Snelling Ave N St. Paul, MN 55104 Minnesota United FC website Allianz Field website Year Opened: 2019 Capacity: 19,400 United in Minnesota Opened in 2019 at a cost of $200 million, Allianz Field is a soccer-specific stadium in St. Paul, Minnesota. Home to Minnesota United FC and Minnesota Untied FC 2, the stadium holds a capacity of 19,400. Though relatively new, Allianz Field has become known as one of the premier soccer stadiums in the country. The stadium has hosted CONCACAF Gold Cup games, a World Cup qualifier, and most recently hosted the 2022 MLS All-Star game. Among the features at Allianz Field are an 88,000 square foot translucent stadium skin, a 360-degree canopy, and a heated playing surface. For cycling purists, there are accommodations for 400 bikes to be parked should you choose to ride to the game. There are also 280 seats for ADA guests and their companions. Food & Beverage 5 NOTE: Like many other stadiums have done, Allianz Field does not accept cash, so bring a card when attending a game here. There is no shortage of whatever food you are looking for here. It would take forever to list what it on the menu. All the basics are covered, but among the other items available are: chicken masala bowls, chicken tinga, choripan, Swedish meatballs, and much more. The layout allows you to easily find whatever you are looking for and one of the nice features here is that if you don’t want to wait in any potential line for an entrée, they have what are basically small convenience stores where you can buy drinks, candy, etc. I’d highly recommend the app or going to the team website as with so many options, it is much easier to see what the offerings are in one spot. Pepsi is the soda of choice here. As for adult beverages, wine, mixed drinks, and domestic, import, and craft brews are available with a litany of different choices. For the widest choice, head over to the north side of the stadium and go in the Brew Hall. Atmosphere 5 There is a clear bag policy in effect here. The stadium is situated nicely and upon entering from any gate (there are gates at all four corners of the stadium), you immediately see the pitch. There are two main seating levels and all seats are easy to get to and sections are clearly marked. Concession areas surround the entire field with restrooms also interspersed throughout. Both ends of the stadium have scoreboards, with one being a manual board (north) and the south side having a video board. Ribbon board runs throughout and it is easy to find the score and time from anywhere. As the fans gather, chanting begins in the supporter’s section, which is on the south side of the stadium. For those that have not attended an MLS game, the atmosphere is different than the “big 4” sports in that the fans are constantly chanting and making noise. It is quite a fun event to attend. Neighborhood 3 The stadium is located in a business/retail area. As such, your main restaurants in the area are relegated to fast food and pizza with a few exceptions. For fans of Thai food, On’s Kitchen is a few blocks north on Snelling at University. If you don’t mind a 15 minute walk, there is a nice grouping of restaurants south of the stadium. A few other places worth visiting while in the area include both the Bell Museum, which is Minnesota’s official natural history museum and planetarium. A few miles east of the stadium is the Minnesota Transportation Museum which is a great option for those interested in locomotives. There are numerous lodging options a few miles east of the stadium in downtown St Paul. We stayed at the DoubleTree by Hilton. The hotel was clean and the rates were reasonable. Fans 5 Minnesota United fans are a passionate bunch. They arrive early and are engaged throughout. The chanting only stops during halftime and even then, there is generally singing going on. This team has one of the best fan bases I’ve seen in my years of stadium traveling. Access 3 The stadium is located just off I-94. Parking here is less than ideal as there simply aren’t many places to do so without a little walk. I’d highly recommend purchasing a parking pass far in advance, or taking public transportation, which includes options of the Green Line light rail, A line bus rapid transit, or the city bus. Getting through security and ticket scanning is a quick process. Once inside, the concourses are generally sufficient to get easily. At halftime, they may become congested but still flow without too many issues. There is plenty of ADA seating available. Return on Investment 4 The average ticket price to a game is around $45, but you can find tickets for as low as about $20. Parking will run anywhere from $10 up and concessions are around the going rate for professional sports or a little below. There aren’t any bad seats, so there’s no need to break the bank to get in. All things considered; Allianz Field gives you a really good bang for your buck. Extras 3 Be sure and check out the team store. The Black & Blue store has everything a soccer fan would want. Allianz Field was built to be as eco-friendly as possible. The Great Lawn on the north side of the stadium is the primarily watered with rainwater captured by the stadium’s roof. This can add up to 2 million gallons per year. Final point simply goes to the overall experience of attending a game here. The staff is great, and the atmosphere is something to experience. Final Thoughts This was the first MLS stadium I visited and is still my favorite. It is hard to imagine a much better experience for a fan once you enter Allianz Field. A great layout, exciting atmosphere, and food choices that will satisfy anyone make a visit here a must for any MLS fan.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 RWJBarnabas Health Arena 1245 Old Freehold Rd. Toms River, NJ 08753 WOBM Christmas Classic website RWJBarnabas Health Arena website Year Opened: 2003 Capacity: 3,180 A Holiday Tradition in Toms River, NJ The RWJBarnabas Arena is the largest high school basketball gymnasium in the state of New Jersey. The facility was dedicated on June 19, 2003, and hosts a variety of events such as professional and varsity sporting events, live music concerts, trade shows, and much more. The facility holds 3,500 and serves as home to the Toms River Regional School District. Due to its size, all three high schools of North, East, and South call the venue home. The arena also hosts a variety of entertainment options from concerts, wrestling, and graduation ceremonies. Kenny Rodgers, Paul Anka, Jay Leno, and Natalie Cole have performed at the RWJBarnabas Arena. The arena is home for 7 days during the Christmas season to one of the largest high school tournaments in the state, the WOBM Holiday Classic. The event is home to 32 teams, 16 boys and girls varsity teams, from all over Ocean Township that play a total of 52 games. Food & Beverage 3 There is one main concession stand in the lobby of the building that provides your typical snacks and drinks. The menu items include deli-style sandwiches, breakfast sandwiches, muffins, granola, and varieties of fruit. You will also find the regular menu items of nachos, pizza slices, chicken fingers, pretzels, popcorn, chips, and soda. The prices range from $1 for the popcorn to $4.50 for deli sandwiches. Atmosphere 3 A typical day at the arena begins at 10 a.m. and ends at a 9 p.m. tip-off for basketball games during the tournament. Fans are treated to four girls and four boys' games and one ticket gets you into all the games for one day. The atmosphere of a crowd depends on who’s playing and usually, the evening games bring out a more raucous crowd to the facility. The arena serves as home to all three Toms River high schools and there appears to be a lack of any conference or Championship banners for any of these three schools in the building. However, there are plenty of colorful banners from the conference high schools that hang from the rafters and there are several banners from the various elementary schools of the district. The arena also is home to a large scoreboard that can keep individual stats and styles throughout the game. There is bleacher seating on all four sides and bathrooms are located in the main lobby near the concession stand. Just around the corner from the bathrooms is the Hall of Fame atrium which houses various memorabilia, photos, and plaques from all three High School’s sports programs. Neighborhood 3 The arena is located in a mixture of both retail and residential neighborhoods that includes local and national restaurants and the Ocean County Mall. Fans are also not too far away from Point Pleasant Beach, but probably wouldn’t be the best place to spend some time during late December. There are various places to enjoy food and beverage and a little shopping before or after a game or two. The area offers various local establishments to enjoy a bite to eat or a drink that includes Social 37, SWAGGERS Restaurant and Sports Bar, Toms River Ale House, The Office, and Christopher’s Pub. The Jersey Shore Premium Outlets is located off the Garden State Parkway and Insectropolis is a bug museum that provides everything you need to know about all types of bugs. Fans 3 Depending on the school and its basketball prominence, you will find a vast selection of fans rooting for the players or their alma mater. The largest schools the ones closer to the arena will more than likely bring out the best of the fans in the stands. However, there is a selection of both young and old rooting for their favorite team on the court and showing a lot of team spirit. Access 4 The arena is located about two miles off the Garden State Parkway and is easily accessible from both the north and south. If traveling from the western portion of the state, expect to travel on various county roads and through small towns to arrive at the arena. The arena does have plenty of parking surrounding it and once inside everything a fan would want to be able to get to – their seat or to the bathrooms – is easily marked. Return on Investment 4 The price of a ticket for an adult is $7 for an all-day pass. This means that one can enjoy eight different games for one low price. Children's tickets are only $5 for the same all-day pass. If you are planning on staying around for a few days a $20 tournament pass allows entry to all 52 games played at the arena. Extras 3 The arena gets one point for its large and informative scoreboard. I have been to many high school basketball gyms over the past few seasons and I hate to say this, but the best one that I’ve seen is in New Jersey. It is one of those old-school scoreboards from the early 1990s but works perfectly here providing statistics of each player throughout the game. The arena gets a second point for having a collection of wonderful banners from various schools throughout the county. It’s a little bit different to see rival schools hanging up in the arena, but it does add a nice touch of color to the building. The arena gets the third point for being more than just a basketball arena. It houses concerts and other events and has attracted entertainers such as Kenny Rogers, Paul Anka, Jay Leno, and the late Natalie Cole throughout its 15-year history. Final Thoughts The RWJBarnabas Arena is the largest of its kind in New Jersey and provides a perfect centerpiece for basketball and entertainment in Ocean County in Toms River. It has easy access off main highways and ample parking spaces for patrons

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 KSU Convocation Center 590 Cobb Ave Kennesaw, GA 30144 Kennesaw State Owls website KSU Convocation Center website Year Opened: 2005 Capacity: 3,800 Hooty Hoo Kennesaw State University, located in the northwest Atlanta suburb of Kennesaw, was once primarily known as a commuter school, but after significant investments in on-campus housing in the early 2000s, the university has experienced substantial growth in both its student population and its presence in college athletics. Since moving to NCAA Division I in 2009, Kennesaw State has competed as a member of the Big South and Atlantic Sun conferences. In 2024, the Owls will begin their inaugural season as members of Conference USA.   Food & Beverage   2 The concession menu at KSU Convocation Center offers a range of basic options to satisfy your hunger, though it lacks notable specialty items. Featured items include hot dogs, nachos, and pretzels, along with popcorn, candy, and chip options. Beverage choices come from the Coca-Cola family, Powerade, and Dasani water. For adult beverages, the selection includes common domestic beers, craft beers, Emergency Drinking Beer, and Sweetwater 420, as well as White Claw seltzer and Long Drink spirits.   Atmosphere   3 Built in 2005, the Kennesaw State University Convocation Center has maintained a modern feel despite it being nearly 20 years old. In addition to hosting KSU volleyball, it also serves as the home for the Owls men’s and women’s basketball programs. The front entrance welcomes fans with a wall of windows that open into a shallow but spacious two-level lobby – entrances on either side lead to a walkway above court level. Upon first sight of the competition area, the school-specific black and yellow seats stand out as players warm up on the court below. A large, digital video board at the far end of the arena displays not only advertisements but set scores, a live feed of the game, and individual player and team stats. Volleyball, by nature, has a positive and festive nature to it. Owls points are celebrated by dual percussionists stationed courtside, while cheerleaders cheer along. During breaks in the action, the cheerleaders engage fans by throwing t-shirts into the crowd, mostly targeted to the younger or the most enthusiastic of fans. Seating is general admission, allowing fans to choose their preferred experience. Some may opt to sit close to the court for the appreciation of the speed and power of the game up close, while those choosing a higher vantage point have a better view of point rotations.   Neighborhood   3 Kennesaw State University is situated in the Atlanta suburb of Kennesaw, where residential neighborhoods transition into college apartments and shopping centers. While the area may lack the typical college town atmosphere, its proximity to shopping and dining makes it convenient for grabbing a bite before or after the match. Downtown Kennesaw is just 2.5 miles from campus, offering a small selection of restaurants and two popular tap houses, School House Brewing and Horned Owl Brewing. The area also features the Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History Museum, which highlights the Civil War era ‘Great Locomotive Chase’ that began in Kennesaw. For those seeking outdoor activities, Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield is just a 10-minute drive from campus and has miles of trails for visitors to explore, along with an amazing view of the area from atop the mountain’s summit.   Fans   3 The Owls do a good job drawing fans out in support of the volleyball program, typically around 400 fans per match. While there does not seem to be a formal student support group, students are scattered throughout the stands. The strongest support, however, comes from local youth volleyball players, who show up in large numbers to cheer on the Owls. The metro Atlanta area has a strong youth volleyball system, and this is reflected in the enthusiasm and support that the next generation of players shows for both collegiate and professional volleyball in the area.   Access   3 Kennesaw State University is centrally located in Kennesaw, just west of Interstate 75. During rush hour traffic, the area often becomes extremely congested, especially for those traveling north from Atlanta. However, once past the highway traffic, accessing the KSU Convocation Center is very direct. Free parking is available in the East Deck behind the arena. However, there is only one entrance to the Kennesaw State University C onvocation Center, requiring fans to walk around the building for access. On the plus side, there is usually not much of a wait to enter the arena.   Return on Investment   5 Kennesaw State volleyball offers a great opportunity for families or youth volleyball teams to enjoy a match at little to no cost. Both parking in the adjacent garage and admission are free, with concessions as the only expense, but those are also reasonably priced.   Extras   3 The action on the court is paired nicely with in-house music that is accompanied by a drum duo to celebrate points, as well as to entertain fans before the match gets underway and in between sets. Scrappy, Kennesaw State’s owl mascot, is a constant presence, engaging with fans and taking photos with them throughout the arena. Following each Friday night match, the team invites fans onto the court for a post-match autograph session and meet-and-greet.   Final Thoughts Kennesaw State Volleyball does a good job of providing an entertaining platform for the university to showcase volleyball for both the student body and the local community. It would be nice to see more of an organized student support group in place, but it seems like the local community and youth volleyball programs do a good job of filling that void. In turn, the KSU volleyball program and its players go above and beyond to serve as role models for volleyball’s next generation.

Photo Courtesy of Crysta Henthorne / KCUR 89.3 A few regional food items are so obscure that they go unnoticed in the surrounding community. I encountered this when visiting two minor league ballparks in St. Louis, Missouri. The St. Paul sandwich is one secretive little regional food item. The sandwich is served at many Chinese restaurants throughout the metro area and even in a select few restaurants throughout the state. It is egg-foo young served crispy on white bread with lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, and a dollop of mayonnaise. The egg-foo young either contains beef, pork, chicken, shrimp, or no meat. The sandwich costs between $2 and $3.50, making it a very inexpensive menu item. Like the hamburger and hot dog, the St. Paul sandwich's origins are somewhat disputed. One account has it created in the 1940s in St. Louis by a chef who named it after his hometown of St. Paul, Minnesota, while some have insisted that the sandwich was first served at logging camps in Denver, Colorado, in the early 20th century. The St. Paul sandwich seems to be a clear fusion of Chinese and American cooking. I enjoy having a food origin debate; however, if it was not created in St. Louis, why can it only be found in the city? The only other areas where the sandwich can be found are in other parts of the state in Columbia, Springfield, and Jefferson City. Good luck ordering this sandwich in Chicago, Detroit, Indianapolis, or St. Paul, Minnesota. The sandwich is not served at any of the two minor or summer league ballparks on the outskirts of the city CarShield Fiel d home of the River City Rascals in O’Fallon and GCS Ballpark home to the Gateway Grizzlies in Sauget, Illinois. Meanwhile, the home of the Grizzlies is known for its own interesting take on ballpark food that has gained national attention. The donut burger, deep-fried slider, cheesesteak nachos, and hot dogs with grilled onions, bacon, and nacho cheese are offered, or offered, at one time. However, the St. Paul sandwich is not one of them in the small Illinois town outside St. Louis. If you order it without meat, the St. Paul sandwich makes a great vegetarian option, and its price is extremely economical for tight budgets or a quick snack. There also does not seem to be an upscale version anywhere in the town. I am sure an egg foo young patty with lobster, served on a brioche bun, with garlic-lemon aioli is just around the corner. I have been told that the best St. Paul sandwiches have crispy edges, just like a great old-fashioned burger; however, many Chinese restaurants in the city do not serve the sandwich. You can still grab one at many locations in St. Louis, and perhaps this could be your new favorite bite to eat in a city that has its share of regional items. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter   and his YouTube channel .   Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Twohig Gymnasium 225 Canal St. Salem, MA 01970 Salem State men's basketball website Twohig Gymnasium website Year Opened: 1973 Capacity: 1,735 Witch City Hoops   Salem State University was founded in 1854 as the Salem Normal School under the guidance of Horace Mann as part of his efforts to bring accessible teaching education to the masses. It is the oldest and largest college on the North Shore of Massachusetts. After decades of growth, the college was elevated to university status in 2010. The school’s 6,500 students hail from 37 states and 48 countries. Today the school offers undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in 40 programs.   Basketball has been played at Salem State since 1910. The first team to represent the school defeated a team from Salem High School called “The Reserves,” 6-5. Basketball was played sporadically until the mid-1930s, when a group of students, led by James Twohig, helped to establish a varsity program. In addition to leading the team during his time as an undergraduate, Twohig returned to coach Salem State from 1955-1966. During his 26-year coaching career, which included time at local high schools, Twohig’s teams never had a losing season. Salem State named their gymnasium in his honor in 2001.   Twohig Gymnasium is located in the larger O’Keefe Center. The O’Keefe Center was built in 1973 to house the school’s hockey, tennis, basketball and swimming teams. Originally a windowless concrete and brick structure, the complex was renovated in 2013, adding the Gassett Fitness Center. The windowed façade gives the complex an attractive entrance while its photovolatic roof lowers the facility’s energy costs.   The Salem State Vikings men’s basketball team has qualified for 26 NCAA tournaments, reaching the Final Four in 2000. The women’s team has played in 23 NCAA tournaments, reaching the Final Four on three occasions and winning the national championship in 1986. The most notable Viking basketball alumnus is Chicago Bulls coach Tom Thibideau, class of 1981. Thibideau averaged 26 points per game in 1980, leading the Vikings to the MASCAC championship and their first NCAA tournament bid.   Food & Beverage 2    There is a table set up in the lobby between the Twohig Gymnasium and Rockett Arena which offers a selection of cold beverages and snacks for hungry Vikings fans. Slices of pizza are also sold here, while supplies last. While not the most extensive selection you’ll find, it will do the trick if you need a quick bite, and no item costs more than three dollars.   Many fans were seen at the game with coffees from the local Dunkin’. These would certainly be popular choices on a cold winter Massachusetts night.   Atmosphere 2   Anyone who has experienced a small college basketball game at a small gym will undoubtedly find a lot that is familiar here at Twohig Gymnasium. The facility has a definite old-school vibe, looking much like it must have when it opened in the 70s. Scoreboards at either end of the court display game information. Unfortunately, the Salem State mascot, “Superfan,” an orange furry blob wearing a Viking helmet, was not in attendance during Stadium Journey’s visit.   It is certain that this bandbox of a gym would get really loud if it were packed, but during Stadium Journey’s visit on an early November Saturday afternoon, the crowd was modest at best. Still, the fans bring some energy to the proceedings. Unfortunately, there was no cheerleading squad or pep band in attendance on this day. Music played before the game at a reasonable volume. The PA announcer, who was obviously a student, tried to pump up the crowd a couple of times, to no avail. Otherwise, she mostly stayed out of the way. Photo courtesy of Salem State University   Neighborhood 4   Salem, Massachusetts is a small coastal city on Boston’s North Shore. Founded in 1626, this city of 44,000 residents is best known for the Salem Witch Trials of 1692. Salem’s identity is closely tied with this notoriety, with the local high school teams nicknamed the Witches, and an elementary school christened Witchcraft Heights. Historic sites, including the House of the Seven Gables, the Witch House and the Salem Witch Museum are located downtown a couple of miles from the Salem State campus. There is a street in town named “Witch Way.”     Salem’s peak tourist season is the early fall, and Salem can be a really crowded place in October. Luckily, basketball season starts after Halloween, so crowds should be manageable when you come to see the Vikings.   The area right around the O’Keefe Complex is a mixed residential/business neighborhood. There’s not much in the immediate vicinity of the facility apart from a deli and a McDonald’s. If you’re visiting from out of town, you’ll certainly want to take the 10-minute drive downtown and soak up the local attractions. There are dozens of quality dining establishments here, and as you might imagine, the seafood served here is incredible. Among the great choices are The Babe, Dube’s and Ledger Restaurant and Bar. Fans of local breweries will find several quality options in town, including Notch Brewing, East Regiment Beer Company and Couch Dog Brewing.   Destination Salem  has more complete information on lodging and dining options and attractions.     Fans 2   The crowd at a Salem State basketball is what we here at Stadium Journey like to call a “friends and family” crowd. The vast majority of the people filling the bleachers at Twohig Gym have a personal connection with the players, and as a result, are knowledgeable about the team and boisterous in their support. Crowds seem to average somewhere between 150-250 fans. As is the case with most small gyms, it seems that everyone knows each other. You can also expect a good turnout from visiting fans. If there was a big crowd in attendance, it’s pretty apparent that the Twohig Gym would create a massive home court advantage.   Access 3   Even though the small city of Salem is just 15 miles northeast of Boston, there’s no easy way to get here. Make sure to give yourself extra time to arrive, because the tight roads and crowded streets of Boston’s North Shore are traffic nightmares, no matter what time of day you are arriving. Interstate 95 and Route 1 will get you close to Salem, but you’ll need local roads to get into town. Route 1A will provide your most direct, if busy, route to Salem. Fans taking public transportation to Salem can take the MBTA Newburyport/Rockland commuter rail line  into downtown Salem, then the 455 bus to the Loring Avenue stop near the O’Keefe Complex.   Salem State University is split into several campuses scattered throughout town. The O’Keefe Complex is located within walking distance of both the North and Harrington campuses in the southern part of Salem. The tourist destinations of the small city are located about two miles to the north of the school.   Twohig Gymnasium is located in the back of the O’Keefe Complex on the second floor. Once you enter the complex, there will be a set of stairs directly in front of you just past the entrance to the Rockett Arena. There’s also an elevator for fans who need it. A giant lobby sits in between the basketball gym and the hockey arena. The snack table, rest rooms and Salem State Athletic Hall of Fame are all located here. Seating inside the gym consists of molded plastic bleachers. The small size of the gym ensures great sight lines from all seats, just look out for railings at the edges of the bleachers.   Return on Investment 5   There is no charge for a Salem State basketball game. For the low price of zero dollars, you can even stick around for the women’s game when there’s a doubleheader. Parking is also free in the large lot next to the O’Keefe Complex, and snacks max out at three dollars. It’s a most affordable entertainment option for local sports fans.   Extras 2   Salem State displays its sporting history throughout the O’Keefe Complex. Pictures of every varsity team line the hallway leading to Twohig Gymnasium, and the lobby is adorned with trophies and memorabilia belonging to the Salem State Athletic Hall of Fame. Inside the gym, banners honoring conference champions and tournament appearances line the far side of the gym. A giant banner commemorating the 1986 women’s championship team dominates the north wall.   Be sure to snap a photo on your way into the gymnasium with the Viking statue that guards the O’Keefe Complex.   Final Thoughts   Twohig Gymnasium gives off a definite old-school vibe, and Salem State has been a regional basketball powerhouse within both the men’s and women’s ranks. Pair a Vikings basketball game with a tour of historic downtown Salem, and you have yourself quite a unique Stadium Journey.   Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter  and Instagram  @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Robin Roberts Stadium 1415 North Grand Avenue E Springfield, IL 62702 Springfield Lucky Horseshoes website Robin Roberts Stadium website Year Opened: 1926 Capacity: 5,200 Feeling Lucky in Springfield A new era of baseball began in 2022 with the rebranding of the Springfield Sliders to the Springfield Lucky Horseshoes. The name was picked to honor the local delicacy horseshoe sandwich and lucky was added to play along with the name horseshoe along with US President Abraham Lincoln whose home, along with his library, is a tourist destination in town. However, Stadium Journey’s review is from the 2021 season when the team was still called the Sliders. The Shoes of the Prospect League have called Robin Roberts Stadium home since 2008 and are the longest-tenured ball club at the venue. The stadium has hosted professional, summer collegiate, and high school baseball for nearly a century of operation. The first game played at Robin Roberts Stadium, then known as Reservoir Park, was on May 12, 1925. That day the Springfield Senators dropped a 6-4 decision to the Terre Haute Hottentots in the Three-Eye League. A massive crowd of 12,000 people showed up for opening commencements on the next day and was witness to a triple play and a grand slam, sadly, the Senators lost 7-6. Minor league baseball would continue at the ballpark from 1925-1932, 1935, 1938-1942, and 1946-50. Ironically, the Central Illinois Colleague League, the predecessor to the Prospect League, would place a franchise at the newly renovated stadium, now known as Lanphier Park, in 1963 that would operate until 1977. The very next season minor league baseball returned to the city for the first time in 28 years. The New Orleans Pelicans of the American Association relocated to the newly renamed Robin Roberts Stadium. An amount of $280,000 worth of renovations was completed on the stadium, including improved lighting, new locker rooms, increased seating capacity, and a new scoreboard with a small message board. The team would be known as the Springfield Redbirds, a Triple-A affiliation, of St. Louis. The Redbirds would leave town after the 1981 season, but just weeks later, the city received a Midwest League team named the Redbirds that would last until 1993. In 1994 the Sultans of Springfield would call the ballpark home before moving to Lansing, Michigan, after the 1995 season. The following season, the Springfield Capitals of the Frontier League opened up shop and would provide professional baseball in town for the next 5-years. Today, the ball club is content to be the stadium’s tenant for the foreseeable future. The ballpark has had a share of renovations that have included a new scoreboard, leveling of the playing field, two picnic areas down each foul line, and adding the team colors of Kelly green and neon green throughout the concourse. It is not the most modern of ballparks, but it is a very comfortable spot for a game during the summer months. Food & Beverage 4 The main concession stands are underneath the grandstand and have almost anything you would need at a ball game. The prices range from $2 to $5 per item; the ribeye steak sandwich is the highest-priced menu item. There are also pork tenderloin sandwiches, pizza slices, Polish sausages, pork chop sandwiches, hot dogs, nachos, burgers, chicken strip baskets, and a foot-long churro on a stick. The food is hot, most of it locally produced, and quite tasty. Six taps of beer are only $3 a glass. If you want a tall boy, it will cost you $5. The selections include the national brands plus Boulevard Pale Ale and Shiner Bock. There are also mixed drink varieties for purchase if you are not a beer aficionado. Atmosphere 3 The atmosphere was a little laid back on the night of our visit, perhaps fans were busy at commencement ceremonies at local high schools or waiting to come out the next day for firework night. It is a very comfortable and relaxing place to watch a game. The focus is on the field instead of the in-between promotions, which were absent during the night. The ballpark is wide open and consists mainly of aluminum bleacher seating down the foul lines and theater-style seating behind home plate. There is the main concourse between the reserved and general admission seating. A picnic area for groups is located down the first baseline of the facility. Speedy, the club’s official mascot, makes his way around the concourse signing autographs and giving hugs and high-fives to fans of all ages. You will also see fans moving their arms up and down after every run pushed across home plate during the night. A tradition that was started during its first season still resonates with many in the building. The souvenir shop is a throwback to the old booths that used to exist in similarly constructed buildings. Fans can select from t-shirts, caps, jerseys, foam fingers, and other paraphernalia. A shirt starts at $15, a cap is $20, and an official jersey is $40. A Wall of Fame of former players lines up the upper level of the stadium’s grandstand, featuring former high school standout and Hall of Famer Robin Roberts. The stadium also features a turtle back in the field that is a pronounced slope behind the infield dirt that slopes down towards the outfield. This was common for many ballparks of the 1920s and was created mostly for drainage purposes as they allow rainwater to quickly drain off the infield. It is one of a handful of ballparks that features the quirk, but it is still effective Neighborhood 3 The ballpark is not too far away from the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library which features wonderful exhibits from the 16th president of the United States along with his presidential home and monument. A must-see if you are a history buff or just a fan of Honest Abe himself. Across the street from the library is the Obed & Isaac’s Microbrewery. The popular spot offers craft beer, food, and outdoor seating with a bocce ball court. A few more spots include D’Arcy’s Pint, Norb Andy’s Tabarin, and Julia’s Kitchen and Lounge. A few more places are the Illinois State Museum, the Dana Thomas House, and the old State Capitol. A farmer’s market is held downtown every Saturday during the summer months and one should enjoy a pint from Buzz Bomb Brewing Company or Anvil & Forge. The city is on Route 66, and worthy of a visit to the Cozy Dog Drive-In which has a collection of memorabilia of the famous highway along with smash burgers, hand-cut fries, homemade chili dogs, and cozy dogs (better than a corn dog). A regional dish called the horseshoe is available at many eateries and consists of bread, hamburger, fries, and cheese sauce (although one can also get a breakfast horseshoe with sausage gravy). Fans 3 The Slider fan appears to be occupied with the game taking place on the field and does their best to cheer on the hometown nine to victory. They enjoy a winner just like any other baseball city in the nation, but many are decked out in caps, jerseys, and shirts that make them stand out as legit fans. They are still looking for the second league championship that has been evading them since 2008. Access 4 The ballpark is located on the north side of town, not that far from downtown attractions. Once inside, it can get a little crowded near the concession and entrance of the stadium. However, one can make their way around quite efficiently once inside the grandstand. There was a lot of room at this ballpark and enough to stretch your legs out when applicable. Return on Investment 4 An adult general admission ticket is $8, children (4-12) and military are $5, and children under 3 are free. The parking is free, concessions are reasonably priced and beer is $3, and mixed drinks and wine are $5. A few things to keep in mind: all draft beer is $1 before the first pitch, and hot food is discounted to $2 during the 8th and 9th inning for many games. Extras 4 The ballpark earns a point for having $1 happy hour prices before the first pitch. I was unaware of this deal, and since I like to save a dollar or two, kicked myself for not taking advantage of this incredible deal. I also enjoyed how many of the fans moved their arms up and down whenever the Sliders scored a run during the game. It is a type of tradition that you do not see at many other stadiums across the country during the summer months. The ribeye steak sandwich was quite delicious and worth getting for just five bucks during the game. I would suggest adding a few onions to make it almost perfect. It’s not quite a hot dog, but sometimes it’s okay to be a little different at the ballpark. A fourth point for the sale of an actual gameday program that does cost $2, but has some great information and detail about the stadium inside its pages. Many teams offer them for free, but we know they are nowhere what they used to be a few years ago. Final Thoughts Attending a Springfield Sliders game at Robin Roberts Stadium is both an economical and relaxing way to enjoy baseball in the Prospect League. It is a good old-fashioned throwback of a ballpark that many will enjoy for the pure aspect of watching the game. Who can argue with that? ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel . Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Meg Minard,, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Laney College Football Field 900 Fallon St Oakland, CA 94607 Map It Oakland Roots SC website Laney College Football Field website Year Opened: 1962 Capacity: 5,500 Oakland Roots Do you think the Athletics are the only sports team in Oakland, CA? Think again. Only a few years in existence, the Oakland Roots SC draw large crowds during the soccer season. The club is a member of the USL-C, the second level of soccer in the United States. It began its remarkable venture in 2019 as a member of NISA (National Independent Soccer Association) and moved to the USL-C in 2021. Oakland business people who pride themselves on being Oakland community-based own the Roots. Food trucks are all local; Oakland artists perform prematch entertainment. The away-game pub partners are community bars and tap houses. It’s all quite impressive. The owners and community should be proud of their team and organization. The Oakland Roots SC play their home games at Laney College’s football field. The college is a public community college near Lake Merritt and has a reputation for diversity and high-quality technical training. Food & Beverage 4 The food choices are amazing. Yummy local food trucks line closed-off 10th Street. Just a few of the fares offered are: Mediterranean (gyros, rice dishes, and salads) Pupusas, Nachos, Tacos (Guatemalan and Mexican) Coolinaria (contemporary Mexican using locally sourced ingredients) Munchiez (comfort food and sweets) Southern Comfort Kitchen (lots of fried fish choices) Empanada Argentina A bar tent offering canned beer, seltzer, cider, and wine is set up along the street as well. I did not notice any tables or chairs to sit and eat. Fans enjoy their meals by standing up or taking them to their seats. It’s fantastic to see the variety of cuisines offered and even better that they are local Oakland businesses. Atmosphere 4 Most of the seating area is on the east side (closest to the campus). It consists of 10 – 12 rows of bleachers facing west. The bleachers do not have handrails installed; for those uneasy on their feet, stay in the handicapped section or top rows. The club ‘brands’ some sections. Mosaic seats are the three sections at center pitch. The first five rows center pitch, padded with bright, multicolored cushions are known as the Mosaic+ seats Oakland Roots Colorful Mosaic+ Seating, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey The Deep Roots Supporters section is the last two sections on the far south side of the bleachers. Smaller sets of bleachers sit on the west side and are used for overflow and players’ families. The club places individual seats around the pitch, behind the sideline boards, for fans wanting a ‘close to the action’ experience. Fans cannot walk the entire perimeter of the pitch. The players’ family section is guarded and blocks the circuit. The Oakland Roots SC uses the football stadium scoreboard that is prominent behind the south goal and shows the time, half, and score. The organization rolls out a soccer-specific modular turf over the football field for the soccer season. Keeping with the community-based theme, Oakland residents and organizations provide the entertainment. At the match of this review, the Oakland Youth Symphony Orchestra performed pre-game, as did G-Eazy, a noteworthy rapper and producer born in Oakland. Youth soccer clubs kicked the ball around at halftime. Neighborhood 3 The stadium is on the urban 60-acre Laney College campus less than a mile from Lake Merritt. For places to eat, several Vietnamese and Thai restaurants are nearby. Closer to the lake are Portal (brunch restaurant) and Tacos Mi Rancho (Mexican). Several breweries are about a mile from the field: Buck Wild Brewing & Taproom, Oakland United Beerworks, Original Pattern Brewing, and Federation Brewery. Jack London Square, a historic waterfront and marina area with dining, bars, shopping, and entertainment, is only 1 ½ miles from Laney College Football Field. An excellent museum to visit is the Oakland Museum of California, just a ½ mile from the field. Most of the hotels are in downtown Oakland, about a mile away. These include a Hampton Inn Oakland Downtown, Ramada by Wyndham, a Marriott, and a Courtyard Marriot. Other sports to visit in the area during soccer season include the Oakland Athletics and the San Francisco Giants . Fans 4 Only two years in the USL-C, the Oakland community has adopted the Oakland Roots wholeheartedly. It’s a pleasure to see a variety of ethnic groups, families, kids, and young adults rallying around this soccer club. All fans stand up and cheer (or moan) at the action on the pitch. They’re certainly a jolly, boisterous crowd! Deep Roots, the supporter’s group, creates an electric atmosphere at the matches with drums, flag waving, cheering, and jumping. A drum line riles up the fans pregame with a spectacular parade along 10th St before the match. Drums, dancers, and a person on stilts stride down the block for all to enjoy. During the contest, Ryan, a local artist and avid fan, stands behind the goal and paints a landscape of the stadium and the soccer match. Oakland Roots Local Artist, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Average attendance is 4,600, giving them solid crowds for most matches throughout the season. Access 3 Getting to Laney College Football Field is relatively easy as it is right off the I-880 and a ½ mile from the Lake Merritt BART Station . Parking is in the Laney College Student Parking Lot on E 7th St, across from the campus (just look for all the cars), and is free. The main entrance to the stadium is on E 10th St and 2nd Ave, and fans walk through metal detectors for their security check. Clear bags up to 14” x 6” x 14” are permitted. Security is taken seriously. Gates open an hour before kickoff. 10th St between 2nd and 4th Avenues is closed off for the food trucks and pregame entertainment. Restrooms are under the press box and bleachers; another set is in a building on the northwest end of the pitch. Expect lines during sold-out matches. The seating area can get crowded, especially during games that sell out. Return on Investment 5 A single game ticket price for an Oakland Roots match runs as follows: GA – $20 Mosaic – $25 Mosaic Plus – $35 Field Seat Endline – $65 Field Seat Sideline – $75 Season tickets and group packages reduce that price. Fans are not charged for parking. The food prices are what is to be expected in California. The fans and game day atmosphere are phenomenal. You’ll get your sports entertainment money’s worth at a match here. Extras 4 The Oakland Roots SC joined the Common Goal movement whose mission is to create positive social change. Participants contribute a minimum of 1% of their salaries to fight social inequality. “The club was founded with a purpose; to harness the magic of Oakland and the power of sport as a force for social good.” – taken from the Oakland Roots website The organization is promoting their women’s team counterpart, the Oakland Soul, who will begin play in 2023 in the USL-W league. Being involved in the city and incorporating community businesses and organizations in aspects of the match day is profoundly evident. Final Thoughts Sports fans of Oakland have definitely embraced their new soccer club, Oakland Roots SC. You’ll find a packed house often throughout the season with passionate, welcoming fans.

Photos by Joseph Oakes, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Walter J. Zable Stadium at Cary Field 100 Stadium Dr Williamsburg, VA 23185 William & Mary Tribe website Walter J. Zable Stadium at Cary Field website Year Opened: 1935 Capacity: 12,672 Football In The Colonial Capital Walter J. Zable Stadium at Cary Field has been the home of William & Mary Football since the facility was built in 1935. The first game in the facility was the 1935 season opener when the Tribe battled the University of Virginia to a 0-0 tie. A $28 million renovation in 2016 added suites, a press box, and an upper deck which now make Zable Stadium a great spot to catch some FCS football. Food & Beverage 4 Zable Stadium offers a good variety of food options to keep you from getting hungry while at the game. The concession stands on the main/lower level concourse of the home side stands offer hamburgers, cheeseburgers, hot dogs, Italian sausage, chicken tenders, and fresh-cut fries. Snack items include nachos, pretzels, popcorn, and candy (M&M’s, gummies, etc.). Beverage items include fountain Pepsi products and bottled water. Keep in mind that the concession stands on the upper level of the home side only offer nachos, popcorn, hot dogs, and candy, along with bottled water and soda. So, if you are sitting in the upper level and want more filling options, you’ll have to take the hike down to the lower level. There is one smaller concession stand for the fans sitting in the visiting sideline stands in the corner near section 119, which has similar offerings as both stands on the home side. Atmosphere 3 Zable Stadium is a brick structure with two levels of seating on the home side and one seating level on the visiting sidelines. On the home-side stands, there is a single level of suites between the upper and lower level. At the top of the upper deck, is a large and spacious press box. Brick archways surround the facility including in both end zones. As is the case with many older FCS facilities, a track surrounds the field. This pushes the fans back, but as long as you are sitting higher up, should not affect your view. The track is open for fans to walk on in both end zones to get from one side to the other. The field is artificial turf and there is a large video board in the south end zone. Zable Stadium Home Side and Press Box, Photo by Joseph Oakes, Stadium Journey William & Mary have a small band that plays on the field pregame as the team runs out through green smoke. The band also plays throughout the game. In the northwest end zone corner, there is an army artillery canon. Keep in mind it fires at the start of the game and second half, as well as after each Tribe score. It is loud, so don’t be startled! Zable Stadium has a mix of bench back and bleacher seating. For an afternoon game, we recommend sitting on the home side so the sun will be at your back and not directly in your eyes. Neighborhood 5 If you are looking for other things to do while in town for a William & Mary football game, there are many options in the Williamsburg area. Colonial Williamsburg has many colonial-style homes, shops, restaurants, and attractions in the downtown area. One interesting restaurant with great food is Food for Thought, which has a menu as diverse as the minds of great American thinkers. Food for Thought’s décor features biographical pictures of inventors, scientists, and social leaders while the walls display thought-provoking quotes used to set the tone for a positive and enjoyable dining experience. Also, nearby is Jamestown, the first permanent English settlement on the east coast; and Yorktown, the site where the British surrendered and the Revolutionary War ended. There are also many other resorts and attractions nearby including theme parks Busch Gardens and Water Country. Fans 2 William & Mary have not made the FCS playoffs since 2015 and have had several down seasons in a row, so fan support is not the greatest. Unless the Tribe is playing James Madison (which will not happen again due to JMU moving to FBS, expect only around 6,000 fans in attendance. This is only 50% capacity of the renovated stadium. When we attended in 2021, there were 10,000 in attendance, but several thousand of these were the aforementioned JMU fans. Access 3 Zable Stadium is located right off of Richmond Road in Downtown Williamsburg. Due to this location near Colonial Williamsburg and being on campus, allow yourself some extra time going to the game. The two-lane roads surrounding the stadium back up easily. Most of the parking around the stadium is reserved for season ticket holders. However, there is general parking for $10 near Kaplan Arena. There are also many pay-to-park lots in downtown Williamsburg. The easiest gates for entry are in the south end zone. Once you enter here, you have easy access to stands on either side of the field. Note if you are sitting in the lower level on either side, you will simply walk along the sideline and up into the stands. If you are in the upper deck there are stairs and elevators to access. Return on Investment 3 Ticket prices start at $20 and go up, which is about right for this level of football. $10 parking is a little steep so we suggest finding free parking on the streets/lots around downtown Williamsburg. Throw in affordable concessions and you can have a good experience watching FCS football without breaking the bank. Extras 1 Zable Stadium earns an extra point for the colonial soldiers that roam the sideline throughout the game. This is a nice touch and fits the vibe of the stadium’s setting in colonial Williamsburg amidst many historic buildings. Final Thoughts Most folks will not think of William & Mary football when visiting Williamsburg, VA. However, recent renovations make it a nice facility for FCS football on a fall afternoon in the Colonial Capital.

Photos by Gregory Koch and Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Washington Nationals Youth Baseball Academy 3675 Ely Pl SE Washington DC, 20019 D. C. Grays website Washington Nationals Youth Baseball Academy website Year Opened: 2014 Capacity: 500 The Other District Team Founded in 2005, the Cal Ripken Collegiate Baseball League features six teams in the Washington, D.C. metro area. One member, the DC Grays, is the second of two summer league teams by that name. The first Grays team played in the Clark Griffith League from 2006 to 2009 when the league folded, although they only played in the District for one of those years. After an absence in 2010, the second and current version of the Grays was founded in 2011 and joined the Ripken League for the next season in 2012. The Grays played their first two seasons at Hoy Field on the campus of Gallaudet University before moving to the Washington Nationals Youth Baseball Academy in Southeast D.C. in 2014. The Grays nickname pays homage to the old Homestead Grays, a Negro League team that used to play in the District. Food & Beverage 3 There is one concession stand at a window down the right-field line, staffed by two friendly employees, which sells a typical selection of food and beverage. Meals include hamburgers ($4, or $5 with cheese), pizza ($7 for a personal size), nachos ($5, or $6 with chili), and $5 for a “meal deal” that includes a hot dog, chips, and soda or water. A wide assortment of snacks is available for $1-$2 each, and soft drinks and water will cost $2-$4 depending on the item. Note that if paying by credit card, there is a $1 service fee for transactions under $5. To avoid this, either bring cash or buy enough in each visit to be above this threshold. Theoretically, hot chocolate and coffee are available between 9 AM and 12 PM, but this is mainly for the kids, parents, and coaches who are at the complex during the day. The Grays do play one 1 PM game a year for various youth groups, and if you arrive early enough for that game, you may be able to get some of these drinks. Otherwise, you won’t be able to get them at a Grays game. Atmosphere 4 The DC Grays’ home stadium is located within the Nationals Youth Baseball Academy, nestled among various youth baseball and softball fields. Numerous youth teams call the Academy home, as do various softball teams up to the college level. However, the Grays’ stadium is the main stadium in the complex as reflected in its quality. The all-turf field is surrounded by several sections of bleachers with backs with a wide-open, large concourse for fans to walk between the seating bowl and other areas of the complex. All seats have an excellent view of the action, but be careful of the sun setting down the left-field line for the first few innings of a night game. There is also a scoreboard in left centerfield which shows a linescore and other basic information. The team does a good job of keeping fans engaged, playing walkup music, making announcements throughout the game about the various ways fans can get involved, and holding a 50-50 raffle in the later innings for a chance to win some money and raise some money for the team, which after all is a non-profit. Neighborhood 2 Although many parts of D.C. are great, the Nationals Youth Academy is not located in the best neighborhood. This choice of location makes some sense, as the complex was intended to help inner-city children play baseball. The area directly around the stadium is safe enough, and expect some police presence during games to make sure it stays that way, but as always in an urban environment, be aware of what is going on around you. You probably don’t want to venture too far away from the stadium though. Many more options are available downtown, but unless you want to drive down there and try to find parking, you’re probably going to have to take an Uber or Lyft. Fans 3 Like most teams in the Cal Ripken League, the Grays are lucky if they get more than a couple hundred fans a game, but those who do show up are passionate, loyal, and knowledgeable about the team and the league. Even as the hour grew late and the game went into multiple extra innings, most fans stayed until it was over, cheering just as loudly in the final inning as the first. That is real dedication. As all Ripken League teams are located within about 40 miles of each other, and the Grays are the most centrally located team of them all, you will often get a number of visiting fans making the short trip into the District as well. Access 3 The Nationals Youth Academy is conveniently located a short drive off either I-395 or DC Route 295 (which is the only “state” highway in the District of Columbia.) Parking is available for free in the complex lot, although you will have to walk past some of the other fields to get where you need to go. Unfortunately, the Academy is not easily accessible by any D.C. Metro line, but free parking is a rarity in this city so take it where you can get it. The concourses are more than wide enough to accommodate the crowds. The restrooms are of sufficient size as well, although the men’s room is tucked away in a corner under some stairs, so you may have to look around a bit for it. Return on Investment 5 Admission to all Grays home games is free, one of only two clubs in the league where that’s the case. Concessions are affordable as well, and parking is free, so fans shouldn’t have to pay much to see the Grays. Throw in the fact that the Academy stadium is much nicer than most fields in the league and a visit to a Grays game is a pretty good deal. Extras 3 There is a tent on the concourse down the first base line which sells Grays merchandise at affordable prices. The tent also has free programs available, which earns another star. Finally, there are batting cages located on the concourse behind home plate where fans can watch the Grays and their opponents take some batting practice. Final Thoughts Few in the Washington, D.C. area even know the Cal Ripken League exists. That is reflected in the low attendance numbers at the vast majority of teams in the league. However, the DC Grays play in a beautiful stadium, and the chance to watch a baseball game for free on a summer’s night is an opportunity not to be passed up. Despite what people think, the Nationals are not the only baseball team in this city, and while the quality of play isn’t nearly as high at a Grays game as at a Nats one, it’s a chance to see a game for free as opposed to paying a lot of money to sit far away from the field, and who can argue with that?

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Fertitta Center 3875 Holman St Houston, TX 77004 Houston Cougars website Fertitta Center website Year Opened: 1969 Capacity: 7,100 Cougartown The University of Houston is a public university boasting over 46,000 students. The Houston Cougars basketball team entered the 2023-2024 season joining the Big 12 Conference. The "Coogs" are famous for their teams of the eighties that came within an eyelash of a National Championship while being one of the most exciting teams in college basketball, fondly referred to as Phi Slama Jama. The Cougars played their first season in 1946 and have made six appearances in the Final Four. Home for the Coogs is the Fertitta Center. It opened in 1969 as the Hofheinz Pavilion and was renamed in 2017 after a donation from Houston Rockets owner Tillman Fertitta. The renaming was not without controversy. Negotiations held with the family of Judge Roy Hofheinz, a Houston judge and politician, resulted in the creation of the Judge Hofheinz Plaza and bronze statue in front of Fertitta Center. The court was also renamed. Previously it was named after legendary Houston coach of four decades, Guy V. Lewis, but a donation by the Penick Family has the home of the Cougars to be formally known as the Penick Court @ Fertitta Center. Food & Beverage 3 Concession options at the Fertitta Center are okay, but they will not bowl the fan over. A limited number of concession points sell the expected arena basics including popcorn, hot dogs, pretzels, and nachos. The Hugo’s concession offers some Mexican fare including tacos, guacamole, taquitos, and roasted street corn. Coca-Cola products are the soft drink of choice in Fertitta Center and Red Bull has a fairly significant presence also. Beer is also available with Budweiser and Bud Light the most prevalent major brands. Atmosphere 4 For a large university in a very large city, the Fertitta Center's capacity of 7,100 is relatively small.  The exterior of the arena is very unassuming.  Fertitta Center is located with other athletic facilities on campus, north of football’s TDECU Stadium .  The building is low-profile with slanted, silver siding exterior and plenty of glass at the entrances.  The Holman Street side of Fertitta Center provides the main entrance via the Hofheinz Plaza, named after Judge Roy Hofheinz, whose likeness is immortalized with a bronze statue near the sidewalk. Upon entering the concourses, Fertitta Center provides a nice main entrance atrium with theatre-style ribbon boards welcoming fans as they enter.  The concourses are bright and clean and full of Cougar red and white along with items for the treasure hunter to see.  Murals for the “Game of the Century” at the Houston Astrodome from 1968, which saw the Cougars defeat the top-ranked UCLA Bruins in front of over 52,000 fans, are found in the concourse.  A trophy case proudly displays NCAA hardware at the Hall of Honor as well as murals honoring coach Guy V. Lewis, Phi Slama Jama, and the most honored Cougars, Otis Birdsong, Elvin Hayes, Michael Young, Clyde Drexler, and Hakeem Olajuwon. Inside the Fertitta Center, Penick Court runs from west to east with the best spot to sit to get that perfect center court logo from the north.   The north side of the arena is where the retired numbers for Young, Hayes, Drexler, Olajuwon, and Birdsong.  Also hanging on that north wall are banners for the NCAA Tournament appearances and the 1967, 1968, 1982, 1983, 1984, and 2021 Final Four appearances.  The seating area is a single tier with the main concourse behind.  The south side features club seating that is courtside.  There are large video boards at the east and west end of the arena and a ribbon board around the ceiling.  The gameday production is what one would expect from a major college basketball program.  The band is terrific and sits in the west corner with the students.  Shasta and Sasha, the Cougar mascots, partake in the pregame festivities and traverse through the arena.  Cheerleaders and flag bearers are also part of the production. Neighborhood 4 Fertitta Center is located on the campus of the University of Houston in the Greater Third Ward area. It is part of South Central Houston, just south of Downtown Houston. The immediate area does have some fast food and chain options within walking distance. A short jaunt in the car or on public transit will bring more options including Eric’s Restaurant, District 7 Grill, and Edgar’s Hermano. There are a ton of other sporting options to choose from in Houston. The Cougars play football  just across the road at TDECU Stadium as well as other varsity teams. The Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park; the Houston Texans  play at NRG Stadium; and the Houston Dynamo and Houston Dash play at Shell Energy Stadium. Rice University fields football , basketball ,  and baseball  teams among others and basketball teams hit the court for the Texas Southern Tigers  and Houston Christian Huskies . There are a ton of other tourist options in Houston including the Houston Zoo, Downtown Aquarium, Graffiti Murals, and Houston Space Center. For fans who wish to stay near campus, the Hilton University Houston is close by. Fans 4 Houston Cougar fans pack the Fertitta Center for each game. The relatively small capacity of Fertitta Center allows for a significant fan atmosphere. At the time of writing, the Cougars are averaging over 7,100 fans per game for the 2023-2024 season. The previous season they attracted over 7,400 fans per game. The small capacity of Fertitta Center hinders their support as compared to other Big 12 teams. The student section, known as The Cage was not a factor in the game that was reviewed as it was between semesters when campus is fairly quiet.   Access 4 The Fertitta Center is located on the campus of the University of Houston, which is in the Greater Third Ward neighborhood of Houston.  It is located south of I-45, so there is limited travel through the city to get to the arena.  There is parking available on campus, which can be expensive in some places.  For those who wish to take transit to the basketball game, the light rail Metro runs a few blocks south of the arena.  Some buses run along both Cullen Blvd and Scott St.  Fans should check out the Metro website for maps, fares, and schedules.  Getting around Fertitta Center is not difficult.  The Cougars, as of this writing, employ a clear bag policy.  Stadium Journey recognizes that security procedures for major sporting events are in constant flux.  Stadium Journey highly recommends fans consult the Houston Cougars  website for the most up-to-date security protocols including prohibited items and bag policy. Return on Investment 4 With the limited capacity of Fertitta Center, Cougar tickets are not easy to come by. The ticket office makes tickets available only a few weeks before each game. At the time of the review, standing-room tickets were going for about $30. Tickets on the secondary market usually start in the $40 range depending on the opponent. Parking can be expensive with the Stadium Garage going for $40 and other campus locations going for $30 to $35. A parking bonus for the game reviewed was free parking for the men’s basketball game for fans who paid for parking for the earlier women’s basketball game. Concession prices are about what one would expect at a college basketball game. The product on the floor is as good as anywhere in the NCAA and the gameday production is solid. Overall the return on investment for a Cougars game is pretty good. Extras 0 There are no extra points awarded for the Houston Cougars at Fertitta Center. At the game that was reviewed, it was clear that there were some operational issues at Fertitta Center. Limited General Admission seats were sold and also assigned to groups causing some significant displacement of fans. When dealing with displacement issues, more than one employee was not sympathetic or helpful to those who were displaced. Staff also denied that the error, which has happened on numerous occasions, was the responsibility of the Houston Cougars. Attempts to contact the Houston Cougars ticket office did not produce a response.  Hopefully, the University of Houston and Fertitta Center can correct some of these issues going forward and make the fan experience better. Final Thoughts Catching a Houston Cougars basketball game is a great college basketball experience that fans will enjoy.  However, some homework should be done before heading out to the game, however, to maximize the enjoyment of the game. 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