Photos by Eric Moreno, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Convocation Center 1 UTSA Cir San Antonio, TX 78249 UTSA Roadrunners website Convocation Center website Year Opened: 1975 Capacity: 2,650 UTSA Roadrunners – Convocation Center Founded in 1969, the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) is the largest in South Texas. Nearly from the outset, the university has fielded numerous athletics teams, including one of their most successful program: women’s volleyball. Since their inaugural season in 1983, the UTSA Roadrunners have been a consistent force on the court – they won conference titles in 1999, 2000, and 2010 as members of the Southland Conference and in 2013 and 2014 as part of Conference USA. From the outset, the volleyball team has called the historic Convocation Center, located on the UTSA campus, their home court. Affectionately known as the Bird Cage, the facility is known for its brutalist-style architecture and glorious rust-colored exterior. The venue is also home to UTSA’s basketball programs and some athletics offices and was the former home for decades worth of graduation ceremonies. Read on to learn more about the historic Convo.   Food & Beverage   3 The Convocation Center has, for the bulk of its lifetime, maintained and operated one concession stand. Located near the main entrance, this stand serves up basic stadium fare such as hot dogs (or chili dogs, if that’s your preference), nachos (which can also be topped with said chili), and Frito pie (my personal favorite), as well as bags of chips and popcorn, boxes of candy, bottled soda, bottled water, and sports drinks. Two factors keep this section’s score from being lower – first, fans can purchase beer and wine during Roadrunners volleyball games at the Bird Cage. Second, the costs for everything are very affordable. Aside from the alcohol, the cost for most of your food and drink options is less than $5 each; your wallet is safe when you watch the Roadrunners play volleyball.   Atmosphere   3 Inside the Convo, it still feels very much like a high school gym. Fans are just mere feet away from the court and all the action, especially on the student’s side of the court. This allows fans to really get a sense of the on-court action and to get a sense of the energy of the crowd. It had been quite a few years since I last attended a UTSA volleyball game, so I was pleasantly surprised at how engaged and excited fans were (more on them shortly), as well as how much this engagement enhanced the overall atmosphere. Other than the above, there is not much else at the Convo for fans to take in. There is a small merchandise area inside near the main entrance, and there are also trophy cases touting the success of Roadrunners teams of the past near the staircases inside. Championship banners for the men’s and women’s basketball and women’s volleyball teams also hang from the rafters over the court – it’s pretty bare bones, which is to be expected for a utilitarian facility like the Convocation Center.   Neighborhood   4 The Convocation Center is located right in the middle of the UTSA campus, which is on the far northwest side of the Alamo City. As such, the facility is pretty removed from most of the attractions that visitors usually come to San Antonio to see. However, that doesn’t mean there is nothing for fans to do and see before and after UTSA volleyball games. Directly across from the campus, separated by Loop 1604, is Six Flags Fiesta Texas . The largest theme park in this part of Texas, it draws millions of visitors a year who come to catch the shows, ride rollercoasters, and visit the adjacent water park. It’s open year-round, and the bulk of the volleyball season offers up some of the coolest weather, so you won’t mind waiting in line to get on the rides here. Also across the highway from campus is La Cantera Resort & Spa  – this four-star resort features world-class golf courses (it was the longtime home of the PGA’s Valero Texas Open ), a truly upscale spa, and some of the finest restaurants in the city, as well as a host of high-end shopping options. It is arguably the nicest place to stay in the city and is probably the best place – if your budget allows – to stay near campus. Since this is a college campus, you can expect fast-food restaurants to make up the bulk of the dining options nearby. However, there are still a few spots worth noting, the first being Smokey Mo’s BBQ . If you’re in Texas, you’re going to need to get some barbecue at some point. Smokey Mo’s would be considered a fast-casual style of the joint, but what it does offer will satisfy you. I would personally recommend getting the turkey, along with one of the traditional Texas trinity options. Also, who doesn’t love a good burger? Bunz Handcrafted Burgers is very close to UTSA’s campus. The massive burgers you can get at Bunz can be topped with something as simple as bacon and pepper jack cheese or with something as outlandish as a crab cake and Korean-style barbecue or ribs. For lodging options, in addition to La Cantera Resort, there are also a couple of choices within five minutes of the Convo, including DoubleTree by Hilton San Antonio Northwest  and Spark by Hilton San Antonio Northwest near Six Flags . San Antonio is abundant with dining and lodging options – it will all depend on your taste, your budget, and how far you’re willing to travel.   Fans   3 Last season was UTSA’s first as a member of the American Athletic Conference. Not so coincidentally, this year’s volleyball team set the all-time attendance record for the program, with over 11,000 fans attending home games at the Bird Cage – four games against a longtime rival, as well as newer conference foes, each saw over 1,000 fans attend. That is a far cry from what I have been accustomed to here; during the most recent game I attended, the Convo was virtually packed. Fans got here early, and they were decked out in Roadrunner orange and blue, and they were loud. The energy was palpable, which greatly added to the excitement and enjoyment of the experience. I think if UTSA volleyball can maintain this type of growth in the program, the attendance numbers will continue to rise.   Access   4 UTSA’s campus and the Convocation Center are housed between two major highways in San Antonio, the aforementioned Loop 1604 and Interstate 10. The campus is a 20-minute drive from downtown San Antonio and a 15-minute drive from San Antonio International Airport. The Convo is visible from Loop 1604, and exit signs mark the way off I-10. This highway intersection has become one of the most congested in the city, however, so consider that if you’re driving to the game. Once onsite, parking is plentiful – just take care not to park in any restricted areas. The city’s mass transit option, VIA Metropolitan Transit , also has several bus routes to and from campus if that’s the direction you want to take.   Return on Investment   4 Single-game tickets for UTSA volleyball start at $10 for general admission seating. When you couple this with the low cost of concessions and the free parking, you’re getting a great bargain. The American Athletic Conference offers up quite a few quality volleyball programs, all of which will make an appearance or two at the Bird Cage throughout the season – it’s a fun experience and is easy on your bank account.   Extras   3 UTSA offers up a lot of the traditional pageantry that most schools have for their volleyball games – the UTSA Cheer Squad mans the area along the baselines and tosses t-shirts to the crowd after big set points, while beloved UTSA mascot Rowdy can be found interacting with fans and taking photos all throughout the game. The Spirit of San Antonio (SOSA) Marching Band  can also be found in the stands, performing the fight song and the alma mater. It’s not a lot, but it all adds to the atmosphere and energy of the crowd.   Final Thoughts Even though I’m an alum and a fan of all things UTSA, I haven’t been to many volleyball games over the years. My knowledge of the sport is admittedly limited. However, I had a fun time on my most recent visit, though I admit that a lot of my good feelings toward the historic Convo are tied to memories of the good old days. Pulling off my orange and blue tinted glasses, however, my opinion of the Convocation Center doesn’t change – it’s got charm, it’s got history, and when it’s got fans in the stands, it gives off great energy. While I wouldn’t go so far as to say it needs to belong on anyone’s bucket list, you could do a lot worse than taking in a volleyball game at the Bird Cage. Follow Eric Moreno's Stadium Journey on Twitter at @EricMoreno6477 .

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Stephen B. Dolny Stadium 419 Montague Avenue Greenwood, SC 29649 Lander Bearcats website Stephen B. Dolny Stadium website Year Opened: 2012 Capacity: 750 Lander Bearcats Established in 1872 as Williamston Female College and later renamed Landers College in 1907, athletics at what is now Lander University would not start up until 1968 with the men’s and women’s basketball programs. Initially a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), Landers would become a charter member of the NCAA Division II Peach Belt Conference, formed in 1990. The Peach Belt Conference stretches along the southern coast with teams in North and South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida. Lander University is about 30 miles north of the South Carolina border with Georgia in the small town of Greenwood. While relatively small in population (approximately 22,000), the city of Greenwood has an impressive list of notable one-time residents including Benjamin Mays, former mentor to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.; Hootie Johnson, past chairman of the Augusta National; former Wichita State men’s basketball coach Gregg Marshall; and a slew of NFL players, most notably Ben Coates, Super Bowl champion tight end with the New England Patriots.   Food & Beverage   4 The concession stand here is located outside of Dolny Stadium, centrally providing concessions for baseball along with the nearby venues. The lodge-style building stands separate from the baseball and softball stadiums; the building housing the concession stand features a deck that overlooks the softball stadium, offering fans the chance to check out the action before returning to the baseball game. The concessions offer many options from Chick-fil-A sandwiches and hot dogs to chili dogs and nachos with a choice of cheese, chili, or both. Candy, chips, and other snacks are also available. The beverage options at Dolny Stadium are extensive, including bottled and fountain Pepsi products and Aquafina water. For those looking for alcoholic beverages, the stand offers Michelob Ultra, White Claw, and bottle-poured wine. Also, Lander University has its own branded golden ale, Bearcat Brew, from the Greenwood craft brewery Good Times Brewing.   Atmosphere   3 Dolny Stadium has a rather open feel to it, with only a small brick press box around the top of the seating bowl – the field is pretty much visible from any vantage point around the concourse. Chairback seats run 5 to 7 rows deep from the cut of the outfield grass. For those who might prefer to spread out a bit, or for kids to run and release a bit of pent-up energy, a small grassy berm of seating runs down the first baseline. In addition, a handful of picnic tables dot the concourse that runs behind the seating bowl. Dolny Stadium uses brick support columns and a brick backstop, which seamlessly complement finished wooden support beams in the seating behind the home plate. The combination of wood, brick, and blue stadium seats makes for a nicely presented facade. A chain link fence, with fence supports framed with padding, creates the wall from left field around to center. The wall is a bit short of the standard dimensions with left field at 325’ and 365’ to the left-center power alley; the center field runs at 401’. The outfield wall from the center around to the right is more of a typical padded fence backed with a large retaining wall. With a road that runs atop the wall, the right field distances are a touch short at 355’ to the right center power alley, while the right field goes 320’. A typical inning-by-inning scoreboard sits atop the retaining wall beyond the right-centerfield fence. There are not a lot of distractions by way of sound effects, other than some quips interjected during mound visits from the press box. Inning changes are kept simple, typically filled with either rock or country music as the pitcher comes out to warmups to begin each half-inning. When it comes to the seating at Dolny Stadium, there isn't a bad seat in the house. The seating bowl is right on top of the action, allowing fans to almost feel as if they are part of the game. The seats behind the home plate provide the most shade and cover from any potential sun or rain in the forecast. Several fans also choose to bring their foldable chairs, to sit along the back of the last row of stadium seats.   Neighborhood   4 Dolny Stadium is part of Jeff Mays Sports Complex which also includes Doug Spears Softball Field and Van Taylor Soccer Stadium. The proximity of these facilities allows fans to check out other games that might be going on. The Mays Sports Complex is located just off the Lander campus, under a mile from the oak-lined Main Street that runs through downtown Greenwood. Visitors will find several shops and restaurants along Main Street – Mill House Pizza, Howard’s on Main, Kickers Takeout, Buenavista, Montague’s, and Southern Soul on Main all come highly recommended. Those looking for a taste of the local microbrew scene might find Sled Dawg Brewery or Good Times Brewing of interest, both just off Main Street. Closer to May Sports Complex, visit the Dixie Drive-In for a throwback burger dive experience.   Fans   3 Lander University ranks in the top half of the Peach Belt Conference in attendance, with just a tick under 200 fans per game .  Fans are vocally supportive of the Bearcats, but in all appear to be on the same side.  As expected, borderline calls can create a bit of a buzz in the stands, but it is nothing that would not be seen from any typical fanbase.   Access   3 Without direct interstate access to Greenwood, visitors heading to Lander’s Dolny Stadium face a bit of a drive. The most traveled roads in the area, I -26 to the east, I-85 on the west, or I-385 coming from the north, leave at least an hour’s drive on state or US highways. Once at Jeff May Complex, most parking is toward the back of the facility, which should suffice if there is just one event going on, but with multiple fields hosting events simultaneously, there might be some competition for prime parking spots. Lots are near Dolny Stadium, so other than navigating the stairs leading to the front entrance, accessing the stadium is straightforward – those needing the assistance of ramps will want to look to the sloped area along the first baseline for easier entry into the facility. The concourse of the stadium runs behind the seating bowl and is reasonably easy to get around, but does not continue around the whole field; rather it horseshoes around home plate and up to the cut of the outfield grass. Since the concession stand and restrooms are shared with the other facilities within the complex, fans do have to exit the stadium to reach them. The field is visible the whole time, however, so the amount of the game missed is minimal.   Return on Investment   5 Admission to Lander baseball games is $5 for fans 13 and up, with kids 12 and under free. Concession prices are very reasonable as well and will not break the bank; even alcohol prices are more in line with what would be paid at a pub, more so than an inflated stadium price. And with free parking, Bearcat baseball is an extremely affordable experience.   Extras   3 The outfield wall recognizes the Bearcat’s Peach Belt regular season championships and NCAA Division II tournament appearances in 2012, 2014, and 2016, as well as their 2014 and 2016 trips to the D2 College World Series. With Dolny Stadium’s proximity to the softball and lacrosse fields, it is easy to come for a baseball game and stay for a lacrosse or softball game. The Capsugel walking/jogging track runs 4/5ths of a mile through and around Jeff May Complex. Not only does this give fans a bit of an opportunity to get some exercise in, but fans can do so while keeping up with the scores of the various games around the facility – the track is open year-round for community members to take advantage of.   Final Thoughts Dolny Stadium gives fans a comfortable baseball experience in an intimate setting, at a wonderful complex that promotes the simultaneous support of multiple Lander University athletic programs. Baseball at Lander University can be much more than just a baseball experience. Jeff May Complex brings together an entire community and athletic department and gives fans an easy opportunity to check in on the status of other games going on, and possibly stick around a bit longer than planned for tight games that might be reaching their conclusion.

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Sebring International Raceway 113 Midway Dr Sebring, FL 33870 HSR Classic 12 Hours website Sebring International Raceway website Year Opened: 1950 Pistons and Props in Sebring Far removed from the chaos of the annual IMSA race weekend in March , the HSR Classic 12 “Pistons and Props” event features a whole different atmosphere. Held each year in late fall, this race showcases Sebring’s history and mixes in a little bit of air show with race cars. Food & Beverage   4 There is no shortage of food vendors around the track at Sebring – from the main paddock and the ever-popular Track Shack (get The Beast for $15…it is probably the best item you can eat at the track and used to be only known on the secret menu at Sebring) to the various drink and snack stops around the track, you never have to go too far to get something to quench your thirst or ease the pain of hunger. The cost of everything is also what one may consider being moderately fair, as food and snack items range from just a few dollars to $12-$14 for bigger items at the Snack Shack. The event also invites several food trucks to the event as well, which are set up near the paddock area.   Atmosphere   4 The Sebring facility is steeped in racing history; fans from around the world regard it as one of the best tracks for many reasons. The HSR weekend features a much more laid-back vibe compared to the IMSA 12 Hours , and everyone here seems to be there to have a great time. The track lacks many conventional amenities one would expect from a top-level race facility, but makes up for it with viewing access and history. Access to Green Park is also included all weekend, something not always open to smaller events. Perhaps the highlight of the event is the historic warbird fly-in on Friday night – vintage warplanes arrive from Sebring Airport and taxi down the track’s backstretch before being staged for the weekend in the pre-grid area. After this, fans are allowed into the grid to check out the planes up close until they leave Sunday morning. Neighborhood   3 There isn’t exactly anything around Sebring International Raceway, as it is located in the middle of nowhere. Sebring itself is a town located in the middle of Florida, at least an hour and a half drive from the nearest major city or population center. Thus, while the town of Sebring itself may have some shopping and dining, as well as a few hotels, you are likely better off camping at the track and staying the whole weekend.   Fans   3 The fans at HSR weekend cross over from other events at Sebring, including IMSA  and the SVRA & Trans-Am SpeedTour events. Trackside camping is popular all around the track, and as usual, several fans decorate their campers and campsites with lights and decorations. Thankfully, the craziness of IMSA weekend is nowhere to be found here, and a much more family-friendly atmosphere can be enjoyed because of it.   Access   3 The roads in and out of Sebring aren’t exactly major highways, with the biggest road being US-27 running towards Miami to the South and Orlando to the North. There is plenty of parking at the track, however, and trams help take you from parking lots farther away from the main grandstands and paddock to points of interest around the track. You never feel like you are too far from anywhere either, as there are several perfectly placed crossover bridges around the track to get you to points of interest throughout the weekend. Also, any fan can come down to the paddock and get up close to the stars and cars who are in attendance.   Return on Investment   4 Tickets to the HSR event here are much less expensive than IMSA’s 12 Hours in March   – this means you get to enjoy the sights and sounds of the race cars of yesteryear without breaking the bank. Without a doubt, this is a great event to take younger fans to as well, and your access is much more up close than traditional races you may go to. Single day tickets (Saturday $30, Sunday $20), 2-day tickets ($45), 3-day tickets ($55), and 4-day tickets ($65) are all available for purchase. Unreserved RV parking is also available for $100 for the full event.   Extras   4 Taking in the race at Sebring has its perks for fans, with various autograph sessions held throughout the race weekend. In addition, fans also have the opportunity to get into the paddock area of the track free of charge, giving an up-close view of the teams as they prepare for one of the year's biggest races. Also, before the main event on Saturday, all the teams bring their cars out to the false grid before the race starts, so fans can come and see the cars and drivers up close, next to the vintage planes, before the racers head out onto the track. Final Thoughts The Pistons and Props event is a highlight of the Sebring calendar, and many local race fans show up to watch vintage racing at its best; the bonus of vintage warbirds only amplifies the value of this event. Like the HSR Classic 24 at Daytona , racecar fans of all ages can no doubt find something to get excited about here.

Photos by Will Halern, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 Kenan Memorial Stadium 78 Stadium Dr Chapel Hill, NC 27514 North Carolina Tar Heels website Kenan Memorial Stadium website Year Opened: 1927 Capacity: 50,500 Carolina Blue Beacon on the Hill The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, founded in 1788, was the first public university in the United States to enroll students, doing so in 1795. Exactly a century after its founding, UNC launched its football program. The Tar Heels is a state nickname dating back to the Civil War. North Carolina is now known as the Tar Heel State, and with the Chapel Hill campus being the state’s flagship university it only made sense to adopt the nickname. From 1888 until 1921 the school competed independently, after which they spent the next three decades as part of the Southern Conference, before becoming a charter member of The Atlantic Coast Conference in 1953; the Tar Heels are ACC members to this day. The Tar Heels first played at Emerson Field, about a half-mile from Kenan Memorial Stadium, on the site of what is now Davis Library, which is UNC’s main library. The stadium only held 2,400 fans and it was clear the team needed a bigger place to play, so in 1927 Kenan Memorial Stadium opened. The stadium has been renovated and updated over the years, most notably in 2011 when the stadium was enclosed, and in 2018 when most of the bleacher seats were replaced with individual seats, dropping the capacity from 62,582 to 50,500. The stadium is now close to a hundred years old, but still looks modern, while at the same time keeping some of the original charm. Food & Beverage 4 Kenan Memorial Stadium offers a variety of food and beverage choices to keep everyone attending a Tar Heels Football game happy. The main concessions stands offer a Chick-fil-A sandwich and chips combo for seven dollars, a Hunt Brothers pepperoni or cheese pizza for six dollars, a Backyard Bistro Half Pound Angus Cheeseburger and Chips combo for seven dollars, or a Kayem Jumbo Hot Dog for five dollars Pretzels, peanuts, popcorn, and candy are also offered, and you can get a regular fountain Coca-Cola for five dollars, with a souvenir cup for just a dollar more. If the lines at the main concessions stands are moving slowly, then Hunt Brothers Pizza and Chick-fil-A also have their own stands offering the same items, with the addition of a full Hunt Brothers Pizza for twenty dollars if you are feeling especially hungry. There is also a Gourmet Pretzel stand, and if you’re looking for something a little more off the beaten path, check out Trash Talk Food Truck, which offers Trash Plates for twelve dollars, where you can pick a cheeseburger, hot dog, or both on top of macaroni salad, home fries, and topped with mustard, onions, and Trash Meat Sauce. The truck also offers chicken sandwiches and burgers or hot dogs with various toppings. Frozen Minute Maid Lemonade, Dippin’ Dots, and Ben and Jerry’s with six different ice cream choices are offered for dessert. The trend in some college football stadiums recently has been the introduction of adult beverages, and Kenan Memorial Stadium now offers domestic beer including Bud Light and Coors for eight dollars, and premium beer including Corona and Blue Moon for ten dollars. Atmosphere 4 Kenan Memorial Stadium has always had great views of the field, as the front rows of the stadium are only a few feet from the field, and even in the nosebleeds you get a great view of the action. Beginning last season Kenan Memorial Stadium eliminated all bleacher seating except for the student section behind the West End Zone, and replaced them with individual chairback seating, making for a more comfortable game day experience. The North Carolina Cheerleaders, Rameses (the Tar Heels ram mascot), and the Marching Tar Heels band also add to the energy in Kenan Memorial Stadium. In addition, there are two decent-sized rectangular video boards, hanging behind each end zone, which is a nice touch to give fans on either side of the stadium a chance to view promotions, contests, or instant replays. There is a large amount of premium seating, with some behind the south stands (on the side with the UNC logo facing the correct way), but the majority are in the Blue Zone area behind the East End Zone. The only downside is getting up to the second levels, which requires a walk up a couple of flights of narrow stairs to a narrow concourse, which is divided into sections and does not go all the way around the stadium, so make sure to read the signage so as not to climb up and down the stairs multiple times to find your section. Neighborhood 4 Kenan Memorial Stadium is located right in the heart of UNC’s campus. Chapel Hill is a college town in the truest sense of the definition, as the town of Chapel Hill and UNC are interwoven. A few blocks from the stadium you will find Franklin Street, Chapel Hill’s main drag, filled with shops, restaurants, bars, and coffee shops. The first place to grab a bite would be Top of the Hill, a great combination of local southern cuisine with a twist – they offer Chicken and Waffles, Biscuits and Gravy, Edamame Burgers, and Cajun Pork Benedict, which you can top off with a Crème brûlée Cheesecake for dessert. Sutton’s Drug Store is another place to check out – opened nearly a century ago they offer breakfast, hot dogs, sandwiches, and milkshakes, all at a great price in an old-time friendly setting. Chapel Hill offers a number of bars as well, including He’s Not Here, Goodfellows, and Boxcar Barcade, so you’re never too far from a place to grab a drink or a fun spot to hang out before or after the game. Chapel Hill may be a college town, but there is more within the town limits than the university. For those who enjoy being outside on a late summer or crisp fall day, take a stroll around the Coker Arboretum or the North Carolina Botanical Gardens, or catch a show at the Morehead Planetarium and Science Center – this is among the oldest and largest planetariums in the country, and has been a fixture on the UNC Campus for seventy years. The Tar Heels also have a rich basketball tradition, so check out the Carolina Basketball Museum next door to the Dean E. Smith Center , popularly known as the Dean Dome. Or, for those who enjoy shopping head east on Franklin Street to University Place, a small shopping mall with a movie theatre, or for a more hip feel, take Franklin Street going west to neighboring Carrboro, where you can get some breakfast, lunch, or dinner at Elmo’s Diner. You can then explore the rest of Carr Mill Mall, a shopping mall converted from an old cotton mill, or the adjacent Weaver Street Market, a fair trade and organic farmer’s market and Co-Op. Or, perhaps you can catch a show at the Carrboro Arts Center or at Cat’s Cradle, a haven for up-and-coming and/or indie national touring acts – you can do all of this within ten minutes of Kenan Memorial Stadium. There are a couple of chain hotels, the AC by Marriott and Aloft Chapel Hill, both less than two miles from Kenan Memorial Stadium, but if you are looking for something more luxurious, both the Franklin Hotel and the Historic Carolina Inn are located less than a mile from the stadium. These two are likely to fill up fast, however, so make sure to book ahead of time if you know you are going to be in town for a game; there are also a number of other hotels in nearby Durham if you don’t mind a short commute. Fans 4 There is no doubt that Tar Heel fans are among the most passionate in the Atlantic Coast Conference, but in the last few years the Heels have fallen on some tough times, Kenan Memorial Stadium averaged just over three-quarters full during the 2017 season, good for tenth in a fourteen-team conference. However, in 2018 attendance rose dramatically from 76.65% to 86.38%, which happened in part due to the stadium’s capacity going down nearly 13,000 in the off-season. However, with a new coach and a program on the rise, enthusiasm for Carolina Football is going up. The game I most recently attended was the battle for the Victory Bell against hated rival the Duke Blue Devils , and the fans were loud and passionate, and weren’t afraid to let it be known when they disagreed with an official’s or coach’s decision. With a stadium that seems to be at about the right size, and a more comfortable experience now, Kenan Memorial Stadium will continue to assert itself as one of the best atmospheres, and one of the toughest places to play, in the ACC. Access 4 Getting to and from Kenan Memorial Stadium can be a little tricky. There is some heavy traffic, as is only to be expected at a lot of college football stadiums. However, with its location close to the center of UNC-Chapel Hill’s campus, and the large amounts of public transportation, you can park anywhere you want. The closer lots to the stadium on East and West Rosemary Streets will cost you twenty dollars, but you can use the spots the entire day, so you can arrive early and stay late, and take in all that Chapel Hill has to offer. There are also a number of lots around UNC’s campus that will cost you no more than $12.20, and many of them you can pay for in advance, so you don’t have to worry about having the exact cash needed to park. Some of these lots include the Hibbard and South Chiller Lot, with the cheapest being the Cameron-Graham Lot that will only cost you $6.75; handicap parking is available at the Ambulatory Care lot on Mason Farm Road. There are also numerous buses that will take you to the stadium, including the J, A, U, and the Tar Heel Express, all free of charge, like all of Chapel Hill’s Transit buses. Chapel Hill does not have any official bus or train stations, so if you are coming from out of town, you’ll need to take a bus or train to either the Durham Amtrak or Greyhound Stations, or Raleigh-Durham International Airport, Luckily all of those options are within a half hour of the stadium, and you can take a number of Go Triangle Buses from any of those locations. The 400 bus will take you from downtown Durham (where the Amtrak and Greyhound stations are) to Chapel Hill, and if you’re coming from the airport, taking the 100 to the 700 will get you to Kenan Memorial Stadium for $2.25 each way. There are several gates all around the facility, and while lines can be a bit long, you won’t have to wait too long to get into the stadium. Walking around the concourse can be a little bit tight, but not terribly hard. Handicap seating is available in sections 100, 112-119, or 131. The restrooms are showing their age a bit, but are well kept and fairly clean. Return on Investment 4 Ticket prices for games start at $20-$25 and go up to $50-$55 depending on the game. Food prices and parking aren’t too bad, so depending on where you want to sit, park, and how much food you buy, it shouldn’t cost any more than fifty dollars to attend a UNC Football game, which given the level of competition of playing in the ACC, a Division 1 Power Five Conference, is a good value. Extras 5 The first point goes to the Belltower Tailgating Area, where you’ll find some great tailgaters decked out in Carolina Blue, convening, playing some corn hole, listening to some tunes, and cheering on the Carolina football team, all under the beautiful Morehead-Patterson Bell Tower. Speaking of which, a second point goes to the bell tower being lit up in Carolina Blue after a win. Another point goes to the Victory Walk, where fans can cheer on the team as they walk with the Marching Tar Heels band and the cheerleaders to Kenan Memorial Stadium – the walk starts at the bell tower two and a half hours prior to kickoff. A fourth point is for the playing of AC/DC’s Hell’s Bells and Eric Church’s Carolina before the start of the fourth quarter, bringing more energy to an already energetic Carolina fan base, and finally a point for the large Tar Heel Team Store located inside the stadium, where you can get all your Tar Heel apparel without having to leave Kenan. Final Thoughts Kenan Memorial Stadium has been home to North Carolina Football for the past ninety-two years, but it would be easy to forget its age due to the recent renovations, including its new chairback seats and its two new large video boards. Mack Brown’s return to the program has given new life to Tar Heel Football after a recent dry spell, and in playing in a division as wide open as the ACC’s Coastal, the hope of competing for the ACC Championship as they did in 2015 could soon be on the horizon. Chapel Hill may always be known for basketball, but Kenan Memorial Stadium should be the backdrop for many future Carolina football victories, and put the program back on the map.

Photos by Eric Hasman, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.29 NOW Arena 5333 Prairie Stone Pkwy Hoffman Estates, IL 60192 Windy City Bulls website NOW Arena website Year Opened: 2006 Capacity: 8,700 Bulls at Now The NOW Arena (originally known as the Sears Centre, Sears Centre Arena) is a multi-purpose 11,800-seat arena (8,700 for basketball) in Hoffman Estates, Illinois. Hoffman Estates is a northwest suburb 25 miles (40 km) from Chicago (approximately a one-hour drive from downtown Chicago). The land formerly contained the former Poplar Creek Music Theater. Since 2016, the arena has been home to the Windy City Bulls, the Chicago Bulls affiliate in the NBA G League. The arena has a horseshoe-shaped seating area (seating on three sides of the court). Food & Beverage 2 The arena has two main concession stands in the building. One on each side of the arena. Prices at the stands are reasonable for arena fare. There is not much of a selection here. A review of the prices for the most popular items includes chicken tenders with fries ($7), Italian beef ($6), nachos ($5), pizza ($5), cheeseburger ($5), cotton candy ($7), pretzel ($5), Vienna beef hot dogs ($4), Dippin Dots ($5 or $7), popcorn ($5), and candy/cookie ($3). The arena carries Coca-Cola brand beverages including bottled sodas ($6), lemonade ($5), and bottled water ($4). The best of this limited menu is the beef sandwich. Alcohol choices are pretty good in the arena. Domestic beers are Coors, Miller and Leinenkugel ($7), 3 Floyds Zombie Dust ($10), and Blue Moon ($8). Mixed drinks are $10, hard seltzers are either $7 or $14 depending on the brand. Note, buy your food early or wait until after the game starts because the lines are long and don’t move fast. Atmosphere 2 The inside of the arena is bland. In the concourse area, no paintings or references to former teams who played there on the walls. However, there are a couple of banners hanging from the rafters for events held there. The concourse area is wide so you are not bumping into people as you navigate to your seats. There is nothing to get excited about in here. The seats are close to the court and there is not a bad seat in the house. A “lounge” area (with no concessions) is open to the public if it is not rented out for the night. This is a good place to watch the game. There is a kid’s area on the open end of the arena which has a blowup pop-a-shot and slide and other activities, which is a delight for the young ones. Kid's Area at NOW Arena, Photo by Eric Hasman, Stadium Journey The “gift” shop is a pop-up area that is bigger than I expected. They have a great selection of t-shirts and hoodies (from about $25 to $75), etc. There is not much in small stuff like magnets, cards, etc… One interesting item I saw was game-used basketballs ($100). If you are looking to get a picture or autograph of “Gus T. Bull,” the mascot, you can pretty much forget it. He doesn’t go into the crowd much. There is a selfie station which is cool. You get to choose your background and then the picture will get e-mailed to you. Oddly, one of the backgrounds is not the Windy City Bulls court. One scoreboard is on the open end of the arena. The size is normal for this sized arena and the information displayed on the board during the game is informative. The activities between time outs are the usual stuff like a local cheer / dance team doing a routine. Of course, the game day operations provide some basketball related contests too. Neighborhood 2 There is not much of a neighborhood near the arena. A couple of strip malls are a few blocks from the arena that has a few restaurants such as Buffalo Wild Wings, Coopers Hawk, Kyoto Japanese, Pinstripes, and Rookies Bar and Grill. If you are looking for food and drink before the game the place to go is Rookies . They have a diverse menu at reasonable prices. The closest hotel is a Holiday Inn Express , about a half mile from the arena. Fans 2 The fans there are mostly parents with their young kids. While the place was about half full at the time of this review, the crowd was dead. Very few people are “into the game.” There is little excitement about the product on the court. Access 3 The arena has more than 4,700 parking spaces around the facility. It is very easy to access the Now Arena from I-90 via exits at Sutton Road or Beverly Road. If you arrive later, the parking lot lines can be long. Walking or taking public transportation, rail or bus, to the arena is not a viable option as the public transportation spots are far from the arena. Parking is $12 which is steep for developmental league basketball. Return on Investment 3 Ticket prices for Windy City Bulls games are $10 in the sections at the end of the courts and $20 for the sections even with the court, which is the majority of the seats. Floor level tickets range from $50 to $100 depending on the location. . Extras 2 An extra point is for the Spin the Wheel game. Though it is pricey at $10 a spin. There are some really good prizes such as a bobblehead, t-shirts, scarf, foam finger, ticket vouchers, and a “mystery box” (which on this night included a t-shirt and fitted hat. Spin The Wheel at NOW Arena, Photo by Eric Hasman, Stadium Journey The arena gets an extra point for having two banners for the All-Elite Wrestling All-Out events held there. The pro-wrestling company had its first pay-per-view event in this arena. Final Thoughts While the atmosphere is not very exciting, based upon reasonable pricing and decent basketball, if you are a basketball fan, this is a good night out. Just be prepared to run into and hear a bunch of kids.

Photos by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Taylor Stadium 181 Research Park Dr Columbia, MO 65203 Missouri Tigers website Taylor Stadium website Year Opened: 2002 Capacity: 3,031 Mizzou’s Tigers……. They’re Grrrrrrreat! The University of Missouri has a storied athletic history with the very successful Norm Stewart years in basketball to the most recent championships in the form of the Missouri Tigers football team and their early success as the newest member of the SEC’s eastern division. The move to the SEC not only meant tougher competition on the field, but off the field as well. Four SEC baseball stadiums including Carolina Stadium (South Carolina), Dudy Noble Stadium (Mississippi State), Baum Field (Arkansas), and Alex Box Stadium (LSU) were rated in the top ten college baseball experiences by Stadium Journey. The Mizzou Tigers call Ralph and Debbie Taylor/ Phi Delta Theta Stadium at Simmons Field (whew!) home. Most of the locals call it the Taylor for short. Taylor Stadium was built in 2002 and has a seating capacity for 3,031. It features a natural grass playing surface and has dimensions of 340 feet down the lines and 400 feet to straightaway center. In preparation for its move to the SEC, the stadium underwent a massive renovation in 2010. Amongst the improvements are increased seating capacity (with 537 seat back chairs), an expanded concession area and improved restroom facilities. Fan comfort is also taken into consideration as the updated design even cut down on the heavy crosswinds that are common in the Midwest. The exterior of the stadium also has a new look with red brick walls, green metal roof and black steel supports which compliment the surrounding MU athletic facilities. The baseball Tigers have a long history of success, with one National Championship, three appearances in the College World Series finals, six College World Series Tournaments and 22 appearances in the NCAA Tournament. They also have 20 conference championships from their years in the Big 8 and the Big 12. More than 40 Tiger baseball alums have made it to the MLB, including such familiar names as John Dettmer, Ian Kinsler, Max Scherzer, Art Shamsky, Mike Shannon, and Sonny Siebert. Food & Beverage 3 The concessions area is one of the areas where major renovations have been made and it shows. There are a large range of foods to pick from, including hot dogs, brats, burgers, pretzels, sunflower seeds, popcorn, peanuts, nachos, and soda. The prices are somewhat high, but the portions are huge. The checkout is centralized which makes a much more steady flow as the counter workers can concentrate on getting the food to you fast. The Tiger memorabilia and spirit shop in the stadium is also well stocked with a broad selection of merchandise. Atmosphere 4 Baseball in any part of Missouri is an event, and the same holds true for the atmosphere at Taylor Stadium. A nearly full house generates a lot of energy and the Tigers deliver. They even have their own chant, when a run scores, as the announcer goes M…I…Z and the crowd responds with a thunderous Z…O… UUUUUU! The folks at Mizzou also hold numerous promotions. My most recent visit was the last home game of the season and it was MU’s Baseball Alumni night with more than 50 former Tigers in attendance. It was also a “Girls Night Out” with sorority members given discounted tickets. A Friday night at a Tigers baseball game is something to remember! Neighborhood 4 The Taylor is located just off of the University of Missouri campus in Columbia, Missouri. The campus of 35,000 students is designated as a botanical garden and the grounds are spectacular. The school was founded in in 1839 and was the first public university west of the Mississippi. It is known internationally as having one of the best Journalism Schools in the world. Taylor Stadium is located within the MU Sports Park, which includes the basketball, football, track and field and softball facilities. Columbia is a city of 115,000 people and is home to both Stephens College and Columbia College in addition to the University. As would be expected in a college town, the music and club scene is quite active. Among the more popular clubs in town are the 1839 Taphouse, Bengals Bar and Grill, and Harpo’s. Local restaurants favored by the locals include Shotgun Pete’s BBQ, the Flat Branch Brewery, and Addison’s American Grill. Also as a school with an agriculture program, Mizzou has an on campus dairy bar. Be sure to get a couple of scoops of the Tiger Stripe (vanilla ice cream with Dutch chocolate stripes running through it). Fans 4 One of the reasons that Missouri was accepted into the SEC is due to its rabid fan base. No matter what the sport, and no matter how far they have to travel for conference road games, Tiger fans will be there. The baseball stadium is usually 80%-100% full for every game. Fan support financially has also allowed the university to upgrade its sports facilities to be competitive with those available at their conference rivals. The stands are full of gold and back, and you will frequently see Truman (named for a certain Missouri-bred president) the Tiger mascot up in the stands and leading cheers. Access 4 Columbia is located in the geographic center of Missouri, halfway between St. Louis and Kansas City. It is easily accessible from I-70. Columbia Regional Airport is serviced by American Eagle, with flights to both St. Louis and Kansas City. Parking for baseball is free and is available in the General Public Lot between the football stadium and The Taylor, off Stadium Boulevard. Accessibility within the stadium is excellent thanks to the renovations of 2010. Return on Investment 4 Hotels in Columbia run from $72-$130 a night during non-event (graduation/football home games) dates. Tiger baseball tickets are $5 ($3 for children/seniors) and parking is free. The restaurants in Columbia run gamut from pizza palaces to fine dining and can cost between $5-$50. You are paying college town prices, not big city prices, when you visit Columbia. Extras 3 Due to its equidistant location between St Louis and Kansas City, Columbia is a great midway point in doing a 3-game baseball weekend. Many people have seen an afternoon Cardinals game, hopped in their cars to catch a night game in Columbia, spend the night and then head over to Kansas City for a Royals game on Saturday. Columbia also has a very active cultural district with plenty of museums, concert facilities, and art galleries to visit. An extra point is also awarded for the event staff at Mizzou games. The night I attended there was a baseball game, a women’s softball game (versus defending national champion, the University of Florida) and a track meet all being held within the Missouri sports complex. The event staff handled this with a professionalism you do not often see at the college level. They are friendly, welcoming and are great ambassadors for the university.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Duane Stadium 315 Turnpike Ave North Andover, MA 01845 Merrimack Warriors football website Duane Stadium website Year Opened: 2017 Capacity: 4,000 Warriors, Come Out and Play   Merrimack College is a private Augustinian college in the Boston suburb of North Andover. Founded in 1947 by the order of St. Augustine to educate soldiers returning from World War II, the school now boasts an enrollment of over 5,600 students in over 100 undergraduate and graduate academic programs. Among Merrimack’s alumni is Charlie Day, best known for his role in It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia.   Duane Stadium is named in honor of Ken and Jincie Duane. Ken is a class of 1980 alumnus and was a member of the school’s hockey and lacrosse teams. Mr. Duane served on the school’s Board of Trustees for several years. A contribution from the Duanes was instrumental in making the building of the facility possible.   The football program at Merrimack began play in 1996, competing at the Division Three level for one season before moving up to Division Two. In two-plus decades in D-2 the Warriors made the playoffs one time, advancing to the second round. In 2019 the entire Merrimack athletic program moved up to Division One, joining the Northeast Conference. When the Warriors moved to the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference in 2024, the football team was left without a conference, as the MAAC does not sponsor football. Merrimack is currently one of two independents competing in 2024. Over their first five seasons in Division One, Merrimack has posted a record of 24-23.   Food & Beverage 3   Merrimack Dining operates a food truck in the north end zone of Duane Stadium. A basic menu is available, consisting of burgers, dogs and nachos. Assorted snacks and beverages are also sold here. Pepsi products are featured, with coffee and hot chocolate popular items later in the season.   Seaboard Products runs a beer truck for Merrimack football games. They serve a selection of local craft brews, including “Together We Can,” a New England style IPA. The beer is the result of a collaboration between Merrimack and Riverwalk Brewing in Newburyport.   There’s a Dunkin’ Donuts in the nearby Merrimack Athletic Complex next door to Duane Stadium. It appears that fans can bring items from the Dunkin’ into the stadium.   Atmosphere 3   The game day atmosphere at Duane Stadium is fairly typical of other small college facilities in the northeast. The party starts in Lot M, directly behind the main grandstand. This lot is the only one on campus where tailgating is allowed. While there’s not usually a huge party scene here at Merrimack, if you visit during homecoming weekend, you can expect a great time.   Inside the stadium, all the usual elements can be found. The Merrimack band, cheerleading squad and dance team perform throughout the game. Mack the Warrior enters the game along with the team and spends his afternoons mingling with the fans. Music plays over a good sound system with a PA announcer who keeps fans informed of game information with a dash of personality. The scoreboard in the south end zone is put to good use with videos, graphics and replays.   There’s normally not a huge crowd at Merrimack football games, so this is hardly a loud and rowdy place. But many of the fans who do show up here have a personal connection with the players on the field, so they are enthusiastic in their support of the Warriors. Fans are friendly and you’ll feel welcomed even if wearing the opposing team’s colors.   Neighborhood 3     Merrimack College is located in North Andover, Massachusetts, a town of almost 31,000 residents located 25 miles north of Boston. North Andover is your typical bedroom community, with plenty of shops and restaurants for locals, but nothing that would classify the town as a “must see” destination.   While there are many options for lodging or dining within a short distance of the Merrimack campus, out of town visitors will most likely head towards Boston after the game.  Fans looking to avoid the big city price tags will find numerous choices within a few miles of the Merrimack campus along nearby Interstate 495.   Among the highlights near campus is Burton’s Grill & Bar and The Friendly Toast, a brunch spot featuring adult drinks and a creative menu. There’s a Holiday Inn Express on I-495 just a couple of miles from campus.   Fans 3   Crowds at Warrior football games generally run between 2,000-3,000 fans. If you visit Merrimack during Homecoming weekend, however, you can expect a standing-room only crowd. It was reported that on Homecoming Weekend 2024, over 15,000 people visited campus, filling Duane Stadium to capacity, with overflow crowds continuing the party in nearby Lot M.   As mentioned earlier, the fans at Duane Stadium are very supportive of the Warriors, if not overly loud and rowdy. It’s a fun place to take in a game. With the bulk of Merrimack’s schedule consisting of games against other New England teams, it’s not unusual to see a good turnout from visiting fans, who all sit on the same side of the field in the big grandstand.   Access 3     The Merrimack campus in North Andover is located 25 miles from downtown Boston near the intersection of Interstates 93 and 495.  While traffic can be heavy in this area, driving is the easiest way to get to Merrimack. There is an MBTA train that stops at the Andover station about four miles from campus. Once in Andover, the Merrimack Valley Regional Transit Authority  offers bus service to many local spots, including Merrimack College. Complete directions to Merrimack, including local dining and lodging options, can be found here .   Duane Stadium is located on the southern edge of campus, adjacent to Lawler Rink , Hammel Court  and the other Merrimack athletic facilities. Lot M adjacent to the facility allows tailgating for a fee, with other lots located just a short walk from Duane Stadium. Most fans will find nearby parking in Lot H. A criticism of the accessibility of Merrimack is that the college blocks all entry points into the campus except for the one on Rockridge Road, forcing fans to circle the campus before entering, then making them wind their way through campus to find the stadium.   Fans entering Duane Stadium will find plenty of room to roam. Most of the seating is in the grandstand on the west side of the stadium. Seats in the grandstand between the forty-yard lines consist of individual stadium seats, with the remainder consisting of metal bleachers without backs. There is a walkway across the front of the grandstand, so it is recommended you avoid the first couple of rows. Standing room is available at several spots around Duane Stadium, primarily in the north end zone. There is a small observation deck on the east side of the stadium, which is reserved for VIPs, but this area was accessible for everyone on the afternoon of Stadium Journey’s visit.   Concession stands and rest rooms are located in the north end of the facility. Lines are generally not an issue at Duane Stadium.   Duane Stadium is a busy place, used for football, lacrosse, soccer and field hockey. Lines for all sports are on the turf and may be distracting for fans. The presence of the track around the outside of the football field pushes the seating further from the field than it would be otherwise.   Return on Investment 4   Tickets to Merrimack football games start at $20 for general admission or standing room tickets, maxing out at $30 for reserved chairback seats. Members of the military, senior citizens and youths under 12 all receive a five-dollar discount. Tailgate passes, which allow you to park in lot M adjacent to the stadium (the only lot where alcohol is allowed) can be purchased for $30-$50 depending on the game.   Other parking is available on campus at no charge. Concessions are reasonably priced, making an afternoon at Duane Stadium an affordable entertainment option for local sports fans.   Extras 1                                                                                                 There is a pop-up tent in the north end zone selling a variety of Merrimack merchandise, and a 50/50 raffle held to raise funds for the program. Fans may also want to check out the dedication plaque to Duane Stadium located on the east side of the stadium near the entrance.   Final Thoughts   Duane Stadium is a basic facility that is similar to many in the northeast. It suits the needs of the growing Merrimack football team well. While you won’t get the big-college experience here, what you will get is an affordable, fun place to watch some quality college football.   Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter  and Instagram  @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Josh Eastern, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 ShoWare Center 625 W James St. Kent, WA 98032 Seattle Thunderbirds website ShoWare Center website Year Opened: 2009 Capacity: 6,500 T-Birds The Seattle Thunderbirds are a junior hockey league team that plays in the U.S. Division of the Western Hockey League. They play in the ShoWare Center located in Kent, WA which is about 30 minutes south of Seattle. It was opened in January of 2009. The Thunderbirds played at Mercer Arena before moving to Key Arena. In 2009, the T-Birds moved south to the ShoWare Center. It is a multi-purpose arena that is mostly used for hockey. It is a great setting for hockey. Food & Beverage 4 If you are thinking about having dinner at the ShoWare Center, you will be well off. The food selection at the ShoWare Center has a good mix of food. They have their regular concession stand food along with more unique stands. In the regular stand you have your basic hot dog, Coke products, popcorn, etc. What is a major turn-off are the prices. At a minor league hockey game I would expect the prices to be a little more reasonable, but they are very similar to prices at say Safeco Field in Seattle. Along with the regular concession stands, they have mini vendor stands that have more exquisite offerings. An example of this is at one stand they have a sliced beef sandwich that is a more gourmet offering compared to a hot dog. In addition, a mini coffee shop is offered with small snacks and coffee as well. Lastly, beer stands are offered all around. The downside to these small stands is that they are much more expensive. A sandwich is $10, which is definitely more than the regular stand. One thing that stands out is there are no in-seat vendors. During the intermissions, this makes the concourse very busy and makes for long lines. Atmosphere 4 The ShoWare Center is an ideal place to watch a WHL game. Because it is fairly new (opened in 2009), the amenities and the seats are all very comfortable which helps you to focus more on the game. When walking to the game, it isn’t a very long walk from the public parking lot (which is free), but it is across train tracks and past a long grassy “park” area. There isn’t a backdrop when looking at the stadium from the outside. When you get to the entrance, there are many doors that let you in, but there is only one way to get in and it is through the doors you see from the street. Inside the arena, the concourses are plenty big to navigate around. When I attended the game it was probably three-quarters full which gave zero issues when I was walking around the concourses. The lines for concessions do usually cut into the walking areas. All of the seating areas have their own separate tunnels and to get to the suite level, you ride the elevator or walk the stairs. About 80% of the stadium has regular nice, cushy seats. The other 20% is part of the retractable bleachers and those seats are very uncomfortable to sit in (sections 108-112). Otherwise, you are right up next to the glass on the ice. The bowl of the stadium is built a little steeper so you are closer to the action. The ShoWare Center does offer club seating across from the team benches. In addition, suites are at the top and range from goal to goal on either side of the ice. The scoreboard is nice and has a fairly good-sized video screen on all four sides. It does show the penalty time, shots on goal, time, and score. They show replays of key plays along with live game action. During breaks in play, there are mascot appearances and games/interviews with fans to keep them interested. After the second period there is the ‘Chuck the Puck’ game where you can throw 3 rubber pucks that you buy in the concourse and can try to win a car or other prizes. All in all, the atmosphere is a great one for WHL hockey. Neighborhood 3 The ShoWare Center is located in Kent, Washington, which is about 30 minutes south of Seattle. About 5 minutes walking distance from the arena is an area called Kent Station. Located here are lots of shops and restaurants where a lot of fans head to before the game. It is perfectly located and provides a great pregame location for food. Outside of Kent Station, Kent isn’t a hub for much else. Because of its proximity from Seattle, there isn’t much else going on during game nights other than the event at ShoWare. Some restaurants in Kent Station that are good eats are the Ram, Johnny Rockets, and Chipotle. There are plenty of restaurants so on a regular game night you’ll definitely get in somewhere and make it to the game on time. They tell you not to park at Kent Station, but I saw plenty of people walking to the game from there. Safety wasn’t a concern for me walking from the parking lot located within 2 minutes of the ShoWare Center. Fans 2 The T-Birds fans are definitely a wild bunch. They can get restless very quickly and at the game I attended, the refs and the fans weren’t best friends. The fans are spirited throughout, but there is definitely a lot of explicit language and it even got to a point in the game after a bad call where fans threw things onto the ice. This probably doesn’t reflect all of the fans, but there are some knuckleheads for sure. Other than throwing things on the ice, the fans are knowledgeable about hockey. They are, for the most part, just normal hockey fans. During a part in a song they yell “(blank team) sucks” which is totally normal for any fans to do. They have kept the same intro since they played at the Key Arena before they moved in 2009. The fans really like to have fun and they joke around a lot and it is a friendly atmosphere for the most part. The only reason I rate them a 2 is because they threw food on the ice. Access 3 Because the ShoWare Center is located about 30 minutes south of Seattle and its suburbs, it is very out of the way for people coming from Seattle or the Eastside. This can make getting to the game during the week and rush hour very difficult. When the Thunderbirds played at the Key Arena located at Seattle Center, it was perfect for people from Seattle or just outside of the city. Now, located in Kent, it is really only convenient for people that live in the areas of Renton, Kent, Auburn, etc. But, if you are coming from near the airport, it should only take around 15 minutes. When you get to the area around the arena, there is plenty of parking. If you have a parking pass you can park in the arena lot. Otherwise, you will have to park in the lot to the west just across the train tracks. It is a walk that is 5 minutes at most and totally flat. Parking in this lot is complementary as well. Public transportation is also available on Sound Transit. ST Express route 566 takes you directly to Kent Station, which is a very short walk to the arena. As you walk in, there is the normal bag check. It wasn’t too out of the ordinary of any other stadium’s bag check procedures. Once inside the stadium, the concourse is plenty big for traffic. The lines for concessions do sometimes leak out into the walking area, but for the most part it is not bad. When walking to your seats, there are some steps you have to walk up for the main sections. If you need assistance, there are ramps at a few of the sections to help. Return on Investment 3 All in all, my experience at the ShoWare Center was fairly good. Second hand tickets can be had as low as $15. In my opinion, I wouldn’t spend too much more than $20 for these tickets. If you buy tickets off of the Thunderbirds website, you will pay $24 to sit in between the benches or $40 to sit in the club sections. Because parking is free, that is a major bonus that increases the ROI of the ShoWare Center. But, the concessions aren’t cheap. In the end, the game is fun and they have good ways to keep the fans in the game. I am a light hockey fan and I thoroughly enjoyed myself. Extras 1 Located inside the stadium is a team store where you can buy all of your T-Birds apparel. Also, if you are interested in listening to the game on the radio, you can hear it on 1090am The Fan. There are people around the stadium to assist you with whatever you may need. I recommend playing ‘Chuck the Puck’ during the second intermission. For only $3, you get 3 rubber hockey pucks to try to throw into a sunroof of a car. This is just one of many ways the T-Birds get the fans into the game.

Photos by Eric Moreno, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Jones AT&T Stadium 2526 Mac Davis Lane Lubbock, TX 79407 Texas Tech Red Raiders website Jones AT&T Stadium website Year Opened: 1947 Capacity: 60,454 Texas Tech Red Raiders – Jones AT&T Stadium Originally founded as the Texas Technological College in the bustling West Texas town of Lubbock, the now Red Raiders (then known as the “Matadors”) first took the field in 1925, and have since captivated the hearts and minds of Wreck ‘Em Nation. Throughout the team’s history, the Red Raiders have won 11 conference championships and have had scores of All-Americans, All-Conference players, and College Football Hall of Famers including Donny Anderson , Zach Thomas , Michael Crabtree , Gabe Rivera , Kliff Kingsbury , and Patrick Mahomes II . In 1947, the Red Raiders moved into their current home, the then Clifford B. and Audrey Jones (named for a former President of Texas Tech and his wife who had established a trust to fund the construction of the venue) Stadium. It was renamed after undergoing renovations and receiving a significant donation from the then SBC Communications, now AT&T. The facility would undergo another renovation in 2014 which has brought Jones A&T Stadium up to its current look and feel, and made it a true palace of football out on the West Texas Plains. Food & Beverage 4 One area where Jones A&T Stadium truly excels is in the sheer amount of available concessions stands that are available to attendees on game days. On the field level, there are dozens of options available to fans. As the Red Raiders tend to draw pretty large crowds, having a lot of open options is essential – most stands are dedicated to offering all of your traditional game day fares, including hot dogs, nachos, popcorn, soft pretzels, sodas, bottled water, hamburgers, etc. Some items go beyond the norm, like deli sandwiches, turkey legs, and chopped barbecue nachos. Jones AT&T Stadium is also the first one that I have visited that has hopped on board the train/fad of selling alcoholic seltzers ($9). One innovation that I found particularly refreshing is that some stands offer “Fan Friendly Pricing” on select items, like hot dogs, small fountain drinks, small boxes of popcorn, bottled water, and select candies. These are all $3 each and, for those on a budget or those attending as a family, this can be helpful for your wallet. Also, one last spot to be on the lookout for is the HTea0 kiosk. Serving fresh-brewed “traditional” and flavored iced tea, this is a true Texas original and a fan favorite. Atmosphere 4 Make no mistake about it, a Texas Tech Red Raiders game at Jones AT&T Stadium is big-time college football at the highest of levels. Once you head into Lubbock and you get near the campus, there is a palpable energy in the air. As you head towards the stadium down University Avenue, your senses will be completely overwhelmed by the sea of red and black. This town lives and dies for the Red Raiders and on game days. Once you get to Jones A&T Stadium, the entire area surrounding it is abuzz with the sights, smells, and sounds of the greatest of all football/sports activities: tailgating. As you walk through the parking lots, you start to see all the elaborate setups that college football is known for: tricked-out RVs, giant smokers, tent cities, etc. It’s a carnival-like atmosphere and it’s great. Inside the stadium, it gets even better. From the Saddle Tramps ringing their cowbells and the Masked Rider to the fireworks after touchdowns and the tortilla toss after the opening kickoff (all of that and more will be covered in the Extras section), all add to one of the best college football atmospheres that I have personally experienced in my journeys. Neighborhood 4 Lubbock itself was founded on the high plains of West Texas in 1890. Currently the 11th largest city in the state, it has become a hub city for many of the communities out west. Above all though, Lubbock is a great college town. The neighborhoods surrounding the campus have the look feel, sights, and sounds of any typical college town, and that is a good thing. There are bars, trendy eating spots, and cool hangouts, which are all great places to stop in before and after Red Raiders games. When it comes to attractions, there are quite a few things for you to do before and after Tech games. If you’re looking for sports, your options are limited to Red Raider athletics, so plan accordingly for that. Otherwise, some spots to look for including the Museum of Texas Tech University , a diverse museum housing over eight million objects ranging in subjects from anthropology, art, clothing, and textiles to history, paleontology, and natural history. It is also home to the Moody Planetarium. You can also take in exhibits on one of Lubbock’s favorite sons at the Buddy Holly Center . The Center “collects, preserves and interprets artifacts relevant to Lubbock’s most famous native son, Buddy Holly, as well as to other performing artists and musicians of West Texas”. Featuring the West Texas Walk of Fame and statue of the Lubbock Flash himself, Buddy Holly, the center offers exhibits on music and art and is open year-round. Let’s talk about eating spots first and foremost. The previously mentioned University Avenue fronts the stadium and has a ton of options. Two spots that aren’t of the chain variety to be on the lookout for are One Guy from Italy and Spanky’s . One Guy from Italy, as its name might imply, sells pizza (which you can also get by the slice, which I always appreciate), subs, and legendary calzones. Spanky’s has been serving up some of Lubbock’s old-style hamburgers, chicken sandwiches, and onion rings since 1982 and is a primo spot before and after games. When looking for places to stay when attending Red Raiders games, Lubbock has lots of options available to you. If you want to stay near campus, however, a vacation rental site may be your best bet as the stadium is right on campus and there aren’t many options within walking distance. However, close by there are some manageable ones within driving distance – these include Overton Hotel & Conference Center and Hyatt Place Lubbock . Fans 4 As they are pretty much the proverbial only game in town, the Red Raiders consistently fill Jones AT&T Stadium and are also consistently near the top of the conference in average attendance – the parking lots surrounding the stadium are filled with revelers in red and black hours before games. Inside the stadium, the fans are engaged from the opening tortilla-toss kickoff and chanting and cheering to the very end (this, of course, is always contingent on the team being competitive). College football tends to lend itself to breeding this type of fanaticism, and it does not seem out of place in Lubbock. The fans love the Red Raiders and it shows every Saturday in the fall at Jones AT&T Stadium. Access 2 If there is one area where Jones AT&T Stadium is lacking it is in this area. Lubbock itself is over five hours by car from both San Antonio and Dallas. By air, it is a lot shorter, at three hours from the Alamo City and a hair over an hour from DFW to Lubbock Preston Smith International Airport . Once you get to Hub City, as Lubbock is affectionately known, the stadium is located between state highways 84 and 82, off of University Avenue and Mac Davis Lane. While it is easy to find, it is not easy to get to, if that makes sense. The access is pretty much limited to two main entry points if you’re going to try and park near the stadium. Parking for those that don’t have passes ranges anywhere from $15 to $55 depending on how close you want to get or how far you want to walk, so, bear that in mind. Another option is taking public transportation; Lubbock’s Citibus does make frequent stops in and around the Texas Tech campus, even on game days. Again, one final caveat. Since there are just the two main entry points, these tend to get severely backed up the closer you get toward game-time – especially the one on University Avenue – so plan accordingly. Return on Investment 4 Individual tickets for Texas Tech games at Jones AT&T Stadium range from $35 to $150 per person. This does tend to fluctuate depending upon the opponent that comes into Lubbock, but it is pretty much the average. For a Big 12 school that faces some top out of conference foes, this could be a pretty good bargain for some top-level competition. As mentioned, concessions have reasonable prices and even better ones with their Fan Friendly Pricing options. This is great for the budget of families and large groups attending Red Raiders games at Jones AT&T Stadium. The one area where you will have to spend a penny or two is parking if you’re planning to drive. Still, when you factor it all together and couple it with the atmosphere of the stadium, it all makes for a great time in Hub City. Extras 5 Another area where college football truly sets itself apart from other sports is in the extras you get on game day. The pageantry, the revelry, the pomp, and the circumstance all add to the excitement and energy of the on-field action to make college football games unique across the sports landscape. Texas Tech games have traditions unlike any other in college football; sure they have their cheerleaders and dance team; they also have a costumed mascot patrolling the sidelines in Raider Red , and they also have one of the best marching bands in college football in the Goin’ Band from Raiderland . The Red Raiders also shoot off fireworks every time the offense scores a touchdown, and the fans sing the school song “Matador” before and after every game. All of these trappings are great, but they can be found in some form or another across most college football stadiums in the country. But in Lubbock, they also have traditions all their own – this starts with the Saddle Tramps , a student organization that paints the campus red with crepe paper the night before games and constantly rings cowbells during the game. They are also sponsors of Bangin’ Bertha , a large railroad bell that rings loudly throughout the game. Tech games also start with fans flinging tortillas out onto the field with the opening kickoff; you can read about how this bizarre tradition started here . Lastly, perhaps no tradition is more important to Texas Tech than their mascot, the Masked Rider . Looking like Zorro come to life, the Masked Rider sits atop a beautiful black steed and not only leads the team out onto the field before each game but rides after each Tech touchdown. It is truly something to see. Final Thoughts I have been to quite a few college football stadiums in Texas in my years; again, while it is nowhere near the biggest, I can honestly say that this was one of the most fun experiences that I have had. The atmosphere and fans are incredible; I would recommend any college football fan out there add Jones AT&T Stadium onto their bucket list of stadiums to visit. I don’t think you’ll be disappointed. Follow Eric Moreno’s Stadium Journey on Twitter at @EricMoreno6477 . Visit Eric Moreno’s writer’s portfolio site at ericmoreno.contently.com .

There is no place quite like FirstEnergy Stadium and no MiLB experience quite like the Reading Fightin Phils. It is usually one of the favorites. Grab a beer and join Paul and Dave and find out why! You can find Stadium Journey's review of FirstEnergy Stadium and the Reading Fightin' Phils gameday experience here.

Photos by Jason Bartel, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Fowler Park and Cunningham Field 5998 Alcala Park San Diego, CA 92110 San Diego Toreros website Fowler Park and Cunningham Field website Year Opened: 2013 Capacity: 1,700 Fun Times with the Toreros and Fowler Park Since 2013, one of the top baseball programs in the West Coast Conference, the San Diego Toreros, has called Fowler Park and Cunningham Field their home. Located on the hilly USD campus, the stadium is designed to take advantage of the local topography, filling in a cliff with a state-of-the-art baseball facility. The Toreros have found recent success in college baseball, qualifying for the NCAA Tournament in about half of their seasons since 2002. Moving into Fowler Park was a big step for the program, adding a brand new clubhouse, training area, and batting cages, all right there next to the playing field. It also adds to the overall architecture found on the USD campus, with its Spanish mission-style buildings, and a dorm located beyond the right field that adds to that. Fowler Park is part of the USD Sports Complex, which also includes basketball’s Jenny Craig Pavilion , football’s Torero Stadium, along with the school’s soccer field and other facilities. In the San Diego sports scene, Fowler Park probably goes under the radar compared to, say, San Diego State’s facilities. But it should not go overlooked with what it offers baseball fans of all ages. Food & Beverage 4 With Fowler Park’s homey feel, there is just one concession stand location that’s needed, and it is behind home plate along the main concourse. It has a ton of options to offer fans though. Of course, you’ll be able to find your typical ballpark fare of hot dogs, hamburgers, popcorn, pretzels, and sodas (Coca-Cola products). All of these run anywhere from $3-$6. For these, you can combo them with a side of fries for an extra dollar. The BAT sandwich, which includes bacon, avocado, tomato, and lettuce is probably the signature item of the ballpark. You can get that for $8. For the same price, you could go for the pulled pork sandwich, which also has slaw. When in San Diego, one might feel the need to get some fish tacos ($9 for two). Or since this is California, there are a couple of salad options available for fans as well. You really can’t go wrong with any of the options available, and it’s such a diverse selection for a college ballpark that only has one concession stand. Atmosphere 4 Fowler Park, just like the rest of the University of San Diego campus, is an artistic masterpiece when it comes to architecture. The ballpark is built into the side of a cliff, giving fans a perspective they can’t get at many other college ballparks. And on clear days, you’ll be able to peer out over the hills into Mission Bay. All fans enter from above the stadium, right next to the basketball arena, Jenny Craig Pavilion. There’s a standing area when you walk in, where you can get a bird’s eye view of the action below. Stairs and elevators lead down to the main concourse and suites, where all the seating is located. USD’s dugout and clubhouse are located down the third base line, with the visitors calling the first base dugout home. Right above the clubhouse is a mini field where kids can go play a game of kickball or something during the game. The seating area is very comfortable. Each seat has its cup holder and a ton of legroom. USD has protective netting in front of all the seats, which feels like it gets in the way of the view a little bit. There are a couple of suites available as well, which have box seats plus a lounge area in each one. One scoreboard looms beyond the left field wall. It can show live action and replays, along with stats and other things that you would expect at a baseball game. The PA system is perfect, not too loud, and not too quiet at any location in the ballpark. And then the final touch is having posters of famous alums Kris Bryant and Brian Matusz pinned up on the face of the cliff behind home plate. Neighborhood 3 The biggest thing the University of San Diego has going for it is its proximity to the ocean. Mission Bay and Fiesta Island are about a mile away, which also means that SeaWorld San Diego is the closest attraction to the campus. USD uses Mission Bay as the training area for its rowing teams and lists Mission Bay as a university facility on its website . There aren’t a ton of local establishments to grab a bite to eat in the area. Tio Leo’s Mexican is probably one of the more popular places in the immediate area and offers some happy hour specials you can take advantage of before a night game at Fowler Park. Not too far away is Old Town San Diego , which offers a ton of options in the form of restaurants, shops, a theater, hotels, and events throughout the year. Old Town is a great place to visit and spend some time walking around, taking in some of the San Diego histories. As far as places to stay, USD is fairly close to San Diego’s Hotel Circle . This offers just about every major hotel chain, and is in a very convenient location, as it surrounds I-8 right in the center of San Diego, allowing access to just about everything you would want to see in the area. Fans 2 For a program that has seen consistent success and a relatively new park, the attendance leaves a little bit to be desired. The Toreros draw well for postseason and rivalry games, but other than that, there aren’t a ton of people at the games. The ones that are there also stay pretty quiet during games. There aren’t a lot of cheers or anything going on to get the team hyped. Access 4 The University of San Diego is located just north of I-8, and just east of I-5. With two major highways feeding into the area, getting to Torero games is fairly easy. When you do get to USD, there is a free parking garage located just down the street from the ballpark. The garage has an entrance right when you enter the USD campus at Acala Park, or you can enter it down near the football stadium on Torero Way. Exiting the garage is easier going up to the top, and having it feed you right out of campus. It is a hilly walk from the garage to the stadium, so if you have issues with that, you might want to try and park in the small lot across the street from Fowler Park’s main entrance. All fans enter the stadium at the very top of it. You can either stay here and watch as you would from a balcony at a theater, or take the stairs and elevators down to the main concourse. Clear signs point you in the direction you should go to get to your desired location. The walking areas throughout Fowler Park are very spacious, and lines for the bathrooms and concession stands don’t impede a person’s ability to get from the first base side to the third base side. The concourse also has plenty of handicapped seating all around the park. Return on Investment 4 With ticket prices between five and ten dollars, free parking, and reasonable concession prices, Torero games are certainly worth the monetary cost. The stadium is fantastic. The views are impeccable. And the baseball is usually pretty good too. USD is worth a trip during college baseball season, especially if you’re going to be in San Diego during the spring anyway. Spend the day at the ocean, and spend the evening in the hills. Perfection. Extras 3 The standing areas all around allow for unique perspectives you may not be able to experience at most other ballparks. The first baseline has a meandering pathway where you can stand and watch the game. The third baseline has a mini-diamond for kids to play games on. USD’s campus is the other extra here. Fowler Park fits right into the mission-style architecture and views found throughout. I recommend getting to campus well before the game and taking a stroll around just to see all the different buildings, plus the views of the surrounding areas and the bay. USD is a beautiful place, but with it nestled away just off the freeways, it may go overlooked by some. Be sure to change that and experience it once for yourself.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Kibler Field 108 Gibson Ave. Chestertown, MD 21620 Washington College Shoremen website Kibler Field website Year Opened: 2006 Capacity: 2,000 On The Shore Washington College is a college in Chestertown, Maryland which was granted its charter in 1782. It is the 10th oldest college in the United States and one of the few to have received support from George Washington to honor him. The original desire was to have this college as the Eastern Shore Campus of a public “University of Maryland” with Annapolis’ St. John’s College the Western Shore counterpart. That obviously did not happen. Each year, Washington College awards the nation’s largest undergraduate literary prize. Since 1968, the Sophie Kerr Prize has been presented to one graduating senior who demonstrates the greatest literary promise. Washington has had sports since the 1800s, with the baseball team dating back to the 1870s, likely the oldest team on campus. Men’s teams are known as the Shoremen; women’s teams are known as the Shorewomen. Roy Kirby, Jr. Stadium has been named by Lacrosse Magazine as one of the top 10 venues for collegiate lacrosse. The current stadium was built in 2006, but the location has been the site of lacrosse at Washington for many years. Food & Beverage 2 There are only simple food options at the stadium, but you can expect temporary options on occasion. Atmosphere 4 A few years back Lacrosse Magazine mentioned this stadium as one of the “Ten Best Venues for Collegiate Lax” and was the only Division III venue on the list. Their quote was: “Traditionalists may still call it Kibler Field. It was one of the coziest places to see a game. The school modernized the facility, building an impressive grandstand that includes an indoor dining/viewing level above the bleachers.” This is one of those special sports locations that a fan of any sport should attend, even if not a lacrosse fan. The simple grandstand is nothing special, but it still exudes a special atmosphere. There is a track around the stadium. Neighborhood 4 Chestertown is a town and county seat of around 5,000 in Kent County, Maryland, and is located on what is known as Maryland’s Eastern Shore. It is 1.5 hours from Baltimore and Philadelphia. The nearby downtown district of Chestertown is full of history and sites for visitors, along with some nice shopping and dining. BAD Alfred’s Distilling, the Evergrain Bread Company, and Play It Again Sam are good spots for dining. Check out the High Street Town Dock and see if there are any charter boat trips through companies such as the Chester River Packet Company. Wilmer Park and the nearby area around the Hodson Boathouse at Washington College makes for some nice waterside walking on a nice day. Fans 3 Washington College has many fans who gather for lacrosse games. The college teems with them and they bring their cheers and support to great levels. Access 3 The actual town of Chestertown is not an issue getting around and accessing, but the problem is how isolated from major urban areas the town and college are. You will have to go way out of your way to visit Washington College. There may also not be much parking on campus as it is a historic campus and if there are many events going on, the available spots could be hard to find. Leave yourself plenty of time to find a good spot. The North Commons area may be a good place to start, but make sure to follow parking guidelines, especially for weekday events during regular school semesters. Return on Investment 5 Games are free to attend unless it is an NCAA tournament event. For the low cost of attendance, the return on investment is great. Extras 2 There is a multi-purpose room on the skybox level of the stadium that is used for various events. Just the fact that this is one of the top 10 venues for collegiate lacrosse, makes it special and is extra. Final Thoughts Lacrosse is a popular sport in Maryland, and at this oldest college in the state, lacrosse is king, so a visit to Kibler Field At Roy Kirby, Jr. Stadium is worth a visit.

Photos by Scott Bultman, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.43 Rose Bowl 1001 Rose Bowl Dr Pasadena, CA 91103 Rose Bowl game website Rose Bowl stadium website Year Opened: 1922 Capacity: 92,542 Rose Bowl The Rose Bowl is called "The Granddaddy of Them All" for its pomp and circumstance each year. From the parade each morning that is nationally televised to a big game in the afternoon, this is a must see for sports travelers and fans. Fans in and around the Rose Bowl last year were in for a treat as this would be the first ever playoff semifinal game under the newly formed college football playoff system. This game featured the #2 high flying Oregon Ducks vs the #3 unbeaten Florida State Seminoles . As if this game needed anything else special, it would showcase the previous two years' Heisman trophy winners taking each other on. This sidebar matchup between Jameis Winston and Marcus Mariota would be only the third game in college football history featuring two Heisman trophy winners facing each other in a game. The site is a National Historic Landmark as even the United States has recognized it as an important part of this country's history. The stadium now has a capacity of over 92,000, and year after year those seats get filled (and then some) because the Rose Bowl Game is an experience like none other. Below is commentary on the 101st edition of the game in a Stadium Journey language. Food & Beverage 4 While the food and beverage vendors are not in typical form (all are on a single concourse with no sightlines of the action), there is plenty of room for temporary food vendors, similar to what you will find at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum . Many of these stands had televisions behind the counter, allowing fans to continue to watch the game while standing in line. The variety of food stands at the stadium was vast and anyone with a specific appetite could walk away happy. One stand offered Fan vs Food Italian Beef & Sausage Sandwich ($30 for a whole sandwich, $15 for a half, and $10 for a third), and beef or pork ultimate nachos ($10). Some of your more typical food items found at most permanent stands included hot dog ($5), french fries ($5, get them "Texas Pete" style for the same price) bratwurst ($8), cheese or pepperoni pizza ($5 slice), popcorn ($5), Red Vines licorice ($5), M&M's ($5), or peanuts ($5). Some of the more exciting food options included beer brats, tri-tip sandwich, garlic fries, sweet kettle popcorn, bacon cheeseburger, bacon & cheese dog, nachos, teriyaki chicken and rice, quesadillas, burrito, tacos, or the famous El Cholo bowl (chicken or beef, with mixed with rice, beans, onions, cilantro, and salsa). The normal fare that you will find at most stadiums was prevalent as well. I had a foot long hot dog and a pretzel for eleven dollars and it hit the spot. For dessert, you may want to try the frozen lemonade ($5) or Lindes glazed almonds (sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon). The almonds are delicious, but do come at a premium. Small packs started at $8. The beverage options included Coke products in a souvenir cup for $10 (or bottled option for $5), bottled water ($4 & $5 sizes for Sparkletts and $5 & $6 sizes for Fiji), coffee ($3), Rock Star energy drink ($4), and regular, strawberry, or cherry lemonade ($5). I am a collector of souvenir cups but was not willing to shell out ten dollars for one. Especially since I got some free cups outside the stadium from a sponsor. In a contrast from when the UCLA Bruins play their home games here, the Rose Bowl did serve alcohol, which consisted mostly of Budweiser products. Draft beers ran for the hefty price of $10 for a 16 oz. cup. Bottled beer was also available for $9, Wine (chardonnay, white zinfandel, cabernet sauvignon) was available for $10 and margaritas for $10. Atmosphere 5 Without even setting foot into the state of California, most college football fans understand how meaningful the Rose Bowl game is. Simply driving into the parking lot or walking around the stadium area is sure to give all of the fans the cliché excitement term: "goosebumps." Never have I seen so many people taking pictures of the stadium as was witnessed before and after the game. Seeing a sun kissed stadium on TV turn into a beautiful sunset over the San Gabriel Mountains has to be seen in person at least once. On this particular day, close to record cold temperatures did not put a damper on the festivities. Rarely will you see a more passionate outpouring of school support than at the Rose Bowl game as it seems almost every fan was wearing yellow, green, or maroon on this particular day. When the team buses arrive to the stadium, one would think that riots are beginning to occur as all fans rush to the barriers to scream their support and get photos of their favorite players entering the stadium. I was fortunate to catch the Oregon Ducks escort and what a sight it was to see the designs on the buses and fanfare rolling through. You'll want to pay close attention to the national anthem as shortly after completion, fireworks are set off from mid-field and a flyover occurs, this year being a stealth bomber. Neighborhood 4 As the Rose Bowl is often part of a larger trip, many fans stay in Los Angeles for the week leading up to or following the New Year's holiday. Fans can also knock off many other venues on their list as the Los Angeles Kings , Lakers , Clippers , and Anaheim Ducks are all likely to host a home game during the week. Before or after the game, you can visit the Hollywood Boulevard, any one of the studio tours, Griffith Park, the Getty Museum, Venice Beach, the Santa Monica Pier, the Orange County beaches, or any one of the other sites in Los Angeles. On most reviews, the neighborhood is characterized mostly by the local bars and restaurants, however for this venue; you must first consider the surrounding scenery. Just outside the stadium, you'll find two 18-hole golf courses nestled at the base of the San Gabriel Mountains. You'll find the typical Southern California palm trees as well as over 30 species of other trees surrounding the stadium. Once you arrive at the stadium, take a panoramic view of the surrounding hills and many of the beautiful homes constructed upon them. While in Pasadena, be sure to check out the magnificent structure that is City Hall, the neighborhood known as Bungalow Heaven with its small craftsman homes, or the Norton Simon Museum, complete with sculpture garden. If you are looking for some stops before or after the game, be sure to head down to Old Pasadena, or "Old Town." This revitalized area spans 21 blocks and has a variety of shopping, dining, and beverage options. If you are more concerned with just drinks and fun, perhaps you should check out the Old Towne Pub. You can expect to find live music here most nights of the week, so don't show up expecting to engage in conversation. Who could forget some of the classic beverage options such as "PBR" and their specialty shot, "the Loch Ness," for a rather inexpensive price. Lastly to be mentioned here is The 35er. This spot is located on the historic Route 66 and has a variety of fun beyond the beverage menu. Here, you'll find pool tables, a jukebox, and foosball in addition to approximately 20 beers on tap. This place is known to have some of the best specials in Pasadena and all-you-can-eat free popcorn. Weekends provide some extra fun as they have a DJ and dancing on the lower level. Fans 5 Both fan bases gave each other some good-natured ribbing but nothing seemed excessive or over the top. There seemed to be a 60-40 split in favor of Oregon supporters vs Seminoles faithful. Most of the chants and ribbing were directed at either Jameis Winston or the lack of national titles won by Oregon . Oregon fans populated the western and northern parts of the stadium while Florida State fans were in the eastern and southern portions of the stadium. My tickets were in the Florida State cheering section despite being a neutral fan. The marching bands for both schools were lively and kept the crowd enthused during the game. Due to the one sided game in the second half, many Florida State fans left at the beginning of the fourth quarter. Though they were disappointed on this day, they could take solace in the fact that they had won a national title the year before. Access 3 I was impressed with the transit options to and from the Rose Bowl. I took the metro gold line to Pasadena and took a free shuttle to the game. The wait times looked scary leaving the train station as everyone was going to the same place. However, the shuttle area was well marked and I was on a bus in under 15 minutes. Leaving the stadium and taking the shuttle is something I wouldn't recommend. The wait times were anywhere between 45 minutes to an hour. Take the mile and a half walk to the gold line station instead and skip the line. The area is well lit and there were police along the way to help with questions. I was able to get right onto a gold line train without waiting. Police and security at the train station help keep the lines and crowd flowing well both to and from Pasadena. My only quibble was the lack of signage on my walk to the station. Luckily, I followed the crowd and asked a friendly officer along the way. Getting there by car is not so easy. Located in Pasadena (found a little more than 15 minutes (13 miles) northeast of downtown Los Angeles), the city is easily accessible from the 110 or the 210 freeways. Unfortunately for the traffic flow, or fortunately for the scenery, the stadium is located in a mostly residential area with many small roads. There are limited entrances in and out of the Rose Bowl, so do provide yourself with at least an extra hour in advance of the desired arrival time. Rarely do you see traffic congestion as significant as you will see here. With well over 1 million individuals attending the Rose Parade, traffic from the parade route can cause a five minute trip to take well over an hour. As you approach the lots closest to the stadium, you can expect standstills of 10 minutes or more trying to get to your parking spot. Parking is a bit of a wildcard with spots going as low as $15 and as high as $80, with most spots somewhere in the middle. Many fans will park on residential lawns and walk down to the stadium to avoid the congestion getting out. While many of these spots are cheaper and offer easier exits, they are not sponsored by the Rose Bowl and there is no security in these lots. Some of the parking is immediately surrounding the stadium and other parking options are actually on a fairway of an 18-hole golf course. With so many vehicles on the property, there is staff on hand to help you locate your vehicle. If any given fan can still not locate their vehicle after the game, there are individuals nearby to help them locate it. There seems to be plenty of room at all spots for tailgating fun and there does not seem to be all of the severe restrictions that so many LA-based sporting events enforce. My most important piece of advice to anyone going into the game would be to begin making your trek to the stadium early and make sure you are headed to the appropriate gate number. As most fans begin to head to the gates 30 minutes before kickoff, it creates backlogs like many have never witnessed before. Depending on the integrity of the security guard checking bags, it can take 20 minutes or more from the time you get in line to the moment you step through those gates. Once inside the stadium, the single concourse seems to be fairly sizable and fans can get around rather quickly. Unfortunately, the small tunnels leading to the seating area often get very congested when trying to get to or leave your seats. Again, significant congestion will occur, preventing fans from quickly getting to seats. Speaking of seats, there are often 20 or more in a row, so those in the middle can expect a difficult journey to land in their bench seats. The aisles are pretty tight and not conducive to quick entry or exit. Most seats do not have cup holders and there is extremely limited space under your seats to place any belongings, so pack light. On many occasions, the beverage under my seat has spilled due to the limited space and curved concrete. There are three scoreboards in the stadium, but I found that all three left something to be desired in terms of the stats they provided. I did, however like the Rose Bowl highlight clips from games past during television timeouts. The restrooms are small, but there is a reasonable quantity and the lines do seem to move particularly fast. Due to the congestion of the seating aisles/tunnels, I would recommend heading for the restrooms at first thought as it could be a long journey. Return on Investment 5 During years where the new college football playoff games are at the Rose Bowl, $150 and up for a game ticket seems like a bargain compared to getting them online. In years where it will be host to a regular but major bowl game, the price may be a bit excessive. However, they have sold out every game since 1957. The atmosphere, a classic stadium, and a great warm weather setting make this a must see game at least once in your lifetime. For a major event, I thought tickets, food, and souvenirs were priced fairly. Some of the shirts were overpriced a bit but this writer needed one to proudly wear. As with any game, you can choose to indulge or be frugal so return on investment for a big event like this is what you make of it. If you factor in the price for a flight and hotel for out of town fans, the expenses add up quickly. Not driving and taking transit can save a lot of money. Indulging in free samples during the pregame tailgate can save you some on food costs inside the stadium. Most seats in the stadium are close to the action. Fans can live like kings in the new box seats which give you more leg room and an actual seatback. Or you can spend ten dollars for a nice souvenir seat cushion and sit in a regular seat. Extras 5 The Rose Bowl itself warrants some extra points. It is known affectionately as "The Granddaddy of Them All." With a nickname like that, you can't go wrong. It was the home of the first ever bowl game, played back in 1902. The Rose Bowl holds many prestigious records. The stadium set a record for attendance at a bowl game in 1973, when 106,869 saw USC and Ohio State play. Not bound to college, it holds the record for an NFL Superbowl at 103,985. This game was played in 1980 and featured the Pittsburgh Steelers against the Los Angeles Rams (Superbowl XIV). Since its inception, this venue has hosted 5 NFL Super Bowl games. It is now part of the college football playoff rotation. The parade prior to the game, beginning at 8 AM Pacific time, is seen by approximately 40 million individuals every year. Witnessing the parade and its floats made from flowers is just as much a part of the experience as the game itself. Be sure to make the parade part of your experience, but plan ahead as parking and a spot on the route is challenging to come by. Since its beginning, the Rose Bowl has hosted 19 Heisman Trophy winners (Reggie Bush also played here), 29 National Championship teams, and featured countless consensus All-Americans. The contest typically features the winners of the Pac-10 (now Pac-12) and Big 10 (with 12 teams) conferences. This agreement to feature these conferences began in 1947 and is currently the oldest intercollegiate postseason bowl agreement between two major conferences. During your visit, take a few moments to take in the Rose Bowl Hall of Fame. Leading the way is a statue of an "anonymous" football player. The anonymity is an interesting touch, as there isn't one player who defines the venue and fans can wonder who is next to make their mark on the Rose Bowl. Behind the statue is a large wall that plays home to the Chrysler Corporation Court of Champions. Plaques from each year show the final score, the names of the head coaches, and the outstanding offensive/defensive players. Almost hidden in the bottom left corner of the wall is the Rose Bowl Hall of Fame, where it lists the name and school from where the individual hails. Unfortunately all these Hall of Famers receive are small plaques with no real explanation of why these individuals are in the Hall of Fame. I imagine that there is somewhere else where the contributions of these individuals are a little more extravagantly noted? Final Thoughts Going to a Rose Bowl is big enough but the added bonus of the college football playoff semifinal made it a must see game. While it isn't in the rotation each year, the regular bowl game will always feature a great game involving two high ranking teams. The renovations to the stadium did not compromise the classic look or feel to the stadium. The experience, the parade, and the pomp and circumstance make it a must see for any sports fan.

Ben Crenca used to suit for the men's basketball team at the University of Vermont (UVM). These days, he's wearing an entirely different uniform. Often, he's shirtless and in tights. Ben, who dabbled in Australian Rules Football post-college, is now a professional wrestler, and his ring name is Big Trouble Ben Bishop . BTBB took a time out to discuss his unique journey. STADIUM JOURNEY:So what comes first, basketball or wrestling? As a kid growing up in Rhode Island, who were your influences? BTBB: As a kid, pro wrestling was my number one love, but I realized early on that basketball could get me a bit further. So I chose that route, and it got me to prep school at Worcester Academy and then to UVM. I didn't have any Rhode Island-inspired influences, but I was a huge Kevin Nash fan. For basketball, like most back to the basket big men, I tried to model my game after Shaq, without the freak athleticism. So I guess I was more like a Vlade Divac. STADIUM JOURNEY: What's it like to compete in March Madness? What goes down that the television viewer doesn't see? BTBB: For a small school like UVM, competing in the Tourney was a dream. We got the first class treatment that we were not privy to during the regular season, like police escorts and all that jazz. A private plane too. The TVs are everywhere during the tourney, but it's cool to see other teams in the hotels and to interact with each other. We passed by Duke after losing to UNC and right before they got upset by C.J. McCollum and Lehigh. STADIUM JOURNEY: What's more dangerous - pro wrestling or Australian rules rugby? And are you still playing the latter? BTBB: They both have their own elements of danger, but pro wrestling can go wrong in an instant and be drastic. Aussie is mostly just very hard on the joints. I am not built to run long distances. I did have a shoulder separation in Aussie rules. No major injuries in wrestling, fingers crossed.. I no longer play Aussie rules. STADIUM JOURNEY: What prompted you to finally take the plunge and go for it as a pro wrestler? BTBB: I was approached by former WWE wrestler, James Ellsworth, at an indie show, and he asked me if I wanted to start training. The next day I was taking my first bump. I almost didn't go to the show. I nearly stayed home and continued playing Madden. At the eleventh hour, I decided to go. It was fate. STADIUM JOURNEY: How long and rigorous was the training process? What was the toughest thing to pick up? BTBB: Training is tough as the cardio is much different, and pro wrestling has unnatural movements like falling down voluntarily and getting back up quick. But the physical was not as hard as the mental. Wrestling is unlike other sports because we have to also be actors while being athletes. We have to tell a story with our body language. So it can be more mentally draining than physically draining. STADIUM JOURNEY: How is Big Trouble Ben Bishop born? Where does that come from? BTBB: It all comes from the movie Big Trouble In Little China. I love John Carpenter movies, so I decided to mold my character after Jack Burton. For example, he drives the Porkchop Express. That's where I got the moniker "Meatpop Express." STADIUM JOURNEY: And how do you go about getting matches, and what is a typical busy weekend like on the indie wrestling circuit? And have you worked for OVW? BTBB: You just have to network and sell yourself to promoters. You would think it would be easy for a guy like me, but it's difficult. This may be a surprise, but there is not much money in indie wrestling if you are not a TV name. So you have to pay out of pocket to get to some of these shows when you're starting off and handle all your logistics. Legit Planes, Trains and Automobiles. One weekend, I wrestled in Maryland, New Jersey, and then Memphis. Very long weekend. I have wrestled a few times for OVW. I worked Dimes, Cash Flo, and Tony Gunn. It’s not much different than other indies besides that it's televised, so you have to stick to the times. I was asked to be on Netflix's Wrestlers but I couldn’t make it work. Hoping to get back there in 2024. STADIUM JOURNEY: Mick Foley followed Stonybrook hoops somewhat religiously. As far as you know, did he ever see you play? BTBB: He did not, unfortunately. He stopped going to games when his father passed. I have been on shows with him, and we talked UVM hoops though. He was a fan of Taylor Coppenrath and TJ Sorrentine STADIUM JOURNEY: You somewhat recently returned to Burlington to wrestle. What was that homecoming like? BTBB: All I can say is that it was amazing. And it was basketball alumni weekend too. To see my former teammates and fans show up for me was surreal. We had a great time. STADIUM JOURNEY: When you're in Burlington, what are your must spots? BTBB: Burlington seems to have changed a bunch, but when I am there I enjoy going to Akes' Place and Mr Mikes. STADIUM JOURNEY: How often do your basketball and wrestling worlds collide? Do you know of any other former college basketball players who are now wrestlers? BTBB: I don't know many to be honest. I know Kevin Nash and Kane were college basketball players. Currently, I know a wrestler out of Pennsylvania named Pretty Boy Smooth - played a bit at Hofstra. STADIUM JOURNEY: Coolest venue that you ever played hoops in? BTBB: Greensboro Coliseum vs. UNC in the Tournament for obvious reasons. STADIUM JOURNEY: Favorite venue to wrestle in? Why? BTBB: The Mecca - Ridgefield Park, New Jersey - Knights of Columbus. Look it up. Jon Hart is @manversusball

Photo Designed Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Several summer collegiate baseball clubs on the West Coast will compete in the Pacific Empire League this summer. The new league will feature a 25-game schedule, culminating in a best-of-3 championship series in late July/early August. Teams will also be allowed to schedule games with nearby teams at home that won't count in the PEL standings. The Healdsburg Prune Packers, Lincoln Potters, Humboldt Crabs, Medford Rogues, Solano Mudcats, and the West Coast Kings will be the six teams that will comprise PEL for the inaugural 2024 season. The league will offer a high-tech partnership with Trackman Baseball and Synergy Sports. It will provide data for college coaches on the analytical side, including exit velocities, spin rate, and pitch speed. Six cameras will be linked to allow college coaches to track their players. The six pre-existing franchises have played in various summer collegiate leagues in the Bay Area and Southern Oregon. The opportunity to compete in the new league with well-established clubs was a pull factor for Prune Packers GM/Head Coach Joe Gomes. “The Pacific Empire League checks all the boxes as a topnotch collegiate baseball league, featuring historic teams with devoted fanbases, and strong ties to college coaches and scouts. Our integrated tech further enhances player exposure and development.” Healdsburg Prune Packers  operated in the California Collegiate League for six seasons and won the last three league championships. Their home ballpark is Prune Packers Stadium. Lincoln Potters  operated in the California Collegiate League and has produced seven winning baseball seasons. Their home ballpark is McBean Stadium. Humboldt Crabs  is the oldest continually-operated summer collegiate baseball in the nation. The Crabs began operations in 1945. Their home ballpark is Arcata Ball Park. Medford Rogues  has been in business since 2013, attracting big crowds to Harry & David Field. Solano Mudcats  have been in business since 1990 and play at Vanden High School baseball field. West Coast Kings  captured the 2021 and 2023 West Coast World Series. The ball club plays at Solano Community College. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter   and his YouTube channel .  Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Greg Venuto, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 Leo D. Mahoney Arena Alumni Hall Sports Arena Loyola Drive Fairfield, CT 06824 Fairfield Stags website Leo D. Mahoney Arena website Year Opened: 2022 Capacity: 3,500 A Jewel At The Heart Of The Fairfield Campus As fans approach the Leo D. Mahoney Arena, they will be drawn to a beautiful modern edifice yet tastefully designed. Large glass windows allow fans to see inside and get a glimpse of the seating area. Once inside the two-level facility is even more impressive. The project, which took less than three years to complete and cost $51 million all privately funded, opened in November and features 85,000 square feet, 3,500 seats, and multi-use space for basketball volleyball, university events, and concerts. The venue also includes a state-of-the-art broadcast and media center, a lounge on the second floor with a hot buffet, snacks, soft drinks, beer, and mixed drinks. The University partnered with industry leader Daktronics to design, manufacture and install 15 total LED displays for Mahoney Arena. The center-hung system is made up of nine displays – four main video displays, four corner wedges, and a lower ring. As fans enter the arena through the beautiful atrium, eyes are drawn to the court and lower bowl seating which is below the concourse, the massive scoreboard, and the wall of the upper level where it reads “HOME OF THE STAGS ” just under the American flag. Mahoney Arena replaced Alumni Hall which was situated on the same site and existed since 1959. The court was pivoted and is now more of an east-west configuration. The project was completed in under two years. The arena debuted on November 18 as the Fairfield University Women's Basketball team captured a 77-53 victory over Stonehill in the inaugural game. Food & Beverage 4 There are concessions stands in two corners of the lower and upper levels. A hot dog is $3.99 and a cheeseburger is $4.99 and $5.99 for a chicken caesar wrap. You can make it a combo for $7.99 or $8.99 respectively which includes chips and a soft drink. Hot chocolate, water, soft drinks, beer, and wine can also be purchased. Coca-Cola products are the beverage of choice. Bud Light, Michelob Ultra, High Noon, and White Claw are $9.99 and $7.99 for a glass of pinot grigio, rose, or cabernet sauvignon. The upper level has a beautiful club that can be purchased on a game-by-game basis or included as part of a season ticket plan. There is a full bar and buffet for each game with tables and bar stools for seating. Atmosphere 4 On this visit, the atmosphere was good but not electric as students were away for winter break There were no cheerleaders or band, but the game day staff did a good job using the scoreboard to entertain and mascot Lucas was on hand to meet and greet. The board was used for a couple of T-shirt tosses, the Flex Cam, and in-game contests. The arena is well lit and the public address announcements and music is so clear. Something that often is not the case at Mid-Major facilities. Fairfield Stags Banners, Photo by Greg Venuto, Stadium Journey Neighborhood 4 Fairfield is a beautiful suburban city of about 62,000 residents. There are a number of shops and restaurants near the campus which is situated one mile from downtown. Legendary pizza places Colony Grill and Frank Pepe’s are within a 5-minute drive and solid Italian food options are close by on Route 1 (Post Road) at Centro and Quattro Pazzi restaurants. Fans 4 Fairfield is a small school (about 5,000 undergraduates) but gets good support from its alums and students. The student section is dubbed the “Red Sea” student section and an area on the concourse is appropriately named the Red Sea Pub. The Stags who play in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) have not been in the NCAA Tournament since 1997, but the Arena will provide a huge boost to the program which had to play the past two seasons at Total Mortgage Arena in Bridgeport. Access 5 The campus is easily accessible. It is located just one mile from Route 1 and I-95 and 10 minutes from the Merritt Parkway and is a 5-minute drive to the Fairfield Metro North Station. With the exception of the occasional accident on I-95, getting in and out is easy. There is a garage across from the arena which is free and there are outdoor lots nearby. Return on Investment 4 All the seats offer a great view of the action. Students get free admission. Seats range from $22-$25 on the sidelines. Behind the baskets runs $12-$15 in the lower bowl for bench seating. Upper-level club seats are $75 and the ones located on the opposite side in 210-212 are $22-$25. Behind the baskets in the upper level are $12-$15 for a seat. The upper level has only 4 rows which are nice for families or if you want to be away from the more densely populated sections. The seats have fairly good legroom and the sightlines are fabulous which combined with free parking make a Fairfield game a great value. Extras 4 A Stags Team Store to purchase game day apparel and souvenirs is located on the right side of the concourse upon entering the arena. There are also exhibits dedicated to The Evolution of Lucas, Fairfield Athletics Hall of Fame, and a History of Alumni Hall. Leo D. Mahoney was a co-founder of one of the largest suppliers of road salt in the United States. In the early 90s, Mahoney sat on the University Trustee Advisory Council. His three children are all graduates of Fairfield. In 1948, basketball became the first varsity sport, and students were solicited to pick a school mascot. A vote was taken by the Board of Trustees and Stags (male deer) was chosen over Chanticleers. The previous nickname was Men in Red. Final Thoughts Leo D. Mahoney is a great addition to the campus. The new facility should attract more hardcore and casual fans and enhance recruiting as Fairfield attempts to make its mark on the local basketball scene and in MAAC play.

Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 H-E-B Center at Cedar Park 2100 Avenue of the Stars Cedar Park, TX 78613 Austin Spurs website H-E-B Center at Cedar Park website Year Opened: 2009 Capacity: 6,800 Austin Spurs in Cedar Park The Austin Spurs (formerly the Toros) are an affiliate of and are owned by the NBA's San Antonio Spurs, and play in the Central Division of the NBDL (National Basketball Development League). Prior to being the Austin Toros, the team played as the Columbus (GA) Riverdragons from 2001-2005. When Austin was awarded the franchise in 2005, the team first played in the Austin Convention Center, and then in 2010 moved to the H-E-B Center at Cedar Park near Austin, TX. The Austin Toros won the NBDL Championship in 2012, as well as the Southwest Division Championship in 2008. As with many NBDL teams, based on roster moves and players, the team’s performance can vary year to year. In October 2014 the team was renamed the Austin Spurs, and began sharing the nickname of their parent club, the San Antonio Spurs. H-E-B Center at Cedar Park is also home to the Texas Stars of the AHL (American Hockey League), the Austin Aces (tennis), and the University of Texas Men’s Hockey team (ACHA Divison II). It also hosts wrestling matches, Cirque Du Soleil performances, and other concerts and events. Food & Beverage 3 Though some concession stands are closed during Spurs games, there are plenty of food and beverage options for a fan at H-E-B Center at Cedar Park. There's the Pizza Hut (Personal Pan Pizza $7.50), Tortilla Fresca (Monster Chicken Nachos $8.50, Nachos Grande $6.25), Top Dog (a variety of hot dog offerings), and Grille Works (Buffalo Chicken Tender Basket $8.75, Double Cheeseburger Basket $11). All the stands offer some variety of your standard fare (regular hot dogs, hamburgers and such; as well as basic snacks like popcorn, pretzels, cotton candy, peanuts and the like ranging from $4 - $6.25). The two food specialties at H-E-B Center at Cedar Park are Amy's Ice Cream (a cart on the concourse) and Smokey Mo's BBQ concession (unfortunately Smokey Mo's is closed for Spurs games) and that's too bad. Coca Cola products are offered as well as Snapple beverages. Beers offered include Blue Moon, Budweiser, Bud Light but no local brews are offered here. Wine is also available at some concessions stands. Drinks range from $4 to $8 depending on what you order. There is a Coors Light Club Lounge which provides other alcoholic drinks but this area is only for those fans that purchase tickets in the club lounge in sections 106 and 107. Atmosphere 3 The Spurs do a great job at a game day presentation. The building temperature is a comfortable for a Spurs game. If you're one who gets warm easily, wear a t-shirt; if you're one who tends to get chilly, bring a long sleeved shirt, just in case (but you probably won't need it). The seats are cushioned and most have cup holders. The scoreboard is clearly viewable from all seats and provides the score, TOL (time outs left), number of team fouls and a clear, live video board. Stats of the players on the floor are shown above the suite level on a banner display. The PA announcer is clear and calls all plays with no music disruption. There are two levels of seating with the top level being the suites (most of which are empty during a Spurs game). All seats seem to have a good view of the basketball game. The seats in the general admission area (sections 122, 101, 102) are a bit of a distance from the court but one can still watch the game with ease. Center court sections are 106 and 107 (facing the player benches and logo) and sections 117 and 118 (behind the benches). There are tables and chairs behind each end zone for patrons to watch the game at floor level. And there are courtside floor level seating options, as well. Fans are allowed to visit the floor level areas prior to game time and take photos, visit the merchandise table, and talk with the DJ. The ability to do this is very accommodating and delightful for a visitor. Two things that I'm not a fan of occur at this arena during basketball games: One, during the player introductions, the lights are turned down (almost off) so a fan can't see who the players are and what they look like as they make their way onto the court. The other, they play music during the play of the game. It's quite distracting. Neighborhood 2 There are no restaurants or places of entertainment within walking distance. There are a few popular hotel chains and restaurants a little over a mile away from the area. I can recommend the Best Western Cedar Inn and the LaQuinta Inn both on E. Whitestone Blvd (aka 1431). If taking train rides is your interest, consider the Austin Steam Train Association located next to the Best Western Cedar Inn. This attraction offers a variety of train excursions on vintage train passenger cars. Twenty or so miles away is downtown Austin, the capital of Texas. There are plenty of things to see, do, eat, and drink in that city. Fans 3 The average attendance at a Spurs game is between 1,000 and 1,500. Given a stadium capacity of 6,800, this makes the stadium seats feel a bit barren at a game. Seating in sections 109 - 115 behind the one end zone is closed off for fans during basketball games. Those seats are not covered with plastic tarp and that suits the arena well. There are lot of kids in attendance at Spurs games, so kudos to the organization for promoting basketball among the youth. Many of the children perform on the court between time outs and at half time. This entertainment includes Kung Fu presentations, Pep Squad cheers, and other dance treats. The children's ages range from five to young adult. Although there is a strong Spurs fan base, much of the fans are families of the children performing during halftime and between time outs. The cheers are there at the appropriate moments of scoring a basket and free throw. Nothing more. Access 3 The H-E-B Center at Cedar Park is easily accessible right off Route 183A (toll road) via automobile. There are no noticeable public transportation options to get to the arena. If flying into the area, the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport is the closest airport and is about 30 miles from the arena. Parking, although plentiful, is $10 which is highway robbery for an NBDL game. There is no noticeable street parking options so one is kind of stuck with this fee. There are three gates at the H-E-B Center at Cedar Park but only the main entrance, near the ticket booth and flags, is open for a Spurs game. Security check is painless and there are tables in which to place your bag for the security folks to search. More arenas should do this. The concourses are sufficiently wide for pedestrian traffic flow (even if there is a full house). Restrooms serve their purpose and are plentiful and clean throughout and after the game. Return on Investment 3 Single game tickets range from $5 - $25. There are all kinds of promotional nights so be sure to check their website before heading to a game. Every Sunday home game is a Family Fun Day where a fan can get a game ticket, a hot dog, and a soda for just $11. And there is the traditional Thirsty Thursdays where beers are just $3. I'd recommend getting the $5 general admission ticket and then roam around the seating area during quarters to get different views of the game play. Concession prices are on the high side for an NBDL game. The real killer is the $10 parking charge. Extras 4 The Spurs provide extraordinary customer service at the game. The security check individuals, the concession folk, the staff, all make visitors feel warm and welcome. The staff shows genuine interest and appreciation in why you are attending a game here and they interact well with fans. Having the ability to enter the floor level pregame and being able to roam around the seating area to view the game from different perspectives is always a bonus. There are three banners displayed: One for the 2012 NBDL Championship, one for the 2008 Southwest Division Championship and one retired number honoring Dennis Johnson, NBA hall of famer, who coached the Toros from 2005 till his death in 2007. Free programs and rosters are handed out upon entry to the arena. Final Thoughts If you're in the Austin, TX area and you like the sound of squeaky sneakers on a hardwood court and the game of basketball, I'd recommend attending an Austin Spurs game. The customer service will astound you.

Photos by Andrei Ojeda, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Angel Stadium 2000 Gene Autry Way Anaheim, CA 92806 Map It Los Angeles Angels website Angel Stadium website Year Opened: 1966 Capacity: 45,050 Calling All Angels Opened for service in 1966, Angel Stadium is the 4th oldest active yard. Still nicknamed The Big A, the moniker came about due to the A-shaped scoreboard topped with a “halo” that was originally placed behind the left field fence. Many greats have donned an Angel uniform:  Nolan Ryan, Don Baylor, Rod Carew, Reggie Jackson, Tim Salmon, Vladimir Guerrero, Shohei Ohtani and Mike Trout. The stadium’s expansion in 1980 to accommodate the arrival of the Rams would find the Big A moving to the parking lot by the 57 Freeway. The stadium’s return to its baseball-only format brought about fan sentiment returning the Big A to its original left field location. Team officials also considered but cited costs for not moving back the Big A. The Big A remains in the parking lot by the freeway and continues providing passing vehicles information and advertisements. Food & Beverage 4 If you arrive hungry at Angel Stadium, there are ample options though uninspiring. Cheese and pepperoni pizza slices from Oggi’s Pizza and other options from Chronic Taco, Jersey Mike’s Subs, Crafty Dogs, and fan favorite Cathy’s Cookies are among the options available .  Cathy’s Cookies. There will be a huge outrage if they ever get rid of her cookies! Another solid stop on the food exploration tour is La Rotisserie, featuring their famous herb rotisserie half-chicken meals. Various bars are located around the stadium, including the Ketel One Botanical Bar along the outer concourse, featuring drink specials throughout the season. Standard beer options range from Coors and Budweiser brand drinks. Traditional ballpark favorites such as hot dogs, burgers, peanuts, and Coke brand soft drinks round out the complete list of options throughout the stadium. Atmosphere 4 As fans approach the home plate entrance, they are greeted by two oversized helmets complimented with oversized player banners hovering above them.  In between the helmets are bricks outlining a regulation-size infield with a pitcher’s mound exactly 60 feet 6 inches from home plate. 2025 L.A. Angels. Anthony Rendon nowhere to be seen. The walls inside Angel Stadium are adorned with various images of Angels players, both present and past. Fan shops are located throughout all the various sections of the stadium, and the main concourse wraps around the outfield as well, offering fans a great view of the action from the outfield. In the center field, the waterfall feature, when operable depending on the local water situation, flows during games over a rock formation in the shape of an “A” that harkens to California’s natural wonders. During late-game situations when the team needs to rally, the ever-infamous Rally Monkey appears on the big screen to get fans pumped up.   The monkey is out ! It’s RALLY TIME for the Angels ! A frequent sight for Angels fans over the years…  Neighborhood 3 While the area around Angel Stadium isn’t exactly known for stellar pre-gaming, it has evolved over the past few years into a place that fans can go to and still have a good time. Nearby on State College, a TownePlace Suites is there for fans who are traveling just for the game and want to stay close to the action. Golden Road, Karl Strauss Brewing Company and Lazy Dog are located nearby for pre or post game dining. Downtown Disney is a short drive from the stadium offering a variety of dining and shopping options. Inside Downtown Disney guests can also view the nightly fireworks display that takes place inside Disneyland during the summer months. Fans 4 The fans at Los Angeles Angels games are among the most welcoming in baseball. Times have been rough for fans under the halo. With the team not experiencing a post-season win since 2009, a playoff appearance since 2014 and a winning season since 2015, Angels fans have not had much reason to come out in droves as in seasons past. With a much improved team in 2025, Angels attendance has hovered close to the top 10  averaging just over 32,000 a game. Access 4 Angel Stadium is located off the 57 Freeway connecting with most major freeways and the nearby 5. While traffic in and around the stadium isn’t as bad as the famously terrible traffic jams in Los Angeles, it helps to be prepared for the worst. If driving from Los Angeles you may want to leave at least three hours before the first pitch. Southern California traffic is brutal, particularly during rush hour. Once you get to the stadium, parking is plentiful all around the venue, and fans can also take advantage of the transportation options from the nearby Anaheim Regional Transportation Intermodal Center (ARTIC) .  As you prepare to enter the stadium, you will be happy to know that advanced metal detectors have been installed outside each entrance that allow fans to walk through without having to stop to empty their pockets or have other belongings checked unless you hear the warning sound go off. This is a much-welcomed convenience that every major venue should utilize, ESPECIALLY YOU, Dodger Stadium ! Return on Investment 4 As the Halos struggles continue, tickets can be found on 3rd party sites such as TickPick for as low as $5. Otherwise, box office prices are still a bargain starting at $7 for upper deck sections. For games that may include specific giveaways such as bobbleheads, tickets are still a bargain starting at $17. Expect a hike in prices when prime teams such as the Dodgers or Yankees are in town with prices starting at $60 on various sites. Even with the occasional price hike, the price value for an Angels game among the three Southern California MLB venues is the most economical for the traveling fan. As for the on field quality, we’ll let you - the fan - decide. Extras 4 Fans entering from the main gate behind home plate can catch a glimpse of the team’s 2002 World Series trophy on display inside the entrance to the team store behind the field-level seating.  Other exhibits featuring individual and team accomplishments over the years can also be viewed in the field and terrace level concourse behind home plate. The center field waterfall also features pyrotechnics that go off during player introductions and after home runs scored by the Angels. The newest addition to Angel Stadium this 2025 season is the "Level Up"   arcade. Located under the right field pavilion, presented by Bandai Namco, this fun filled arcade is free of charge and features classic video games including PAC MAN.  Welcome to PacLand 80s kids ! Anyone want to Take On Me? Final Thoughts Welcome to Anaheim. That’s a Lot of History Along Katella Avenue! Due to recent issues between the City of Anaheim and Angels owner Arte Moreno, plans to turn over ownership of Angel Stadium to the team owner are dead. With Angel Stadium now scrapped from the OC Vibe project , do not expect any entertainment and housing developments surrounding the Big A in the foreseeable future. Despite the differences between the City of Anaheim and the Angels , the Angels will remain at Angel Stadium through at least 2032 . Angel Stadium is the 4th oldest yard in the bigs behind Fenway Park , Wrigley Field , and Dodger Stadium . It has gone through its share of changes. From being enclosed in 1979 to accommodate the Rams to its return to its current form as a baseball-only park, compared to other yards of the post-Camden era, Angel Stadium could use some updates. Though showing its age, Angel Stadium is still quite serviceable. Yes, it lacks the bells and whistles of most present-day yards and you won’t find any pre and post-game entertainment options within the vicinity such as those in Atlanta and St. Louis. While Angel Stadium lacks most of the present-day amenities beyond the on-field action, its size makes sure that you’re never too far from the action. An outing at an Angel game will almost certainly be much more budget friendly for your wallet than that of that other Anaheim attraction down the street. If you’re fortunate, you may even be witness to some historic Baseball History… Chasing History! Mike Trout 3 away from 400 Home Runs, 7/27/2025

College baseball stadiums and summer wood-bat collegiate baseball teams. You would think they would be a match made in heaven. After all, their seasons don’t overlap, their rosters consist of players from the same pool (and in some cases, they ARE the same players), and there is significant overlap between staffers and fanbases. Having a summer collegiate league team play in a college’s home park could help keep it from being empty during the dog days of summer, providing an extra 20-30 days of use and income. Yet very few college ballparks pull double duty during the summer months. On July 30, one more college ballpark joined the ranks of summer college ballparks when the Futures Collegiate Baseball League announced that they would be adding a seventh team to the circuit. The as yet unnamed team will play at Edward A. LeLacheur Park, home of the UMass Lowell Riverhawks and the former home of MiLB’s Lowell Spinners , beginning with the 2026 season. Leaders from the Futures League and UMass Lowell were surrounded by local and state officials, baseball players and mascots for the official announcement, held on the infield at LeLacheur Park. “We are thrilled to welcome a Futures League team to Lowell that supports the dreams of aspiring professional athletes, provides great baseball for fans to watch and enriches life in Lowell and the Merrimack Valley,” said UMass Lowell Chancellor Julie Chen. “We’re eager to work with an ownership group that sees its future backing a team in the Mill City .” The relationship between the Futures League, UMass Lowell and the city of Lowell is strong. Drew Weber, the owner of the Lowell Spinners, was a co-founder of the Futures League. Many players from UMass Lowell have played in the Futures League, which mandates that a percentage of players on each team have New England ties. “The Futures League is keeping the spirit alive from the days of Drew Weber’s beloved Lowell Spinners and continuing the legacy,” Futures League Commissioner Joe Paolucci said. “College baseball is booming like never before, and its fan base just keeps expanding. This is baseball done right—affordable, thrilling, family-friendly, and full of energy, just the way Lowell residents love it.” LeLacheur Park hosted the Spinners, the short-season New York-Penn League single-A affiliate of the nearby Boston Red Sox, from 1998 – 2019. They, along with the rest of the teams in the NY Penn League, were victims of the Great Minor League Contraction of 2020, when 43 MiLB teams were eliminated. Since then, the other two the New England teams from the NY Penn League, the Vermont Lake Monsters and the Norwich Sea Unicorns , have joined the Futures League. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter  and Instagram  @PuckmanRI.

Maybe they tuned into the podcast. A mere week ago, the Stadium Journey podcast delved into the topic of the fresh Los Angeles Clippers logo, suggesting that perhaps reviving the old San Diego Clippers emblem would have been a wiser choice. Surprisingly, that wish manifested itself, albeit in an unexpected manner. The San Diego Clippers are making a comeback, complete with a revamped version of the logo used from 1978 to 1982. However, this incarnation of the Clippers won't be gracing the NBA courts but instead, in the NBA G League, with their new home set to be the Frontwave Arena for the 2024-2025 season. This relocation marks a shift from Ontario, California, where the team had played at the Toyota Center since the 2017-2018 season. The Clippers will notably be the inaugural San Diego team in the G-League, and their new $85 million abode, the Frontwave Arena, will boast a seating capacity of 7,500 upon its completion this summer at Oceanside’s El Corazon Park. Originating as the Buffalo Braves in 1970, the franchise transitioned to San Diego in 1978 before settling in Los Angeles in 1984. Meanwhile, the LA Clippers are poised to move to the state-of-the-art Intuit Dome for the upcoming season. As for the logo, it is great to see the sails back. I am glad we were able to help. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter  and his YouTube channel . Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photo Courtesy of Lamar Cardinals Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Vincent-Beck Stadium Jim Gilligan Way Beaumont, TX 77705 Lamar Cardinals website Vincent-Beck Stadium website Year Opened: 1969 Capacity: 3,500 The Showcase of Southeast Texas: Vincent-Beck Stadium Where Texas and Louisiana meet at the Gulf Coast, you’ll find the oil-town city of Beaumont and the pride of Southeast Texas, Lamar University. Nicknamed the Golden Triangle, the area is known for high school football talent, but Cardinal baseball has built a reputation as a perennial Southland Conference front runner and is no stranger to NCAA Regionals with 13 appearances since 1976. The Cardinals call on-campus Vincent-Beck Stadium home and have since 1969. The ballpark boasts a seating capacity of 3,500. Food & Beverage 2 Vincent-Beck Stadium has your average baseball concession fare offerings. You can grab a hot dog with chili or cheese ($4.50), nachos ($4.75), or a BBQ sandwich ($4.50) as major items. The price is definitely high for the quality as the hot dogs and nachos are nothing special and the BBQ sandwich tastes like someone mixed Sloppy Joe mix with pre-packaged brisket (I was hoping for a little more from a BBQ labeled dish in Texas). Snack items include peanuts ($3), pretzels ($2.75), popcorn ($3), a pickle ($1.50), and assorted candy ($2). Drink options are Coca-Cola products ranging from $3-$4. Concessions are cash only. Being in an area with a unique blend of Cajun, BBQ, and Mexican cuisines, it would be nice to have a unique item like street tacos, jambalaya, or some authentic Texas BBQ. That’s probably asking for a little much from a mid-major program, but the Cardinals certainly have a fan base that could support an expanded concession menu. The stand does not accept credit cards so make sure to take some cash out prior to arriving to the stadium. Atmosphere 3 The atmosphere at Vincent-Beck is what you’d expect at a classic small college baseball park. The stadium has undoubtedly enjoyed serving as home to a Lamar Cardinal baseball team which is regularly in the mix for a regional berth. The combination of strong teams and a dedicated fan base adds to the overall atmosphere. The ballpark is one of the largest for Southland Conference baseball and the sheer capacity of the facility is impressive. Chair back seats are available in the section immediately behind home plate and the remaining facility has bleacher style seating. At both ends of the stadium sits a unique strip of bleachers which are designed to allow for fans to plop down a fold-out styled chair and enjoy the game from their personal choice of seating. Just beyond the right field fence is the Lamar scoreboard with includes a small video board with replay capability. Lamar does a great job with honoring the past with large murals listing major accomplishments and another with pictures of Cardinals which have gone pro. There’s also plenty of picnic benches in the concourse which allow you to enjoy your concessions items without having to bring them to the stands. Though the ballpark is clearly one of the better in the Southland Conference, there are many enhancements which could be made to improve the environment. For one, the artificial turf infield just doesn’t sit well. Southeast Texas is a fertile region so the need for an artificial surface just really isn’t there. NCAA baseball seems to be leaning towards a trend of artificial surfaces, but you either need to go all in or stay out. The point where the artificial infield and the grass outfield meets is rather unsightly. Another sore spot is the outdated green painted wood which can be seen throughout the stadium. The press box is covered with it and the fence lines past the dugouts are made from it as well. Though it would take a little money, bricking in these areas would greatly enhance the atmosphere. There’s also a rather interesting trailer office just inside the gate. Though this obviously provides needed office space, it’s a trailer and no attempt is made to blend it in or fancy it up. Something that can’t be fixed is the huge electricity tower which dominates the right field skyline. Neighborhood 3 Beaumont, Texas is the home of Lamar University and the Lamar Cardinal baseball team. Vincent-Beck Stadium is located on the campus of Lamar University which is just south of downtown Beaumont. The locals will tell you that you can only experience the area by going a little off the map. In other words, don’t judge this book by its cover. Some great examples of this are the Big Thicket National Preserve and Neches River Adventures. If you’re into outdoor activities, this area will offer a great time with plenty of space for hunting, boating, fishing, backpacking, and wildlife viewing. A couple of nice attraction areas in-town are the McFaddin-Ward House and Gladys City Boomtown. If you don’t do your research before heading to Beaumont, you’ll be sorely disappointed in the mainstream restaurant options. The areas directly around the university and off the surrounding interstates don’t offer much quality. However, if you’re reading this review, you won’t have to worry about that. A great place for seafood in the Beaumont area is Larry’s French Market. Located about 20 minutes south of the Lamar campus, Larry’s is a Cajun inspired market/restaurant in the Groves area. Be sure to stop in and taste their BBQ crabs. Madison’s on Dowlen and Sugas Deep South Cuisine and Jazz Bar are both good dinner and nightlife options. Try the shrimp embrochette at Madison’s. No doubt the best lodging option in the area is the MCM Elegante Hotel. Fans 3 Vincent-Beck Stadium is one of the largest baseball stadiums in the Southland Conference and Lamar fans do a pretty decent job of showing up here to support their Cardinal baseball team. Attendance has waned a bit over the last few years with attendance figures averaging between 600 and 1,000, but that’s still pretty strong for the level of play. The fans in attendance are fairly knowledgeable about the game and supportive of their team. It’s fun to see fans stand and clap along to a Texas favorite “Deep in the Heart of Texas” during the seventh inning stretch. Access 3 Beaumont isn’t the easiest place to get to. The closest major airport is about 1.5 hours west of Beaumont in Houston, so if you’re flying in, expect to put in a decent drive to get the park. Granted, most of the visitors to Vincent-Beck are likely fans of fellow conference teams so driving in is the more likely mode of transportation. Beaumont is conveniently located off I-10. This strip of interstate is really hit or miss when it comes to seriously bogged down traffic. The greater Beaumont area is pretty well populated, but there doesn’t seem to be an intuitive reason for why they have traffic issues similar to a metropolis city. If you catch it at a good time though, the entry into town and down to the Lamar campus could be a breeze. Free parking is available beyond the outfield fence of the stadium. Ticket lines are usually very short and you’ll walk right in with no problems after that. The concourses are very spacious and the seating area aisles will give you enough room to move around. Access to the restrooms shouldn’t be a problem, but they could use an upgrade. Return on Investment 4 Individual tickets range from $5 (bleacher) to $7 (chair back). That’s an exceptional price for high quality Southland Conference baseball. Add to that free parking and the deal gets sweeter. The concession options and high prices that go along with it bring the ROI down a bit. If you’re a big fan of the aesthetics and landscape environment of the ballpark and surrounding area, this will no doubt be a bit of a negative with the massive power tower out in right field and a facility that is in need of a face lift. However, it’s hard to say $5 is a bad deal for top of the line college baseball action. Extras 3 Every great live sports experience is highlighted by certain ‘extra’ features which are unique compared to other venues or make the overall experience memorable. For Lamar baseball at Vincent-Beck Stadium, be sure to consider the following during your stadium experience: Be sure to take the trek south to the Groves to try Larry’s BBQ crabs. Lamar has a pretty strong baseball history. Expect a pretty entertaining game with quality opponents from the Southland Conference. You can also catch the occasional home game against larger programs like the University of Houston and Rice, who don’t mind making the 1.5 hour road trip east. If you are looking for a fairly inexpensive college baseball experience, this is a great option. If you avoid the concessions and apparel, you’re looking at $5 per person since parking is free. That’s a great deal.

Photos by Matt Colville, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 Dudy Noble Field at Polk-Dement Stadium 145 Lakeview Dr Starkville, MS 39759 Mississippi State Bulldogs website Dudy Noble Field at Polk-Dement Stadium website Year Opened: 1967 Capacity: 13,000 The Carnegie Hall of College Baseball Mississippi State alum and author John Grisham once said “Great things come from humble beginnings” – nowhere does this statement ring truer than at Dudy Noble Field on the campus of Mississippi State. Opened in 1878 as Mississippi A&M, the school’s location was selected for excellent soil conditions, as the school was a farming and agriculture school. Dudy Noble Field opened in 1967 and was built on a former cow pasture. At one time cows even grazed in what would become the outfield, but this was before the crowds and before the trips to Omaha – in the 50 years after its opening, this tiny little baseball field in the farmlands of northeast Mississippi would transform itself into the Carnegie Hall of college baseball, and the home of college baseball’s greatest fans. Now Mississippi State is the largest university in the state and a national powerhouse in baseball year in and year out. Dudy Noble Field at Polk-Dement Stadium opened its doors in 1967; Noble was a baseball coach at MSU from 1920 until 1946 and was also the athletic director from 1938 to 1959. The Bulldogs have a very historic baseball program dating back to 1909 when they won the first Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Association (SIAC) Championship – the Bulldogs would win the championship five more times before becoming one of the founding members of the SEC in 1936. Since joining the SEC, MSU’s baseball program has grown into one of the more storied baseball programs in the country, with 13 SEC Championships, 39 Regional Appearances, 12 trips to Omaha, and 14 first-round draft picks, but the pinnacle of Mississippi State baseball occurred in 2021 when the Bulldogs captured their first ever National Championship. This is an elite college baseball program that plays in the finest facility in the country. After the 2017 season, the university decided to strip everything down and re-build the venue – the “new” stadium opened in 2019, and what has transpired is a $50 million renovation that has made Dudy Noble Field a stunning place to watch a baseball game and made it the top-ranked college baseball stadium in the country.   Food and Beverage   4 There are plenty of food and drink options for you to choose from, with 16 points of sale located throughout the ballpark, including three full-service built in stands. You'll find three Hail State Eats stands with one behind home plate, one down the first baseline, and the last down the third baseline. Each of these stands is grab-and-go to speed up the process; you can get the usual fare at Hail State Eats and the prices are quite reasonable. Continuing down the first baseline you will also find a Chick-fil-A stand, two portable beer stands, a gourmet popcorn stand, and a gourmet hot dog stand – make sure to try the Grand Slam Super Dawg if you're on this side. New for 2024, the Super Dawg is a foot-long sausage topped with brisket, pickle slaw, BBQ sauce, and pickles served on a split-top roll. Down the first baseline, besides the Hail State Eats stand you also have options such as a boiled peanut stand, another Chick-fil-A stand, and a Dippin’ Dots stand. Another unique Southern-themed item you can find on this site is pork rinds from Rev's Famous Pork Skins – these are a big hit among State fans. In the outfield you'll find several food trucks lined up in center field; each game the food trucks change, but you are always bound to find something different than you'd find on the concourse. Alcohol was recently made available at The Dude, and you can buy beer at all the stands, as well as a broader selection at the two portable beer stands on the concourse. And of course, if you are friends with or make friends with one of the thousands of people set up tailgating in the outfield you are bound to get extended that Mississippi Southern hospitality, getting invited back to their spot in the outfield for some more delicious food. Mississippians love their cuisine, and in the outfield, you name it you can find somebody cooking it. On my most recent visit, I even saw some people having a crawfish boil out here.   Atmosphere   5 One word can describe the atmosphere at Dudy Noble and that is “electric”. You know you are in a special place, and on college baseball’s most hallowed ground, from the moment you pass the Rafael Palmeiro and Will Clark statues outside the main gate. Collectively known by their nicknames “Thunder” and “Lightning”, Palmeiro and Clark are two baseball legends who’ve achieved folklore status at Mississippi State; the duo led the Bulldogs to Omaha in 1985. Clark, the 1985 Golden Spikes Awards winner, would then have a 15-year career in the Big Leagues playing for multiple teams, while Palmeiro would go on to have a prominent 20-year career with the Rangers  and Orioles . There are three entrances into the stadium – one behind home plate on the southwest side of the stadium and the other two in the outfield. The main gate opens into a spacious and wide concourse that empties into the seating bowl. There are two levels with 20 suites, and both levels are usually packed with maroon and white. The views of the condos in left field, and just the overall surroundings, are breathtaking. The climate-controlled Omaha Club is located on the first base side on the second level, and an LED board also wraps around the ballpark, which makes for quite a surreal experience for those nighttime SEC games. You are free to walk the entire stadium and through the outfield sections. The entrance in right field opens into a plaza area that houses the Ron Polk Ring of Honor; Polk is another revered person at Mississippi State who coached the Bulldogs from 1976 to 1997 and again from 2002 to 2008. Polk’s career coaching record stands at 1218-638-2, which places him 9th all-time among college baseball coaches. His teams have won five SEC Championships, participated in 23 regional appearances, and took eight trips to Omaha. At the entrance behind home plate, you'll find the 2021 National Championship trophy on display, as well as the famous "Welcome to Fabulous Stark Vegas” sign. Then right past the Ring of Honor is some berm-type seating that is usually packed with lawn chairs and general admission ticketholders, but the outfield area is what makes Dudy Noble Field so special. In the 1970s fans started driving their trucks to games and parking in the outfield, and fans began tailgating in the back of their pickup trucks the entire time. Eventually, the trucks were left behind and bleachers were constructed on top of them – for over 30 years this area was known as Left Field Lounge. After the 2017 season, the school began doing an extensive renovation on the stadium that resulted in the removal of the trucks and the makeshift bleachers that had, despite violating many safety standards, been a landmark of the university. Many diehard fans were outraged that this tradition was going to be scrapped, but after seeing the finished product I think most will be pleased with the outcome. This whole area is now lined with one big, elevated party deck with several makeshift bleachers set up. And if you want to watch the game from your back porch you are in luck too, as looming over left field is a 12-unit, four-story condo called the Left Field Lofts – though pricey, the Lofts tower over left field, which only adds to the spectacle that is the Left Field Lounge. Thousands of friendly Bulldog fans young and old can be found there tailgating during games, which creates what is considered the number one atmosphere in all of college baseball; these fans are known as college baseball’s greatest fans, and it shows.   Neighborhood   4 Mississippi State is unique in that it is a big SEC school in a really small town, void of many attractions, as the college itself is the main attraction in town. Because there are not a lot of big cities nearby, Starkville has kind of developed its subculture, lacking a lot of national chains and malls – many of the restaurants are local to the area and use local farms instead of big-name producers. The Cotton District is the main area of town for nightlife; located just off campus within walking distance of Dudy Noble Field, “The District”, as it’s known, is home to multiple bars and restaurants. The Cotton District is unique in that many of the neighborhood’s buildings resemble those you’d see in New Orleans and Europe, as the developer of the neighborhood traveled there for ideas during the mid-1990s – some of the better-known restaurants and bars located here are Bin612, Drifters, Bulldog Burger, The Fountain Bar, The Klaassroom, Two Brothers Smoked Meats, and StaggerIn. The Bin is a late-night favorite among college students who flock to the bar for its famous cheese fries – when the bars close around 1 am you can find a huge line of college students stretched around the whole block waiting to get the famous fries. In addition, Two Brothers Smoked Meats has really good smoked wings and its signature white BBQ sauce, while Bulldog Burger has a huge selection of different burgers. The Cotton District is a small one-block area that gets packed with a lot of college students, especially on weekends, so the older crowd of alums may want to venture more towards downtown if they want to avoid hanging out with the younger crowd. Just a short walk down University towards downtown you’ll encounter more bars and restaurants, such as Little Dooey – this BBQ joint prides itself on its smoked BBQ, fried catfish, and other Southern favorites. Right next door to Little Dooey is Stromboli’s; this tiny rinky-dink-looking Italian eatery doesn’t look like much from the outside, but the pizza being cooked can be smelled from across the street. Right behind Stromboli’s is Central Station Grill, which is built into an old milk plant – the Grill is known for its brunch and drink specials, while yet another favorite in this area is Dave’s Dark Horse Tavern, a pub-style bar famous for its pizza, located on the side of a sketchy looking motel. If you come in on your birthday you get a free 24-inch pizza for every fourth person you bring. This dimly lit tavern also has really good live music and is the place that attracts the mid to late-20s crowd. Besides the above, a couple of bars and restaurants downtown I recommend checking out are The Beer Garden at Hotel Chester, which is an outdoor bar in the courtyard of a historic hotel, and the State Theatre, which is a 3-story club-type bar. Restaurant Tyler is my favorite restaurant for lunch, however, as it has a cheap seafood blue plate special, and in its basement, there is a bar called Downstairs at Tyler, located in a former speakeasy that was used during prohibition. Oby’s is another favorite of mine that features some of the best seafood, sandwiches, and po’ boys in Starkville. A popular Sunday morning tradition in Starkville is to have breakfast at Starkville Café – this tiny cafe located downtown often has a long line wrapped around the building on Sunday mornings, filled with people wanting to get the best southern homestyle breakfast in the area. After breakfast make sure you walk upstairs to Hobie's on Main; owned by Hobie Hobart, a diehard Miss State baseball fan, Hobie's bar has a lot of vintage State memorabilia on the walls. Hobie also owns the famous Right Field Tiki Hut located in right field at Dudy Noble Field, which is a notable fixture at State baseball games.   Fans   5 You will not find a more faithful or loyal fan base than the fans at Mississippi State – on any given weekend expect to find packed crowds for all three games of the series. State fans are passionate about the program, and it shows here at Dudy Noble Field, which currently holds the NCAA record for single-game on-campus baseball attendance at 16,423, set when Ole Miss visited here in 2023. In addition, the top 19 of the top 20 largest crowds in college baseball history were all seated right here. Fans have also created some traditions such as the playing of Garth Brooks’s “Friends in Low Places” during the 8th inning, and of course, there are the cowbells – fans here are allowed to bring cowbells to the game, and though not as loud as the cowbells at a Bulldog football game , they still create a raucous and intimidating atmosphere. Fans along the outfield have also been known to feed the outfielders in between innings. On any given weekend expect close to 12,000 in attendance for each game – most of the seats are packed and it’s standing room only on the concourse and in the outfield deck. A good thing about coming to a big game here is that they won’t sell out, though; they may have every seat in the stadium filled, but fans are still able to purchase tickets and find somewhere to stand. There are also multiple TVs spread out around the concourse to watch the game on as well.   Access   3 The one drawback to coming to a game in Starkville is that the city is located in kind of a secluded area of the state. The closest major cities of Tupelo and Meridian are both located over an hour away, and the closest major airport is over an hour and a half away in Jackson (although there is a smaller Golden Triangle Regional Airport located nearby in Columbus). Only two roads are coming into Starkville, which are Highway 82 which runs east to west, and Highway 25 which runs north and south. Starkville has recently become more accessible to other areas in the state thanks in part to the upgraded Highway 45, which is located just outside of town, and is the main road you would travel on if coming from the coast or central Mississippi. Make sure you fill up on gas before embarking, however, as there aren’t many stations on the roads heading into Starkville – it’s more of a peaceful rural drive through the backwoods. Once in Starkville prepare for lots of traffic congestion, as the town is small and the roads are not exactly the nicest. Parking around the stadium can also be a nightmare as the lots fill up quickly; my suggestion, if you are in town for a weekend game, would be to park at one of the lots on the south side of campus and walk from there. There are usually several lots open just south of Davis Wade Stadium , and you can even cut through the famous football tailgating spot The Junction on your walk to The Dude.   Return on Investment   4 It is extremely hard to get chairback tickets, as they have sold out every year since 2019 – most of these are reserved for season ticket holders, or there is a waitlist to get tickets. Your best bet when coming to a game here is to purchase the general admission ticket for $15; you will not get a seat for this, but you are free to roam anywhere in the concourse or the outfield, and you are free to bring a lawn chair and sit wherever you want. Concessions prices are fairly cheap here as well. Because the level of SEC baseball is so high, almost any weekend you attend a game during conference season is going to be a ranked matchup. So, for less than $20 you usually get to see a top-10 matchup at one of the top-rated college baseball stadiums in the country, and most of the on-campus parking is free as well.   Extras   4 Super Bulldog Weekend is a big event for the community during the spring, with hundreds of food and arts and crafts vendors lining the streets of the Cotton District. Usually held during the Spring Football Weekend , this event always coincides with a big SEC baseball series. The games during this weekend usually attract a higher crowd than usual as well – in fact, most of the attendance records at Dudy Noble Field have been set during Super Bulldog Weekend. One extra for the Left Field Lounge and the overall atmosphere and game day presentation that the Bulldogs present – everything is top-notch here and it shows. There truly is not a better atmosphere for a college baseball game in the country, save for the College World Series. Another extra goes to the university for properly honoring the history of its baseball program. Bulldogs baseball has a very successful history, and you can see that everywhere you go at Dudy Noble Field, from the Will Clark and Rafael Palmeiro statues behind the home plate entrance to the Ron Polk Ring of Honor in right field. The university is very proud of its history, and it shows here – though Palmeiro had a somewhat controversial Major League career he is still revered at Mississippi State, and in addition to the statue the Bulldogs practice facility next door to the ballpark bears his name as well. In addition, walking the concourse you'll find banners signifying important years and big wins in the program, as well as banners honoring past players, including historic names like Buck Showalter, Jonathan Papelbon, and Boo Ferriss, to current names like Adam Frazier, Mitch Moreland, Brent Rooker, and Nathaniel Lowe – there are currently eight former Bulldogs on the MLB’s 40-man rosters. The 2021 National Championship trophy is also on display at the front entrance, next to the famous 'Welcome to Fabulous Stark Vegas” sign. Another extra for the stadium itself and the diehard fans who support the MSU baseball team. Most sports at Mississippi State experience up and down years, and the fans tend to be fair weather. That is not the case for the baseball team – the fans here support the program, with almost every game guaranteeing a sellout. It also helps that the Bulldog baseball team is one of the top teams in the country year in and year out.   Final Thoughts Coming to a game at Dudy Noble Field is truly a bucket list experience for baseball fans at all levels. From the grills in left field to the fans and their thousands of cowbells being rung, these all add to the spectacle of attending a game here and are something everyone should experience. Attending a game here brings everyone together whether they are baseball fans or not. As John Grisham also said, “I always feel like a better person after leaving a game at Dudy Noble Field”.

Photos by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Tiger Arena 3219 College St Savannah, GA 31404 Savannah State Tigers website Tiger Arena website Year Opened: 2000 Capacity: 5,000 The Coastal Cats of Savannah State Note: Savannah State Athletics have moved to the NCAA Div 2 level. Savannah State University is one of oldest Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HCBU) in the country, as it opened its doors in 1890. Today its campus in the Midtown neighborhood of Savannah is home to a student body of 4,900 students. The largest majors at Savannah State are in the areas of Business Administration, Liberal Arts, and Science and Technology. Due to its location on the Georgia coast, it also offers programming in Marine Biology and certification classes for personnel who will be working in the Homeland Security field. The Tiger athletic programs play at the NCAA Division I level in the MEAC conference. The basketball program calls the Tiger Arena its home court, opened in 2000 with a capacity of 5,000. It is located on campus within the athletic complex. The arena is also the home of the Savannah State University Sports Hall of Fame. Savannah State is known to take on a very challenging schedule in its athletic programs. They are not afraid to take on major schools from the power conferences. Unfortunately, this has led to some rather dubious NCAA records for the school. In 2004, the team finished 0-28, the only time a school has gone through a complete season winless. The school also holds the record for the least points scored in a half (4) in an 85-25 loss to Kansas State in 2008. The team performs very well within the MEAC Conference. Food & Beverage 3 There are two concession stands on the upper level of the arena. They serve a very basic set of items, but at extremely low prices. The entire menu consists of hot dogs ($2), nachos ($4.25), popcorn ($2), candy ($2), chips ($1.50), bottled water ($2), and Coca-Cola brand sodas ($2). It would be a good idea to load up on something more substantial prior to the game and then rely on the concession stand for a snack. Atmosphere 3 Despite the Tigers woes on the court, the atmosphere in the stands is one of celebration. The arena sets the stage for this by having the interior area of the building in the school colors of bright hues of orange, blue and white. Like many of the other HBCU schools, the band plays on a nonstop basis, which has the fans dancing in the aisles. The Tiger mascot, the Savannah State cheerleaders, and the Sapphire Dance Line also do a great job in keeping the spirits high during the game. In some respects, a Savannah State game is like a family reunion, as the opposition often has some players who attended high school in the local area. This is especially true for crosstown rival Armstrong State University, as well as schools such as South Carolina State or Georgia Southern University. Neighborhood 4 Savannah State University is located in the Midtown area of metropolitan Savannah. This is 5 miles east of downtown Savannah and its Historic District, and 16 miles west of Tybee Island and the Atlantic Ocean. This makes it very accessible to the many attractions and fine restaurants Savannah has to offer. Restaurants in and around the Savannah State campus include Chili’s, Baldino’s Subs, Bojangles, the Overtime Sports Bar and Grill, and the Coaches Corner. Baseball fans can enjoy the Savannah Bananas games at Historic Grayson Stadium, which is just five miles from the campus. Savannah is a tourist mecca and lodging is available to meet anyone’s budget. Accommodations in the downtown area along Bay Street are the most expensive, as are the oceanfront properties on Tybee Island. The most reasonable accommodations from a price point are near Savannah Mall along Abercorn Street. This is one of the city’s main thoroughfares and is only minutes away from Savannah State or any of Savannah’s many tourist attractions. Fans 3 You can typically expect a crowd of around 2,000 people for a Savannah State men’s basketball game, with sellouts limited to “backyard brawls” with neighboring institutions Armstrong State University or Georgia State University. A major portion of the crowd will be Savannah State students, as the arena is located adjacent to some of the largest dorms in the area and a very large apartment complex located just off campus. Savannah State’s alumni base is largely from within the city, as the school was at one-time commuter based. They may be gray around their temples, but they are true blue and orange in their hearts. The third component of the attendees comes from neighborhoods throughout the local area that has no official link to the Tigers. Savannah State is the only Division I sports program in town, and it receives a great deal of local media attention as a result. Access 4 The directions to Savannah State University and Tiger Arena are quite simple. Take I-16 East to exit 165 (Abercorn Street). Make a right on Abercorn Street, then a right onto Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard. Turn left onto Victory Avenue and stay on it until you enter the small village of Thunderbolt. You will then turn right on Whatley, which will bring you directly to the main gate of Savannah State University. There will be a staffed gate attendant, and you just need to let them know your destination is Tiger Arena. They will hand you a campus map, but it is hard to miss, as it is a tall white, blue and orange building. Free parking is available directly outside the arena. Once inside you can enter the court level at either floor level or go upstairs (via elevator or stairway). The lower level is bench seating as it is of the rollout variety. The upper seating is plastic chair back seating. The aisles and concourses are wide, and you will have no difficulty in navigating them, even at halftime. The concessions and restrooms are adequate for the typical turnout for a Savannah State game. Return on Investment 4 Tickets to games are $10 for adults, $8 for seniors and military personnel, and $5 for youth. There is no charge for parking in the lot adjacent to Tiger Arena. The concession offerings are very basic but quite inexpensive. A night out with the Tigers will not burn a hole in your pocket. Extras 3 March Madness in Savannah has nothing to do with basketball. On March 17 of each year, the city of Savannah hosts the second largest, after New York, St. Patrick’s celebration in the country, with thousands more taking part. The celebration includes a 5-hour long parade, dyeing the Savannah River green, and revelry all day and all night along the city’s historic River Street. You can also take drinks to go in plastic cups in this area of town only. Six basketball players from Savannah State University have gone on to play for the Harlem Globetrotters. A third extra has to go to the location of Savannah State’s campus. You can enjoy a lively nightlife on River Street within a matter of minutes of the campus or if it is a nice spring day you can be on the beach at Tybee Island in less than a half an hour. Final Thoughts Tiger Arena offers free parking, inexpensive ticket and concession prices, plus beautiful Savannah to enjoy after the game-try not to enjoy yourself while in town.

It’s something many sports fans take for granted; the ability to see and hear a sport’s game action, the fans, the public address announcer, the music (even if it is too loud at most venues), and often, those never-ending advertisements. Four years ago I attended a game with Reggie Deal, a blind baseball sports fan as he traveled to all stadiums in 30 days. Recently I interviewed super-sports fan, Gary Noll, who is deaf. I was eagerly apprised of what features sports venues can include for fans who can’t hear at all (or those with hearing impairments). These features can help deaf fans with the game day experience and enhance their passion and excitement of the game. While I find myself muting the Stanley Cup playoff game broadcasts on TV because the announcers talk too much about things not related to the game, it never occurred to me that someone who cannot hear might yearn that kind of yammer. But that’s TV, not a live game. Several legal battles in the United States have occurred over the last five years or so where fans have filed suit claiming inadequate closed captioning at sports venues. Cases include University of Maryland College Park (Maryland Stadium and Comcast Center), University of Phoenix Stadium ( Arizona Cardinals ), and Ohio State University, to name a few. At a live game for most sports venues in the United States, it is required by the ADA (American Disabilities Act) to have visuals for deaf fans. Basic things like: Captioned public service announcements, including pre-game information Play by play information and score Referee penalty explanations In-game entertainment announcements Advertising End-of-the-game announcements, final score and information regarding the next home game Beside the items listed above, Gary Noll recommends stadiums include the following as a part of their closed captioning: Evacuation/safety information Entertainment and celebrations happening on the field Celebrity sightings Promotions being offered Fan club or other membership information Song lyrics And as importantly, make the closed captioned letters BIG on the scoreboard/video board so fans in faraway seats can read the messages. This recommendation would be a benefit for all fans, not just those who cannot hear. Gary also suggests the following: Post closed captioning on ancillary scoreboards/TVs throughout the concourse (not just in the area where the game is played) Employ highly-experienced captioning vendors as how they portray the spoken word makes a world of difference Engage or hire an individual (at guest services or otherwise) who knows American Sign Language (ASL) so deaf fans can meet, greet and send a big hello using that language Position the closed captioning in all areas of the venue so no matter where a deaf fans sits, he/she can read the words Also recommended is if the venue has a big screen outside the stadium like Air Canada Center or the indoor Madison Square Garden lobby, include closed captioning on those screens as well. The scoreboard, ribbon banners and preferably the video board is the best place for closed captioning, according to Gary. Handheld devices don’t work well as looking at a handheld device prevents a fan from watching a fast paced game such as hockey or soccer. And deaf fans need their hands free for American Sign Language (ASL) communication, eating food, applauding, etc. Understandably there’s a cost associated for all of this. The technology available today for closed captioning includes prerecorded segments and live segments. Prerecorded segments at sporting events could include safety and evacuation instructions, advertisements, traditional song lyrics, and even common promotions. Trained caption writers, using special captioning software, transcribe the audio portion of the segment into a computer, inserting codes that determine when and where each caption will appear on the screen. Live segments could include the public address announcer, referee/umpire explanations, and play by play information. Currently, there are four types of captioning for live events: stenographic captioning (the only method available to caption a live, unscripted sports event), manual live display, electronic newsroom, and a hybrid system. With technology advancing so quickly, perhaps five years out, there can be the ability for a radio broadcaster’s play by play call to be voice recognized and immediately captioned on a stadium’s video board. Thanks, Gary, for our conversations and your continued effort at advocating features that will enhance deaf fans’ sports entertainment enjoyment and appreciation.

Photos by Google Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Deepdale Sir Tom Finney Way Preston PR1 6RU Preston North End website Deepdale website Year Opened: 1875 Capacity: 23,404 Into the Deep Deepdale is one of England’s oldest and most famous grounds. It is also home to Preston North End, one of the founding members of the Football League. Up until 2010, it was also home to England’s National Football Museum until its relocation to Manchester where it opened in 2012. Deepdale has been completely rebuilt into a 23,404 all-seated stadium and despite languishing in England’s third tier, it is a Premier League venue. The record attendance for the ground was set way back in 1938 when 42,684 witnessed a game against Arsenal. New Deepdale consists of four separate stands named after the club's most famous players: Sir Tom Finney, Bill Shankly, and Alan Kelly. The fourth is named the Invincibles Stand. A statue of Sir Tom is located outside of the stand named after him, called “The Splash”. Deepdale is also famous for having one of the first artificial pitches in Britain when one was laid in 1986. It was eventually replaced by grass in 1994. Food & Beverage 3 There are ample catering kiosks within all four stands that provide hot dogs, burgers, chips, pies, and mushy peas. A beer will cost you £3.50 and a pie £2.80. The Butter Pie which is made by the local Clayton Park Bakery a few miles from the venue is quite popular with supporters and is highly recommended. All of these are reasonably priced and the food is of good local quality. Atmosphere 3 Although the atmosphere of old Deepdale can never be replaced, the new version when full can become a close second. If North End can one day return to the top flight of English soccer where they were once one of the top dogs back in the 40s and 50s, then this will certainly be an outstanding venue to view English football. Neighborhood 3 Preston is a pleasant industrial city with a wide range of shops and public houses. The Mystery Tea Shop in the city center offers specialty teas and coffees in addition to Starbucks and Costa Coffee. Yate’s Pub, around a fifteen-minute walk away, is a regular watering hole for supporters as is the Sumners public house located on Tom Finney Way. You can also park here for 3 GBP which can be redeemed at the bar when purchasing food and drink. The nearby Sainsbury’s Supermarket also has its restaurant. There is a host of places to eat in the City Centre around a mile and a half away. Nearby Blackpool is one of England’s most famous seaside resorts. Fans 3 Preston North End has a loyal hard core of over 10,000 supporters and also takes a good following to away games. They would easily sell out if they were in the top division and locals are always welcoming when visiting. Local rivals are Blackpool, Blackburn, and Burnley, and derby games against these teams are well worth attending. Access 3 The stadium is easily reached by exiting Junction 31 of the M6 motorway and then following signs for Preston. Turn right at the Hesketh Arms roundabout onto Blackpool Road and you will eventually pass the stadium. Preston Railway Station is on the main west coast line to Scotland and is approximately one and a half miles away. Regular buses will run on a match day to Deepdale. Manchester and Liverpool Airports are both about one hour away. Return on Investment 3 Admission prices range from £5 for children up to £21 for adults with reductions for O.A.P’S. This is about the norm for this level of football although prices in the north are generally slightly cheaper for the same standard of football than those in the south. Extras 3 There is a club shop outside Deepdale selling a range of replica kits and souvenirs. Betting kiosks are available inside the stadium concourse in the vicinity of the catering outlets. A match day program is produced for all games priced at £3.

Photos by Benjamin Evensen, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Alaska Airlines Arena 4131 15th Ave Seattle, WA 98195 Washington Huskies website Alaska Airlines Arena website Year Opened: 1927 Capacity: 10,000 Husky Basketball Alaska Airlines Arena, or “Hec Ed” as it’s known around Seattle, has been home to University of Washington basketball since it opened in 1927. The stadium sits on the University’s campus and right next to Husky Stadium where the football team plays. The arena is named after Clarence S. “Hec” Edmundson, who coached Husky basketball and track and field from 1920-1947. Hec Ed has also been the host of two Final Fours, in 1949 andparksbusesthe1952. In 1999, the arena underwent major renovations, costing $40 million in all. Seats, locker rooms, athletic offices, and Hall of Fame sections were all overhauled and replaced in the renovations. The seating capacity was brought up to 10,000, which is what it still is at today. It is the third-smallest arena in the Pac-12. Hec Ed is also home to Husky women’s basketball, volleyball, and gymnastics teams. Food & Beverage 2 The food at Hec Ed is nothing special, but simply what you would expect at a typical sporting event. Their basics are there; hot dogs, pizza, candy, soda, etc. But nothing stands out. This does come as a surprise though, as the other Seattle sports stadiums such as Lumen Field , Climate Pledge Arena , and T-Moble Park have many food options that are unique to the Seattle area. The options at Hec Ed are underwhelming, to say the least, but they are not bad either. Prices are your typical, overpriced stadium prices as well. Atmosphere 4 Hec Ed has been the home of Husky basketball for over 70 years, and in the rafters of the stadium hang the banners of Pac-12 Championships, NCAA tournament appearances, and more from other sports. The arena has a feeling of the entire history of Husky basketball; the good times, the bad times, and everything in between. That being said, there is still just something lacking. The University of Washington has not had much success in its history of men’s basketball but the arena is certainly a place with a lot of history that has come with its age. It is different than that of Kansas, Duke, or North Carolina – schools where the atmosphere of the stadium is tied with championships, Final Fours, All-Americans, and legendary coaches. Hec Ed just doesn’t deliver the same type of historical feel. It isn’t a must-see in the world of college basketball, but it’s still a unique venue that brings a very strong sense of pride to Husky athletics. Neighborhood 4 While it may be a smarter idea to drive, as the arena isn’t within short walking distance to many attractions, the area around the campus in North Seattle is one of the best in the country. The campus is right on Lake Washington, and the views of the mountains in the distance are breathtaking. University Village has many unique options to get a bite to eat, and if you hop on I-5 for a short drive into downtown Seattle, famous attractions such as Pike’s Place Market, the Space Needle, and the Waterfront are more than doable or after the game. Fans 5 The University of Washington is the premier college school in the city of Seattle, and the loyal following of Huskies across the Pacific Northwest flock to Hec Ed to support their team every home game. They are loud, proud, and very into the game. The student section is always packed and very into the game, sporting the purple and gold, along with crazy costumes to add to the fun. The stadium was about 95% full, and for a midweek game, that is certainly not bad. The fans were very into the game, and as it came down to the wire, they made sure to be loud and created a very intense environment. Access 4 With Husky Stadium immediately next door, there is more than enough parking for the much smaller seating capacity-wise arena. Prices are expensive though, so expect to pay around $10 to park in the lots next to the arena. Getting to the arena can be a hassle if you are unfamiliar with the area, but it shouldn’t cause too much of a problem. If you do not plan on doing anything before or after the game, an option I choose to use quite a bit is the metro service. There are many parks and rides across the Eastside and south of Seattle, and buses always run right to the arena. It can be a great way to avoid problems getting in and out of the stadium parking lots, and getting home in a faster, more efficient manner. If you do choose to drive yourself, you should not expect to run into many problems. Return on Investment 2 The University knows how popular they are around the Seattle area and takes full advantage of that in their ticket prices. Even for the very top levels, you can expect to pay $36. The mid-levels are in the $40-$50 range and only go up from there. But that only is when they are playing just any-old team. In the case of my game, that was Stanford, which big-time does not have much of a following in Seattle. It is much more expensive for a team like Oregon who has a large following in the area. Tickets for those games are about $20 higher than normal rates for the nose-bleeds, which is nowhere near the value of the experience. You can expect that for games against Oregon, Oregon State, instate-rival Washington State, and other big-time programs that may come to Seattle. Unless you have strong ties to those schools, I do not suggest attending games vs those schools. For most games, when the prices are “normal,” it still can be frustrating how much you are paying. For just a college basketball game, I have a hard time convincing myself that it is worth around $80 per person with the ticket price, parking, and food for just one game – and that isn’t even against a “marquee” opponent. You might be better off paying about $20 per person (including tickets and food) at Key Arena for a Seattle U basketball game, who also is a division 1 basketball program. Extras 5 One of the best things about Hec Ed is the other attractions inside the arena. The school’s athletic Hall of Fame is open to everyone inside the arena and has bowl game trophies, historic sports memorabilia, and walls of famous Husky moments in all sports. It which a must-see if you attend a game there. There also is a large team store in the arena, with lots of Husky apparel and memorabilia available for sale. Final Thoughts As far as college basketball arenas go, Alaska Airlines Arena is just not a “must-see” arena. It feels old at times, lacks more than basic food options, and is severely overpriced. Yet for Husky fans, it still holds so much history to the University, and once inside, it certainly is not a bad place to see a basketball game. It just is not a “top-level” venue in the college basketball world. Around the arena, there is a beautiful campus, a city, and so much to do. If you have the budget, making a trip to Seattle with a Husky basketball game as part of the plan will make for a very fun day. It holds a lot of value to the millions of Husky fans in Seattle, and you are not going to have a bad time going. If you love Husky basketball and are in the Northwest, then you are in for a nice time going to a game at Hec Ed.

Photos by Google Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Select Car Leasing Stadium Shooters Way Reading, England RG2 0FL United Kingdom Reading FC website Select Car Leasing Stadium website Year Opened: 1998 Capacity: 24,161 The Mad Stad Select Car Leasing Stadium is home to the English Football Championship club Reading and was formerly named Madejski Stadium after their Chairman Sir John Madejski. The stadium was built in 1998 following the club's departure from their Elm Park residence of over one hundred years. The stadium has an all-seated capacity of 24,161 and also hosts the home games of the Rugby Union club London Irish. Food & Beverage 3 Once inside, the stadium is well served by food outlets selling a range of hot dogs, burgers, pies, and stir fry noodles as the vegetarian option. A hot dog retails for £3.20 with tea and coffee priced at £1.50 per cup. Pepsi is slightly overpriced at £2 a cup with lager costing £3 per pint. The kiosks also sell chocolate and crisps. Atmosphere 3 By Championship standards, Reading is a well-supported club with an average attendance of 18,000. However, despite playing to a three-quarters full stadium for most home games the atmosphere within the ground can at times be quite muted. The noise levels do increase against sides with large away followings, however, this is mainly when Reading plays local derbies or one of the bigger clubs. Neighborhood 4 The town of Reading is situated in the county of Berkshire and is a mere forty-minute drive from London and Heathrow Airport. The stadium is within easy reach of Junction 11 of the M4 Motorway adjacent to the A33 which runs directly into the Town Centre. The Mad Stad, as it is nicknamed locally, is a typical new British stadium development situated on the outskirts of town surrounded by retail parks. If it is here that you wish to while away the hours leading up to kick off then it's visiting DIY Superstores that will be the order of the day. There are also fast food outlets here in the form of Pizza Hut, Mcdonald's, and KFC. A better recommendation would be to take the three-kilometer journey into town where you will find the Oracle Shopping Centre with its selection of High Street stores, Bars, Coffee Shops, and Restaurants including one from the Jamie Oliver range. These are located in the pleasant canal side area of the complex. Fans 3 Reading supporters are not renowned for being the noisiest in the land, however, the core fan base has grown from approximately eight to eighteen thousand since the club took up residence at the Madejski. Those supporters who wish to spend the duration of the ninety minutes singing and chanting congregate in the East Stand which adjoins the South Stand, the end where away supporters are located. Access 3 The stadium is easily reached by a car exiting Junction 11 of the M4 motorway which runs between Bristol and London. There is plenty of parking, but be aware that this is limited to two hours in the retail parks. The official car park is for season tickets and guests only, but paid parking is available for £8 per vehicle and is between a five and ten-minute walk away. The nearest railway station is Reading Central and Bus 50 arrives and departs from directly outside the stadium. Return on Investment 4 Unless Reading is playing one of the big four then tickets for most matches can be easily purchased in advance over the internet or by arriving early on the day of the game. Ticket prices are £23 and £26 if purchased in advance but rise by £4 if bought on the day. There are discounts for those under 16s and OAPs. This is the average cost of a ticket for the English £10 to increase attendance. Extras 4 There is the normal superstore selling a wide range of both Reading and London Irish merchandise situated by the main entrance to the stadium. A match day program is available for all home games priced at £3. All sporting venues in Britain are now nonsmoking areas, however, Reading allows supporters out onto the concourse at halftime to enable smokers to get their fix, which is particularly needed when their team is losing.

Photos Courtesy of Cal Poly Athletics Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Alex G. Spanos Stadium 1 Grand Ave San Luis Obispo, CA 93407 Cal Poly Mustangs website Alex G. Spanos Stadium website Year Opened: 1935 Capacity: 11,075 Mustang Football With less than a decade remaining until its centennial anniversary, the California Polytechnic State University football program remains the top football draw for the state’s central coast. While the basketball team plays at Mott Gymnasium and the baseball plays in the beautiful Robin Baggett Stadium , the Alex G. Spanos football stadium may be the crown jewel of Cal Poly athletics. First opened in 1935 as Mustang Stadium, the venue has been undergoing renovations since 2006 to bring the capacity to 22,000. The stadium is named after Alex G. Spanos, current owner of the San Diego Chargers. Food & Beverage 3 The concessions were surprisingly limited for what appeared to be a large crowd in the expanding venue. Some of the larger items included the tri-tip sandwich ($7), Vienna beef hot dog ($4), Johnsonville bratwurst ($4), nachos ($4), kettle corn ($6), peanuts ($3), sunflower seeds ($3), soft pretzel ($3), churro ($2), cheeseburger ($4), fries ($3 with chili and garlic add ons for an additional fee), and sweet potato fries ($4). Some of the more popular and unique items included Lucy’s chocolate covered strawberries ($5), or a Poly Pineapple (strawberries, pineapple juice, and pineapple sherbert for $5). The beverages included bottled water ($2), canned soda ($2), Monster Energy ($4), lemonade ($3), iced tea ($2), and coffee/cocoa ($2). An interesting addition was a Cal Poly food truck on site that offered some additional options. I could see this being something utilized on more and more campuses nationwide to add additional concession capacity when necessary. Atmosphere 3 Despite the state of California offering many reputable football programs, few can boast a setting as beautiful as that surrounding the stadium. Views of Bishop’s Peak and San Luis Mountain can be seen from within the stadium. Even with the serene surroundings, the inside of the stadium still provides a lot of excitement. Prior to all kickoffs, fans rise up to support their Mustangs. Musty the Mustang & the cheer team are on the sideline throughout the contest inspiring fan interaction. The loudest interaction takes place after a Cal Poly first down when the PA announcer says, “First Down,” and the fans respond “Mustangs!” Neighborhood 3 I always enjoy a visit to San Luis Obispo as there is a variety of different settings that a fan can explore. Closer to campus fans can find a Carl’s Jr, Pita Pit, Subway, The Shack and Nucci’s pizza. Both Indian and Thai restaurants are also nearby. I would recommend heading to downtown SLO if time allows. In the vibrant downtown area surrounding the San Luis Obispo creek, fans can find bars, restaurants, shops, theaters, and art galleries. If fans are willing to take a short trip north to Paso Robles, they can experience wine tours at places such as J. Lohr Vineyards or brewery tours at the popular Firestone Walker Brewery. If you cannot find something for you in San Luis Obispo, try the nearby towns of Morro Bay, San Simeon, Shell Beach, or Pismo Beach for a variety of entertainment options. Fans 4 Located halfway between Los Angeles and San Francisco, the Cal Poly football program provides local fans their pigskin fix. The recent stadium expansion should be a testament to the passion of the fan base. The student section opposite the grandstand was definitely the most animated, but it seemed that all parts of the stadium were contributing to the noise levels. As previously stated, this is the closest college football program for many fans of the central coast, so much of the fan base has been following the program for years. During the contest, I overheard many such fans reminiscing about the conference title years under previous head coaches Andre Patterson and Rich Ellerson. Access 3 Once you’ve made it to the central coast, getting to Cal Poly is a breeze. Fans will not experience the traffic problems of the Bay Area or Southern California. Parking on campus requires a pass for $6, but exercise caution in the lot you choose as some of them require a bit of a walk to get to the stadium. The restrooms were a bit on the small size for the expanding venue. There were only approximately seven stations in each restroom I visited, but perhaps these will be modified during the ongoing expansion. The stadium offers a single scoreboard at the north end of the stadium and I did notice that it is difficult to see from certain vantage points. Return on Investment 4 As many of the Cal Poly fans have been following the program for years, the season tickets are very popular. Reserved seats are available for $80 for the full season. If fans just want a single game or to attend a few, the reserved adult tickets are $20 and $15 for seniors/youth. General admission seats go for $15 for adults and $10 for seniors/youth. With parking at just $6 and concessions priced at levels fans would expect at any local eatery, the whole experience turns out to be an extremely reasonable value. Extras 3 My first extra goes for the scenery surrounding the stadium. I’ve mentioned some of the mountains that surround campus which provide the perfect backdrop. Fans can also walk up to the upper level of the west end seats for some panoramic views of the stadium. It is a bit removed from the action, but can provide some great perspective in watching the plays develop. Behind the scoreboard fans will find a small rose garden and fountain. This serene setting offers a relaxing place to get away from the action. Lastly and most importantly is the Mustang Memorial Plaza outside of the stadium. During the 1960 football season, an airplane crash took the lives of sixteen Mustang players, the team’s manager, and a football booster. The plaza was constructed in 2006, and is certain to evoke emotion from all sports fans. A mustang statue sits in the middle and is surrounded by 18 copper pillars, one for each member of the Cal Poly program affected by the crash. Final Thoughts After enjoying both the baseball and basketball programs at Cal Poly, the football program certainly did not disappoint. The campus remains one of the most beautiful in California and the fanbase makes it one of the more memorable sporting experiences in the state.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 LECOM Harborcenter 100 Washington St Buffalo, NY 14222 Canisius Golden Griffins website LECOM Harborcenter website Year Opened: 2014 Capacity: 1,800 The Griffins Golden Home Located just north of downtown Buffalo, Canisius College is a small, private Catholic college of approximately 3,900 students. The Canisius Golden Griffins compete in the NCAA, Division I, but struggled to find an appropriate home on campus. Without a home on campus, for many years, the Griffs played at Division III Buffalo State; a slightly embarrassing ordeal for the school. Relief for the Griffins came in 2014 with the opening of HarborCenter. Part of the redevelopment of downtown Buffalo, HarborCenter is direct across the road from the home of the Buffalo Sabres, KeyBank Center. A larger complex, also housing a Tim Hortons, 716 Food and Sport, and the Buffalo Marriott, HarborCenter has become a busy hub, downtown. In 2017-2018, HarborCenter, along with KeyBank Center, hosted the World Junior Hockey Championships. HarborCenter is owned by Pegula Sports and Entertainment, the same owners of the Buffalo Sabres and Bills. Having played Division I hockey since 1980, Canisius currently plays in the Atlantic Hockey Conference. The highlights of Canisius hockey have come from current NHL player, Cory Conacher, their 2017 Atlantic Hockey Conference regular season title, and participation in the 2013 Frozen Four tournament after winning the Atlantic Hockey Conference Tournament. The KeyBank Rink at HarborCenter has been a great move for the Griffins with an increased presence in the Buffalo area. However, a few years into their habitation at HarborCenter, a greater following was expected. Food & Beverage 4 Being a busy facility with several different tenants, HarborCenter offers a solid array of concessions. Conveniently provided by the (716) Food and Sport, which is on the ground level, concessions are better than your average, small, NCAA hockey facility. There are two small concessions behind the seating sections and two main concessions, one at the ice level and one behind the seating bowl. Chicken tenders, pizza ($4.50), fries, onion rings, pizza logs, popcorn ($2/$4.50), nachos, and pretzels are all available along with other grill items. However, some items that may not be expected include fruit, protein bars, peanut butter, banana sandwiches, and hummus dip. A full smoothie bar is also on hand. The soda of choice at HarborCenter is Coca-Cola and its products ($2.50/$3). Bottled water and Tim Hortons coffee products are also available. Very surprising is the alcoholic beverage selection at HarborCenter. Labatt Blue, Blue Light, and Bud Light are the staple beers that can be found, but local brews like One Buffalo and Southern Tier IPA are also available. Wine is also available. Atmosphere 3 Located in downtown Buffalo, HarborCenter fits right into the downtown area. However, if there is one thing it does not look like is a hockey arena. The exterior of HarborCenter is very nice with a sleek modern look but truth be told it looks a little bit more like a condominium or office building than a sports venue. With the recent World Junior Hockey Championships being hosted by KeyBank Center and HarborCenter, several displays and attractions are remaining in the Canalside area. Just across the road from HarborCenter is the bronze statue of Buffalo Sabres legend Tim Horton. There are also a few bronze bison statues across the road, which can be found in many places in the city. Inside the HarborCenter building, fans must ascend by an elevator to the seventh floor to reach the KeyBank Rink. The home of the Golden Griffins, as well as other local teams, immediately stands out with its bright interior due to LED lighting. Fans will also immediately notice the throwback to old-school hockey venues with the curved, hardwood ceiling reminiscent of the old hockey barns. The ice surface runs from east to west with the main concourses behind the seating area. Smart-looking grey brick gives the arena a clean and crisp look. Canisius markings are rather limited due to the arena’s multi-tenant nature, but at the west end of the arena, fans can find the 2013 Atlantic Hockey tournament championship banner along with a banner honoring First-Team All-Conference members. The seating bowl is not huge or overly comfortable. Essentially nine rows of wooden benches require standing, but on the plus side, the sight lines are terrific. The game day experience is a decent one. The Canisius pep band, the Blue and Gold Gang gives the game the college feel and the PA announcer has lots of energy. An interesting moment occurs at the beginning where the PA announcer asks for a moment of silence and reflects fans to Canisus’ Jesuit roots and reads the Jesuit code against oppression. Neighborhood 5 Being in downtown Buffalo, there are a host of places to eat and drink before or after a Golden Griffins game. Some of the best spots to eat include Washington Square, Liberty Hound, Cobblestone Bar & Grill, Iron Works, Lagerhaus 59, and a personal favorite, Pearl Street Grill. Across from the bronze statue of Tim Horton himself, you will of course find a large Tim Horton’s coffee shop. However, the big buzz is for (716) Food and Sport. This is a very popular spot and is being compared to the Real Sports Bar and Grill which has become so popular outside the Air Canada Centre in Toronto. HarborCenter is located right across the street from the KeyBank Center, which is home to the Buffalo Sabres of the NHL and the Buffalo Bandits of the NLL. Up the road is Coca-Cola Field, which is home to the Buffalo Bisons . The Golden Griffins play their basketball games on campus at Koessler Athletic Center which is about four miles away. Other options, if you are in the city, would include Buffalo Bills football in Orchard Park or Buffalo Bulls football or basketball in Amherst. If you are looking for something else to do in the immediate neighborhood of HarborCenter, Seneca Buffalo Creek Casino is just up the street. As far as accommodations go, there are several hotels in the vicinity of HarborCenter. The closest hotels are the Buffalo Marriott, located right at HarborCenter, and the equally convenient Courtyard by Marriott, right across Scott St from HarborCenter. Fans 2 Since moving to KeyBank Rink @ HarborCenter, the following at Canisius hockey games was expected to increase. However, attendance has remained fairly flat for the Griffins. Usually averaging around 1,000 fans per game, Canisius attendance is near the bottom of NCAA schools in the mid-fifties. There is not a lot of buzz in the stands from the fans and the student section, which is in section 7, is often fairly empty and fairly quiet. Although the KeyBank Rink capacity is only 1,800, often it remains legitimately half full. A better experience would be aided by a stronger, more passionate fan base. Access 4 Getting to HarborCenter is pretty easy. HarborCenter is located just across Perry Street from First Niagara Center in downtown Buffalo. It is located near major highways, south of I-190 and east of the Buffalo Skyway. With downtown Buffalo attracting more and more people, parking is becoming a more significant issue. The first try for parking should be in the garage in HarborCenter. If that is not available, an attendant will direct fans to the correct parking lot. This is crucial as parking for a Sabres game versus parking for a Golden Griffins game is about a $14 difference. The Metro Rail Special Events Station is just east of HarborCenter and is free to ride “above ground.” Some buses travel the area. Interested fans should check out the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority website for maps, fares, and schedules. The main ticketing gate is at the east side of the building and out of the elevator, on the seventh floor. It is a portable kiosk. Getting around the arena is not a problem at all. Although the washroom facilities are not huge, they are more than adequate for a crowd of around 1,000. There is also ample room in the concourse for traveling around. With more fans in the stands, washroom facilities could be a bit of an issue. Return on Investment 5 A Canisius Golden Griffins hockey game provides a solid return on investment for the sports fan. Although the lack of fan support may leave the experience a little lacking, the minimal investment that is to be made by the fan makes up for it. Tickets for the Griffs go for $20 for a rail seat, $15 for reserved seats, and $10 for general admission. Unless rail seating is an absolute must, the $10 general admission ticket is the way to go. Parking should go for around $3 and concession prices are not too bad. The product on the ice is solid, as with most NCAA hockey experiences and Canisius does what it can to provide a solid hockey atmosphere. Although the rabid fan base is not there, the investment is so low that fans really can’t complain. Extras 3 An extra mark for the Canal Cup rivalry with Niagara. Located essentially up the road in Lewiston, the Niagara Purple Eagles are a similar school in size and location and a great rival for the Griffins. An extra mark for the great view of Buffalo from the seventh floor of HarborCenter. An extra mark for the recognition of the high number of Canadian players and fans in attendance with the playing of the Canadian National Anthem before games. Final Thoughts It is a little disappointing to see that the Canisius Golden Griffins have not found a stronger foothold in the Buffalo sports market since moving to the KeyBank Rink @ HarborCenter. That being said, catching the Griffs is a solid sporting experience. The investment is so low and the product on the ice is exciting in a decent college atmosphere. HarborCenter is a great facility and worth checking out. _______ Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on Twitter @profan9 and Instagram .

Photos by Sean MacDonald, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 FAU Arena 777 Glades Rd. Boca Raton, FL 33431 Florida Atlantic Owls website FAU Arena website Year Opened: 1984 Capacity: 5,000 Winning in Paradise   The story of the 2023 NCAA basketball tournament was the Florida Atlantic Owls making a surprising run to the Final Four. That means they are now a very popular draw, which presents challenges for the stadium traveler. The Owls play out of the Eleanor R. Baldwin Arena, which holds just 2,900 (though a sellout is considered 3,161), and almost all seats belong to season-ticket holders or are reserved for students.  The secondary market has seen very high prices, but tickets that are returned from the visiting team are made available at the box office. That is your best bet, other than enrolling as a student and picking up a student ticket the day before.  Even then, that's no guarantee of entry as the student capacity of 750 is often exceeded, and some students are sent home. Everyone loves a winner, and the Owls are certainly that these days, even after moving up to the American Athletic Conference. So, if you are fortunate enough to get in, what is the experience like? Food & Beverage 2 The biggest weakness here is a limited selection of food and beverage options. There is a single concession stand inside the main entrance with typical arena fare. The cheapest food items are small popcorn and small cotton candy at $6, while almost everything else is $8 (hot dogs, nachos with cheese, pretzels (add $2 for queso), hamburgers (add $1 to make it a cheeseburger) and a large popcorn). Snacks are limited to chips for $3 and boxes of candy for $4. Coca-Cola products are $5, as is Powerade, while water is a buck cheaper. Beer is reasonably priced at $7 for domestic (perhaps the only place where beer is cheaper than a hot dog) and $8 for imported, and there is even wine for $9 and Prosecco for $10.  Fans should eat before or after the game as several good establishments have a short drive to the arena. Atmosphere 5 The venue opened in 1984 and was initially called FAU Arena, with The Burrow added as a nickname (there is still a sign outside indicating this). The campus features burrowing owls on campus, contributing to the arena being nicknamed The Burrow. In November 2022, Eleanor Baldwin donated $7.5 million, and the arena is now named after her (and nicknamed The Elly). The team won 20 straight games after the change of name, adding a bit of good luck. Inside the main entrance is a large lobby, where the trophies from last season are on display, as well as a single concession stand. If you have lower bowl seats, you can enter the gym on this level and walk up to your seats; if you are on the upper level, you have to use a stairwell on the correct side to reach a walkway at the top of the building and then walk down to your seats. The two levels of seating on both sides are separated by metal bars; you will need to know where your seat is. On the second level,  behind one net, is a large club area that leads to some suites. You need a special ticket to enter this area.  Students take up the entirety of the lower bowl along the same side as the cameras, in other words, facing the logo. There are two smaller student sections behind each basket as well. Sellouts have attendance listed at 3,161, and students make up about 25% of this number, which gives the arena a fantastic atmosphere from well before tip-off. It can be loud, so if that bothers you, you can stay outside until closer to game time. I think this is what most fans do, as the upper bowl took a lot longer to fill up. By game time, though, nearly every seat was taken, and the crowd was energetic. There is no scoreboard above center court, which gives this small venue a more open feel. At the far end is a huge video board that shows highlights and all the player and team stats.  There are two mascots: Owlsley is the grown-up, and there is also Hoot, who seems to be a baby owl. Both were very active during the game, as were the cheerleaders and dance team, who are known as the Fly Girls. When FAU slams a dunk home or hits a key three-pointer, two students run flags around the court. It was a very dynamic atmosphere until the final buzzer.  Neighborhood 4 The FAU campus is self-contained and bordered by the Boca Raton airport to the northwest, Spanish River Road to the north, Glades Road to the south, and a creek to the east. It is quite a large area, and walking to any eateries outside the campus is not recommended. However, several establishments are within a short drive.  In particular, downtown Boca Raton is just 10 minutes away and has dozens of restaurants and bars that should offer something for everyone. Slightly closer to campus is the Irishmen pub, while the Town Center at Boca Raton is just to the southwest of the campus and includes Tap 42 Craft Kitchen and Bar, as well as a Hooters, among other joints. Of course, the Atlantic Ocean is right there, and there are a few beach parks within a 15-minute drive of the arena. There are many hotels within the vicinity of FAU, though prices can be high during the winter season. You may want to stay a few minutes away to save some money. On the campus, the FAU Fogelman Sports Museum is nearby and open for a few hours every day except Monday. It is free and contains quite a bit of sports memorabilia and is worth a visit if you have time in the area. Fans 5 It was an hour before the tip, and the student section was mostly full. It is because student capacity is so limited (many students were turned away a week before the game). Students show up early to grab a seat, which is great to see. A student section that cares about their team, and they stood for most of the evening. By the time the game started, the arena was full, and it stayed that way until the end of the game. Fans are loud and proud and deserving of their fantastic Final Four run last year.  Access 4 FAU is located next to I-95 and is easy to get to by following your GPS. You do have to drive a bit on campus to get to the free parking lots immediately surrounding the arena. Getting out is pretty easy, too as you can be on the highway in just a couple of minutes. Inside, there is not a true concourse but a lobby that leads to the main gym for those in the lower seats and the stairwells to the upper level for fans in those seats. As such, there is no real difficulty in getting around. The single concession stand does see long lines before the game, so if you need to eat, get there early or wait until the game starts. Restrooms are a bit difficult to find, but there were no lineups there that I saw. Return on Investment 4 This might be the most difficult area to rate because tickets are hard to come by, and you can pay close to $100 on the secondary market. As mentioned, tickets that are not used by the visiting team are returned and made available at the box office, which is likely your best bet to snag one. I saw a small lineup more than an hour before the game, so if this is your plan, you need to arrive early.  Parking is free, but food is a bit expensive. Still, this is one of the best experiences in college basketball, with a talented team playing in front of a passionate crowd in a small, intimate venue.  Extras 3 The floor is adorned with palm trees, one of the more attractive court designs in college basketball. I always appreciate the attempts to add a bit of local flavor to the court.  The trophies in the front lobby for both the men and women merit a point. There are photos and other displays inside some of these stairwells that are worth checking out. Final Thoughts Overall, FAU is the epitome of what college basketball should be: a small school that maintains a small arena where students get the best seats despite the team's rise to national prominence. I don't know how long this combination will last, so if you want to enjoy this experience, you should get there in the next few seasons to appreciate all that the team has to offer the fans.