Photos by Jon Hart, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Francis S. Levien Gymnasium 2960 Broadway New York, NY 10027 Columbia Lions website Francis S. Levien Gymnasium website Year Opened: 1974 Capacity: 3,408 The Lion’s Den Columbia, President Obama’s alma mater, plays their home games at the modest, 2,700 seat Francis S. Levien Gymnasium. Located in Morningside Heights, a twenty-minute subway jaunt from Penn Station and Madison Square Garden, Levien only offers good seats and better seats. Warning: Most of the seats don’t have seat backs. Columbia, which won the CollegeInsider.com post-season tournament in 2016, plays in the ultra-competitive Ivy League, which is on the cusp on becoming a two-bid conference. It’s solid, competitive mid-major college hoops in a small place. Food & Beverage 3 Columbia has upgraded its selections. In addition to candy, chips and soda, there are personal pizzas, Subway wraps and grilled hot dogs. Pizza is the most popular. The surrounding neighborhood offers an array of excellent food choices. Atmosphere 4 Columbia games draw. Students turn out and sit in the designated student section, which is across from the team’s benches. Alums, either Columbia or from the opposing team, also make up much of the crowd. The recently reinstated Columbia band, the best worst college band, is back again playing. However, they’re more restrained. Columbia has a large dance and cheerleading squad. They keep it simple and low to the floor. Neighborhood 5 A stroll around Columbia’s well-lit surrounding streets is a must. There’s no shortage of excellent dining options. Here are just a few, but there are plenty more. Shake Shack , which is great for burgers, shakes and other treats, is right across the street. A few blocks downtown, pizza spot Koronet has humongous slices. A bit more downtown, Sal and Carmine’s , has smaller slices but awesome crust. For Seinfeld fans, Tom’s Restaurant is close. A local’s guide to area restaurants can be found here. Fans 4 The fans turn out for the Lions. Arrive early if you don’t want to wait in line for tickets on game day. The student section has the potential to get rowdy and creative but nothing too crazy. Access 4 Drivers should be able to get a free space on the street with not too much effort. There’s also overpriced parking lots in the neighborhood. If you’re coming via public transportation, the #1 subway stop at 116th Street is mere yards from courtside. Return on Investment 4 Compared to the Knicks and Nets , a Columbia game is a bargain. Tickets start at $20. Extras 3 Columbia’s magnificent campus is a sight to behold. For a wonderful stroll, Central Park, arguably the best park in the world, is not far. Again, there are a lot of great eating venues in the area. Worth noting: Current Columbia coach Jim Engles has a history of pulling off upsets. In 2014, his NJIT squad upset Michigan in Ann Arbor. If you’re in NYC, and you’re into hoops, Levien Gymnasium should be added to your itinerary. Jon Hart is @ManVersusBall

Photos by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Hitchcock Field at Plainsman Park 351 South Donohue Dr Auburn, AL 36830 Auburn Tigers website Plainsman Park website Year Opened: 1950 Capacity: 4,096 The Tiger’s Den Auburn Tiger baseball has had an illustrious history since its beginning in 1931. The program has won six SEC Championships and won three SEC Tournament titles. The team has reached 19 NCAA Regionals and has made it to the College World Series four times. A majority of this success has taken place at Plainsman Park, their on-campus home since 1950. Auburn has always been a school that looks to the future, while treasuring its past. This can be seen by the many late 1800 and early 1900 academic buildings standing next door to a modern research facility. The same is true of Plainsman Park (the full formal name is Samford Stadium – Hitchcock Field at Plainsman Park… we will be using Plainsman Park for brevity’s sake) as it celebrates its glorious baseball past, while incorporating the latest features in stadium design to increase performance on the field and enhance fan engagement off the field. Food & Beverage 3 There are two primary concession stands servicing Plainsman Park, The Home Plate and the Curveball Café. The food served at each stand is the typical baseball fare at very affordable prices. Items on the menu include cheeseburgers ($6), hot dogs ($3), pretzels ($5), nachos ($5), popcorn ($4), candy ($3), peanuts ($4) and sunflower seeds ($3). Beverages include Coca-Cola sodas ($4) and bottled water ($2). Atmosphere 4 Plainsman Park maintained its original look throughout the 20th century, but the school felt a major update to the facility was needed before its 50th anniversary and the 21st century arrived. In 1998, the face lift began, with the installation of a brick backstop, 3,200 chair back seats and Auburn’s own version of the Green Monster in left field. To enhance the fan experience, the playing field was brought much closer to the stands (only 40 feet from either the first or third base bags) and front row seats are only 4 feet above the playing surface. These changes were well received by the fans and as the Tigers on-field performance improved an enlargement of the stadium was needed. Instead of creating space further from the field, the bullpens were moved off the sides of the field and placed beyond the outfield wall. This allowed for more seating to be added at field level down the baselines. In 2017 Auburn added a 24 foot X 63 foot video board in right center field and replaced all 6,800 chair backs in the stadium. A Tiger Terrace general admission section was added above the third base seats for a berm-like seating effect. The response from the fans to these changes has been overwhelmingly positive, and the baseball industry has taken notice as well. Both Baseball America and D1Baseball.com have consistently rated Plainsman Park in their Top Ten College Baseball venues over the past few years. Neighborhood 4 The immediate area around Plainsman Park is the Auburn Athletic area of the campus. It lies in the shadow of Jordan-Hare Stadium and is across the street from the Auburn Arena . The Auburn campus is known for its natural beauty and the historic architecture of its buildings. Just across College Street from the campus is the downtown area of the city of Auburn. The city has always been known as the “loveliest village on the plain” as it has retained its small town feel despite great growth in the size of the university. Most of the stores lining College Street are of the mom and pop variety with local ownership. Toomer’s Drug Store is a “must see” when visiting Auburn, as it buoys “Toomer’s Corner,” the site of all Auburn’s greatest victory celebrations. It has an old-fashioned soda shop and serves its own brand of lemonade. Most of the top restaurants and entertainment facilities are found along College Street, which forms an eastern border to the campus. Favorites along this stretch include BurgerFi and Amsterdam Cafe. The closest lodging to the campus is the Auburn Conference Center and Hotel. A majority of the lodging options in Auburn are found in between I-85 and the Auburn campus. Fans 4 No matter what the sport, Auburn fans are known for being loud (both in volume and in their blue and orange attire) and proud. The baseball team has given the fans every reason to be proud, given the program’s successful history over time. You will hear the term “War Eagle” incessantly, both as a cheer for a great play or to simply acknowledge a fellow Auburn fan. Auburn goes by several nicknames, including “Tigers,” “War Eagles” or “Plainsmen.” Auburn fans are also known for their politeness, even to supporters of the opposing team (except the University of Alabama). When you visit Auburn, you are considered “company,” and company is always treated with respect. Auburn University goes the extra mile in accommodating its fans. While it does everything possible to get fans inside the stadium, it also has established viewing areas outside the stadium as well. “The Platform” is a raised area behind the right center field wall that is restricted to students only. Two other popular viewing areas for the general public are the terraced area behind the left field wall and the Stadium Parking Deck, which overlooks the entire field from behind the third base line. Access 4 Auburn is located 60 miles east of Montgomery and 100 miles southwest of Atlanta. The Auburn campus is easy to reach via exit 51 off I-85. You will simply head north for 7 miles as it becomes College Street. To get to Plainsman Park, you will simply turn left at Samford then right on Donohue to one of three parking facilities set aside for baseball parking (the Coliseum parking lot, the Auburn Arena parking lot or the Stadium parking deck.) The Stadium Deck is by far the most preferable as it overlooks the baseball field. The university has no problem with fans watching the game from the parking deck at no charge! Plainsman Park is very easy to navigate, as its most recent renovations widened the concourses and added additional concession areas and restrooms. Return On Investment 4 The cost of attending an Auburn game is quite reasonable. Tickets are $8 for non-conference games and $10 for all SEC contests. The concessions sold at Plainsman Park are not expensive compared to many large university stadiums. There are several parking options available both on and off campus. Lots on campus are typically free on weekends and town lots are usually around $5.00. Extras 4 The full name of Plainsman Park honors Jimmy Samford, the late Auburn board member who championed the 1998 upgrades and Jimmy and Billy Hitchcock, two brothers who were both All American baseball players for Auburn. The Hitchcock’s went on to play in major league baseball and held managerial posts later in their lives. The outfield walls are imprinted with graphics bearing the names of Auburn’s Baseball Hall of Fame members…. Bo Jackson, Frank Thomas, Gregg Olson and Tim Hudson. The Lovelace Hall of Honor is located just across the street from Plainsman Park in the Auburn Arena. The Hall of Honor is part museum and part Hall of Fame. It honors the greats from all Auburn sports, but also has exhibits about unique Auburn traditions, important events in the development of the athletic program and a salute to Auburn fans for their loyalty. The main team store for all sports is located adjacent to the Hall of Honor. A final extra goes to Toomer’s Drugs for its long history and the important role it plays in the Auburn community. Final Thoughts In a conference where football usually rules, the experience at Plainsman Park is just as special. The renovations and upgrades over the years have made a trip to a ball game in the Loveliest Village something fans will always look forward to.

Photos by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Banner Island Ballpark 404 W Fremont St Stockton, CA 95203 Map It Stockton Ports website Banner Island Ballpark website Year Opened: 2004 Capacity: 5,000 Mudville Nine The Stockton Ballpark, affectionately referred to by locals as Banner Island Ballpark, sits on what no longer is an island in Stockton, CA. The inlets have mostly been filled in, but the name lives on. The Stockto n Ports, a Single-A affiliate of the Oakland Athletics, play in the California League and make their home at this ballpark.  They were the Brewer s’ affiliate for much of the 80s and 90s.  Oakland is closer, and fans seem to appreciate that.  The team began operation in 1941.  They did not play during WWII, nor from 1973 to 1978.  They have won the California League championship 11 times. The team lays claim as the  possible inspiration for “ Casey at the Bat ,” a famous baseball poem by Ernest Thayer published in 1888.  Mudville Nine  is the fictional team depicted in the poem, and the people of Stockton believe this is a reference to the team that played on Banner Island, otherwise known as Mudville, during that time.  Controversy abounds as to t he real Mudville, and other cities also claim the Nine  as their own. Food & Beverage 4 Banner Island Ballpark has plenty of food offerings around the concourse, with concession stands and kiosks offering a variety of choices.  David’s Pizza, whole or by the slice ($34/$6), is on the third base concourse.  This stand also sells salad for $11.  Gus’s Cantina, also on the third base concourse, provides the Mexican fare:  burritos, carne asada, or pollo bowls ($12). The larger concession stands sell traditional stadium food:  Loaded nacho helmets, hot dogs, regular nachos, pretzels, peanuts, candy, etc. ($4 - $14).  A kid’s meal (hot dog, chips, and a drink) is $8.  Flash Point Grill also offers cheeseburger and chicken tender baskets ($13), French fries, garlic fries, and popcorn.  The concession menus list the calorie count of each item.  Get your ice cream at a little stand down the first baseline.  The stand sells cones, bowls, novelties, and other treats.  The stadium also has a sausage cart; bratwursts are $10.  Most stands offer Pepsi products and bottled water ($5 - $6). Domestic and craft beer, as well as wine, are sold at all concession stands. The Hopps Craft Beer Stand near section 108 is a suitable place to get the craft beers on tap ($14 - $20).  If you buy a $15 souvenir draft beer, bring the cup back the rest of the season, and the beer is $10.  It’s a nice variety, and most fans will find something to suit their taste and thirst. Atmosphere 5 Banner Island Ballpark is a delightful venue to watch minor league baseball.  It provides the perfect game day experience with good baseball, affordable entertainment, easy access, and a staf f who is extremely friendly, good-spirited, and welcoming. One level of 16 or so rows of standard green fold-down stadium seats with cup holders is the main level.  The third base side (above the home dugout) and behind home plate have a few sections for “premiere seating.”  There’s plenty of legroom to stretch out. Nets run to the end of th e dugouts; the outfield baseline seats are net-free as is any outfield seating (berm, party deck, etc.). The right field berm features the Back Porch which can be rented out for 25 – 50 people . Tickets  start at $40 and include food.  A kids'  play zone is near the Back Porch. How often do you get to stand behind a foul pole (left field) let alone with a drink rail and watch the sunset over the grandstand with a water tower in the distance?  Here you can.  It’s beautiful.  The Adventist Health Arena is the ballpark’s left-field neighbor and is impressive to see from the seats.  Adventist Health Arena Beyond Banner Island Ballpark's Left Field, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey A mascot called Splash greets fans as they enter the ballpark.  Splash traverses the seating area during the game for photo-taking and high-fiving. The Ports pr ovide the expected between-inning entertainment (they, fortunately, are not overwhelming – as baseball still seems to be the main reason the f ans are there).  Gimmicks and contests include a condiment race, the dirtiest car in the parking lot, a dizzy bat race, and more.   The PA announcer does a good job, though the sound syst em is muffled, m aking it difficult to hear him at times.   They do a fantastic job of not playing music when the PA announcer is talking.  More stadiums should take heed of this. In 2020, Banner Island Ballpark underwent renovations that included the addition of new video boards.  The main scoreboard is in left field above the bullpens.  It provides the line score and strikes, balls, outs, a picture of the batter, along with his stats, and the lineup.  The first baseline has a video board that shows the pitcher’s stats.  No closed captioning is offered.  Ten retired jerseys are displayed underneath the press box.  The most prominent one is for Dallas Braden who pitched a perfect game for the Athletics in May 2010 and still supports Stockton and the Ports. It can get hot during day games but cools off nicely during evening games.  Bring layers just in case it gets too cool. Neighborhood 2 With the construction of the stadium an d the a djacent arena, the city hoped the neighborhood would grow into more of a destination place with restaurants and bars where fans can spend time pre or post-game.  That has not yet happened in Stockton. Picturesque McLeod Lake waterfront and walkway are be hind right field, though fans can’t see it from the seating area.  Take a walk around the 360-degree concourse to get a view.  The concourse is 1/3 mile.  Across the lake, the Children’s Museum of Stockton may be worthwhile visiting, or head to the Regal Stockton City Center & IMAX to catch a movie. Several eateries are about a mile away along Weber Ave:  Cast Iron Grill, Papa Urb’s Grill (Filipino), and more.  A little over a mile north is Valley Brew.  They have 30 or so craft beers on tap, serve food, and have plenty of TVs tuned to sporting events.  The closest hotel (walking distance 0.3 miles) is the University Plaza Waterfront Hotel.  Other minor league baseball to see if visiting the area are t he Modesto Nuts (30 min drive) or the Sacramento River Cats (50 min drive).  The Ports’ parent team, the Oakland Athletics , is a little over an hour’s drive from Stockton. Fans 3 The fans are extremely friendly and welcome all visitors.  Most stay in their seats during game action.   Some even keep score.  The staff does a superb job of  making fans feel appreciated.  Visitors will see fans wearing lots of Angels, Dodgers, Giants, Ports, and even some Athletics gear. Average attendance in the last few seasons is around 1,700 – 1,800, a drop from pre-Covid records.  Access 4 Banner Island Ballpark has excellent wheelchair accessibility upon entering the stadium, the seating area, and the bathrooms.  The concourse is plenty wide to accommodate the crowd.  Parking is $10 -$15 (pricey for Single-A); the stadium only accepts credit cards, even for parking.  Fans can park on neighborhood streets a block away for free, just watch for the signs on where to park (or not).  Stockton’s small airport (SCK) is 15 minutes south. Commercially, it only services Phoenix and Las Vegas via Allegiant Airlines.  Stockton has a bus service, but it does not look like it services the ballpark well.  Uber or Lyft may be the better choice. The restrooms are clean and abundant. Return on Investment 5 Take advantage of the weekly promotions the Ports offer:    Taco Tuesdays (two tacos for $8 or two tacos and a margarita for $15) Wine Wednesdays ($6/glass).  Wednesdays are al so Silver S luggers (fans 55+ can join the program and get in the stadium free on Wednesdays).  Thirsty Thursdays ($1 for Busch Light, $2 popcorn, $3 hot dogs, $8 field box seats).  Fireworks after Saturday home games Sundays are Bark in the Park games  The Ports have an abundance of giveaway days during the entire season. Ticket prices range from $13 - $18 at the box office (a dollar more when purchased on game day).  It’s a great ballpark to watch a game, chill, and take a break from life for a few hours. Parking is $10 or $15.  Food and drink price s are s imilar to those at other California League stadiums.   The merchandise shop has a decent selection of items, including hat pins, caps, shirts, and more. Extras 3 Banner Island Ballpark and the Stockton Ports have several additional items worth mentioning. The customer service desk provides starting lineups and rosters.   Visitors receive a decent program as they walk into the stadium.  The bullpens are adjacent, directly below the video board, in front of a left-field party area, making a unique configuration. Banner Island Balllpark Scoreboard and Bullpens, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey You can still watch net-free baseball here, and kudos to the game-day operations for not playing music over the PA announcer. Final Thoughts Banner Island Ballpark is an extremely fun ballpark.  It provides a perfect minor league game day experience.  Fans and staff are friendly and welcoming.  It’s affordable and not overdone with extras. The ballgame takes center stage with clever, non-intrusive games and contests between innings.

Photos by Dave Cottenie & Sean MacDonald, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Centre Slush Puppie 500 Boulevard de la Cité Gatineau, QC J8X 2P8 Gatineau Olympiques website Centre Slush Puppie website Year Opened: 2021 Capacity: 4,000 Slush on Ice The Gatineau Olympiques played at the venerable Robert Guertin Centre for 45-years, an aging rink whose time had passed. The city of Gatineau awarded the non-profit organization Vision Multisports Outaouais (VMSO) the contract for construction and management of a 4,000-seat arena, including three community ice rinks. The venue is now known as Centre Slush Puppie after naming rights were acquired by the maker of the “original non-carbonated frozen beverage treat enjoyed by millions of people worldwide.” In addition to the main rink, there are three other skating rinks, which combine to give 7,700 hours of ice time per year. These hours are distributed to the various sports associations and are used for various free activities offered by Gatineau’s recreation department. The project demonstrates how local governments can work together with sports franchises to deliver venues that serve more than just sports fans. Still, we are concerned with understanding the venue as it applies to a fan attending a game. So how does Centre Slush Puppie measure up? Stadium Journey went to an early-season game and came away impressed, though there are some areas where improvement is necessary, as you would expect with a new venue. Note that all prices are in Canadian dollars, which at the time of writing is about 80 cents U.S. Food & Beverage 3 Recessed within each corner of the concourse are the concession stands, and this design limits the impact of long lines on those who are walking by. The food offerings are basic and include nachos ($7), popcorn ($5), and cotton candy (barbe à papa, $6) is your heaviest option, with chips ($4) and chocolate bars ($3) to round out things. Of course, there are two flavors of Slush Puppie, with small cups going for $2 and large for $3. Coca-Cola beverages are available in bottles for $4, and you can get 473ml cans of beer for $8 or $9, depending on the brand. There is one specialized concession that sells only liquor and includes vodka, gin, and whiskey. Atmosphere 4 The main entrance and box office is on the ground floor. This is where vaccination credentials will be checked. From here, take stairs up a level to get to the arena proper, where your ticket will be scanned. The arena is very clean, with a shiny concourse and black padded seats that match the team’s colors. It is aesthetically pleasing. In the corners, the top rows have 32 seats; avoid getting in the middle of those, as you will have to traverse 15 other people to get out. The concourse is quite wide, and each corner has a concession stand in an alcove of sorts. There are drink rails around the entire concourse, and these provide the best views of the action. But once the game starts, patrons are asked to sit in their seats, due to COVID, which doesn’t make a lot of sense. Fortunately, by the third period, this rule was no longer being enforced at the game attended. There are two video boards at either end of the rink, although they don’t show replays. What I found particularly interesting is that the back of the video boards are open, showing just how complicated these things are. The arena does not have an overhead scoreboard above the center ice; however, there is a small steel structure that seems to have no purpose. The Olympiques have had several players and coaches move on to the NHL; they are all honoured with banners hanging from the rafters. There is also a banner for Guy Lafleur, who was born in nearby Thurso. The team also has had success, with the 1997 Memorial Cup the highlight, and a separate set of banners celebrating these accomplishments. There are suites and a Budweiser Club that are located one level up; these are not accessible from the arena proper but require you to go up more stairs. As is the case with most hockey arenas, music plays during every stoppage in play, but it is not excessively loud. Neighborhood 4 Centre Slush Puppie is located in the eastern part of Gatineau in an area of strip malls and shopping centers. It takes 10-15 minutes to drive from downtown Ottawa, which is likely where most visiting fans will be staying. There is not a lot within walking distance of the venue, but a Pizzédélic is located in a nearby strip mall, a good spot for a pie and a pint. Gatineau does have some attractions in its own right, including the Canadian Museum of History, which is about 15 minutes away and would be a good spot to visit during the afternoon before a night game. Of course, Ottawa is the nation’s capital and has dozens of worthwhile attractions, as well as a vibrant nightlife scene in the Byward Market and on Elgin Street. Fans 5 I attended a Friday night game and was very impressed with the turnout. Many fans were wearing Gatineau garb, and they understood and paid attention to the game and cheered at the right time. They also stay to the end and are polite and respectful. Access 3 The arena is located at the corner of Boulevard de la Cite and Boulevard de la Gappe and takes about 5-10 minutes of surface street driving if you take Highway 50 from Ottawa. If you arrive early enough, you can find street parking on Cite right in front of the building. If you come later, there is a parking lot on Gappe that is right beside the arena. You can also take a bus from downtown Ottawa right to the rink; the #87 STO bus takes about 40 minutes, while the return would use the 400 bus. Use Google Maps to confirm the details. Once inside, fans will have to have their vaccination credentials verified. Once you enter the arena, there will be no problems walking around the concourse. At intermissions, however, concession stand lines are very long, and you could spend the entire break waiting to pick something up, so get your food and drink before the game. The drink rails are the best place to watch the game, and it is not clear why fans are not allowed to stand there. Once that rule is eliminated, this category will get an extra point. All of the restrooms are along the concourse, and in the case of most hockey games, long lines form after the end of each period. It would be wise to time your trip before this time to avoid long lines. Return on Investment 4 Tickets are $24 for sections along the sides and $20 for end zone seats. There are discounts for seniors, teens, children, while those under 3 can get in for free. With food relatively cheap and free parking, the Olympiques provide an affordable evening of entertainment. Extras 2 The club was known as the Hull Olympiques until the provincial government amalgamated all of the cities in the area in 2002. Gatineau was chosen as the new name of these cities. The club’s mascot is a panda named Hully to retain some sense of the past. The arena earns a point for the overall aesthetics. It is well designed and much more pleasant than a typical rink at this level. Final Thoughts Centre Slush Puppie will undoubtedly receive a few guffaws due to its name, but it is a very comfortable and enjoyable place to see a junior hockey game. If you happen to be in the Ottawa region to see the Senators or 67s, check the QMJHL schedule to see if you can add the Olympiques and a bit of slush to your icy itinerary.

Photos by Gary Butterworth, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Church Street Park 5800 Cricket Pitch Way Morrisville, NC 27560 Major League Cricket website Church Street Park website Year Opened: 2015 Capacity: 3,500 If You Come, They Will Build It Fans following Major League Cricket’s social media accounts in the run-up to the inaugural tournament in July 2023 were treated to update after update on the reconfiguration of the league's primary stadium in Grand Prairie, Texas. Some, then, were surprised when MLC announced that its debut season would be co-hosted at Church Street Park near North Carolina’s Raleigh–Durham International Airport. To close followers of American cricket, though, the logic was clear. In event after event, the Morrisville, NC, community has turned out to support cricketers at the local, Minor League, and international levels. Morrisville had earned its place to host some of the world’s top cricketers and their new professional T20 franchise teams. And Morrisville delivered by selling out all seven of the MLC matches hosted at Church Street Park. That fan support, combined with high-quality cricket in an intimate setting, made for a first-rate experience at MLC's secondary venue. Food & Beverage 3 The Morrisville venue falls short in terms of its food options. Church Street Park truly is a public park, and there are no permanent refreshment facilities. A handful of food trucks were present in the somewhat spartan Fan Zone that MLC established in the older of the venue’s two small parking areas. However, many fans took advantage of the event’s generous entry policies to carry in their snacks and beverages (glass bottles and alcohol were prohibited from being brought in, though alcohol was offered to VIP ticket holders). At times, the line to refill water bottles at the two water fountains near the permanent restrooms was nearly as long as the line at the food trucks. The cultural diversity of the cricketing world was on full display on the field and in the stands, but its culinary diversity was less represented. While there was no traditional food available from many traditional cricket-playing countries, the Curry in a Hurry Truck provided vegetarian and non-veg options for those who wanted a menu to match MLC’s Indian Premier League-backed teams. The Oink and Moo BBQ truck has previously been spotted in Philadelphia, one of the ancestral homes of American cricket. Lemonade and snow cone trucks had standard offerings, while Bruster’s ice cream scooped out traditional American flavors as well as South Asian favorites like chikoo and paan. Atmosphere 4 Fans new to cricket – especially those coming from a baseball background – can find a wealth of information online about the sport. (Many cricket-for-baseball-fans explainers are poorly done, but good ones exist and don't worry; the nuances are deep, but the gameplay is far simpler than many believe. This is especially true of the 3.5-hour T20 format that MLC plays.) One of the first nuances that new fans should be aware of is the importance of the pitch. Cultivating a high-quality 22-yard-long strip in the center of the field is something between a dark art and a science. Almost all cricket fields in the United States use some type of artificial pitch, which any cricketer will tell you is less than ideal. But Church Street Park offers a natural turf pitch. Thanks largely to the turf pitch, Morrisville had hosted a few noteworthy cricket events before MLC's arrival, leading local officials to invest in additional facilities at the park, like permanent grandstands (albeit with backless aluminum bleachers). Major League Cricket supplemented that further by bringing in temporary infrastructure, including a video board, for its weeklong stay during its inaugural season. Overall, the venue works – though not without some hiccups. The turf pitch – normally fairly good – did not play its best during the 2023 Major League Cricket season. Without proper clubhouse facilities, the players had to change into tents. The video board was too small to be useful to the majority of spectators. The floodlights were below what one would expect for such a high standard of cricket. Still, few fans seemed to mind. Not only was every match in Morrisville sold out, but small groups of fans could be seen watching some matches through the chain link fence outside the venue (a vantage point with a surprisingly serviceable view). Tickets were available in a tented VIP area, in general admission within grandstands, and general admission without grandstand access (for which fans could bring their chairs or stake out a spot on smaller bleachers). Each of these ticketing options offered good vantage points close to the action. Neighborhood 3 Outside of special event days, Church Street Park is indeed a public park for the 31-thousand residents of Morrisville and neighboring communities in North Carolina’s Research Triangle. The venue's most immediate neighbors are suburban townhomes. The nearby cities of Raleigh and Durham, and the college town of Chapel Hill, offer plenty of activity, but Morrisville and its better-known neighbor, Cary, are mostly suburbia. There are no major amenities immediately surrounding the park – but that’s part of the charm. Even before Major League Cricket came to town, Church Street Park had found a soft spot in many American cricket fans’ hearts largely because of the community vibe. Despite the big dollars –and big names– flowing through Major League Cricket, Church Street Park has managed to retain a community feel. As such, the suburban setting works. Though not much of note is within a quick walk of Church Street Park, a handful of establishments are within walking distance of the off-site parking area. Fans 5 The previously discussed pitch brought international cricket to Morrisville in 2018, but matches between the U.S. and Canada brought out the fans. With a substantial expat population from cricket-playing countries studying and working at the region's universities and research institutions, fans (many of them recreational players in the region's Triangle Cricket League) came out to watch the world's oldest international sports rivalry. The high-quality venue and supply of local cricketers made Morrisville a natural fit for a team in Minor League Cricket's inaugural season in 2021 (the Morrisville Cardinals) and second season in 2022 (the Morrisville Raptors). But the fan support was largely behind the decision to award the venue the league's finals weekend both years. A crowd of more than 3,000 (according to USA Cricket) made the MiLC finals a true event. Major League Cricket was an even bigger event with truly global appeal. Fans turned out in jerseys of national and franchise teams from around the world. Some wore a national dress: a group of men wore traditional shalwar kameez to cheer on Afghanistan star Rashid Khan. Punjabi bhangra music is played over the PA system. TV commentators spoke with Australian and Caribbean accents, while American- and English-accented fans conversed under the flag of North Carolina. Fans traded stories of where they traveled from Texas, California, Maryland, Wisconsin, and New Jersey. The Texas Super Kings, seemingly unaware of how divisive vuvuzelas were at the soccer World Cup in South Africa, distributed boxes of plastic whistles and encouraged fans to "whistle for Texas." A member of the San Francisco Unicorns' "Sparkle Army'' sang songs for his favorite players. US national team and Washington Freedom bowler Saurabh Natravalker received a standing ovation from an entire grandstand section after a spectacular bowling spell. The three MLC teams backed by Indian Premier League juggernauts seemed to be fan favorites, though no small number of fans were actively cheering against the IPL offshoots. But everyone was cheering for American cricket. One group of fans was presumably present but not visible or catered to new fans. Ice hockey teams in non-traditional U.S. markets often make a special effort to explain less-obvious rules like icing to fans who are still learning the sport. Major League Cricket made no noticeable attempt to do this in Morrisville. Perhaps this was unnecessary, both since the series sold out and since the fluency with which even American-accented fans and the American-accented PA announcer discussed the game did not indicate any real confusion. But if cricket is to grow in the United States, additional outreach may be necessary. Access 3 For Major League Cricket and other big events, like Minor League Cricket finals weekend, there is no parking at Church Street Park. Instead, fans are directed to park at free off-site lots; shuttle buses provide a quick five-minute ride to the ground. Somehow, perhaps because fans tend to stagger their arrivals, the system works quite well with manageable wait times both before and after matches – even with many fans dragging along coolers and lawn chairs. Ironically, Minor League Cricket has used luxury shuttle vans, while Major League Cricket relied mostly on yellow school buses to drop off fans in the venue’s newly built second parking lot. This area also includes a drop-off and rideshare pick-up area. For smaller events, like regular season Minor League Cricket matches, fans may be able to snag a spot here. Regardless of the event, resist the temptation to park in one of the nearby residential developments, as vehicles can be towed. Entry to the venue was smooth. Metal detectors were not in use, but personnel did manually check bags. Given the permissive rules for bringing outside food, beverages, and folding chairs, there wasn't much to turn away, so entry lines moved quickly. Once inside, it’s relatively easy to move around even a sold-out Church Street Park. A paved walkway surrounds most of the playing oval. About a quarter of the perimeter is reserved for the teams, but fans are otherwise free to circulate. Prime viewing areas along the walkway get snatched up by fans holding general admission tickets that do not provide access to the grandstand bleachers, but the walkways remain passable and should present little difficulty, even for those who need mobility assistance. One potential challenge: shade. Outside of the $200 VIP tents, the only substantial shade available was under the picnic enclosure. Though enough space was available for fans to find refuge, finding a place to sit in this area was unlikely for those who did not arrive early. Return on Investment 5 When Major League Cricket launched in earnest in 2021, cricket fans in nearly two dozen U.S. cities –including Morrisville– could watch high-quality cricket in person without getting on a plane, and they could do so for free. With the 2023 launch of MiLC's big brother, fans in two U.S. cities can enjoy an even higher level of cricket for a very fair price: Morrisville tickets started at just $12 for general admission to a weekday evening match. An unreserved seat for Saturday night in the new grandstand bleacher section was $32.20 after fees, though discounts were available early in the sale period. The setting is intimate, high-quality giveaways are plentiful, and the quality of cricket is very high. Though India’s stars were notably absent, this is due to the policies of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and not the fault of Major League Cricket. Stars from other test-playing countries and the US national team were out in numbers, and many signed generous amounts of autographs. Such access is only possible at smaller venues like Church Street Park. . Extras 4 In cricket, bonus runs are known as "extras." Bowlers avoid them; batters take 'em. For big events at Church Street Park, organizers provide plenty of extras for fans who line up for them. The 2023 Major League Cricket season was easily Church Street Park's highest-profile event, but it wasn't its first time hosting a notable event. Due to the venue's high-quality playing surface and ability to draw spectators, Minor League Cricket hosted its semifinals and finals there in 2021 and 2022. For those events, a nicely decorated fan zone offered games, autograph booths, and kiosks that one tends to find at mid-sized sporting events. For MLC, the fan zone wasn't as polished, but what it lacked in snazzy, it more than made up for in quality. Teams gave away such substantial quantities of high-quality swag that the merchandise tent did slow business. Flags and whistles were among the most prominent giveaways, but team t-shirts and caps weren't far behind, and a lucky more-than-a-few even snagged replica jerseys. The accessibility of the players also stands out. Not only did players sign autographs and pose for selfies before and after games, but many even scribbled a few between overs. And the eagle-eyed fan could even spot the odd player anonymously enjoying an off day in the crowd. Finally, comradery within the diverse crowd merits special mention. Virtually everyone in attendance shared a common interest in a sport that, while niche in the United States, seems intent on establishing a foothold. The eagerness for strangers to connect in the crowd was both noteworthy and special. Final Thoughts From international matches featuring Team USA through two seasons of Minor League Cricket and the inaugural season of Major League Cricket, Morrisville has established itself as the current spiritual home of American cricket. For this, it can thank its playing surface and its ability to attract a friendly and diverse crowd to its intimate confines. America's cricketing history is deeper than many might think, and the sport is clearly in a growth phase. With the opening of the new stadium in Grand Prairie, Texas, and additional cricket-specific stadiums in Pearland, Texas, and Lauderhill, Florida, Morrisville has competition for big events. Those other venues offer more in the way of amenities, and it would not be hard to imagine MLC outgrowing Church Street Park. But Morrisville offers a big heart and open arms. Those traits, coupled with sell-out crowds and a 2023 renovation should secure Church Street Park's continued role in the broader U.S. cricket ecosystem.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 LVC Softball Park 101 N College Ave Annville, PA 17003 Flying Dutchmen website LVC Softball Park website Year Opened: 1999 Capacity: 200 Valley Softball Lebanon Valley College is a liberal arts college located in downtown Annville, PA. Annville is in Lebanon County, east of Hershey. Founded in 1866 Lebanon Valley has approximately 1,600 undergraduates. The Princeton Review has recognized the college as “A Best in the Northeast” and they have over thirty-five fields of study . Lebanon Valley College is a member of NCAA Division III, and competes in the Middle Atlantic Conference. The school has produced 11 all-Americans and were the 2009 and 2011 ECAC Southwest Bowl champions. The LVC Softball Park was named the National Fastpitch Coaches’ Association Regional Field of the Year in 2000 and 2001 The school’s teams are called the Flying Dutchmen, and its mascot is the Dutchman. The college is known as the home of the 1994 NCAA Division III National Champions in basketball. That 1994 championship victory over New York University was a controversial affair when a Dutchmen shot that won the game may or may not have been by the sound of the buzzer. But no matter what, the school hosts that championship proudly, as they should. Food & Beverage 3 There is no real official concession stand at LVC Softball Park. There is usually a small table set up with food offerings. We would expect the food sales might not happen on daytime, weekday games. The value and options were good. Atmosphere 5 The small college pride of Lebanon Valley College was in full effect at this game. The grandstands were packed and all sides of the field were filled with fans. The stadium is a simple affair but is situated nicely in a hollow so that everyone, from all angles, will have a great view of the action. The entire softball field is located in a nice, hilly area of the athletic fields. Neighborhood 4 Annville is a great little town of a little less than 5,000 about 8 miles east of Hershey, PA. The college is right in the heart of downtown. Funck’s Family Restaurant, Corvette Grille and Bar, and Harper’s Tavern are all local establishments that offer good food pre and post-game. The Pennsylvania chain, Hoss’s Steak & Sea House, is another option right in Annville. The food is good, cheap, and certainly plentiful. J & S Pizza is a decent option within walking distance of campus. Fans 4 The crowds at Lebanon Valley do not disappoint. There is quite a bit of obvious school pride with fans attending in droves. The athletic teams here are supported well and have shown a great deal of ability for their fans. Access 4 Located on Route 422 between Lebanon and Hershey, Annville is easy to find and has no problem handling the crowds for such a small stadium. Expect that on busy game days, you will hit some traffic on Route 422 and especially on Bellegrove Road by the athletic complex. There is a good amount of parking, but do plan ahead. You can also try to park in downtown Annville and walk over the railroad pedestrian bridge to the athletic fields. The athletic fields are located north of the main campus, separated by a railroad. Return on Investment 4 Generally, games are free to attend, but there may be an occasional cost, especially for post-season games. Extras 3 The little stream you go across to find the pretty little softball field is a nice extra on its own. Make sure to stop into the nearby Arnold Sports Center and check out LVC Hall of Champions. This museum-like display space commemorates the great individual and team achievements of Flying Dutchman athletics. Take a peak inside the Arnold Arena and see the 1994 national championship basketball banner. Final Thoughts The LVC Softball Park at Lebanon Valley College is not a fancy stadium but it shows why small college athletics is such a treasure in this country. A sports fan visiting central Pennsylvania owes it to themselves to see if a game is going on when they are in the area.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 New Britain Stadium 230 John Karbonic Way New Britain, CT 06051 New Britain Bees website New Britain Stadium website Year Opened: 1996 Capacity: 6,146 Plan Bee Professional baseball has been played in the Central Connecticut city of New Britain for over four decades. In 1983 the city was able to attract the AA Eastern League affiliate of the Boston Red Sox away from the nearby city of Bristol. The New Britain Red Sox’ home, Beehive Field, was a simple ballpark consisting almost entirely of bleachers. The ballpark was typical of early 80s construction and was obsolete soon after it was completed. In 1994 the Red Sox made a deal with the city of New Britain to build a new ballpark that was up to AA standards. Shortly after making this agreement, the Red Sox moved their affiliation to Trenton, New Jersey. At this point, the Minnesota Twins moved their AA team to New Britain. Initially called the Hardware City Rock Cats, the Twins called New Britain home for 19 seasons before an affiliate swap brought the Colorado Rockies to town for the 2015 season. During the 2015 season, it was announced that the Rock Cats would be leaving New Britain for a new ballpark , Dunkin’ Donuts Park, in downtown Hartford, 13 miles away. Into the vacuum stepped the independent Atlantic League. They christened the new team the Bees, alluding to the city’s motto- “industry fills the hive and enjoys the honey”. In addition, a beehive is prominent on the city emblem and flag as a symbol of industriousness. The Bees were never able to compete with the runaway success of the Yard Goats and struggled to attract fans during their four years of competition. In October 2019, the team announced they would be moving to the Futures League, a summer wood-bat collegiate league that competes in former minor league ballparks around New England. The summer-league Bees have qualified for the playoffs in two of their first four seasons, losing in the first round both times. Food & Beverage 3 Depending on when you visit New Britain Stadium, one or two concession stands will be open, depending on the size of the crowd. All the usual ballpark fare can be found here, including burgers, grilled chicken sandwiches, sausage and pepper sandwiches, Martin Rosol’s hot dogs, and kielbasa. Chicken tenders, nachos, and French fries are available as well. An assortment of snacks can be purchased Here as well. There is a Dippin’ Dots cart on the concourse for fans looking to satisfy a sweet tooth. Wraps and Veggie Burgers are available for fans looking for a healthier option. Bottled Pepsi products are featured at New Britain Stadium. Fans looking for an adult beverage will find a selection of national beers, including Pabst Blue Ribbon, Miller Lite, and Coors Light, along with craft brews from local favorites Alvarium, Two Roads, and Five Churches Breweries. Atmosphere 1 Even during its days as home to affiliated baseball, New Britain Stadium never featured an over-the-top game day presentation or lively atmosphere. Now that this 6,000-seat ballpark is filled to a fraction of its capacity, the laid-back game days continue. While many Futures League teams try to fill the natural pauses in a baseball game with noise, contests, or other shenanigans, the Bees play it closer to the vest. One of the main issues holding back the game day presentation is the lack of a functioning scoreboard. Rumor has it that the scoreboard was hit by lightning one night. Whatever the cause, the video portion of the scoreboard has been out of commission since midway through the 2023 season. With a projected cost to repair the scoreboard of $300,000, it is very low on the priorities at New Britain City Hall. There is a mascot, Sting, who roams the ballpark and interacts with fans throughout the game. The PA announcer does his job in a professional, unobtrusive manner. No between-inning shenanigans are going on at a Bees game, and with the dwindling crowds in attendance, the ballpark can be almost completely devoid of noise. Neighborhood 2 New Britain is a city of 73,000 located about ten miles southwest of the state capital of Hartford. It is best known as a manufacturing center and home of Stanley Black and Decker. This gives the city its nickname as the Hardware City. The Rock Cats called themselves “Hardware City Rock Cats” for two seasons in 1995 and 1996. New Britain Stadium is located adjacent to New Britain High School and Willow Brook Park. Also located in the sports complex with the ballpark are Veterans Memorial Stadium and Beehive Field. Despite the park’s urban location, there isn’t a whole lot to do near the ballpark. Most out-of-town visitors to New Britain will choose to venture on to Hartford or the casinos of eastern Connecticut, just an hour away, rather than stay in the city. Fans 2 The Bees have struggled to attract big crowds in a town used to having professional baseball. While the team generally sits third or fourth in the Futures League attendance rankings, their announced average crowd of 1,400 is a far cry from what New Britain Stadium held during its professional seasons. Stadium Journey was most recently visited on a hot and sticky July Sunday with a crowd of only about 100 in attendance. Attendance in New Britain has continuously declined over the years. At their height, the Rock Cats averaged over 6,500 fans per game, with attendance decreasing to just over 4,000 fans per game in the team’s final season. The independent Bees were never able to attract more than 3,300 fans per game, with attendance dwindling every season. The Bees do still have their share of regulars, but the majority of the crowd here on any given night consists of families looking for an affordable entertainment option. Access 5 Getting to New Britain Stadium is a snap, as it is easily accessed by Interstates 84 and 91. Located right off Route 9 near downtown New Britain, exit 24 will drop motorists off at the entrance to the ballpark’s parking lot. The concourse at New Britain Stadium does not offer a view of the playing field. Several sets of stairs access a walkway located about one-third of the way up the seating bowl. Seats in the 100 level consist of folding plastic stadium seats, while box seats in the 200 level feature molded plastic bucket-style seats. The three sections furthest down either baseline consist of metal bleachers with backs. One of the more popular spots from which to take in a game is the Alvarium “Beer Hive” located at the top of the seating bowl. This area features drink rails and bar stools along with the brewery’s signature craft beer. Netting at New Britain Stadium stretches from one dugout to the other, meaning that if you want an unobstructed view, you will need to purchase seats further down either foul line, in sections 101-105 or 114-118. With a typical Bees crowd numbering about 1,000 fans or less, there’s plenty of room to spread out and roam. Restrooms, built for much larger crowds, are more than large enough for a typical Bees crowd and are still in good shape. Return on Investment 5 All seats at Bees games are sold as general admission for nine dollars. There is no surcharge for purchasing tickets online. Parking is free in the large lot adjacent to the ballpark. Concessions are reasonably priced, making a night at a Bees game a most affordable entertainment option for Central Connecticut sports fans. Extras 1 The New Britain Sports Hall of Fame Display is located on the stadium concourse. You will be sure to find some familiar names among the 292 nominees honored here. Final Thoughts New Britain Stadium was once described as “The Camden Yards of the Minor Leagues.” While this statement was surely a case of hyperbole, New Britain Stadium served as a solid, if unspectacular, home for minor league baseball in its day. Construction of Dunkin’ Donuts Park in downtown Hartford may have ended professional ball in New Britain, but it’s great to see the facility continue as home to organized baseball. Unfortunately, it feels like New Britain Stadium is not getting the upkeep and attention it needs, and the game day experience is a shell of what it used to be. The crowds are starting to stay away from New Britain Stadium. ---- Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Greg Johnston, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Alumni Field 62 York St Sackville, NB E4L 1E2 Canada Mount Allison Mounties website Alumni Field website Year Opened: 2015 Capacity: 2,500 Mounties in Sackville Twenty-seven universities spread throughout Canada compete in the highest level of CIS (Canadian Interuniversity Sport) football. With an enrollment of approximately 2,400 students, Mount Allison University is among the smallest CIS football schools, along with Bishop’s University in Quebec. Located near the Nova Scotia border, in Sackville, New Brunswick, Mount Allison competes in the Atlantic University Sport Conference (AUS). The Mounties have battled on the gridiron since 1955, earning two Vanier Cup appearances in their history, falling just short of a championship in both 1984 and 1991. Formally known as MacAulay Field, this playing surface has been heavily used for a variety of sports dating back to 1900. After 115 years of use, the field underwent major renovations. Changes included removing the high-maintenance grass surface for a modern turf field, adding a new scoreboard, and building new spectator areas, including fixed individual seats and bleacher seating for 900 total fans. Renamed Alumni Field for the contribution and support of the recent project, this venue is a modern football facility which university staff, students, and alumni can be proud of. Food & Beverage 3 For former college students, purchasing food and non-alcoholic drinks at Alumni Field takes you down memory lane to your past college experience. “Gracie’s Cafe” is a cafeteria-style concession stand located inside the Wallace McCain Student Centre. The cafe is the only spot to purchase food and non-alcoholic beverages. Pick up a pizza, burger, or a hot dog for a reasonable $3-$4. Accompany your main entree with fries, chips, or chocolate bar for $2. And wash down your meal with a wide selection of bottled and canned pop, juice, water, milk, or an energy drink ranging from $2-$4. Grab your desired items before the game or at halftime to avoid missing any action, as the cafeteria’s layout makes it impossible to view the game while waiting in line. An advantage to the cafeteria setup is the ability to quickly pick up an item and head straight to the cash registers, without waiting for a large order in front of you. Cashiers gladly accept cash, debit or credit cards. Exiting the cafeteria leads you to a dining hall with an expansive horizontal glass window wall with excellent views of the field. Tables are available first come, first serve with the window seats being the most popular. Alcoholic beverages are available across the corridor from Gracie’s Cafe at The Pond. The full bar offers several different beer options from the usual Bud and Molson products, to Maritime favorites Pumphouse and Schooner. Alcohol must stay in the bar area. However, a lounge is set up with visual access to the field. If the lounge is too crowded, a video screen projects game action near the bar. Beer is also available in the open-air beer garden outside the west end zone. Atmosphere 3 The atmosphere at Alumni Field is a refreshingly unique experience for major college football. The Wallace McCain Student Centre lines one side of the field with views of the surrounding neighbourhood and campus on the other side. The multi-level stone and glass building offers great sight-lines of the game from the lounge and workout facility on the main level, and an exclusive VIP area on the upper floor balcony. The student centre is built on a berm sloping down to the field. Fans get to the venue early, bringing their camping chairs and blankets to occupy the best spots on the berm for viewing the game. Perhaps the most unique aspect of Alumni Field is the admittance of dogs into the venue. Both large and small K-9’s are only allowed on the berm, where a chain-linked fence protects any loose pups from affecting game action. Bring your sunscreen as all seats are exposed to the sun and the student centre is your only refuge from the rays. While in the student centre, you can purchase your Mount Allison gear at the university’s bookstore. Additional seating is found in the brand new grandstand on the opposite side of the field. The grandstand consists of five sections and ten rows of seating. Three of these sections contain colourful individual seats at mid-field, with two sections of traditional aluminum bleachers flanking both sides. Get there early for the best seats, as all tickets are general admission. Part of the renovation includes a new easily viewed scoreboard beyond the east end zone. But pay close attention to the game because there are no exterior video boards to replay any action you may have missed. Student band members play an entertaining brand of music during breaks in play and the university’s dance team performs at halftime. Seating Recommendation: Bring a blanket and sit high on the berm. You will clearly see the game over the player benches and be able to listen to the coaches talk to their team, creating a close connection to the action. Neighborhood 3 Sackville is a quaint town of approximately 5,000 residents. Downtown Sackville is an easy five minute walk from campus, with small shops and restaurants lining Main Street. Since Mount Allison is a smaller university, Alumni Field is easy to find as it skims the southern edge of campus just off York Street. The on-campus stadium enables students to easily attend the game and ample free parking is provided around the stadium for visitors. If you are a first time visitor, take some time to walk around campus as Mount Allison has numerous attractive institutional buildings and landscaping to enjoy. If the weather cooperates, explore the nature and scenery at Sackville Waterfowl Park. Start at the Visitor’s Centre and learn more about the long history and importance of the park. The Trailhead is just outside the Visitor’s Centre front doors. Trails weave around a marsh providing many picturesque views of the water and offer great bird watching opportunities. For supper, try Patterson’s Family Restaurant for a quality homemade meal located within walking distance of the Visitor’s Centre. Fans 3 Alumni Field is home to a wide range of loyal supporters. Students and alumni flock to the games, bringing with them a profusion of noise and school spirit to the event. Young families and dog lovers are also prevalent on game days, bringing an overall camaraderie of everyone in attendance. Attendance has varied greatly over recent years, depending on the importance of the game and the weather. Homecoming games attract near capacity crowds, while a typical game attracts a range of 1,500 to 2,000 spectators. Though the crowds are small, fans bring enthusiasm and produce an uproar reminiscent of a crowd three times as big. Access 4 Alumni Field is easily accessible for out-of-town folks visiting the university for the first time. Sackville, New Brunswick is located just off the Trans-Canada Highway (NB Hwy 2), a half-hour drive from Moncton and two hours from Halifax. Take exit 504 and drive South on Main Street (Route 940) a few kilometres to Salem Street. After a few blocks, you will see Alumni Field on your left. Free parking is available just past the field. Alumni Field offers easy accessibility inside the venue as well. Three entrances are provided, one inside the Student Centre, while the others flank the building on both sides. Purchase game day tickets at any gate, but leave any bottles or cans in your car as you will be unable to bring them in. Obtaining a ticket allows you to leave and return to the field as you please. Free programs are passed out with information featuring the home team. Fans enter and exit the student centre through a singular door, which can get log-jammed at times. Washrooms are located in the student centre, with a small washroom near The Pond, and a more popular location outside the gates. Access around the field to the grandstand is free flowing with a relaxed vibe. Enter the grandstand on either end for access to all sections. Bleachers include handicap accessible reserved seating at multiple sections on the first row. Return on Investment 4 Purchasing a ticket for a Mounties football game is a worthwhile endeavor whether you are devoted fan, or just interested in some hard-hitting entertainment in a relaxed, family friendly atmosphere. Single game tickets cost $12 for an adult, $5 for a non-Mount Allison student, and free for 12 years old and under. Mount Allison students are admitted free of charge by showing their student ID. Season tickets are available to adults for $42, or $20 for a student. The rooftop viewing section costs $80 for the season. Incentives, including discounts to area restaurants and customized ticket stubs, are just a few extra perks to purchasing season tickets. If you lack funds to attend a game, join like-minded individuals just outside the west gate for a free elevated overview of the field. Extras 3 One extra point for allowing dogs to check out the game with their families. Another for the unique and relaxing picnic-style seating on the berm. And a third for dedication and investment to improve facilities and game experience at Mount Allison Final Thoughts Prior to this visit, exit 504 on the Trans-Canada Highway was mostly an afterthought. From the highway all you see are signs to gas stations and fast-food establishments. However, take the time to explore the town. You will find a storied university with a deep college football history, and a town with a close connection to nature.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Fidelity Bank Worcester Ice Center 112 Harding St. Worcester, MA 01604 Worcester State Lancers men's ice hockey website Fidelity Bank Worcester Ice Center website Year Opened: 2018 Capacity: 250 Worcester State Hockey   Worcester State University is the fourth largest of Massachusetts’ nine state universities, with an enrollment of over 5,400 students in 80 undergraduate majors and 39 graduate programs. WSU was founded as a normal school in the 19th century before evolving into a state college in the 1960s, becoming a university in 2012.   The Fidelity Bank Worcester Ice Center is a state of the art dual-rink facility built by the ECHL Worcester Railers’ owner Cliff Rucker. It features two rinks, the Railers offices and pro shop, restaurants, a gym and rehabilitation center. The $18 million dollar complex is home to several college, high school and youth organizations, including the Worcester State Lancers and Assumption Greyhounds. The facility boasts that over 600,000 people pass through its front doors annually.   Worcester State’s first hockey team took the ice in 1966, coached by John Coughlin, the school’s legendary football coach and namesake of Coughlin Field, home of the Lancers football team. The Lancers won three Division Three ECAC championships back in the 1970s. Today, the team competes in the Massachusetts Collegiate Athletic Conference alongside several other schools in and around the state of Massachusetts. Worcester State has yet to qualify for the NCAA D-3 Tournament.   Food & Beverage 3  Ordinarily, a hockey rink with only a couple of vending machines available would score very poorly on this metric. If you’re only planning to hit the machines, your standard snack foods will have to do. Now, since this is Worcester, the cola wars are not fought here. The vending machines in the Ice Center lobby feature local Polar beverages. Stadium Journey’s recommendation: try an Orange Dry.  What brings this score up a couple of notches is the presence of Bay State Brewing on the first floor.  Featuring a menu of small-batch craft beers in a wide range of styles (the blood orange lager is their most popular brew) and a menu of pizzas, sharables and sandwiches, it’s a great place to hang out before or after the game. Plus, you can grab one of their craft beers and bring it upstairs to enjoy while you watch the game. That’s worth a couple of extra points in my book.   Atmosphere 2 There’s nothing fancy going on at a Lancers hockey game. This is as basic as a game day presentation gets. That should be apparent to everyone as soon as they see the tiny dot matrix scoreboard hanging at center ice. The PA announcer delivers his announcements with the most monotone delivery you’ll ever hear at a hockey game. Any energy the announcer lacks is made up for with the music selection, which is a mix of hockey rink classics and modern tunes. Most of the energy generated in the blue rink is generated by the fans in the stands. With the small crowds in attendance, you can hear the sounds of skates cutting through the ice, coaches barking instructions at their teams, and players chirping each other (and the referees). It’s an old-school, laid-back experience here at the Worcester Ice Center.   Neighborhood 4 Worcester State University is located in the Tatnuck neighborhood of Worcester adjacent to downtown. The name Tatnuck means “up the great hill.”   The WSU campus is about two and a half miles from the Worcester Ice Center, which is located in the Canal District. This neighborhood has received a lot of attention in recent years. The construction of nearby Polar Park  and the arrival of the Worcester Red Sox, the top affiliate of the Boston Red Sox, has been a boon for the neighborhood. New developments have popped up all over the area, bringing business and money to what was once one of Worcester’s rougher areas. In addition to Bay State Brewery located at the facility, El Patron Mexican Restaurant and the Worcester Public Market are located just a short walk down Harding Street. Visiting fans looking to explore some of the best the city has to offer should head to Shrewsbury Street, the home of Worcester’s famous “Restaurant Row.” Along this drag’s 1.5 miles are located some of the city’s finest dining establishments, salons and shops. There are not many lodging options available in the immediate vicinity of the Worcester Ice Center, but there are options throughout the city, including a Hilton Garden Inn and Homewood Suites by Hilton in the nearby downtown neighborhood, less than a mile away near the DCU Center , home of the ECHL’s Worcester Railers. Fans 2 The crowd at a Worcester State hockey game is certainly a “friends and family” type of crowd. Pretty much everyone in attendance has a personal connection with the players on the ice, and as a result, are knowledgeable and enthusiastic in their support of the Lancers. Since Worcester State’s schedule is made up mainly of local teams, you can expect to find a good number of visiting fans here as well. Even though Worcester State’s campus is only about two and a half miles away, there’s not much of a turnout from the student body. Surprisingly, you may find a bunch of four-legged friends in attendance watching the game in this chilly rink along with about 50-100 human fans.   Access 4 The Worcester Ice Center is located right off of Interstate 290, and easy to get to via the Grafton Street exit. The facility is located just a quarter mile from the highway and ten minutes from downtown. Hopefully your GPS will take you here via Grafton Street rather than Kelly Square, a quasi-rotary where several of Worcester’s busiest streets all come together in the most random fashion possible. It is notorious for its delays, backups and accidents. As part of the construction of Polar Park, it received a much-needed overhaul, which has greatly increased the intersection’s safety and wait times, but those unfamiliar with the area would be well-advised to avoid this intersection. There is free parking available in the lot adjacent to the facility in addition to on-street parking in the area. The neighborhood is generally safe should you stay on the busier streets. The Worcester Ice Center features two rinks, named the blue and the gray rinks, after the Railers’ colors. Fans enter into the facility’s lobby, with Bay State Brewing to your right. With the facility in constant use, this lobby is full of activity. Fans will climb a set of stairs to access the seating area of the two rinks, with standing room on the first level straight ahead. The Lancers play at the Blue rink, located on the right. Seating is located about ten feet above the ice surface, and consists of metal bleachers without backs that run from one end of the ice to the other. There are raised platforms at both ends of the rink for people wanting to stand for a bit. Netting runs the length of the ice, obstructing the view from all seats. There is also standing room along the boards at ice level. Access to the gray rink next door is easy, and many fans will wander back and forth between the rinks.   Return on Investment 4 Worcester State charges a fee of five dollars to attend their hockey games. Parking is available at no charge in the small lot in front of the Ice Center. Additional parking is available on-street around the facility and in a parking lot across the street. There is a charge to park on-street (except on Saturday nights, where the city waives parking fees) and in the lot. Be prepared to pay $15 if you’re parking in the public lot. If you’re planning to eat at Bay State Brewing downstairs, or even grab a beer to bring upstairs, expect to pay usual restaurant prices. A pint of one of their brews will run $8, a much more affordable price than you’ll pay at most arenas.   Extras 2 Flags hang at the end of the rink representing all the teams that use the Worcester Ice Center. Along the far side of the rink are flags commemorating the championships won by these teams. In the lobby is a display honoring the “Worcester Six,” a group of firefighters who died fighting a warehouse fire in 1999. Final Thoughts The Worcester Ice Center is a community rink that offers your typical small college experience. The facility offers some impressive extras and an up-and-coming neighborhood that boosts its score significantly. Plus, if schedules line up, you’ll get to watch two games for the price of one! Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter  and Instagram  @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 FedExForum 191 Beale St Memphis, TN 38103 Memphis Grizzlies website FedExForum website Year Opened: 2004 Capacity: 18,119 Elvis, Tigers, and Grizzlies, oh my! The Grizzlies NBA franchise started in 1995 as the Vancouver, BC Grizzlies. The franchise relocated to Memphis, TN, in time for the 2001-2002 NBA season. For the first three seasons in their new Southern home, the Grizzlies played at the Pyramid Arena in downtown Memphis as their new home at the Fed Ex Forum was being built. The Grizzlies have been playoff regulars in recent years. The fans call the team's style of play incorporates the “Grit and Grind Grizzlies.” This means they use a high-pressure defense and get to an advantageous spot to take a shot. They have the talented Ja Morant to take the Grizzlies deep into the postseason. The team is adamant about beating at home as they boast an 85 % likelihood of winning the game on their home court. The team plays in the Southwest Division of the Western Conference of the NBA. Food & Beverage 3 FedEx Forum offers a wide selection of concession items that range from typical arena fare to much more deluxe offerings in its sit-down arena clubs. There are more than 100 concession points of sale throughout the arena, so you should not experience any long lines at the games. The SNAX stands to offer your typical arena fare of burgers, hot dogs, popcorn, and sodas. They have multiple stands along the concourses at each level in the arena. Rendezvous offers nachos, BBQ sandwiches, and chicken. Fowline Plaza has buffalo tenders, chicken tenders, and turkey burgers. Lucille’s Bandstand features burgers, chicken tenders, pretzels, and beer. Casamigos serves more Latin fare, including walking tacos, elotes, and burritos. Sissy’s Log Cabin Lounge offers seated meals and drinks at the floor level of the arena. There are also three Grab N Go self-service convenience locations at the FedEx Forum. Alcoholic drinks are available at the stands for the Old Dominick’s Distillery, the Truly Bar, Wiseacre Brewing Company, Michelob Ultra Club, and the Hennessy Bar. All retail shops and concessions stand at Fed Ex Forum and operate on a cashless basis. Atmosphere 4 Memphis has long been the center of the universe for various musical genres, including the blues, soul, country, gospel, rock, and roll. The FedEx Forum has incorporated the musical theme in several ways. First, the Forum is right next to Beale Street, the heart of blues music in the city. The plaza that fronts the arena is named for B.B. King, a superstar in the blues realm. The Rock n Soul Museum is also located just off the plaza. Once inside the arena, you will find all types of art featuring the elites of blues, country, and, of course, Elvis Presley and rock n’ roll music. Several of the concession stands along the concourses feature a musical theme, including Lucille’s Bandstand, Rockabelly’s, and the Uptempo Bar. Even the Grizzlies team colors relate to this music heritage, as its blue uniform color is known as Beale Street Blue. Once inside the seating bowl, you will be surprised to see that there are five levels of seating to choose from. Some levels are restricted to corporate clients, season ticket holders, and VIPs, but overall, you can be on the floor level with the action or high above the action with a great overall view of the length of the court. Best of all, the seats at the FedEx Forum are wider and offer more legroom than a typical NBA arena. The arena also boasts a superb electronics package, as the center-hung videoboard measures 16.5 feet high by 145.5 feet in diameter. There are also four display boards located in each corner of the seating bowl, with each one measuring 20 feet x 37.5 feet. The FedEx Forum is also a major site for concerts, so its sound system is among the best in the business. The lighting system is also quite advanced, as the facility uses rings of LED lights high above the playing court. If you have a nice expense account, the FedEx Forum has 27 courtside seats, 32 club suites, and 80 club boxes. Neighborhood 5 The FedEx Forum is in the downtown area of Memphis. More specifically, it is located adjacent to the Beale Street Entertainment District, the heartbeat of the musical soul of Memphis. It is within walking distance of countless bars, nightclubs, and music venues along Beale Street. As we have mentioned earlier, the Rock n Soul Museum is located on the plaza adjacent to the Forum This museum is affiliated with the Smithsonian Institute, and it traces the growth of rock and roll music and soul music in the city from the early 20th century through the 1970s. Other attractions within a few blocks of the arena include the National Civil Rights Museum, the Blues Hall of Fame, and Mud Island, which is along the Mississippi Riverfront and tells the story of the big river as it passes to the west of downtown Memphis. Visitors to this area can even get a photo opportunity with Elvis, as his statue is located just three blocks west of the Forum. After you have worked up an appetite, you can check out Gus’s World-Famous Fried Chicken, the SugaShack, Dyer’s Burgers, or Wiseacre Brewing Company for lunch and a cool drink. There are numerous accommodations located within walking distance of the FedEx Forum. Guests staying at these hotels can avoid the parking expense involved with the arena. The Hampton Inn and Suites Beale Street, the Hilton Garden Inn Memphis Downtown, and the Westin Memphis Beale Street are all a few blocks from the home of the Grizzlies. The Peabody Hotel is further north of the arena and is quite a bit more expensive than these other brands. However, it is extremely popular with tourists as it features the daily spectacle of its pet ducks walking through the lobby each afternoon for a swim in the hotel’s fountain. Fans 4 The Grizzlies have one of the most loyal and involved fanbases in the NBA. Memphis has the smallest population base of any team in the NBA. This makes it easy for the fans to get to know the Grizzlies team members as fellow citizens of the city. Memphis is also one of the few cities in the country to have only one professional sports franchise. This means the energy is all focused on the Grizzlies during the fall and winter months. The Grizzlies have put together a talented team of entertainers to keep the fans involved during the action on the court, then entertain them during the timeouts and breaks between the quarters. The entertainment lineup includes the Grizz Girls dance team, the Grizzlies Grannies and Grandpas Senior dance squad, the Blue Bunch of teen dancers, the Grizzline drum line, and finally … Grizz the Bear mascot. Grizz loves to get the crowd fired up while also impressing them with his ability to dunk the ball in the basket while using a trampoline to gain some height. Access 4 Getting to and around the FedEx Forum is extremely easy. It is located along one the largest thoroughfares in the city of Memphis and is also served by the Main Street trolley line. If you are driving to the game, getting there via either I-40 or I-55 is very easy. The FedEx Forum has a parking garage that can handle 1,500 cars. Once it fills, there are numerous surface parking lots along Beale Street that are within easy walking distance of the arena. The drop-off and pickup area for rideshares is located at the east end of the arena on 4th Street between Beale Street and Linden Avenue. Unlike most arenas, the FedEx Forum funnels fans into the facility via one central entrance. There are multiple doors and lines to spread out the traffic. Once through the turnstiles, you are in a huge lobby that features a large marquee that advertises that night’s game and opponent. Before you leave the lobby, make sure you look to the right. There is a window where you can look directly in to see the Grizzlies warming up for the game on the practice court. The lobby also includes a large Grizzlies Den Team Store where you can shop for your “bear” necessities. Return on Investment 3 A night out at a Memphis Grizzlies game can be quite expensive for a family of four. Being the only professional sports team in Memphis allows the team and FedEx Forum to charge higher prices due to its exclusivity. Parking at the garage adjoining the arena runs $30-$40, depending on the opponent and crowd size. (You can save by taking the trolley to the game as a day pass is only $3.50). Seats in the 100 level of seating go for $137.50 for seats at the end of the court and $218.50 for seats along the sides of the court. Tickets on the second level of the seating bowl run from $47.25 for seats at the end of the court to $84.75 for seats along the sides of the court. Seats in the semi-private Pinnacle level of the arena are $136.50. The concession prices vary a great deal depending on which stand you visit. The stands featuring the typical arena fare (soft drinks, burgers, hot dogs, and popcorn) had quite reasonable prices, while the more specialized stands were much more expensive. Extras 4 The FedEx Forum stays busy throughout the year, as it hosts concerts by national entertainers like Justin Timberlake, U2, Lady Gaga, and Usher. It also serves as the home court for the University of Memphis Tigers basketball team. The Forum also hosts a wide variety of basketball tournaments in the postseason. These competitions include the NCAA regionals (2009, 2014, 2017), the American Athletic Conference Tournament (2014, 2019), and the 2010 NCAA Southern Regional Women’s Basketball Tournament. The 2024-2025 season marks the 30th Anniversary of the Grizzlies franchise. Final Thoughts The FedEx Forum continues to deliver as the home court for the Memphis Grizzlies. It buoys the Downtown Memphis Entertainment District along with the music venues along Beale Street.

Photos by Steven Kee, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.29 MU Baseball Field Larchwood Ave West Long Branch, NJ 07764 Monmouth Hawks website MU Baseball Stadium website Year Opened: 1984 Capacity: 400 Monmouth University is Where the Hawks Fly The Monmouth University baseball team plays in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) that consists of eleven schools from three states of New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut. Monmouth is one of the two newest members along with Quinnipiac University to have joined the conference in 2013, but have been a Division I program since 1984 as members of the Northeast Conference. The Hawks play at MU Baseball Field located at the southwest corner of campus and Larchwood and Palmer Avenues in West Long Branch, New Jersey. The baseball field is part of the athletic complex that consists of various sporting venues including the newly renovated Kessler Stadium where the football team plays and OceanFirst Center that's home to the basketball program. The private university consists of 4,000 students and class sizes range from 25-30. The small campus is known for many beautiful and historic buildings, but Wilson Hall might just be the centerpiece of campus. The mansion built in 1929 at a cost of $10.5 million as the private residence of former F.W. Woolworth Co. president Hubert Templeton Parson and his wife. It also served as the home of Daddy Warbucks in the 1982 motion picture Annie. Food & Beverages 1 There are no concession stands located at the stadium. It is advised to grab a bite to eat before or after the game. Don’t worry there are some great places to eat nearby offering beautiful views of the New Jersey coastline. Rooneys and McLoone’s Pier House are two local favorites that won’t break your bank, offering nice views of the water and even better portions of seafood. Mar Belo has great Spanish cuisine and their paella is among the best in the state. Port Chop is a Portuguese-style BBQ place that has tasty grilled chicken, ribs, and pulled pork dishes that should not be overlooked. Atmosphere 2 The atmosphere is typical of mid-major college baseball in the Northeast section of the country. The facility is comfortable, the baseball is competitive, and the campus is pleasant to drive through. The stadium features six rows of seating behind home plate and down each base line, with the first base side being a tad longer. The first two rows of seats are of the blue, plastic bucket variety, while the last four rows are traditional bleacher-style seating. All of the backstop seats are also of the bucket variety style. The view behind left field is of rows of mature trees and residential homes, while the massive Kessler Stadium dominates the view behind the right field walls. Also in the corner is the impressive home of the Monmouth basketball OceanFirst Center . The outfield walls are colored dark blue and feature a splattering of local ads and team accomplishments of seasons past. The playing field is a natural grass surface, but there are plans to convert to a synthetic surface in the near future for the rainy spring weather of New Jersey. Neighborhood 4 The campus is located in West Long Branch and features beautiful and historic buildings including the Wilson House, Guggenheim Library, and Lauren K. Woods Theater. It’s only a short car ride in mileage to the Jersey Shore where there are various points of interest to enjoy while in the area. Monmouth Park Racetrack features live horse racing every weekend. The Sandy Hook Recreation Center offers beaches, hiking, biking, fishing and more. The Long Branch boardwalk is hurricane proof offering walking lanes, access to beaches and restaurants. Fans 2 The baseball games attract an average of 175 spectators per game. Obviously, when the weather is warmer, the crowds can swell in numbers. The fans that do attend have a close connection to the team and adequately cheer on their Hawks. Like many high school or collegiate baseball fields in the state, many are friends and family members. Access 4 The ballpark is easily accessible by car from the Garden State Parkway to Exit 105 which leads to Route 36 for three miles until you reach Route 71. Larchwood Avenue is the main street that leads you on to the campus. There are multiple signs along the way to lead visitors to the athletic complex on campus. Newark Liberty International Airport is approximately 45-60 minutes north of Monmouth University. Return on Investment 2 All games are free to attend and park. One really gets to enjoy the pure essences of baseball from player chatter, fan talk, and plenty of room in the grandstands or surrounding areas. Extras 1 One star for the natural grass field the team uses. Final Thoughts Monmouth University Baseball Field is your typical mid-major facility and definitely fits into the vibe of the campus; however, taking in a game at the baseball field might be for the die-hards only.

Photos by James Clotfelter and David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Stegeman Coliseum 100 Smith St Athens, GA 30602 Georgia Bulldogs website Stegeman Coliseum website Year Opened: 1964 Capacity: 10,523 Stegeman Coliseum – University of Georgia Bulldogs Originally constructed in 1964, the 10,000 seat Stegeman Coliseum has served as home to both UGA basketball teams, volleyball, and gymnastics. As it has undergone many renovations, the Steg now holds the modern amenities of new arenas, while preserving the history it has seen throughout its years. The University of Georgia basketball teams play1 in the D1 SEC (Southeastern Conference). Food & Beverage 3 Stegeman offers all the basics you would expect at a stadium, and not much more. All concession standings are grab-and-go with a cashless checkout at the end of the line. To give you an idea of what basic offerings include, expect hot dogs, BBQ sandwiches, popcorn, Chick-fil-A, etc. In terms of drinks, Coca-Cola products are served in addition to basic beer and seltzer options. The offerings at Stegeman may not be as crazy and unique as other venues, but they provide reliable quality in what they do offer at a reasonable price mark. Atmosphere 4 The University of Georgia event staff does a great job of creating a noteworthy game day experience for its fans. Stegeman itself has been consistently renovated to keep its modern appeal. The Athletic Department has even described a "phased approach" to keep renovations frequent.  Stegeman is broken up into two levels of seating (sections A-Z and sections AA-YY) with one concourse in between the two levels. At the east and west entrances is a glass exterior to allow the concourse to have an open sense with the natural light entering the arena. Here is where the concourse is at its widest and you can find merchandise, food, restrooms, free gameday programs, and frequent promotional giveaways. As you make the circuit around the concourse you will notice that the walls are embedded with UGA Athletic history. Walking around this part of the concourse is like that of strolling through a museum. Some walls serve as a timeline describing different historical moments or players from a variety of sports. Then others house shelves with trophies, memorabilia, or a team’s championship wall with the years a conference or national championship was won.  The interior of the stadium is essentially a typical separated bowl you would find at many college basketball arenas; however, the bowl does not wrap all the way around on the second level, rather it wraps three-quarters of the court. The part of the upper bowl that is not connected to the other side harbors a mural of UGA legends and a small scoreboard displaying player stats. This design allows for a very intimate and thus loud experience at the coliseum. The main scoreboard is a 360-video board that hangs above the center court. It is mainly used for the score, replays, promotions, and crowd shots. All seats are chairbacks with the lower bowl being padded, and the upper being plastic. Being a medium-sized venue, no seat is a bad seat, so I’d advise you not to overspend on a ticket close to the court, as the sightlines from the AA-YY are more than adequate as you are still not far from the court.  Before tipoff, a red LED light show is triggered for player introductions, accompanied by a pregame video, loud music, and smoke. After a tip-off, the promotions team runs numerous giveaways while the band leads most of the school's traditions. And last but certainly not least, late in the second half the coliseum’s lights will turn down and the crowd will hold up their phone flashlights to rally the team for the final stretch.  Neighborhood 5 Being the oldest public university in the United States, The University of Georgia is renowned for having one of the most beautiful and historic campuses in the nation. North campus is adjacent to downtown Athens, which is the location of the arch, and the oldest buildings the campus holds. As you move south you will come across major attractions of the campus like Sanford Stadium, the bookstore, the student center, and finally Stegeman Coliseum. If you plan on grabbing a pregame bite while on campus, Tate Student Center holds a Chick-fil-A, Panda Express, and Barberitos.  The classic city has numerous offerings for pre and post-game spots. Whether you are looking for a drink, a bite, or post-game nightlife, there are numerous options in Downtown Athens. Downtown is very calm during the daytime, meaning this will be the best time to stroll through if it’s your first time in Athens as you will be sure to find a pregame option, like El Paso, The Grill, and Taqueria Tusanmi. Arriving early will allow you to swing in the many shops downtown has to offer. After the game, if the college nightlife crowd is something you look to avoid, some options that are not immediately downtown are Locos Grill and Pub, the Blind Pig Tavern, the Taco Stand, and a staple of the state of Georgia, Waffle House. However, if you are looking for a night out after the game, look no further than heading downtown as Athens has the largest number of bars per capita in the United States.  Hotels should not book up too quickly in Athens for a basketball game, but if the game you are attending is during the same weekend as a football game, it would be best to book early. If you are lucky, there is a hotel/convention center on campus that is right across the street from Stegeman, which would be the ideal hotel for basketball visitors.  Fans 3 As a Georgia local and a current UGA student, the relationship between the basketball program and the fanbase is complicated, to say the least. With constantly being bottom four in SEC play, and never showing much promise of reaching the tournament, dawgs fans usually do not have very much to cheer about. However, under the Mike White era, there are signs that times are changing in Athens. While it has not been a successful SEC season, the Dawgs have shown growth, and the fans have been acknowledging the growth with their attendance. Fans are also excited about five-star recruit Asa Newell, and Jacob Wilkins, son of Dominique, joining the Dawgs next season in hopes of winning ways.  Student turnout has increased to an all-time high, and even general attendance is climbing. Pretty much every conference game has been filled to the brim, and when the Steg is filled it can be a loud building to play in. The Athens faithful is interactive with the chants, songs, and traditions that are held at UGA basketball games. Dawgs fans are quick to get into the game itself and want to create that intimidating college atmosphere, but there is a big difference in noise levels when the team is winning, and when they are losing. As for non-conference games, attendance is prone to being sparse in the early months.   This new era of Georgia basketball is expected to bring wins to the fans, and I will be excited to see how difficult the Steg is to play at night in and night out when the dawgs are rolling.  Access 4 Getting to, from, and out of Stegeman is a breeze. The university opens up its parking decks for free during basketball games, the best parking deck being the south deck lot. And unlike the 90,000+ that are in town for a football game, Stegeman only holds 10,000, so the roads are much easier to navigate traffic-wise when comparing them to a football game. There are multiple gates located at every end of the arena, so getting in is almost always a breeze. The UGA clear bag policy is in effect at all athletic events and information on the regulations can be found on their website.  There is one shared concourse by both levels of seating, and it is wide enough to support the crowd of a game. The bathrooms are plentiful, and the lines for concessions move quickly as they are grab-and-go lines. However, everything in Stegeman is cash only. There is a box office outside, but it is recommended to purchase your tickets in advance on your phone. Return on Investment 4 Unlike the UGA football experience, the UGA basketball experience won’t make the wallet cry. Single-game tickets start from $5-$15 depending on the game in question, and the resale market on the “TickPick” app can get even lower. Every fan receives a program on entry, and Stegeman holds many game-by-game promotional nights/giveaways during the season, so be on the lookout. The concession prices are reasonable, as basic items like hot dogs cost $2.50 and cheeseburgers are $5. Add free parking on top of that and there is a relatively inexpensive night out. Extras 2 The Promotional team at Stagman deserves a little recognition for the effort they give to the fan experience. They host many giveaways during the game and many creative promotional nights. The history being displayed in the concourse is certainly something that stands out as unique to Stegeman. Final Thoughts Stegeman houses SEC basketball for a reasonable price and offers a quality fan experience that you won't regret. It is far from a place like Allen Fieldhouse, but given the opportunity, Stegeman is well worth the visit.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Norfolk Scope 201 E. Brambleton Ave Norfolk, VA 23510 Norfolk Admirals website Norfolk Scope website Year Opened: 1971 Capacity: 8,701 Scoping Out the Admirals In the Hampton Roads area of Virginia, you will find the largest concrete dome in the world, the Norfolk Scope. Although the Kingdome in Seattle surpassed it when it was built in 1976, it was demolished in 2000, putting the Scope back in the top spot. Today, the Scope is home to the Norfolk Admirals, a minor league hockey team competing in the ECHL The Admirals originally competed in the American Hockey League (AHL), the hockey equivalent of Triple-A baseball, but after that club moved to San Diego in 2015, a new Admirals franchise joined the ECHL, which is a step down from the AHL. Food & Beverage 5 Considering it is a minor league hockey arena, and an aging one at that, the Norfolk Scope has some pretty good concession options. A Mexican stand serves quesadillas, tacos, and extremely elaborate nachos, with freshly made salso in mild or spicy form available to put on top. Be warned - the spicy salsa is indeed quite spicy. Other stands serve barbecue sandwiches (pulled pork or brisket), pizza, and classics such as hot dog, burgers, and chicken tenders. Ice cream, churro bites, and funnel cake fries are available to fans with a sweet tooth. Soda (Pepsi products) and bottled water are available to drink, as is alcohol for fans of age. Prices are a bit on the high end, but it's good food so it's worth it. For instance, the nachos go for $15, but are pretty large and include not just cheese but your choice of meat, plus lettuce, tomato, onion, sour cream, cilantro, jalapenos, and fresh salsa. The more basic options will cost less. Atmosphere 3 If you walk into the seating area at the Norfolk Scope before warmups have begun, you will find the arena casked in a soft, blue glow. The full arena lights do not come on until the players come out for warmups. This creates an interesting first impression on fans arriving early. In the seating bowl, you can either walk up or down to your seat from the concourse, depending on where you are sitting. Most seats have a decent view of the ice, even the oness in higher rows. The area up against the boards is reserved for VIP and group seating, so even the front row of the seating area won't be against the glass. This will be a major disappointment for some fans. A large videoboard hangs over center ice, and two smaller ones are on the ends behind the goals. However, only the center one regularly shows game information, the others typically show ads. Right before each game, a hype video plays on the center board, starting with shots of the Norfolk naval fleet coming into the harbor, then shots of downtowon Norfolk, and finally zooming in on the Scope itself and clips of legendary Admirals moments. This tends to get the crowd fired up and in the mood for the game. The Admirals have a mascot named Salty, a dog who loves entertaining the fans before and during the game. Neighborhood 4 The Scope is located less than a mile from Downtown Norfolk, where you will find many options to eat, drink, and stay. From bars to steakhouses to Italian eateries to local favorite Ynot Pizza (which also sells its food at the arena), there is something for everyone here. There are also numerous hotels ranging from the Hilton to more budget options. If coming early or late in the season when the weather is nice, the Virginia Beach Oceanfront is about 20 to 30 minutes away, although the exact travel time will depend on traffic. Fans 4 Although the Scope will rarely sell out, this is more due to its large size than the fans, who show up in good numbers to cheer on their team. Admirals fans are loud, actively involved, and not afraid to heckle the opponents or the officials. After an Admirals goal, the Scope can get extremely loud as fans rise to their feet and celebrate. During the rest of play, it can still get quite loud in here, with fans urging their team to victory, applauding after good plays, and complaining about bad calls by the referees. The heckling can get a bit tiring, but it is all in good fun and just shows the passion of the crowd. Access 4 The Scope is conveniently located right off I-264 in downtown Norfolk. There are several garages surrounding the arena which cost $5-$10 to park in, including the Scope Garage right under the arena. Season ticket holders can enter the arena at garage level, while everyone else will hve to walk up a flight of steps and use the one of the entrances at street level. Restrooms are located around the concourse and are of a sufficient size for the crowds. One important thing to keep in mind when navigating around the arena is that signage will often speak of a specific gate to use. Unlike in most sporting venues, "gate" refers not to the entrance you take to get into the arena, but to the set of doors you use to get from the concourse to the seating area. So if someone tells you to meet them outside Gate 5 (or whatever gate), you will need to get into the arena first. This also explains materials saying certain concessions and so on are outside a particular gate. Return on Investment 4 Tickets start at just $19 for seats above the concourse behind the goals, and even center-ice seats will cost you no more than $39. Most seats are under $30. Unfortunately, they are sold through Ticketmaster, so expect to pay high fees on top of that. Concessions are a bit on the high end, but are good food and large portions, so it's worth it. Parking is reasonable considering the arena's downtown location. Overall, an Admirals game is a pretty good value. Extras 3 One star for the banners hanging from the rafters honoring Norfolk's accomplishments in the ECHL and AHL. A second star for the unique design of the Scope, inside and out. As mentioned above, it is the world's largest concrete dome, and the diaganol pillars oujtside create a one-of-a-kind architecture. Although alternate identiies are becoming increasingly common in minor league sports, Admirals have a unique take on it. The City Series takes place one weekend a month, and the team will adopt a special alternate identity representing one of the Seven Cities of the Hampton Roads region. When Stadium Journey visited in December, the team was playing as the Newport News Admirals, and other weekends are dedicated to the cities of Virginia Beach, Hampton, Portsmouth, Chesapeake, and Suffolk, plus the usual identity representing Norfolk. Although the team has not been known as the Hampton Roads Admirals for many years, it is good to see they still represent the entire region. Final Thoughts Although the Norfolk Scope is over 50 years old at this point, it is still going strong While it doesn't have all the bells and whistles of newer arenas, hockey fans will definitely want to check out a Norfolk Admirals game here.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Nicoson Hall 1400 E Hanna Ave. Indianapolis, IN 46227 UIndy Greyhounds website Nicoson Hall website Year Opened: 1960 Capacity: 4,000 A Small Hidden College Basketball Gym in Indy Nicoson Hall on the campus of the University of Indianapolis (UIndy to many of us) is named after former basketball coach Angus Nicoson who led the program for 30 years and compiled an impressive record of 483-279 between 1947-1977. Nicoson transformed not only the basketball program but other sports on campus into a highly-respectable one. Fans entering the lobby will notice a bronze portrait of him that was dedicated in 1991. Another legend designed the building, architect Ralph Legeman’s patent design was used to construct the building. The $600,000 gym was dedicated on January 19, 1960, and was one of 27 of its kind built for both high school and collegiate gyms between 1949 and 1968. The design features no structural support for the seating bowl and roofing, top of the gym supported by steel trusses, and street-level entrances with multiple exits to move traffic after the game. The Greyhounds had played the previous two seasons at the Southport Fieldhouse a few miles south of campus and at the Barn since its inception in 1922. The team became members of the Great Lakes Valley Conference in 1980 and have made several NCAA Tournament appearances including a Sweet 16 appearance in 2015, the same year the Hounds were ranked number one for two weeks. Nicoson Hall has also hosted wrestling matches during the 1987 Pan American Games, a training camp for the Indiana Pacers, and has hosted several college teams practicing for Big Ten and NCAA Final Four tournaments held downtown at either the RCA Dome or Lucas Oil Stadium. Food & Beverage 3 There is a small concession of items stand located on the main level of the building offering a few items that include hot dogs, nachos, chips, candy, and soda. The selection is small and it might be wise to grab something to eat before or after the game but the food items are similar to what you would find at local high school gyms in the area. Atmosphere 3 Nicoson Hall features a wraparound concourse at street level with permanent hardwood bleacher seating forming an octagon around the gym court. The walls are decorated with team photos of current and past players and in one corner of the building is the Greyhound Lounge for private members complete with a roped off area with bar stool tables and chairs. A healthy crowd welcomes the Greyhounds onto the court that is lead by the cheer team that waves flags. There is a lot of room to move around throughout the seating bowl and both ends feature a large open space that provides more than enough room for both cheerleaders and a small press. The ceiling features a few championship banners but their colors of grey and white are somewhat camouflaged by its surroundings. A $500,000 donation from Ray Skillman Auto Group saw the installation of a sleek and modern playing surface in 2015. A new carpet and efficient LED lighting also included that summer as well at the gymnasium. There are also two simple scoreboards up above the concourse and a student section behind one of the nets provides a space for the Hounds most fervent fans to cheer the home team and chastise the visitors. Speaking of Hounds, the school has a mascot named Ace who patrols around the venue. Sadly, he was not at the game we attended. Other features of the gym feature a small concession stand and a lobby that features two beautiful murals on the school’s hoops history. Neighborhood 3 The campus is not located in one of the best neighborhoods of Indianapolis but it’s only three miles away from one of his best neighborhoods, Fountain Square. The hip little spot offers local restaurants, concert venues, and small shops that attract visitors from all over the city. The neighborhood has been up and coming the past decade and should only improve with more development. Hotel Tango Distillery is a great spot for homemade spirits set in a rustic vibe, Chili Water Brewery and Fountain Square Brewery are two great spots for craft beer. Kuma’s Corner offers some of the best burgers in a heavy metal theme establishment, Revolucion serves tacos and burgers in a contemporary Mexican restaurant with bold folk art photos on the wall, and for a nice dinner, the Bluebeard serves sharing plates and craft cocktails in a renovated 1924 warehouse. Duckpin bowling at the Fountain Square Theater takes visitors back in time with a 1930s or 1950s theme era bowling alley. Radio Radio is a concert lounge and rock-music venue with a small dance floor and video screens. A little closer to the UIndy campus is the Garfield Brewery and The Thompson House that offers wing specials on Tuesday and Sundays all day long. Fans 4 Fans in Indiana love their basketball at all levels and the UIndy faithful provided a nice backdrop to the game at hand. A beating of Lindenwood delighted the small but passionate fan base who saw its club move to 11-3 on the season. Access 4 Nicoson Hall is located on campus along the main road a few miles from the I-69 exit. There are two parking lots on both sides of the gym that are free of charge after 3 pm. The gym itself consists of one main lobby with ticket booths and a wraparound concourse with bathrooms, a concession stand, and plenty of exits for patrons after the game. Return on Investment 3 The price of a ticket is $10 per person and $5 for students and seniors 65 and older. The parking is free after 3 pm and concession prices are average in price. The cost is reasonable for Division II basketball and could make for a nice alternative for your basketball viewing in the state of Indiana. Extras 3 The Robert Legeman design is a nice feature of the building that is still the fixture with multiple high school venues in the state. The main lobby features two nice murals detailing the school’s basketball history. The gym’s lighting is a nice feature at the game. Final Thoughts Nicholson Hall looks like many other buildings of its kind that are home now to high school basketball in the state of Indiana. However, it features much better lighting and a few touches here and there to set it apart from the others of its kind. However, it’s not hard to have a somewhat high-school feel while watching a game on the campus of UIndy. However, that is not a knock on the gym. It is indeed inviting to enjoy a college basketball game in this hidden little gym in Indianapolis.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 Rutgers Athletic Center 83 Rockefeller Road Piscataway, NJ 08854 Rutgers Scarlet Knights website Jersey Mike's Arena website Year Opened: 1977 Capacity: 8,000 Jersey Mike's RACtion Jersey Mike's Arena, also known as the RAC, is home to the Rutgers Scarlet Knights basketball team. The RAC (an initialism for Rutgers Athletic Center) is its former official name but is still commonly used. Another former name, the Louis Brown Athletic Center, is never used anymore. Louis Brown was a Rutgers graduate and former member of the varsity golf team, who made a large bequest to the university in his will. Rutgers and Jersey Mike’s Subs announced in 2021 they had reached a multi-year agreement to make the sub sandwich restaurant an official naming rights partner of the university. The venue has a unique shape which is like no other arena we have seen. It is like a truncated tent with trapezoidal sides. The inside is just as unique and very much outdated. The original architect Robert Hillier said the venue design was not his original choice and that money concerns negated many of the original design choices. The arena, located on Rutgers’ Livingston Campus in Piscataway, New Jersey, opened on November 30, 1977, with a win against in-state rival Seton Hall. The arena is home to men’s and women’s basketball, wrestling, gymnastics, and volleyball. The university will also use it for various concerts, graduations, and other events. The arena also served as the home of the NBA’s New Jersey Nets from 1977 until 1981. The Livingston Campus is one of the five sub-campuses that make up Rutgers' New Brunswick/Piscataway area campus. Rutgers University itself is one of three regional campuses of Rutgers University, New Jersey's public research university, and is located in New Brunswick and Piscataway. There are over 50,000 undergraduate students at this university. Rutgers men's basketball has generally had limited success over the last 30 years, but the last couple of years have seen major improvements in the program. Food & Beverage 4 For being a small venue, there are many good food options along the crowded options. The food options are actually pretty decent for a major sports venue. Jersey Mike's Subs are not surprisingly, sold in a couple of spots, along with a few other big-name options such as Dunkin. A popular choice is the tables selling Popcorn for the People which sells popcorn in many unique flavors. They will likely be offering samples for tasting. The Chicago style and chocolate espresso flavors are both great choices. Atmosphere 5 We checked the archives of Stadium Journey to see the past rankings of the RAC. The last couple of reviews had higher rankings in atmosphere and fans than in older reviews. The support for this venue has dramatically increased since the team has shown better success on the court. This arena has been dubbed, “louder than a 757 from nearby Newark.” The unique shape of the venue and roof system seems to enhance sound. Frankly, this is currently one of the loudest venues you will experience in sports. The main stands are very steep and offer only bench seating at the top of the venue. There is a very nice center-hung video board, with some really nice vertical screens in each corner. The band, cheerleaders, and team mascot enhance the atmosphere. For such a large school, the small size of Jersey Mike's Arena is pretty shocking. The students and general fans have a certain love for this outdated venue and seem reluctant to get a newer venue. It would seem that ultimately a team in the Big Ten Conference will need a larger arena. Neighborhood 3 Piscataway and New Brunswick are located just under an hour outside New York City. There are a few options on the Livingston Campus, although many may be just for students. Henry's Diner is close by along Rockafeller Rd and offers all-day breakfast, coffee & sandwiches in a retro setting. The Chimney Rock Inn is another good food option nearby. RU Hungry is located on the main campus in New Brunswick and is known for its famous fat sandwiches. There are 39 styles, including the Fat Knight: cheesesteak, mozzarella sticks, chicken fingers, french fries, and marina sauce on a sub roll. The Bridgewater Marriott is a good lodging option for visitors. Fans 5 We can only judge by the current situation and not the past, so the fan support seems quite amazing. The loudness of the venue can partially be credited to the unique venue roof, but the fans are very loud and engaged on their own. The students are close to the court and can create an intimidating presence. Access 4 Jersey Mike's Arena is located on the Livingston Campus, so you need to set your GPS to the specific lot you are planning on parking. Do not look just for Rutgers in your GPS as it may lead you many miles away. The lots nearby the arena are plentiful and easy to access. The green, VIP lot is closest with the yellow pre-paid lot just after that. You also use the game day yellow lot for $20. There is one main entrance on the southeast side of the arena. Return on Investment 4 The arena is way too small for such a large university. The small size has served the school well on-court success has been limited but this means that most games will sell out quickly. It is nice to sell out but you would think it would also be nice to get more people into the stands. It may next to impossible for visiting team fans to attend games here. Tickets start at a little under $30, but you will likely have to buy on the aftermarket. Extras 4 The roof and overall design of this unique venue are an extra all of their own. There is a Rutgers Athletic Hall of Fame, honoring former Scarlet Knights. You should also check out the display showing off all of the past women's players who have gone onto the WNBA. The sound of the venue is amazing. It is not just the PA and music, but the loudness of the fans themselves. It is loud. I think Popcorn for the People may be worth a trip to the arena by itself. Final Thoughts Jersey Mike's Arena is outdated and borderline dilapidated, but it's still an amazingly vibrant arena to watch a very high level of basketball action. Should Rutgers have a better, newer, and bigger arena? Probably, but the basketball-watching experience is pretty amazing here.

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.43 Sewell-Thomas Stadium 241 Paul W Bryant Dr Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 Alabama Crimson Tide website Sewell-Thomas Stadium website Year Opened: 1948 Capacity: 5,867 Rammer Jammer, Yellow Hammer The first thing that comes to mind when thinking of the SEC is probably the championship level of football in the conference, and with good reason, as SEC teams have won 15 of the last 30 College Football National Championships. Over that same time frame, SEC baseball has been nearly as impressive, winning college baseball’s ultimate prize 14 times. While the Alabama Crimson Tide have not been one of the six different SEC programs to claim a national championship in that time, they have established themselves as one of the teams to contend with in arguably the deepest college baseball conference in the nation. Alabama has called the now Sewell-Thomas Stadium home since 1948, when the then Thomas Field opened on the corner of the current day Paul “Bear” Bryant Drive and 2nd Street. Sewell was added to the stadium’s name in 1978 in honor of former Crimson Tide player, coach, and National Baseball Hall of Famer Joe Sewell. 2015 would see major renovations that would send Alabama to Hoover to play their home schedule, and give “The Joe”, as it is lovingly known, a face lift that might make many minor league teams jealous.   Food & Beverage   4 Concessions at Sewell-Thomas Stadium offer fans a rather wide variety of options, including combo plates of burgers or chicken tenders with fries, chicken nachos, cheese fries, or the traditional ballpark hot dog. Snacks and candy are also plentiful. Much like concessions in the neighboring Coleman Coliseum , one of the concession stands is also dedicated to sweet treats and the ever popular Dippin’ Dots. Beverages come from the Coca-Cola family of soft drinks, along with Powerade and Dasani bottled water. In addition, Sewell-Thomas Stadium sells various alcoholic beverages, from domestic and premium beers, hard seltzers, pre-mixed cocktails, and individual servings of wine. While there is a decent selection of concessions, prices do seem to be a bit high even for sports stadiums.   Atmosphere   4 The exterior of Swell-Thomas Stadium uses a great deal of brick, accented with concrete and arches to create a rather impressive exterior. Field level seating, though just a few rows deep, runs nearly foul pole-to-foul pole, with upper-level seating of the grandstand a bit lopsided, running from even with third base to nearly the entire length of the right field foul line. Suites and the press box top the grandstand behind home plate, while right field seating is made up of multiple levels of grassy berms – the first two levels, below the outfield concourse, are reserved for students, with the sections above the right field concourse for general admission seating. The field does play a bit small with both lines going 320’, power alleys 360’, and deep center at 390’. Left-handed batters do have a slight advantage, as the outfield wall to right is a lower 8-foot height compared to the 12-foot chain link that makes up the rest of the outfield wall. The lone scoreboard sits just beyond the right field fence and includes the typical line score, sitting just below a large LED screen with batter statistics, previous at bat results, lineup, pitch count and pitch speed, and the next inning’s lineup. The game presentation at Sewell-Thomas Stadium is rather similar to that of a minor league game, with mid-inning contests and games on the scoreboard, conducted by an in-game host. When considering seating options, the sun sets behind the first base stands, so seats along that side of the field, or the right field pavilion, should eliminate contending with its rays. A roof also runs over the upper level of seating from dugout-to-dugout, which provides plenty of protection from the elements.   Neighborhood   5 Sewell-Thomas Stadium is located toward the southeastern corner of Alabama’s campus, so it is a bit separated from the main concentration of extracurricular activities in Tuscaloosa. The surrounding area is heavily populated with off campus student housing, along with chain and international restaurants; the Druid City Brewing Company Tasting Room is also just a short distance from the backside of Coleman Coliseum . The primary entertainment district of Tuscaloosa, “The Strip”, is just over a mile from the southeast athletics neighborhood – this area is full of shops, restaurants, bars, and nightlife. But for those in search of a bit more toned-down experience, that might not have as much of the college life excitement, further up The Strip across Queen City Avenue, in Tuscaloosa’s downtown, is a bit more of a mature vibe with watering holes, restaurants, more boutique shops, and several hotels. In addition, j ust off the I-20/I-359 interchange, about a 5-minute drive from downtown, is another cluster of hotels and several chain restaurants. Tuscaloosa is a classic college town where the university drives much of the heartbeat of the community. Visitors would be hard pressed to find locals who are not either somehow tied to the school, or who are not ardent supporters of at least one of the Alabama athletic programs. These ties go a long way in developing a sense of pride that permeates throughout the Tuscaloosa community.   Fans   4 SEC baseball fans might be just as diehard as their football counterparts, just in smaller numbers. Of the top 25 NCAA teams in terms of attendance, SEC teams claim 11 of those positions. Nevertheless, despite falling in the bottom half of the conference in attendance, the Crimson Tide is still in the top 25 nationally at roughly 3,500 fans per game. It is not just that fans show up, either – they are active participants in creating a fun college baseball atmosphere. They might not be as raucous as other fan bases in the conference, but Alabama fans show up and are supportive; much of that credit needs to go to the student section that inhabits the first couple of sections of tiered berm seating in right field.   Access   4 Interstate 20 and two US highways feed into Tuscaloosa, making Sewell-Thomas Stadium conveniently accessible for fans traveling from any direction. F ree parking  is available in the Capstone parking garage across Paul Bryant Drive from the left field entry point. Two other access points, a cluster of three gates at the home plate entry, and a third in the right field corner, help ease crowds both as gates open and for fans leaving. An outer concourse also runs behind the grandstand housing concessions, restrooms, and the Babe Ruth McAfee Hall of Fame. In addition, the field concourse runs completely around the seating area, allowing fans to navigate the stadium while still being able to keep up with the game. Thought was obviously given to fans having unobstructed views of the game, as seating is elevated above walkways to keep those walking around the concourse from blocking the view of those in the upper sections. The sections are also kept reasonably open, which helps keep fans from having to get up for those trying to get to their seats in the middle of a row.   Return on Investment   4 Pricing is different for non-conference and conference matchups; for mid-week games and early season non-conference series tickets start at $10, with conference series starting at $15. These rates are a bargain when considering SEC baseball as the country's best collegiate baseball conference. Even with such decent ticket prices, tickets on the secondary market can go for as low as $1 before fees. One great perk is that parking in the Capstone garage is conveniently located and free of charge! However, c oncessions are a bit inflated, but eating at the game is not a necessity, and the most expensive items are avoidable – the snacks and other ballpark mainstays at Sewell-Thomas Stadium are much more reasonably priced.   Extras   5 The Babe Ruth McAbee Hall of Fame  gives fans a look at Alabama Crimson Tide baseball history – from players who have played professionally to displays about some of Alabama’s most successful teams, as well as stories of Crimson Tide record holders and artifacts from major moments in program history. Stories of the stadium’s namesakes, Joe Sewell and Frank Thomas, are posted along the concourse on each side of the field. Sewell was an Alabama baseball player, coach, two-time World Series Champion with the Cleveland Indians (1920) and New York Yankees (1932), and National Baseball Hall of Famer, while Thomas led the Crimson Tide to two of the eighteen college football  national championships they claim, in 1934 and 1941. Alabama does a lot in recognizing the history of athletic successes. Outside the stadium beyond the right field line, the Sarah Patterson Champions Plaza recognizes the founding coaches of each team, along with conference and national titles won by each program. More in line with extras from a stadium and game experience standpoint, for parents looking to give their children a bit of an opportunity to get out of their seat and expel some pent-up energy, a decent sized playground also sits just by one of the left field fences, and there are no concerns of bombardment from potential home run balls, as this area is covered by netting. Finally, in a top-notch, classy move, following wins and the team handshake line, Alabama baseball players make a beeline to the student section to thank them for their support, as the players make the rounds with high-fives for fans leaning over the right field wall.   Final Thoughts Baseball at the University of Alabama has quietly blossomed into one of the high-level baseball programs not just in the SEC, but nationally. While the team on the field fills the stadium with plenty of excitement, the positives do not stop there. Considering the in-game fan engagement, fan support, and additional perks enhancing a day at Sewell-Thomas Stadium, Alabama offers one of the top-tier college baseball experiences in the country.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 1.71 Chuck Stevens Baseball Field 11300 Gainsborough Rd Potomac, MD 20854 Koa Sports Green Wave website Ride the Green Wave The Maryland Collegiate Baseball League is a summer collegiate baseball league based in Maryland, in the Baltimore and Washington, D.C. area. Most players come from local colleges or are otherwise based locally. The Koa Sports Green Wave is based in Montgomery County, just outside DC. They play their day games at Chuck Stevens Field at Winston Churchill High School in Potomac, and their night games at Wheaton Regional Park, as Chuck Stevens Field does not have lights. This review will focus on Chuck Stevens Field. Food & Beverage 0 There is no food or drink for sale at Green Wave games. Fans can bring their own. Atmosphere 1 There are several places at Chuck Stevens Field to watch a game from, but none are particularly good. There is a small set of bleachers behind home plate, but your views of the left field corner from here will be obstructed by the dugout. Bleachers are also located further up the left field line but it is difficult to see home plate from here. In either case, you will be caught through a thick metal fence rather than netting. Some fans also choose to bring their own chairs and sit closer to the fence, often with umbrellas to stay cool. It offers marginally better views but can obstruct other fans' views. Some fans also choose to sit in the outfield, as there is a gap in the fence down the foul line, so this offers an unobstructed view. However, there are no seats here, so you will need to either bring your own or stand. A scoreboard is located in the outfield but is non-functional, so you are on your own to figure out the count and score. Music is played during breaks in the action, but there are no announcements like starting lineups or player introductions. This is an extremely barebones experience, to say the least. Neighborhood 3 Winston Churchill High School is located in a mainly residential neighborhood, so there is not much in the immediate vicinity. However, the Cabin John Village shopping center is located a short drive away and offers many options. Gregorio's Trattoria is a locally popular Italian restaurant and is probably your best option here. Fans 2 The Green Wave only draws a few dozen fans a game, and most of them are friends or family of the players. They do seem to be pretty knowledgeable about the team and the league, which is a plus. Access 2 There is a small lot at Winston Churchill High School next to the football stadium, and a larger one closer to the school. Another lot is located closer to the baseball field but is blocked off by vehicle traffic. It is open to pedestrians, and you will need to walk through it past the tennis courts to get to the stadium. Then you will walk along a gravel path and down a grass hill. It is not easy to get to the field. There are no restrooms at the field itself, but there are some in the football stadium, about a five-minute walk away right next to the entrance. They are of a sufficient size for the crowds. Return on Investment 3 There is no cost to attend a Green Wave game. However, there isn't enough here to earn more than an average value. Extras 1 Look for the plaque honoring the field's namesake, longtime Winston Churchill High School coach Chuck Stevens. Final Thoughts A Koa Sports Green Wave game is an extremely basic experience. True baseball diehards and purists and completions who want to visit as many stadiums as possible may want to check this out, but if you're not in one of those groups, this may not be the ballpark for you.

Photos by Eric Moreno, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 NRG Stadium One NRG Park Houston, TX 77054 Houston Texans website NRG Stadium website Year Opened: 2002 Capacity: 72,000 Houston Texans – NRG Stadium In 1997 the Houston Oilers packed up shop, bid goodbye to the Astrodome and Space City, and moved to the Volunteer State, Tennessee. This left the fourth-largest city in America without professional football for the first time since 1960. The ensuing years would be frustrating for fans and the city alike, as Houston sought to reclaim admittance to the NFL. Businessman Bob McNair was granted the rights to a new Houston franchise in 1999, with the team set to take in 2002. The Houston Texans would take the field during the 2002-03 season with a great deal of promise and fanfare – they would take to the field that inaugural season from the only home stadium they’ve ever known, NRG Stadium. Built as a (giant) neighbor to the historic Astrodome, the now-named NRG Stadium (originally Reliant Stadium) became the latest in the league to feature a retractable roof, annually becoming one of the highest-attended stadiums in the league. This would especially be the case as the Texans fortunes on the field began to rise in the 2010s, as they claimed the AFC South Division championship in 2011, 2012, 2015, 2016, 2018, and 2019 (they also recently claimed the title in 2023 and 2024). This rise came from the stellar play of newly enshrined Pro Football Hall of Famer Andre Johnson  and future Canton enshrine J.J. Watt , among others. NRG Stadium is a reflection of everything that makes Houston a great city: it’s bold, it’s diverse, it’s energetic, and it’s very Texan, naturally.   Food & Beverage   5 One of the best things about NRG Stadium is its concession offerings – the offerings are quintessential H-Town, with a heavy focus on barbecue and Tex-Mex. You can find these offerings at the El Tiempo kiosks (street tacos, anyone?) and the Texas Smokehouse and Truth BBQ (brisket sandwiches, y’all) stands on the 100, 300, and 500 levels. Local favorites, such as Laurenzo’s (French dip sandwiches!) and Trill Burgers, are also well represented. There are also plenty of kiosks that offer regular gameday fare like hot dogs, nachos, pizza, chicken fingers and sandwiches, and popcorn (be on the lookout for the Cheeto’s popcorn carts). If you are feeling adventurous you can also try chicken wonton nachos, Asian infusion beef teriyaki tacos, and strawberry cheesecake dessert pretzels, which are new items on the menu this season. Adult beverages can also be found in multiple spots, including the Bud Light Lounge and Bud Light Cantina on the main concourse, as well as Crown Royal Saloon near the south end zone. These seating areas cater to grown-ups looking to take a break in the action, offering seating areas as well as an in-house DJ. These are fun experiences and I’d recommend making at least a pass through one of them on your visit to NRG Stadium. You won’t go hungry at NRG Stadium; my only caveat is these items are all at NFL prices, so just be prepared for a little bit of sticker shock when it comes time to pay.   Atmosphere   4 The Texans – like most of the NFL – do a great job of making game days at NRG Stadium feel like a very big deal. In addition to the regular accoutrements of the division championship banners hanging from the rafters and the Texans Ring of Honor underneath the press box, along with team merchandise stores around every corner on every level of the stadium, the Texans offer up multiple other events and activities that enhance the gameday atmosphere. Each week has a theme; for example, the most recent game I attended was Kids Day and featured junior cheerleaders taking the field before the game, contests (a baby race) throughout the day, and face painters, balloon artists, and games for kids in the concourse, as well as special “kids treats” available for purchase at some of the food stands – think marshmallow treats, cake pops, chocolate pretzel rods, etc. There is also usually a live music artist in and around the stadium on game days, and there is always something big planned at halftime. You’re going to have a good time at NRG Stadium – even if the team you’re rooting for is not winning.   Neighborhood   4 I’ve written numerous times in past reviews expounding on the virtues of Houston and all its numerous attractions. For sports fans, if you plan your visit right you might be able to catch a Houston Astros  game, or a Houston Rockets  game, or a Houston Dynamo  game when you take in a Texans game at NRG Stadium, as all their seasons converge with the Texans at certain times during the calendar year. H-Town is also home to attractions such as Space Center Houston , world-class facilities like the Downtown Aquarium  and Houston Zoo , fantastic urban green spaces like Hermann Park and Buffalo Bayou Park , not to mention the Houston Museum District  offering more things to see and do than anyone could do in a week. In short, there are plenty of things to do before and after Texans games for fans. In terms of dining, this is the one area that keeps the score for NRG Stadium from being even higher – the stadium is removed from Houston’s downtown area, so it’s kind of off by itself in the city. NRG Park is a massive complex and takes up a huge amount of real estate, and as such, there really aren’t any spots to eat at within walking distance of the facility. There are numerous food trucks along the roads leading toward the complex, however, and there are several restaurants that are within a five-minute drive – these include Golden Krust Caribbean Restaurant  and Angelo’z Po Boys . There are plenty of other options across the city, though. For lodging, there are a few withing walking distance of NRG Stadium, including Staybridge Suites Houston - Medical Center  and Comfort Suites near Texas Medical Center . As with the dining options, there are plenty of other spots in Houston; the only limit is your budget.   Fans   4 This season the Houston Texans sat in 10th place in the league in terms of attendance. NRG Stadium averaged 71,300 fans per game, which is virtually a sellout each Sunday (or Thursday or Monday). During the last game I attended, I was heartened to see so many fans tailgating in the parking lots and decked out in Texans gear. The crowd was loud and energetic throughout the entirety of the game, which always makes for a better experience. My one point of contention is the sheer volume of opposing team fans in every corner of the stands. This may just be the state of pro football these days with easy access to tickets on the secondary market. It’s not necessarily a bad thing, but it is definitely something that is noticeable.   Access   4 As mentioned, NRG Stadium is sort of set off from a good chunk of the major metro area of Houston. While it’s not too far removed from Texas Loop 610, it’s just over a 40-minute drive from Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport. Another item I’ve written extensively about in terms of Houston is its traffic – you’re going to be stuck in it no matter what time of day you drive into the city; it’s just an immutable fact. However, if you want to avoid the grind, the Houston METRO  mass transit is a good way to go. Both the light rail and city buses have routes that will drop you off at NRG Park. Once you get to the stadium, parking is plentiful. Depending on how far you want to walk, you can find some relatively affordable options.   Return on Investment   4 Single game tickets for the Houston Texans start at $50 per person, which is pretty on par for the NFL these days. With tickets looking like they’re going to be hard to come by outside of the secondary market, as the Texans enjoy another upswing on the field, costs could easily get higher. When looking at parking near NRG Stadium, I was able to find spots at some intrepid businesses in the area offering parking for the game as low as $20. However, the closer you get to the stadium, the closer the cost gets to triple digit costs. Concessions here match the scale of the overall prices. If you’re bringing a family to the game, you can expect to drop a pretty penny or two to cover everything. The one thing that makes the costs more palatable, however, is how the Texans are playing these days – with Burgeoning stars all over the field, you’re going to (mostly) get your money’s worth at NRG Stadium.   Extras   4 A lot of what the Texans do mirrors what the college game does in this area, and that’s a good thing. Costumed mascot? Meet Toro , one of the best in the league. Cheerleaders? Yep, the Texans Cheerleaders  can be found on both sidelines, performing throughout the game during breaks in the action. How about a band? You can find the Texans Deep Steel Thunder  drumline performing on the main concourse before the game starts, as well as during breaks in the action. Oh, and don’t forget the Texans Mariachis , as you’ll see them during player introductions and at halftime; all great stuff that goes above and beyond what you normally will find in the pro game.   Final Thoughts I’ve been to NFL games at NRG Stadium more than any other facility in the country – though it is now over two decades old, it still feels new somehow. There is also always a new wrinkle or a new amenity to make it feel fresh. Neither the stadium nor the Texans have the history or the championship pedigree that some of the great places in the NFL, such as your Superdome  in New Orleans, your Lambeau Field  in Green Bay, or your Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City. However, I would put it right up there with any of the shiny new stadiums that have been built in the past decade or so. If you’re a football fan, I would definitely add NRG Stadium and Houston to your bucket list. Follow Eric Moreno's Stadium Journey on Twitter at @EricMoreno6477 .

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 President’s Field at River Road 23B Boatwright Dr Richmond, VA 23173 Richmond Spiders website President’s Field at River Road website Year Opened: 2019 Capacity: 700 Spider Soccer Located off of River Road on the Westhampton side of the University of Richmond campus, President’s Field at River Road is the home to the Spiders women’s soccer team since 2019 (there is no men’s soccer team here at Richmond.) Before that time, the Spiders played at the much more spacious Robins Stadium , which also hosts football and lacrosse. However, that stadium was far too large for the crowds the soccer team attracted, and now they have their own soccer-specific home. Food & Beverage 1 Free water bottles are available in a cooler as you come in. Beyond this, there is no food or beverage available, but it is a nice touch. Fans are permitted to bring in items for their consumption, except alcohol. Atmosphere 3 President’s Field at River Road has a very basic layout, with a few rows of bleachers lining one side of the field. The good news is you are very close to the action. However, there is very little here beyond the basics. There is a scoreboard that shows the time, score, and basic stats, but that is about it. The school does very little to promote the soccer team on campus and seems much more focused on the football program during the fall season. However, this stadium does deserve some credit for the up close and personal experience. Neighborhood 3 Richmond’s campus is about 20-30 minutes from downtown Richmond, right on the edge of the city limits. As fans of rival school VCU will love to point out, only about half of the University of Richmond campus is actually in the City of Richmond. The other half is in neighboring Henrico County. If you head down Three Chopt Road, there are a few restaurants and other places available, but your best bet is to head about three miles east on Route 147 to the Carytown neighborhood which has far more options available. We recommend the Galaxy Diner and Carytown Burgers and Fries as your best bets. Fans 4 The Spiders draw well for soccer and seem to have benefited from moving into a much smaller, but mostly full, venue compared to a nearly empty Robins Stadium. Although they will only draw a few hundred fans a game sitting in the bleachers and lawn chairs along the turf, it still seems pretty full. The same crowd at Robins would make it seem almost deserted. Fans are mainly but not exclusively friends and family of the team and are very knowledgeable about the players on the field. They are happy to share that knowledge with fans who may not be as familiar as them and who are coming to check out the Spiders for the first time. Access 3 Getting to the Richmond campus is easy enough. It is conveniently located a couple of miles off I-64, the Downtown Expressway, or the Powhite Parkway, depending on where you are coming from. The first route is toll-free but the second two have small tolls. Unfortunately, once you get onto campus, finding President’s Field can be challenging. No signs are pointing you to the right place, and many GPS apps will take you to the wrong side of the field. You will need to park in the lot across the street by Crenshaw Field, the field hockey stadium, and then simply walk across the street to get here. However, many GPS apps have trouble finding Crenshaw Field as well so it is not as simple as just navigating there. There are no restrooms at President’s Field itself, but there are some at Crenshaw which will be open during games. There is also a port-a-potty right outside the gate if you have an emergency and don’t have time to run across the street to go there. Return on Investment 5 Admission is free and so is parking. If that were all, that would be a good deal, but there wouldn’t be enough here to get the top score. However, when you throw in the free bottled water for all fans, that’s enough to kick this score up a notch. Extras 2 The free bottled water to help fans stay hydrated on hot days, particularly early in the season, is a nice touch. There are free programs available at a table as you come in as well. Final Thoughts President’s Field at River Road suits the Spiders’ soccer program much better than Robins Stadium. Although it lacks many of the amenities that Robins offers, sometimes less is more, and playing in a stadium that is suited for the crowds the team attracts offers a marked improvement over having a few hundred fans in a stadium that seats almost 9,000. The stadium is only two years old and still very basic, so hopefully, the Spiders continue to make improvements to it in future years.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Lynn Family Stadium 350 Adams St Lousiville, KY 40206 Louisville City FC website Lynn Family Stadium website Year Opened: 2020 Capacity: 11,700 Louisville's Home for Soccer Lynn Family Stadium opened in 2020 as the home for Louisville City FC of the United Soccer League Championship. The 15,304-seat stadium was designed by HOK for $65 million and can expand to 15,304 spectators. The venue is one of a handful of soccer-specific venues in the league and provides fans with an up-close and personal view of the action on the field. Before the opening of the new venue, the club operated a few miles down the road at Louisville Slugger Field , dubbed Slugger Field for soccer matches. The Triple-A ballpark is intended for the Louisville Bats minor league club, and the club averaged close to 8,000 fans per game; it was the objective to build its venue and avoid certain situations during the playoffs. The stadium features seating on all three sides of the pitch, with the open end facing the interstate and the Ohio River. A 40-by-72.5-foot video board greets motorists from the outside and fans on the inside. When the sunset for evening games, the beautiful red hues sparkled up above as the sunset in the west. Louisville fans have been lucky since the club established a winning tradition from day one. The club advanced to two conference finals in its first two seasons and then hosted the next three USL Championship Finals. The team was displaced for two years due to the Festival of Trees and Lights taking place at the ballpark. Lou City opted for the University of Louisville soccer field, which sat about half the amount of people. Those days are now over if the club does indeed continue its winning ways. Food & Beverage 4 There are various concession stands and portable kiosks that provide an ample amount of food and beverages at the match. Customers should take notice that it is a cashless stadium - please bring a credit or debit card. Now that we have that taken care of, let’s see what they have to eat and drink. The I Love Taco Truck and Franks is in the open area waterfront section of the stadium. The taco truck offers shrimp, tinga, al pastor, chorizo, and brisket tacos on corn tortillas. Franks features a hot dog of the month and also serves Italian sausages.  Concession stands feature a “Burger of the Month”. During our visit, it was a 7-ounce patty and spicy Italian sausage with peppers and onions served on a hoagie roll. Other items are the hot brown poutine with fried cheese curds and mornay sauce, a Philly cheesesteak sandwich, and loaded barbecue nachos served in a souvenir soccer bowl. Pizza slices, ordinary nachos, chicken fingers, and pizza slices are also available at the match. There are plenty of alcoholic beverages, cans of Mom water, fruit juice infused with vodka, Fall City, and Noble Funk beer served on draft; wine, bourbon, rum slushies, and cocktails are also available for purchase. The Yuengling bar offers drafts and a selection of wine and cocktails. Photos Courtesy of the Louisville City FC There are plenty of bars that spread out along the concourse serving bourbons from Maker’s Mark, Four Roses, and Cooper’s Craft–each brand also creates its signature cocktail. The highlight is the Modelo Scoreboard Bar on the south end of the stadium. The 72-foot Modelo bar is located under the video board and features several tables where people can stand around. For pregame festivities in the future, we’re excited about the adjoining 1020 beer garden. Fans can purchase Fall City Beer, Yuengling, and Miller are among the brews to choose from while you watch the action. Atmosphere 4 Lynn Family Stadium offers seating for 11,700 and can be expanded to 15,304 fans. Well before the match begins, fans tailgate in the parking lot east of the stadium. RVs, tables, TVs, and flags can be seen up and down the lot. Just north of the stadium is the Fan Zone which offers pre-game festivities and a miniature soccer field for younger fans. The area includes a miniature-sized soccer pitch and a giant “LOU CITY'' sculpture where fans can pose for photos in place of the missing “I”. The Coopers, the official supporter group of Lou City, made its presence with drums, costumes, banners, and plenty of purple smoke, and on the opposite side of the stadium, a few more fans let off some smoke of their own after the two goals scored on the night. The stadium lights flash vividly before and after the game, and also when a goal is scored by the home team. The roof of the seating area is colored and shaped like the sides of a bourbon barrel. The lights are slanted and can be adjusted for color, depending on the match. The concourse aisles are somewhat narrow, its walls decorated with Lou City art and players’ photos on the west side of the stadium. The opposite side is much more open and features a small table of merchandise. Also embedded inside the stadium are 18 luxury boxes and 250 Premier Club seats. The gift shop has that brand-new smell and plenty of team merchandise from official jerseys, scarves, caps, t-shirts, and women's and children's gear. Racing Louisville also has a section of shirts that feature the club’s colors of deep purple and mint green. Several TV monitors are on display, and so are the team’s USL Championship trophies from 2017 and 2018. Neighborhood 3 The stadium is located in the Butchertown section and within walking distance from the main plaza and Copper & Kings American Brandy Company . The up-and-coming neighborhood has renovated many of its meatpacking warehouses into shops, bars, and restaurants and provides an ideal spot before or after a match. However, less than a mile from the stadium is the affluent East Market District , also known as NuLu. You will find everything from vintage clothing stores, gourmet eateries, and restored furniture shops. A few recommendations would include La Bodeguita for Cuban cuisine, Royals Hot Chicken , Grind Burger Kitchen , and Feast BBQ for a bite. A few spots for a drink include the Old 502 Winery , Akasha Brewing Company , and the West Sixth NuLu which offers live music tucked away off the main street and surrounded by other shops and balcony seating. The Rabbit Hole Distillery and Garage Bar are other recommendations, but they were temporarily closed during our visit. Fans 5 The Lou City crowd is one of the more boisterous in the league. There are two supporter group sections at both ends of the pitch. The Coopers, Ledgehogs, LouCity Ladies, and The Sheep’s Pens make their presence felt by chanting, flag waving, and drum playing. During a goal, purple smoke is released into the air to celebrate the score. The team has averaged over 10,000 fans per game this season and ranks number 2 in the league in this category. Access 4 Lynn Family Stadium is located off of I-64 and is easily visible to motorists on the interstate. There are four lots for parking and must be pre-paid for $10. There is additional parking, when available, along the Louisville Waterfront Park and west of the stadium on Witherspoon Street. Return on Investment 4 The price of a ticket for a soccer match costs as low as $15 at the time of this writing. There are four surface parking lots (Purple, Green, Gold, and Gray) that are pre-paid on the east, west, and south sides of the stadium. Additional parking is available along the Louisville Waterfront Park and west of the stadium on Witherspoon. The price of food will include certain items such as cheeseburgers and chicken tender baskets fetching $11.99 and beer prices ranging from a 24-ounce domestic for $11.99 to a 24-ounce premium for $12.99. The best option is the loaded BBQ nachos served in a plastic soccer bowl for $11.99. It is big enough to feed two children. Extras 4 Louisville City's stadium earns points for the pre-game festivities in the kid's zone that features a small soccer field and entertainment. The stadium earns another point for the variety of food and drink options from local favorites to old standards. The third point is for the design of the soccer-specific venue that is among the classiest in the league. A final point is awarded to the sunset view of the city's skyline at evening games. Final Thoughts Lynn Family Stadium is a wonderful addition to the league and a harbinger for the future of soccer-specific venues in the country. The bright and bold venue is what soccer stadiums should look like and what they could be to both team and fan. Lou City fans have been spoiled with the success on the pitch from their club and now they have an excellent venue to enjoy for many years to come. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel . Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photo by Bradlee Ross, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 ONEOK Field 201 N Elgin Tulsa, OK 74120 FC Tulsa website ONEOK Field website Year Opened: 2010 Capacity: 7,833 FC Tulsa at ONEOK Field ONEOK Field is located in downtown Tulsa, Oklahoma and is well worth a visit if you ever find yourself in the Tulsa area during those prime soccer-watching spring and summer months. The Roughnecks were originally founded in 1978 and refounded in 2013 (the original incarnation of the team folded in 1984). They currently play in the United Soccer League. They share ownership and ONEOK Field with the Tulsa Drillers . Opening in 2010, ONEOK Field is named for ONEOK natural gas company and has a total capacity of just under 8,000. It is located in downtown Tulsa, next to the historic Greenwood district. Food & Beverage 4 The food options at ONEOK Field are numerous and varied. The standard concession stands are called Tulsa Driller Grille and Oil Capital Concessions and contain the basics of hot dogs, popcorn, soft drinks, etc. These are reasonably priced and of a good quality. But there are also plenty of other options to get your snack and drink on. There're stands like Siegi's Sausage Factory, Steakadelphia, Corner Cantina, Smokie's and Burgertopia selling all kinds of awesome foods like Philly cheesesteaks, gourmet burgers, Tex-Mex, and more. Rita Cabana serves Bud Light margaritas and there are also various beer stands at regular intervals along the concourse. There are plenty of dessert options as well, including Hornsby's Sweet Treats serving lemonade, sno-cones and cotton candy and a Sweet Stand in left center field that serves frozen yogurt. Sadly, there are also quite a few stands that are not open during Roughneck matches for one reason or another. This limitation lowers the venue's score somewhat, especially since all of these places are normally open during baseball games. Still, there are a lot of great options at reasonable prices. If you have trouble deciding what to spend your hard-earned money on, choose the Jalapeno Popper Burger that can be had from the Burgertopia stands. It consists of a ½ lb. beef patty, jalapenos and cheddar cream cheese. It's delicious and a bargain at almost any price. Atmosphere 2 Roughneck matches at ONEOK Field leave something to be desired as far as energy and buzz go. Unfortunately, there really isn't much going on besides the match on the field. There is a Kids' Zone near center field with a splash pad to keep the kids cool during those hot summer months. There's also a grassy area for families to sit picnic-style while they watch the Roughnecks. A few others things of note are the small merchandise stands which allow any fan to show their team spirit, plenty of ATM's for those fans who prefer to use cash, and a variety of seating to choose from (though some obviously costs more). However, other than what's listed here, there really isn't much in the way of atmosphere. Neighborhood 5 ONEOK Field isn't hard to get to at all. Interstate highway 244 goes right by and the Tulsa downtown district itself is surrounded by four or five different highways that all converge, making it easy to get to no matter what direction you are coming from. Once you get off the highway, things can get a bit more difficult, as downtown Tulsa can be a challenge to navigate depending on construction. There is plenty to see and do around ONEOK Field. Downtown Tulsa has much to offer including the Philbrook Arts Museum, Spaghetti Warehouse and the BOK Center, another great venue. The most historically-significant aspect of downtown Tulsa is the Greenwood district, which was once known as the "Black Wall Street of America" because it was the home of many prominent African-Americans. Within it, you can find the Jazz Hall of Fame, Greenwood Cultural Center and the Mabel B. Little Heritage House, all of which are well worth the visit if you are even remotely a history buff. Also don't forget to visit the John Hope Franklin Reconciliation Park, a free park practically next door to ONEOK that memorializes the 1921 Tulsa Race Riot. As far as eateries go, you should plan to have your pre-Driller-game meal at Burn Co. Barbecue, which has the best barbecue in the state of Oklahoma. However, you'll have to time out your visit, as Burn Co. is only open Tuesdays through Saturdays from 10:30 am to 2:30 pm, which leads to very long lines (though they move quickly). It also is a considerable distance from the park. However, when you bite into the best barbecue you've ever had, it will all be worth it. Your post-game meal doesn't need to be far from the ballpark at all. Fat Guy's Burger Bar is actually connected to ONEOK Field, just outside the outfield, but it also has a streetfront. With great burgers and plenty of TVs to watch your favorite ballgames, you won't be sorry you stopped here for a bite. If you need a recommendation, try out the Pizza Burger. It consists of a beef patty, a sausage patty, pepperoni, provolone cheese, basil mayonnaise and marinara sauce. It will change how you feel about pizza and burgers (in a good way). Fans 2 The crowd at Roughneck matches is a very mixed and middling one. They are not all that loud or involved in the action on the field, save for a very loud and vocal superfan section that honestly borders on obnoxious a good amount of the time. The rest of the venue is filled with families with children or young people who just need something to do or somewhere to be. Most fans in attendance simply watch quietly or spend most of the match walking around. It seems to be a social setting for many, which is not necessarily a bad thing, but it does take away from the fan experience somewhat. Access 4 The bathrooms are very clean and large enough to prevent any waiting. The aisles and seating are big enough to be comfortable, and most fans will have a very easy time getting around the concourse as well. The only issue for this venue is parking. It can be very difficult to find in downtown Tulsa. It is particularly hard to find the area immediately surrounding ONEOK Field. Free parking will require a considerable walk. The closest parking will typically run around $10 or so. Roughnecks FC offers a $5 lot at the corner of Archer and Detroit (a block from the stadium). Also, you can find free parking in lots on the OSU-Tulsa campus north of the stadium (Fridays-Sundays). Return on Investment 4 The return on this stadium experience probably depends on the individual fan. That being said, you will not find a better pro soccer experience (or really any other pro soccer experience) near enough by to pass up seeing the Roughnecks at ONEOK. Tickets are available for about $10 a piece at the cheapest, which may not be a value for casual soccer fans. The visit is really worth it if you are going to spend some time in the fantastic neighborhood surrounding ONEOK. Extras 1 One extra for the splash pad near the Kids' Zone. Staying cool is important during the summer, especially for kids and especially in Oklahoma.

Photo by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey The Chicago White Sox has worn a myriad of uniform designs in its history and, at one time, switched out colors and styles more frequently than the University of Oregon football program. Fans almost expected a new look every five years until the club debuted its current set at the end of the 1990 season. The red pinstripes (1971-1975), the leisure suite (1976-1981), and the Beach Blanket Bingo (1982-1986) looks were infamous and are now beloved by a generation of fans who never saw them in action at old Comiskey Park. However, lost in this display of haberdashery is one set that made its debut in 1964. The Sweet Baby Blues may look tame by today’s standards, but it made a statement during its first season for the White Sox. It was somewhat unconventional for its time, but it was the first sign that the club was willing to think outside the box and set trends that other clubs would later adopt. The Ogden Standard-Examiner was shocked by the uniform color choice The Sox were not the first to wear a powder blue uniform, but it had been 20 years since the last major league club wore such a distinct look. The Chicago Cubs sported the road color from 1941-1942, and the Brooklyn Dodgers wore  satin blues uniforms for night road games  in 1944. The Cubs look was a vest jersey that featured a blue undershirt. The Sox introduced the jersey on January 6, 1964, at a press conference at the LaSalle Hotel in downtown Chicago. General Manager Ed Short held up the “blouse” of manager Al Lopez to a group of reporters and then passed it down the row for inspection, prompting Bob Smith from the Sun-Times to quip if “this was on the level” and later added if the club was considering “pink or some other colors.” Short, somewhat irked by the media’s response, chose the color because it showed up better on black and white television sets, perhaps even looking better on the color TV sets that would soon become the norm in many living rooms in the country. The road jerseys were identical to the previous year’s design. The city name was arched in block lettering; the right sleeve featured the players’ number with a thin white outline, and the club wore a navy blue cap with an interlocking SOX logo in a similar font. Navy socks with three white stripes would accompany the wool uniforms. “Management made this change essentially to spruce up the look of the team,” added Chicago Historian Rich Lindberg. “They took some informal fan polls back then, asking for feedback on the ballpark experience.” Joe Horlen finished with a 1.88 ERA in 1964. File Photo. The blue road flannels were the third colored jerseys introduced by an American League franchise in as many years. The Kansas City Athletics introduced vests with red jerseys in 1962 and then shocked the baseball world with all gold vests and green sleeves the following season. The Cleveland Indians also wore sleeveless jerseys with red jerseys beginning in 1963. “This uniform change was mostly a reaction to the Kansas City A’s and their switch to green and cold," Linberg added. "It was done with the hope of giving the Sox a more distinctive look at the very beginning of an era when the introduction of new colors and styles in baseball uniforms was coming into vogue.” Southside Aces Joe Horlen and Gary Peters in the updated Sox uniform in 1967, Photo Courtesy of Spokeo Various newspapers at the time were curious and made mention of the striking new look when the Sox came to town. The Bristol (Pennsylvania) Daily Courier was a bit more tongue-in-cheek on the new duds.  “The Chicago White Sox also have new road uniforms-powder blue. All they need now are bow ties, and they’ll be ready to “do the town” in their new look tuxedos.” The Pale Hose debuted them at Fenway Park in Boston on April 17 and took two out of three in the series. Later that month, Finley challenged Short to a “fashion show” when his A’s came to White Sox Park for a doubleheader on May 6. Finley released the following statement to the newspapers. “We want the White Sox to add some color to the game by wearing their pretty baby blue road uniforms that they adopted this year. For the second game, we’ll wear our Fort Knox gold uniforms trimmed in Pacific green. For the second game, we’ll wear our misty green.” The A’s owner Finley was a man of showmanship and ahead of his time in baseball fashion. The Sox did not accept his challenge and wore their home pinstripes and swept the two-game series. However, fans would see the team wear them at home later that summer. On June 26, the Sox hosted the Cubs at home for the 15th annual Boys Benefit Game. The Chicago  Tribune  reported that the Sox were the visiting team and donned their sweet baby blue road uniforms as the game was played at cavernous Comiskey to accommodate the demand and raise more money for the boys. A total of 52,712 attended the game, and 3,000 fans watched the game from a roped-off section of the park. All balls hit into the densely packed crowd were considered ground-rule doubles. Renovations to the park prohibited many fans from being seated for the game that saw the Sox pound the Cubs 11-1. Many AL cities newspapers had something to say about the club’s look. During a visit to Los Angeles, the Long Beach Independent couldn’t help mentioning the team’s road flannels in its game recap.   “The Chicago White Sox had their powder blue uniforms on display Friday night and then powdered the Angels 3-1.” The new road colors might have been a bit of good luck for the Sox, who found themselves in a pennant race with the New York Yankees and Baltimore Orioles until the second to last day of the season on October 3. The Sox finished with 98 victories, one game behind the pennant-winning Yanks. The second place finished preventing the powder blue uniforms from making an appearance in the World Series that fall. This wouldn’t happen until 16 years later when Philadelphia and Kansas City wore their road blues in the fall classic. The inability to clinch the pennant was a possible missed opportunity on the look to become sentimental to the South Side fanbase. In 1967 the team removed the block CHICAGO across the chest and introduced a scripted font that featured the club’s name in the tail of the wordmark. The Sox would miss out on another pennant, losing a four-team race and finishing three games behind the Boston Red Sox that year. When the team took the field for the 100th anniversary of Major League Baseball in 1969, something was different. The road jerseys were replaced with the traditional gray look. It was the same design from the previous season, but the white letter appeared “washed-out” in the gray flannels. That same year, two expansion franchises, the Seattle Pilots and Montreal Expos, donned powder blue wool flannels. The White Sox sported a 432-378 record during its five seasons wearing the non-traditional look that by the end of the next decade would be fashioned by eleven clubs in the major leagues. Teams would continue wearing blue road uniforms until 1991. The look was considered a trend of the past is becoming popular again, with four clubs wearing complete powder blue uniforms and two more opting for tops with gray or white pants in 2020. The White Sox celebrate the 50th anniversary of the A’s in Oakland in 2018. File Photo. The Sox themselves would once again wear this era’s powder blue uniforms in 2018 when it celebrated the 50th anniversary of the A’s relocation to the Bay Area at the Oakland Coliseum . The look was the first time many had seen the club in light blue, and perhaps a few would hope the team would bring them back for a few throwback games from time to time at Guaranteed Rate Field. The forward-thinking Sox were a little bit ahead of the curve and would introduce another set of powder blue uniforms in 1971, but in 1964 they were somewhat unconventional for the baseball purist. Perhaps the abundance of uniform designs and innovations by the club between the 1960s and 1980s have hidden this sweet look of a road jersey. The team has introduced a few retro looks in recent years, and one can hope the team could bring these “sweet baby blue” back for a few Sunday games sometime in the future. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter  and his YouTube channel . Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Lloyd Rothwell, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Qudos Bank Arena Edwin Flack Ave Sydney Olympic Park NSW 2127 Australia Sydney Kings website Qudos Bank Arena website Year Opened: 1999 Capacity: 18,200 We Are All Kings The National Basketball League (NBL) is experiencing a welcome renaissance, and the Sydney Kings are emblematic of the resurgence of interest in Australia’s domestic competition. The club dates back to 1987, having formed as a result of two foundation teams; Westars and Supersonics. Based out of the Sydney Entertainment Centre in the inner-city, the Kings were chronic underachievers until finally experiencing sustained success in the early 2000’s. Despite this, the Kings had their license revoked after the owner was unable to pay player salaries following a bad sponsorship deal. The iconic franchise was eventually relaunched for the 2010-11 season. Following the demolition of the Sydney Entertainment Centre at Darling Harbour, the club moved west to Olympic Park and now call Qudos Bank Arena home. Qudos Bank Arena was constructed to serve as the main indoor arena for the Sydney 2000 Summer Olympics. Originally known as the Sydney Superdome, the venue adopted its current corporate moniker in 2016. With a capacity of 18,200, Qudos is the largest venue in Australia by capacity. During the Olympics the basketball and gymnastic events were held at the Dome but since then it has hosted many concerts, conferences and sporting events including basketball, netball, ice hockey, and tennis. Given its size, the Dome was the site of the largest ever netball crowd in the world during the Netball World Cup in 2015. The arena is operated by AEG Ogden, who also own a majority stake in the Kings. In 2019 a new all-time NBL record crowd was set when 17,513 fans attended a Kings vs Illawarra Hawks game at Qudos. Food & Beverage 3 The selection of food items available for purchase is relatively confined to the basics. Staple items include various hot dogs (American, Loaded, Jalapeno), fries (plain or loaded) and chicken nuggets. Wraps and salads are also on the menu. Expect to pay around $13-$14 for any of these selections, although note that Kings members receive discounts of up to $1 off the headline rate. Soft drinks, bottled water, and energy drinks cost up to $6 per item. At the bar there are a small selection of beers, wines, and pre-mixed spirits for sale for up to $13 per drink (with Kings members receiving a discount of up to $1.50 per drink). Atmosphere 4 There’s no doubt that the move west to Olympic Park, along with new ownership, has breathed new life into the franchise. Similarly, the game-day experience is much improved and continues to draw ever-increasing crowds to Qudos Bank Arena. The reputation of the league is constantly improving, with the recruitment of Andrew Bogut to the Kings effectively creating a snowball effect, as the NBL now looms large as a realistic alternative for North American based players who wish to turn pro rather than head into the college system. Despite being 20 years old, the arena still presents exceptionally well. Upon arrival, there is a small activation precinct located in front of the building. There is a relatively quick security check outside the venue itself before you enter the large open foyer, which is adorned with large Kings banners, and also features a well-stocked merchandise stand. Also, be sure to take the opportunity to have your photo taken sitting in the large replica throne – a nice touch. Indeed for a venue that is used for numerous different events, the Kings do an excellent job of customising it for their fans. The majority of spectators will then need to take the escalator or stairs to access their seats. Once upstairs, the walkways are wide and easily accommodate the crowd. Each bay is well-marked, making the entry hassle-free. Once inside, several features stand out. Firstly, the video screen is huge. Indeed it is reportedly the largest indoor screen in the Southern Hemisphere. This is a welcome addition as many Australian venues are only just now starting to realize the value a large screen can make to the fan experience. Hanging from the rafters above this are the Kings championship and club legends banners. The pre-game introductions are impressive; the “lights out” announcement is a great way to engage the crowd, who respond by holding their mobile phones in the air. During the game, the announcer and musical interludes are well done and add to the experience. Additionally, there are cheerleaders and a mascot. Ushers are stationed at most entrances to the seating area, and are generally friendly and helpful. Neighborhood 4 Prior to being developed as a central hub of sporting venues for the 2000 Olympics, the area that is now Sydney Olympic Park consisted of a mix of polluted former industrial land, and mangrove swamps. Following the Olympics, there has been a significant amount of on-going development to turn the precinct into a thriving live-work-play mini-city. Population within Sydney Olympic Park is expected to reach more than 30,000 in the next 20 years. The Sydney Olympic Park precinct is a modern area consisting of major sporting and recreation venues, hotels, restaurants and bars. There are often multiple events occurring in the precinct on the same day, many of which are community-based. Visitors to the area should almost always have several options for pre or post-match entertainment. The Novotel Sydney Olympic Park has launched The Kings Bar for the 2019/20 season, which the club promotes as its preferred destination for basketball fans. The Accor group also have Pullman and Ibis hotels nearby. There are numerous casual dining options within a short walk of the arena, with Ribs & Rumps always a popular choice. It’s also worth checking the schedules of other summer sports based at Olympic Park to consider double-header opportunities or a sporting weekend at Homebush; specifically, Sydney Thunder BBL cricket at ANZ Stadium. Fans 4 As mentioned, the move west has been a successful one and fan numbers have continued to trend upwards. Average crowd numbers are around 9,000 per game, which is very respectable for the NBL in an over-saturated Sydney sports marketplace. Expect big crowds for the local derby with the Illawarra Hawks , and modern day rivals Melbourne United. Much of the crowd is decked out in Kings purple and yellow, and is loud. There are a number of cheers initiated by the announcer and the crowd responds to all of them, as well as generally remaining vocal and focused on the game at all times. “Go Kings, Go” is a familiar refrain throughout the game. The atmosphere is infectious and you can’t help but be impressed. The Kings have focused on entertainment and their fans obviously agree with what they’re seeing. Access 4 While there are plenty of options to choose from when travelling to Sydney Olympic Park, public transportation is usually the best option. The train station is approximately 600m walk from the arena, and should suit most fans. If you do choose to drive, note that the traffic in surrounding areas can be poor, particularly if there are several events on at the same time – it may take you 30 minutes or more to travel the last kilometer or two. Additionally, parking is expensive. Expect to pay $25 to use one of the parking stations for the duration. P1 is the closest to Qudos Bank Arena and is easily accessed if you are approaching from the west. P2 is a little further away, but still a feasible option if you are driving in from the north. Qudos is well suited to crowds and the concourses are generally wide and easy to negotiate. There are bag searches and security to pass through upon entry but that is fairly common at most venues these days. Bathrooms are clean, plentiful, and remain in good condition. Return on Investment 4 With the tickets for a family of four starting at $40 (Bronze Level), getting into the game itself is not obviously expensive. However, there are several different price points depending on the experience you’re looking for, with the best seats in the house selling for $85 for an adult. Add in parking and food mean it won’t necessarily be a cheap day out, but the fan experience and quality production the Kings are putting on make it worth your cash. Extras 4 It’s the little things that make the difference, and the Kings have delivered. The timing just seems right for the club at the moment; they are rightfully proclaiming a new era yet also are drawing on their impressive history. The pre-game ritual is exciting and the continual entertainment makes the game fly by. Final Thoughts With domestic basketball once again on the rise in Australia, now is a great time to make your acquaintance with the Sydney Kings and Qudos Bank Arena.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Toscano Family Ice Forum 523 Jim Calhoun Way Storrs, CT 06268 UConn Huskies men's hockey website Toscano Family Ice Forum website Year Opened : 2023 Capacity : 2,691 Bringing the Huskies Home   The University of Connecticut ice hockey program started play in 1960. At the time, the team competed at the Division III level, playing at an outdoor rink adjacent to Memorial Stadium. The Huskies played outdoors until the construction of the Mark Edward Freitas Ice Forum  in 1998.   The opening of the Freitas Forum coincided with the squad’s move to Division I. After spending a few seasons in the MAAC/Atlantic Hockey Association, the Huskies moved to the more prestigious Hockey East Conference in 2014. The team also began playing a portion of their schedule at the XL Center  in Hartford. Eventually, the Huskies played their entire home schedule off campus, as the Freitas Forum did not meet NCAA or Hockey East standards. A study done by the university concluded that it cost the school $20,000 to hold a game in Hartford.   Wanting to move back to campus, the university began construction of a new $48 million hockey facility in the school’s athletic district. Named in honor of UConn Board of Trustees Chairman Dan Toscano (’87) and his family in recognition of a donation to the school, the first game at the Toscano Family Ice Forum was played on January 14, 2023. Included in the new rink are team offices, lounges, training areas, and strength and conditioning facilities. The rink is also made available for public skating sessions.   At the current time, the plan is to split UConn’s schedule between Toscano Forum and the XL Center. The Huskies have yet to qualify for the NCAA postseason tournament. Five UConn alumni have played in the National Hockey League.   Food & Beverage 3    In many new sporting venues, the concessions experience is a big focus. Unfortunately, it doesn’t seem to be the case at Toscano Forum.   There are small concession stands in each corner of the venue. Each stand contains a slightly different menu, so you may need to wander around to find what you need. There’s not a whole lot offered at these stands, with hot dogs, pizza slices, and assorted snacks comprising the menu.   What saves Toscano from a sub-par score is the presence of Bear’s Barbeque in the southeast corner of the arena. Fans can choose from their popular pulled pork and brisket, served in a sandwich with chips or over mac and cheese.   Bottles of Coca-Cola products are sold at the Toscano Forum. Among the many different beers served at Toscano are two beers brewed especially for UConn athletics, Husky Hops IPA from Kinsmen Brewing and TwoConn Easy Ale from Two Roads Brewing. Fans looking for wine or mixed drinks will be able to find choices at UConn hockey games.   Atmosphere 5   When designing the Toscano Family Ice Forum, the university made a conscious decision to keep the venue small so that it would be filled to near capacity most nights, maximizing the noise and energy during games. After attending a UConn game, it is clear that leadership’s vision has paid off.   Stadium Journey attended a game during the semester break, so there was a very sparse turnout from the student body. This had a minimal effect on the crowd and atmosphere, as the empty student sections were filled up by fans who otherwise might have been shut out from attending a game. The band was in attendance, filling the rink with music during play stoppages and continuing student section traditions, such as turning their backs on the opponents during play stoppages and taunting the visiting goalie whenever the opportunity arose.   The UConn staff put on a professional-level show, with a high-quality video board anchoring the presentation with hype videos, replays, crowd shots, and more. The PA announcer adds energy to the proceedings and an excellent sound system fills the venue with noise during play stoppages along with the band. Since the venue is filled primarily with season ticket holders, the fans in attendance are knowledgeable and enthusiastic.   Neighborhood 3   The University of Connecticut is located in the village of Storrs, which is incorporated within the town of Mansfield. It’s a short drive from Toscano Forum to downtown Storrs. With just over 15,000 residents, Storrs’ population pales in comparison to UConn’s total enrollment of almost 33,000 students. It’s no surprise that the 4,000-acre UConn campus dominates this small town. Visitors to Storrs can still find some solid dining options in town.   Downton Storrs is located right across the street from the main entrance to UConn. While the downtown area has some good choices for dining, the must-see for any visiting fans is the UConn Dairy Bar. The Dairy Bar, operated entirely by students, has been in operation since 1953. All products are made fresh on-site. While enjoying your ice cream you can see the cows grazing in the adjacent fields.   Since there aren’t a ton of options for lodging near UConn, many fans coming to the area will move on to Hartford, located about a 30-minute drive to the west, or the twin casinos of Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun, located about 45 minutes to the southeast.     Fans 5   The response to the Huskies moving back to campus has been overwhelming. Tickets have been grabbed up almost as quickly as they have been made available, and Toscano Forum is packed night in and night out with rabid Husky fans. Stadium Journey attended a game during the 2023 semester break without much of a turnout from the student body, and the arena was still nearly filled.   Connecticut has never been thought of as a traditional hockey market, overshadowed by New York on one side and Boston on the other. However local hockey fans are as knowledgeable and passionate as any of their neighbors, and they make Toscano Forum an intimidating place for visiting teams.   Access 3   The University of Connecticut is located in rural Storrs, a small village located about a half-hour drive east of Hartford. Storrs is not directly served by any highways, so fans visiting Toscano Forum will have to navigate some country roads to reach campus. Interstate 84 runs about seven miles north of UConn.   Toscano Family Ice Forum is located on the southwest edge of campus alongside UConn’s other athletic venues, including Gampel Pavilion , Elliot Ballpark , Marrone Stadium, and Freitas Ice Forum . Fans who have not been on campus in a while may be quite surprised by the changes in the area, as the baseball, softball, soccer, lacrosse, and hockey teams all have received new venues in recent years.   Fans visiting Toscano Forum will enter the north side of the venue into a small lobby, climbing a flight of stairs to reach the 360-degree concourse, which runs atop the seating bowl. The standing room and bar rail seating are located at this level.  The seating bowl is steeply pitched, ensuring great sight lines from all seats in this cozy arena.   Restrooms are located on the east side of the facility and are large enough to accommodate even a sellout crowd. Lines are minimal at concession stands but can still form during intermission.   Return on Investment 2   The ticketing system for UConn hockey games at Toscano Forum is unique. Since the venue is very small, the first choice for seating goes to season ticket holders, with a portion of the seating reserved for students, visiting teams, families, etc. As you might imagine, this doesn’t leave very many tickets left over. Those tickets that remain are snapped up quickly when they go on sale to the public.   Most fans must then scour the secondary market for UConn hockey tickets. A recent scan of ticketing websites show that they start at around $45, increasing markedly from there. Add in concessions that are priced a bit on the high side, and attending a UConn game can become an expensive proposition.   Parking in the lots directly adjacent to Toscano Forum is reserved for season ticket holders. Fans attending UConn hockey games who do not hold parking passes must park at the South Garage, about a half-mile walk from the front door of the arena. This can be a tough walk on a cold winter night, and fans pay $15 for the privilege. Extras 4   A great tradition at UConn hockey games is the playing of Brass Bonanza, the old Hartford Whalers goal song, after Husky goals.   Every self-respecting arena needs to have a signature selfie spot for that perfect Instagram post. Toscano Forum has a fire pit in the entry plaza and a giant goalie helmet on the concourse. Both have proven to be very popular locations.   There’s a display on the south wall of the arena that outlines some of the history of the UConn hockey program. Photos of every player on both the men’s and women’s teams are posted on the east wall of the facility.   Final Thoughts   When planning a new venue, size matters. Do you want a small venue that is guaranteed to be filled with rowdy fans, or a large facility that will be mostly empty most nights, but which will come in handy for a few dates each season? The University of Connecticut opted for the former. They could have built bigger, but would it have dampened this excellent facility?   Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter  and Instagram  @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Morrell Gymnasium 6 Polar Loop Brunswick, ME 04011 Bowdoin Polar Bears website Morrell Gymnasium Year Opened: 1965 Capacity: 1,500 Polar Bear Basketball   Bowdoin College was the first university chartered in Maine. Founded in 1794, it actually predates the state, beginning its existence when Maine was still a part of Massachusetts. Today the school boasts an enrollment of 1,850 students who study in 35 majors and 40 minors. Considered a “most selective” university and a “Hidden Ivy”, Bowdoin boasts many notable alumni, including Franklin Pierce, Nathaniel Hawthorne, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, Joan Benoit Samuelsson and Robert Peary. The school’s athletic teams are named the “Polar Bears” in honor of Peary’s explorations of the North Pole.   Bowdoin athletics have enjoyed a great deal of success over the years, including four national titles in field hockey and another in men’s tennis. Three Olympic gold medalists are Bowdoin alumni. The basketball teams are mainstays in the NCAA tournament, with the men having reached the dance on four occasions and the women on 18 occasions, including finishing as national runners-up in 2004, 2018 and 2019.   Morrell Gymnasium is named for Mal Morrell, class of 1923, who served as Bowdoin’s Athletic Director from 1928-1967. It serves as home to the Polar Bear basketball and volleyball teams. Recent renovations added the Peter Buck Fitness Center, as well as redesigning the entryway, lobby and locker rooms in the facility.   Food & Beverage 2    There is a table in the lobby which provides some basic snacks during Polar Bears games. Hot dogs, chips and candy are sold here, along with cans of Pepsi products. It’s not much, but it will do the trick if you need a snack during the game. Plus, no item costs more than four dollars.   Atmosphere 4   The experience at a Bowdoin basketball game will feel familiar to those who have attended games at this level in the past. It’s not an incredibly loud or extravagant presentation, but you will be entertained while watching a game here. Most impressive is the support the basketball teams receive from the student body. During Stadium Journey’s visit the student section was packed and loud throughout the game. It’s not something you see often at a Division Three game.   There are scoreboards mounted on either end of the gymnasium that display game information. The PA announcer adds some energy to the proceedings without being too intrusive. Music is played during stoppages at a reasonable volume. Part of the charm of watching a game in a small gym like this is that you are close enough to the action that you can hear the squeak of sneakers, coaches barking instructions to the players, and the chatter on the court.   Neighborhood 4   Bowdoin College is the focal point of this small town and is located centrally to many of the points of interest in Brunswick. While there’s no dining or lodging options within immediate walking distance of Morrell Gymnasium, Everything you’ll need in this small town is a short five-minute drive to Maine Street (It’s awesome how they added an “e” to Main Street. Still makes me smile).   For a town of this size, there’s a surprising amount of attractions for visitors. There’s an active arts and entertainment culture here and plenty of Maine charm to experience. The Maine State Music Theater, Peary-MacMillan Arctic Museum and Bowdoin Museum of Art are all located on the Bowdoin campus.   Of course, in this area there is no shortage of breweries. Among the offerings in Brunswick are Brickyard Hollow Brewing, Flight Deck Brewing, Moderation Brewing and Black Pug Brewing. If looking for dining options, locals swear by the Brunswick Diner for a bite to eat, or try some farm-to-table eats at 55 North or some wood-fired pizza at Nomad. Among the many fine boutique hotels in town is the Brunswick Hotel and Tavern, located right near campus. Several chains have locations out by I-295.   Of course, visitors wishing to explore the area beyond Brunswick may venture out to Freeport, home of the L.L. Bean Outlet Store, or to Portland, a city with endless dining and cultural options. Portland’s praises have been sung on this site on numerous occasions.   Fans 3   The basketball teams at Bowdoin enjoy good support from the community. Crowds range in size from 100-300 fans. These numbers are pretty typical of other Division Three schools in the area. Stadium Journey visited Bowdoin for the second round of the NCAA tournament in 2024, with a near-capacity crowd of over 1,200 fans in attendance.   Most impressive amongst the typical “friends and family” you see at a small school basketball game was the presence of a packed student section. Just like the student sections you’ll find at larger schools, the kids filled the upper level of Morrell Gymnasium, standing the whole game and taunting the opposition. The gym was filled with noise from this section throughout the game.   Access 3   Brunswick is a coastal town of over 21,000 residents located about a half hour drive north of Portland. Interstate 295 runs through Brunswick on its way from Portland to Augusta. The Bowdoin campus is located about four miles from the highway, easily accessed by Route 1 and Maine Street (notice what the town did there?). Amtrak’s Nor’easter trains have their terminus here in downtown Brunswick, connecting visitors via rail to Portland, Boston and beyond.   Morrell Gymnasium is located on Bowdoin’s main campus, away from the school’s other athletic facilities. Bowdoin is a large campus with lots of green, open space, but you really wouldn’t know it if you’re a visitor unfamiliar with the campus visiting during a dark, winter night. The signage on campus isn’t great, and you may find yourself wandering around Bowdoin as you search for the gym.   There is a small parking lot behind Morrell Gymnasium, but this fills quickly, forcing visitors to park in a lot on the opposite side of College Street. Again, this lot is hidden behind some buildings without any signage to alert visitors to its presence. It’s about a half mile walk from this lot to the gym, which may be uncomfortable on a frigid Maine winter night. The path from the lot to the gym is paved, but there are no signs directing you. It’s very possible that you’ll be taking an unplanned tour of campus on your way to the game or back to your car.   Once you find the Peter Buck Center, you’ll enter into a bright, attractive lobby where you will see many trophy cases and displays showcasing Bowdoin’s athletic success. Front and center in the lobby is a stuffed Polar Bear, kept fresh inside a glass display case. Two doors on your left will allow you to access the gym. Rest rooms were a bit of a walk from the gym, located in the Smith Union Center next door.   There are two levels of seating in Bowdoin Gymnasium, with a few rows of molded plastic bleachers on the lower level and wooden bleachers on the upper level. All seats have great views of the action in this cozy gym.   Return on Investment 3   As mentioned earlier, Stadium Journey visited Morrell Gymnasium during an NCAA Tournament game, with NCAA mandated ticket prices of $15 for general admission seating. You will undoubtedly be paying less should you be visiting during a regular season game. Like many schools at this level, one admission ticket allows you to see both the men’s and women’s teams play, as long as the schedules line up.   Parking is free in the nearby lots, and the concession prices top out at four dollars for any single item. A night watching the Polar Bears play is a most affordable entertainment option for southern Maine sports fans.   Extras 2   Bowdoin is absolutely a regional athletic powerhouse, and their impressive history is displayed throughout Morrell Gymnasium. Banners honoring tournament appearances by the men’s and women’s basketball teams, as well as the volleyball team, are displayed throughout the gym. Trophy cases and displays in the lobby contain mementos commemorating past Polar Bear victories.   An additional extra point is awarded for the stuffed Polar Bear keeping watch in the Morrell Gymnasium lobby. Final Thoughts   Often touted as one of the premier locations to watch Division Three basketball in the country, Morrell Gymnasium doesn’t disappoint. There’s plenty of Maine charm to go around in Brunswick and nearby Portland. Make a Bowdoin basketball game part of a weekend trip, and you have found yourself a fantastic Stadium Journey well off the beaten path.   Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter  and Instagram  @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Sojka Pavilion 701 Moore Avenue Lewisburg, PA 17837 Bucknell Bison website Sojka Pavilion website Year Opened: 2003 Capacity: 4,000 The Orange Menace of Sojka The Bucknell Bison men’s basketball team has been the most successful in the Patriot League over the past few years. The Bison won at least a share of the regular season title all but one season between 2011 and 2019. They won the conference tournament four times during that period and nearly pulled off a couple of upsets over high seeds in the NCAA Tournament. However, the Bison’s biggest moment in March came in 2005, when as a 14-seed, they shocked national powerhouse Kansas 64-63 in the First Round in a stunning upset. The Bison play their home games at Sojka Pavilion, which opened in January 2003. Sojka (pronounced Soy-ka) is a 4,000-seat arena that is named for former university president Gary Allan Sojka. It is part of the Kenneth Langone Athletics & Recreation Center, which also includes a swimming pool, fitness center, and Davis Gym, the former home of Bison basketball which now hosts the wrestling team. Food & Beverage 3 Sojka Pavilion has two concession stands on the concourse which serves pretty average fare at affordable prices. Options for meals include hot dogs ($3), hamburgers ($4.75, or $5.25 with cheese), veggie burgers ($4.75), and chicken tenders ($6). Buffalo sauce is available at a table next to the concession stand with the other condiments, so you can make your buffalo tenders if you want. Sides include French fries ($3.25), soft pretzels ($2.50), nachos ($3.50), chips ($1), candy ($1.75), and popcorn ($2.50). Cheese can be added to the fries and pretzels for 50 cents extra. Each Bucknell venue has its signature item, and Sojka is no exception. The Bison basket costs $6.75 and contains beer-battered French fries, bacon, scallions, ranch dressing, and hot sauce. Drinks include Powerade and bottled water for $2.25, coffee, tea, and hot chocolate for $2, and soda for $2.75-$3.25. Combos are also available to add to the already excellent value. Atmosphere 5 When you enter the arena, you will be in the lower lobby of the Langone Center. Depending on which entrance you use, you may have to head down a hallway to get to the lower lobby of Sojka itself. From there, you have to walk or take an elevator up to the concourse. All seats in Sojka Pavilion are chairbacks except for a few bleachers behind the baskets. Several scoreboards are scattered throughout the arena and each one is somewhat different. There is a center-hung scoreboard that also shows timeouts and team fouls and a smaller scoreboard in one corner which shows more basic information. There are also video boards in two corners that show player stats and rotating team stats, but oddly enough, not the score, plus another player stats board behind one basket. Bucknell has contests and promotions during almost every timeout, but the real atmosphere attraction here is the pep band. They play before and throughout the game and are among the very best at this level. Although they may be small in number, they are certainly mighty. The Bison also have cheerleaders and a costumed bison mascot named Bucky. Neighborhood 3 Lewisburg, Pennsylvania may be in the middle of nowhere, but that does not mean there is nothing to do here. Your best bet heading out of the arena is to head north into town on Route 15. Reba & Pancho’s on West Market Street is a local favorite, as is the 7th Street Café, which is exactly where you’d expect it to be. There are also more options just across the Susquehanna River in Milton. Fans 4 Bison fans show up in good numbers for their team, wear orange, and make noise. Although the team doesn’t always sell out the arena, they often come close. Fans are loud, passionate, and knowledgeable, and cheer their team throughout the game. That being said, they’re not afraid to get on their case when the team is doing poorly. As the Bison have been successful for many years, they have gained a larger and larger following among the locals. Access 1 The one major downside of Sojka Pavilion is access. Just getting to campus in the first place is a challenge, as it is far removed from the nearest major cities. Harrisburg is the nearest city of any decent size and is over an hour away. Scranton is two hours, and Philadelphia is two and a half. Unless you’re a local, you’re going to have to drive quite a way. Once you finally make it to campus, parking is a challenge. No signs or directions are telling you where to park, and while there are a few spaces close to the arena, most likely you’re going to have to park in a more distant lot. There are shuttles available, but unless one is ready and waiting, there’s no indication of that. The challenges don’t end there. The Langone Center has numerous entrances and it’s not readily apparent which one to use. Making matters worse, some of the entrances can be locked while others aren’t, meaning fans may have to walk around the building to find an open door. Depending on where you managed to make it, you might have to walk through the building to get to the lobby after you get in. One entrance is signed as the Event Entrance, but the sign isn’t visible until you get close, the door is sometimes locked, and other entrances will also put you directly in the Sojka lobby, assuming they’re open. It should not be nearly this complicated and confusing to make it to a basketball game, and while Bucknell can’t do anything about its remote location, the rest of the issues need to be fixed. Return on Investment 4 Tickets to a Bison basketball game are $15 for adults, $8 for children under 18, and $10 for seniors. Although this is on the high end for the Patriot League, this is also one of the nicest venues in the conference. Throw in the affordable concessions and free, if confusing parking and there is good value here. Extras 5 There are many extras here at Sojka Pavilion. The rafters are almost filled with banners honoring the Bison’s athletic success. There are murals and retired numbers displayed on the concourse. The breezeway to the lower lobby has a display honoring Bucknell's athletic greats of years past. One final star here for the outstanding pep band. Final Thoughts Sojka Pavilion is one of the top basketball venues in the Patriot League. Whether it’s the fans packing the building, the fantastic pep band, or all the displays honoring Bucknell athletics, this is an experience not to be missed for basketball fans in Pennsylvania. Unfortunately, getting to the arena can be a huge challenge for many reasons, some within the school’s control, some not, but once you’re here, you won’t regret it.

Photos by Steven Burke, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 CEFCU Arena 702 W College Ave Normal, IL 61761 Illinois State Redbirds website CEFCU Arena website Year Opened: 1989 Capacity: 10,200 Where the Redbirds Fly The Missouri Valley Conference is synonymous with college basketball, and while not one of the more well-known programs in the venerable conference, the Illinois State Redbirds provide a great game experience in central Illinois. Opened in 1989, Redbird Arena is a 10,200-seat facility on the campus of Illinois State University in Normal, IL. Redbird Arena is also home to the ISU women’s basketball team as well as the women’s volleyball team. Note: In Nov 2022, the arena name changed from Redbird Arena to CEFCU Arena as part of a naming rights and sponsor agreement with the credit union. Food & Beverage 3 Redbird Arena has the usual items in reference to food and beverages. The concourse is lined with permanent concessions stands all featuring the same basic items such as hot dogs, pizza, pretzels, polish sausages, candy, and soft drinks. Prices range from $3-$4 for entrees, $2-$4 for candy and snacks, and $3-$5 for beverages. The inside of the concourse has several free-standing specialty options. A Mexican inspired stand serves nachos and walking tacos ranging $5-$7, the Papa John’s stand serves individual pizzas all costing $7 with choices of cheese, sausage, and pepperoni. All of the permanent concession stands on the concourse accept cash or credit cards, while all the specialty stands only accept cash so plan accordingly. Atmosphere 4 The atmosphere at Redbird Arena has improved in recent seasons as one of the great players in Redbird history, Dan Muller, has returned as head coach and reinvigorated the fan base. A renewed interest from fans along with aesthetic upgrades has kept Redbird Arena competitive with other mid-major venues. The die-hard basketball fans are rewarded with an upgraded video scoreboard above center-court along with new ribbon boards spanning the upper deck facade along both baselines. The ribbon boards track individual player stats while the center-court scoreboard keeps track of the points, game clock, and team statistics. For families attending games, a variety of contests during team and media timeouts keep the crowd excited and involved. Overall Illinois State does a great job creating an atmosphere that is welcoming to all in a town where the Redbirds are the highest level of entertainment. Neighborhood 3 Redbird Arena is located on College Street in an area of campus that houses many of the ISU athletic facilities, providing a real sense of being on a college campus. As for the neighborhood, it mostly consists of a mixture of university buildings. However, in the Bloomington-Normal area, you are never far from retail or food and beverage options. Many chain options are available in the immediate area and you will drive past most of them on your way into town. A few popular destinations in the area that aren’t of the chain variety include Avanti’s, Schooners, and Destihl Restaurant & Brew Works. Avanti’s is an Italian restaurant, while Schooners is a sports bar. Schooners is famous for itdeep-frieded pork tenderloin sandwich, which is so large that they ask you how many buns you would like with it. Destihl has become fairly well known in Illinois in recent years for their beers including their wild sour series. Fans 4 The student section at Redbird games is pretty lively, many students are dressed in crazy costumes and carrying giant cutout heads of the players and coaches that have become so popular in recent years in college basketball. The student section is located behind one of the baselines as is customary in many college basketball settings and they do their part to rattle the visiting team. The students create an intense raucous atmosphere, and are into the action on the court the entire game. The students are located right next to the pep band and the two seem to do a good job feeding off of each other to create a great college basketball environment. The Redbirds also seem to have a dedicated group of fans from the community. Some are no doubt alumni, but others are just fans of the game. In this area of central Illinois entertainment choices can be limited and that appears to work to the benefit of Redbird basketball as they are the main show in town. Access 4 Parking in the vicinity of Redbird Arena is plentiful and affordable with some lots even being free. While you may have to walk a few blocks from one of the free lots, you can’t beat the price. The school does offer free parking with shuttle service from lots near the ISU golf course as well. While leaving the area around Redbird Arena is generally quick and easy, larger crowds can create a small traffic jam while leaving. Remain patient however as attendants do a good job of directing traffic while vehicles are leaving. Return on Investment 5 The Redbirds host some high quality opponents in the Missouri Valley Conference and offer a great return on investment. Lower level tickets range from $22-$25 depending on the opponent and all lower level seats provide an excellent view of the action. Upper level tickets range from $9-$14 for adults and $6-$9 for children under the age of 12. While all of the seats in the upper level have a great view of the court there are some issues with viewing the new ribbon boards. If you are an intense follower of the action on the court and keep an eye on individual player statistics such as points and fouls be aware when choosing a seat in the upper level. The new video board above center court obscures your view of the ribbon board if you are seated behind either baseline. If seeing these statistics are important to your enjoyment of the game look for a ticket in the lower bowl or on the sides of the upper bowl. Extras 3 An extra point for the school and their understanding of the community involvement in athletics. Recently the school worked out a deal with Heartland Community College, allowing Heartland students to attend Redbird basketball games at a discounted ticket price. Heartland, which doesn’t have a basketball program, has many students from the local area that grew up Redbird fans and this agreement allows them to enjoy the games at an affordable cost. The agreement also allows the Redbirds to sell more tickets and connect with the community so it is truly a win-win situation. Another extra point for the school keeping their connection with former #1 draft pick and the greatest player in program history, Doug Collins. The Redbirds play on Doug Collins Court and there is a statue outside Redbird Arena featuring Collins and his coach, Will Robinson. All programs need to know and celebrate their history while looking to the future. One last extra point for the unique Teflon roof of Redbird Arena, it provides unique lighting for games and also separates the interior of the building from some other sterile arena interiors.

Photos by Ben Alkaly Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Great Southern Bank Arena 685 S John Q. Hammons Pkwy Springfield, MO 65897 Missouri State Bears website Great Southern Bank Arena website Year Opened: 2008 Capacity: 11,000 Big-Time Arena in a Small City Springfield, MO, serves as the gateway to the scenic Ozarks of southwest Missouri and northern Arkansas. Still, there are a few reasons to stop in town instead of just passing through on the way to natural wonders … One of them being college basketball in a pro-style venue.  The Missouri State Bears of the Missouri Valley Conference (moving to Conference USA in mid-2025 as the school steps up to FBS status) ply their trade in Great Southern Bank Arena, an 11,000-seat gem opened in 2008 in the northwest corner of campus. True to Springfield’s roots straddling the Midwest and South, in 2024 the venue also became home to the Missouri Thunder of the Pro Bull Riders Team Series. The venue also hosts a robust concert calendar. Make no mistake, however, college hoops are king – and queen – in these parts. Most of the Bears’ success in men’s basketball came when the program was named Southwest Missouri State before a 2005 rebranding. The Bears were four-time NCAA tournament runners-up at the Division 2 level (1959, 1967, 1969, and 1974), and have been to the Big Dance six times since moving up to D1, the last being a magical run to the Sweet 16 as a No. 12 seed in 1999. Winston Garland is the most accomplished Mizzou State pro, enjoying a nine-year NBA career after being drafted in the second round in 1987. His is one of five men’s hoops jerseys hanging in the rafters. However, the name most synonymous with Missouri State Basketball is Jackie Stiles, who scored a then-NCAA women’s basketball record 3,393 career points from 1997 to 2001, which stood for 16 years. Stiles led the Lady Bears to the 2001 Final Four and won the Wade Trophy as the nation’s top player before becoming the WNBA’s Rookie of the Year in 2002. The Missouri State also reached the 1991 Final Four. Display Honoring the Missouri State Bears Women's Basketball, Photo by Ben Alkaly, Stadium Journey Until 2022, the home of the Bears and Lady Bears was named for the late John Q. Hammond, who among many gifts to his alma mater donated $30 million for the venue’s construction. Great Southern Bank secured naming rights for $5.5M. Food & Beverage 4 This is one arena where you won’t go hungry, or be uninspired by the food options. Several concession stands offer the standards – burgers, hot dogs, chicken sandwiches and tenders, fries, nachos, popcorn, etc. – with entrees a bit on the pricy side ($13- $15). Then there are specialty stations; Pizza Ranch, a local chain, does whole pizzas for $35 and slices for $7. On the opposite side of the arena, the Cantina has three tacos for $14, premium nachos for $13, and a rather rare menu item for college hoops, elote (corn smothered in cream, lime juice, and cheese). To satisfy your sweet tooth, there’s an outpost of the local frozen yogurt chain Orange Leaf. For some reason, beers are one dollar cheaper ($9) at Pizza Ranch than other outlets, but all options are identical: Miller, Coors, Bud Light, Budweiser Ultra, Yuengling, plus White Claw for the seltzer fans. There’s a selection of Bacardi and Cutwater canned cocktails for $12 (the mai tai packs a punch!), however, it was explained to me that the full bar only opens for concerts. Wine is $8 a glass, while fountain drinks run $6 and bottled water $5.  For somebody like me who is often struck by menu paralysis, I suggest doing a lap around the concourse to see what strikes your fancy. Atmosphere 4 That trademark Southern (Midwest) hospitality revealed itself the second I stepped inside Great Southern Bank Arena. With my visit falling during the holiday season, cheerleaders in Santa hats were handing out festive Missouri State-branded mugs, with free game programs strewn about the table. Missouri State Bears Guest Services, Photo by Ben Alkaly, Stadium Journey Walking from concourse to seats is when one realizes this ain’t your average mid-major college basketball arena. Separating the lower and upper chairback seating sections ringing the court are 22 private suites. Adding to the big-time feel of Great Southern Bank Arena is the PRIME Overtime Club, included with all higher-priced season ticket packages or to all-season ticket holders for an additional $100 membership. This 4,500-square-foot social space just off the concourse, with views of the court, offers elevated food and drink and is where the Bears coaches’ shows are recorded. The concourse is also home to the Missouri State Athletics Hall of Fame, with museum-caliber displays of great Bear athletes and teams. If that doesn’t get your school spirit flowing, a large team shop is located just to the right of the main entrance. Large TV monitors throughout ensure fans don’t miss any of the court action while shopping. Neighborhood 3 Located amid campus buildings and student apartment complexes, there’s not much near Great Southern Bank Arena to hold one’s pregame interest. Thankfully, downtown Springfield’s bars, eateries, and shopping options are just a mile away, making for a short drive or invigorating walk if the weather is cooperating. Nonna’s  is a delicious, traditional Italian trattoria, while a former Springfield resident recommended Black Sheep Burgers  as well as Café Cusco  for Peruvian food on the north side of town. South of campus, along E. Sunshine St., one will find every fast food establishment imaginable. At the corner of Sunshine and Campbell is the Holy Grail for outdoors enthusiasts … The original Bass Pro Shops is an attraction even for those who prefer creature comforts. When in town, sports fans may be able to catch an early season Missouri State baseball game at Hammons Field , just a half mile away. Fans 2 While there is a dedicated courtside student section in sections F through I behind the basket, it was not discernable from the rest of the crowd during the late-December holiday break. The Bears can use all the support they can get, as performances in recent years have seen Great Northern Bank crowds dwindle to a fraction of capacity. With a reversal of fortunes and an engaged student body, the arena is a sleeping giant ready to rock again. Game production is polished but not over-the-top. The lights dim for player intros, cheerleaders and the dance team work to keep the energy high at timeouts, but some of the more modern elements like an in-arena DJ are missing. The four-sided square scoreboard and video board also feel a bit past its prime. Access 4 A Bear statue and glass-strewn atrium welcome guests to Great Southern Bank Arena. The metal detectors were visible (but not set up) during my visit, and fans are limited to one bag sized no bigger than 11x8.5”. General public parking can be found in Bear-Park North at 725 E Cherry St, a four-story structure with 1,241 spaces about a five-minute walk from the arena. Prices vary. Springfield is a remarkably easy city to navigate, as streets generally follow a grid pattern and are hemmed in by four highways. The Springfield-Branson National Airport (SGF) is located in the northwest corner of town, with non-stops to major hubs throughout the Midwest and South, and flights as far afield as Los Angeles. Return on Investment 3 Ticket prices at Great Southern Bank Arena range from $10 in the upper deck and behind the basket, to seats priced at either $26 or $40 along the sidelines. There may be family packs or other promotions available. Ticket prices are in line with a facility of this stature, while concession prices are on the high side given the Heartland location. During these inflationary times, lowering the cost of food and drink may entice more families to the arena. Extras 2 Attached to the aforementioned Bass Pro Shops is Johnny Morris’ Wonders Of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium.  Opened in 2017 and named for Bass Pro’s founder, it has routinely been voted America’s top aquarium. About 45 minutes south of Springfield in the heart of the Ozarks is Branson known for its theme parks and concert halls that attract top country music acts. Final Thoughts With just over 170,000 residents, Springfield straddles the line between a small city and a big town. However, if you were to close your eyes upon entering city limits and open them only after entering Great Southern Bank Arena, you’d think you were in a major metropolis. Here’s hoping to high-caliber Bear (and Lady Bear) hoops shortly, drawing crowds that are befitting of this stellar venue.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info Harrington Auditorium 100 Institute Rd. Worcester, MA 01609 WPI Engineers basketball website Harrington Auditorium website Year Opened: 1968 Capacity: 2,800 Home of the Engineers Founded in 1865, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, or WPI for short, was one of the nation’s first engineering and technology universities. With an enrollment of approximately 6,200 students, the school offers 50 graduate and undergraduate programs. It frequently ranks in many “Top 100” lists of universities in the United States. WPI’s athletic teams are known as the Engineers and compete in Division Three as members of the New England Women’s and Men’s Athletic Conference (NEWMAC). The school has sponsored a varsity basketball program regularly since 1918. The Engineers have qualified for 11 NCAA Division Three Tournaments, reaching the Sweet Sixteen in 2005. An interesting footnote to WPI basketball history is that the school was the opponent for Bobby Knight’s first coaching victory in 1965. Built in 1968, Harrington Auditorium serves as home to WPI’s men’s and women’s basketball and volleyball teams. It is named for Charles A. Harrington, class of 1895 and Frank C. Harrington, class of 1898. The brothers were instrumental in getting the varsity athletic program started at the school and were responsible for the construction of many of the facilities built in the early 20th century. Harrington Auditorium has served as the home to the MIAA Central Massachusetts Boys and Girls Basketball Championships for decades. Renovations completed in 2015 installed a new floor, bleachers, scoreboard and remodeled the locker rooms. Additional renovations completed in 2019 updated the lobby and added the Athletic Hall of Fame. Food & Beverage 0 There are no concessions available at Harrington Auditorium. Fans are welcome to bring their own snacks in to the game. Atmosphere 2 The game day atmosphere at an Engineer game is typical of other small schools in New England. The small size of the arena lets fans hear the squeak of sneakers on the court and the coaches shouting instructions to their players. Game announcements are made over a sub-par public address system and can be difficult to understand, even in a facility as small as this. There are no cheerleaders or pep band here, and music plays only sporadically during play stoppages. Much of the noise during Engineer games comes from the fans themselves, who often have a personal connection with the players on the court. There are scoreboards on either end of the gym, which display basic game stats and little more. The new video board on the far end of the facility is difficult to see from the seating area, as it’s blocked by basket supports. Neighborhood 4 WPI is located in the residential Highlands neighborhood of Worcester, about a mile from downtown. It’s a walkable area filled with great local restaurants, shops and green spaces. The city of Worcester has traditionally suffered from a poor reputation but has made great strides in recent years and has many strengths. Visiting fans may be surprised to learn that Worcester is the second largest city in all of New England. Fans will find plenty to do in the immediate area of WPI. Fans looking for places to eat near WPI should head to The Boynton, which offers large portions of American fare, or Sole Proprietor for some excellent seafood. Visitors to Worcester may head to Shrewsbury Street, home of the city’s legendary “Restaurant Row,” where over 40 of the city’s best eateries are jammed into a 1.5 mile stretch. The downtown area also has a great many choices for lodging and dining. Fans looking for sporting options in Worcester can head downtown, where the Worcester Railers of the ECHL play at the DCU Center . Starting in 2021 the Worcester Red Sox will begin play at their new $101 million home, Polar Park. Despite being the home of many colleges, Worcester’s only Division One school is Holy Cross. Fans can head across town to catch the Crusaders play basketball and hockey at Hart Recreation Center, or football and baseball at Fitton Field. Fans 3 WPI averages around 400 fans per game at Harrington Auditorium, with crowds ranging anywhere from 200-500 fans. The crowd consists of a good mix of locals, families and students. While the crowd is generally laid-back, it’s not unusual to hear some noise when the Engineers get on a roll. Since the WPI schedule consists of many nearby teams, it’s not unusual to see a contingent of visiting fans at Harrington Auditorium. Access 3 The WPI campus is located in the residential Highland neighborhood of Worcester, less than a mile from downtown. It is easily accessed from Interstate 290. Highland Auditorium is located on the eastern edge of the WPI campus, adjacent to the school’s other athletic facilities. The entrance to the auditorium is on the main quadrangle of this attractive campus. Parking is available behind the auditorium in the Park Street Garage. Fans will enter a large lobby, which contains the WPI Athletic Hall of Fame display, and enter the gym area on the second floor. A walkway encircles the gym, offering standing room for fans wishing to take in the action from a different perspective. All seating at Harrington Auditorium is on one side of the facility. The seating area is separated into two levels, bisected by the walkway. Seats in the lower level consist of molded plastic bleachers, with seats in the upper level consisting of individual stadium seats. Be aware that if sitting in the upper sections your view may be obstructed by pedestrian traffic and safety railings. It is recommended to avoid the first few rows. Restrooms are located on the far side of the gym, and are new, clean and more than adequate for a typical Engineer crowd. Return on Investment 4 Admission to an Engineers game costs just five dollars. Children are admitted at no charge. Free roster sheets are available for all fans. With free parking available in the Park Street Garage adjacent to the facility, a basketball game at WPI is a most affordable entertainment option. Extras 2 The WPI Athletic Hall of Fame is located in the lobby of Harrington Auditorium. Featuring a display of Engineer memorabilia, honorees and important moments in WPI sporting history can be searched through a touchscreen that is part of the display. WPI is one of two colleges in the nation that has a goat for a mascot. Gompei the goat, named for Gompei Kuwada, member of the class of 1893 and the school’s first goatherder, is immortalized in two statues on campus. One, of a charging goat, is located behind Harrington Auditorium. The other statue, The Proud Goat, can often be seen wearing a sweater in the winter. Final Thoughts Harrington Auditorium is typical of many small gyms that dot the northeast. It’s far from the bright lights of big-time college hoops, and that is part of its charm. Schools like WPI offer entertaining basketball at an affordable price in an intimate setting. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Joseph Oakes, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 English Field 200 Duck Pond Dr Blacksburg, VA 24060 Virginia Tech Hokies website English Field at Union Park website Year Opened: 1989 Capacity: 4,000 A Home For The Hokies English Field at Union Park is the home of the Virginia Tech Hokie baseball program, and first opened in 1989. In 2016, a new chapter in Hokie baseball was started as Richmond-based Union Bank & Trust announced it was committing $3.5 million to upgrade the ballpark. In recognition of this generous support English Field was renamed English Field at Union Park. After a complete overhaul of the seating areas, it is now one of the top baseball facilities (and most picturesque) in the conference. The official grand re-opening of English Field at Union Park was April 14, 2018 in front of a regular season attendance record crowd of 3,400. Food & Beverage 4 Renovated English Field at Union Park has nice, modern concession stands with plenty to choose from. Lines move quickly, the staff working the stands are friendly, and they accept credit and debit cards. Several items are offered including BBQ sandwiches ($8), BBQ nachos ($8), turkey wraps ($7), and hot dogs ($4). Other side items available include soft pretzels ($3), nachos ($4), popcorn ($4), and peanuts ($3). Fountain Coke products are offered in two different sizes. English Field also offers a variety of domestic beers, one thing that you don’t see at many college baseball stadiums. Atmosphere 4 English Field at Union Park meshes well with the other campus buildings as it is constructed predominantly with “Hokie Stone.” It is nice to see this renovated park carry the theme of the other buildings on campus. The ballpark layout of an upper concourse with the seating bowl below, and the suites and press areas above give it a modern feel that many of the newer ballparks have. With a relatively small capacity, all seats are close to the field and offer a great view of the action. The main seating bowl is all chair back and runs from dugout to dugout. Extending from the end of the seating bowl down to the foul pole on the third base side is a large terraced area. This area is different from the traditional berms seen at many parks in that it features a series of steps and seating areas constructed with block like walls and grassy sod-type seating areas similar to an outdoor amphitheater. This is a great area for families with children to spread out on blankets and enjoy the game. Down the right field line is a club level above the first base dugout and a social picnic area further down the line. All seating at the new ballpark is general admission, so you are free to sit wherever you choose (or move around, as I like to!). None of the seating areas are covered, but the concourse provides shade and will keep you dry if a shower pops up. A brand new video board was added with the renovations, and only adds to the ballpark experience. Neighborhood 4 Since it is in the middle of campus there is not much to do within walking distance of the ballpark before or after a game. However, Virginia Tech’s campus is gorgeous with the rolling hills, sidewalks, and Hokie stone. If it is your first time on the campus, try to spend some time walking around campus. Be sure to stop by the April 16th memorial dedicated to the victim of the Virginia Tech shooting. If you take a stroll down Main Street Blacksburg, you will find several food options including local eateries as well as chain restaurants such as Mellow Mushroom, Five Guys, and Jimmy Johns. If you like the outdoors, this is the place for you as there are many activities in the surrounding mountain like hiking and canoeing. The Inn at Virginia Tech is a great place to stay if you are in town overnight. There are also several other hotels around Blacksburg and Virginia Tech. Fans 3 Virginia Tech fans are a passionate bunch, and while they consistently sell out Lane Stadium for football, unfortunately the same cannot be said for baseball. While the Hokies have not had much success on the diamond in recent years, the lack of attendance when we attended was disappointing, especially since it was a warm 70 degree day. In fact, Tech’s opponent when we attended, NC State, nearly had as many fans as Virginia Tech did. Hopefully, the newly renovated ballpark will increase fan support and interest in the future. Access 5 Virginia Tech’s campus is easily accessible from I-81, about 10 miles away on US 460. Take the new Southgate Dr. Exit off of US 460 and it will take you right to English Field at Union Park. Free parking is available across Duck Pond Dr. from the ballpark in the Cage Parking Lot. The main gate and ticket office is located near the new archway entrance under the press and suite tower. Be aware that a clear bag policy is in place; though it was not well enforced when we visited. Once inside, the concourse is wide and spacious. The restroom and concession areas are all very clean, and easily accessible on the concourse. Since there is a large upper concourse, the ballpark has several areas for those who are handicapped or require wheel chair assistance. Return on Investment 4 Your return on investment will depend on when you attend a game at English Field at Union Park. Midweek games are free (!), while weekend ACC series are $10. That is still not a bad price for a general admission ticket to let you sit anywhere you choose. Throw in free parking and respectable concession prices, and the cost to attend a Hokie baseball game is right on par with the majority of ACC programs. Extras 3 One point for the terraced seating area down the left field line. This is a great place to watch the game from, and is much better than a traditional berm that is seen at many ballparks. One extra point for the Hokie Stone that is incorporated into the new ballpark. Finally, one more extra point for free admission for non-conference weekday games! Final Thoughts While Virginia Tech is not one of the traditional ACC powers, the newly renovated English Field at Union Park makes the trip to see Hokie baseball a must for the college baseball fan. English Field at Union Park is a truly unique baseball stadium, and even the Yankees have played here. The seating is unique and varied, and the field itself has several unique features. Definitely a top college baseball stadium, and because it is in the ACC you will see some great match-ups here. It’s a must see if you can make it happen.