One of the most controversial ballparks ever can be found in Worcester. Replacing the venerable McCoy Stadium and moving the Triple-A affiliate for the Red Sox out of Rhode Island to go along with the high price tag has the new WooSox facing an uphill battle. Was it worth it? Grab a brew and join Dave and Paul for the latest episode of Stadium Journey's Obstructed Views! ⚾⚾🏟️ You can find Stadium Journey's review of Polar Park and the Worcester Red Sox game day experience here.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 Bowditch Field 475 Union Ave Framingham, MA 01702 Framingham State Rams Football website Bowditch Field website Year Opened: 1930 Capacity: 5,300 Take a Bow, Framingham Bowditch Field was built in the 1930s as a Works Public Administration project. The football stadium is part of a larger complex which also contains a baseball field, tennis courts, basketball courts, track and field facilities, and the city’s Park and Recreation Department offices. It has served as the home field to the Framingham State Rams football team since 1978. Framingham State University began sponsoring football in 1972 as a club team. Two years later the squad was elevated to varsity status. Today the Rams compete in the Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference (MASCAC). Framingham State has won 11 conference titles and qualified for six post-season tournaments in their history. One FSU football alumnus, Joshua Onujiogu, has made it to the National Football League. Framingham State University is a public university located in the Boston suburb of Framingham. With an enrollment of 4,500 students, the school began its existence as a Normal School, a training school for teachers. Today the university offers both undergraduate and graduate degrees in several majors. Food & Beverage 2 There is a small concession stand underneath the home bleachers. Staffed by volunteers from the local Lions Club, hungry Rams fans can pick up a hot dog or some pizza slices. Bottles of Pepsi products are featured along with assorted chips and candy. Alcoholic beverages are not permitted at this community complex. Fans can bring their snacks into Bowditch Field. On chilly Massachusetts fall afternoons, you’ll be sure to see lots of hot Dunkin’ beverages. Atmosphere 2 There’s a very laid-back atmosphere at a Framingham State football game. With the smallish crowds in attendance here, there’s not a ton of noise produced by the fans. Also, the sound system, while adequate, is not very loud. It can be tough to hear game announcements. The public address announcer does her job in a quiet, workmanlike fashion, but doesn’t add much energy to the goings-on. The FSU cheerleading squad is present but isn’t audible unless you are sitting nearby. There’s not much of a turnout by the student body, so most of the energy in the stands comes from the many family members who come out to see the team play. Neighborhood 3 Bowditch Field is located in a residential area in the Boston suburb of Framingham. There may not be much in terms of lodging or dining options near Bowditch Field, but there are plenty of choices nearby throughout the city. Route 9, the main business thoroughfare in the area, runs just to the north of the complex and contains numerous restaurants and hotels for visiting fans. Buckley Kitchen and Bar, Legal Sea Foods, and Samba Steak and Sushi are among the many excellent local choices. For fans looking for a place to stay while in Framingham, Hampton Inn, Residence Inn by Marriot, and Sheraton all are located nearby. Of course, if visiting Framingham from out of town, downtown Boston is just 20 miles away and accessible by the Commuter Rail. Fans 3 The Rams attract decent crowds to Bowditch Field for football games. While there’s not a huge turnout from the student body (Bowditch Field’s location off-campus undoubtedly hurts in this regard), the fans that do show up strongly support the Rams. Many of the fans in attendance have a personal connection with the players and help to create a lively atmosphere. With the compact geographic footprint of the MASCAC, there’s usually a strong turnout from visiting fans as well. Access 3 Framingham is a city of over 72,000 residents located 20 miles west of Boston and 20 miles east of Worcester. The area is easily accessed by car, as Interstates 90, 93, and 95 all run near Bowditch Field. Route 9, the main local business thoroughfare, runs just to the north of the complex. MetroWest Regional Transit Authority’s number 2 bus has a stop a short walk from Bowditch Field. The Framingham State campus is located about a mile away from Bowditch Field. There is ample parking in the lots adjacent to Bowditch Field as well as in a grass field adjacent to the stadium that is used for game-day parking. Seating consists of aluminum bench seating in grandstands that line three sides of the football field. There is also plenty of standing room around the field. The presence of a track pushes the seating back a bit from the field, but all the grandstands feature excellent views of the field. Restrooms are located on both sides of the football field and are plenty large enough for the typical Rams crowd. Return on Investment 5 Admission to Framingham State football games is priced at five dollars for general admission seats. Parking is free in the lots surrounding Bowditch Field. Concessions are inexpensive, with no item costing more than three dollars. An afternoon at a Framingham State football game is the most affordable entertainment option for local sports fans. Extras 1 There is an extensive display in the entry plaza of Bowditch Field which lists important dates and events in the facility’s history. Take a look at some of the famous names who are connected with this place. Final Thoughts Bowditch Field is a wonderful community facility that serves the needs of the Framingham State Rams well. ---- Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.29 Knights Football Field Magnolia Dr Laurinburg, NC 28352 St. Andrews Knights website Knights Football Field website NC Knights The St. Andrews Knights football team began in 2017 – the team is a football-only member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) Mid-South Conference. Located in Laurinburg, North Carolina, the team colors are blue and white; they play their home games at Knights Football Field on campus. Food & Beverage 4 Knights Football Field has some pretty solid concessions, in the form of multiple food trucks dotted around the field – options include a truck selling fried fish, a Domino’s Pizza truck, a Kona Ice truck, and a truck from Krazy Kuzzins which sells hot dogs, nachos, small snacks, and drinks. Prices are very much on the low side (hot dogs for $3 and bottled water for $1, for example), so you won’t have to break the bank to eat at the game. Atmosphere 1 There aren’t many frills at Knights Football Field – the scoreboard doesn’t have a video screen, and all the seats are bleachers without backs. There is also no mascot and no cheerleaders/dance team, although there is a statue of a knight with a sword, in front of one of the campus buildings nearby. You will see a lot of tents along the sidelines, mostly blue, where the coaching and other staff watch from and keep their equipment. Neighborhood 2 Laurinburg, NC has a population of about 15,000. Knights Football Field is located near a hospital, but there are also a few restaurants and hotels within sight of the field, which are close enough to walk to if you want to. There is a Captain D’s seafood across the street, as well as a Dollar Tree and an IGA if you need to pick up anything. There is also a Taco Bell and a couple of hotels on the other side of the highway from the venue – you may want to drive to those, however, as walking across the highway may not be the safest. There are a couple of parks in town, as well as a disc golf course; the nearest big city is Fayetteville, NC, about an hour’s drive from St. Andrews. Fans 2 St. Andrews football doesn’t draw much of a crowd – most of the fans appear to be friends or family members of the players themselves, and like many small college football programs, the schools in the same conference tend to be close together geographically (unlike the FBS’ Big 12, for example, which now has member schools stretching from Utah to Texas to West Virginia). Because the schools are located close together, however, you will sometimes see as many visiting fans in attendance as home fans, depending on the opponent, since the drive is not that far. At Knights Football Field, this also means you will see tents in the opposing colors, being used by the opponent’s staff, on the opposite side of the field. Access 3 Getting to Knights Football Field may be a little tricky – as mentioned the nearest big city is an hour away, so there aren’t many major roads to bring you here. The football stadium is located on Magnolia Drive near St. Andrews’ other sports facilities, but your GPS may have trouble finding it (mine did). There is only one official entrance into the stadium, located near the food trucks (although the gate near the ambulance is also open, so you could technically sneak in that way). Parking here is free – there is a paved parking lot down the street from the field next to the school’s athletic building, but most people park on the grass along the fence around the stadium, in the grass lot behind the food trucks, or under the trees one field over. Security doesn’t like people to park on the stadium side of the street, so you may be asked to move – if you park on the other side of the road from the stadium, however, you should be fine. Return on Investment 3 Attending a game at Knights Football Field is very inexpensive considering the cheap tickets, low-cost concessions, and no cost for parking. However, there aren’t many frills here either. Tickets to St. Andrews football games are only around $6, and you must purchase them online (there are no sales at the gate). There are a few fans, however, who just watch from the other side of the fence, either under a tent they brought or just standing along the fence – that way you can technically watch for free. Depending on how late in the year it is, it could be pretty hot in North Carolina, so bringing a tent might be a good idea, or bringing an umbrella with you into the stadium to provide some shade. A few fans bring folding chairs into the stadium as well; if you do that you could sit under the trees along the fence line and get shade that way. Extras 1 The stadium has some pleasant scenery, surrounded as it is by trees. The blue tents for the team’s staff also provide some pops of the Knights colors.

Photos by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Richardson Stadium 201 Faculty Drive Davidson, NC 28035 Davidson Wildcats website Richardson Stadium website Year Opened: 1923 Capacity: 6,000 Richardson Stadium Celebrates Its Centennial Davidson College is a private liberal arts school affiliated with the Presbyterian Church (USA). It is in Davidson, NC, which is 19 miles north of Charlotte, NC. The school was founded in 1837 and has a student body of just over 1,900 students. The school offers more than 74 majors and other academic programs. The athletic teams at Davidson are known as the Wildcats. The football program is a member of the Pioneer Conference at the FCS level of NCAA football. Davidson first fielded a football program in 1896. It played at the Division III level of competition through 1992, moving up to the FCS level of competition in 1993. The team has gone to the FCS playoffs three times (2020,2021 and 2022). Davidson’s rivalry games each season is the battle with Presbyterian College. The game is known as the Carolina Border Clash, with the winner taking home the 1919 Cup. The home of Davidson football is the on-campus Richardson Stadium. The field is known as Stephen B Smith Field. Stephen Smith is a former Board of Trustee member at the school who was a member of the Southern Conference All-Academic Football Team. It opened in 1823 as Richardson Field, and is named for a prominent Davidson alum from the 1800’s. The field is encircled by the Irwin Belk Track, which is used for Davidson track meets. The stadium has a capacity of 6,000. The stadium has undergone several renovations in its century of service. These renovations included expanded seating and the construction of a new press box and the addition of a visitors’ locker room. Numerous ceremonies have been held during the season commemorating the venue’s Centennial year. Even as Davidson celebrates Richardson Field’s centennial, it is also looking to the future. In 2021 Davidson announced plans for a $45 million capital campaign to enhance the school’s athletic facilities. A major portion of these funds are going towards the construction of a new football stadium. The stadium will include a continuous seating concourse, a state-of-the-art videoboard, improved concessions areas and modern restrooms. As beloved as Richardson Stadium is, it is a 100-year-old facility. It does not have the wide concourses and modern restrooms of a more recent build. The new stadium will enhance the game experience for the fans in a major way. Construction of the new stadium is well underway, and it will be ready in time for the 2024 football season. Food & Beverage 2 There is one lone concession stand located on the track to the left of the seating area. It is run by the Davidson-Huntersville Lion Club to benefit charities in the area. They offer the standards, including Pepsi brand products ($3), water ($3), hot dogs ($3), pizza ($7), popcorn ($3), peanuts ($3), and candy ($2). In addition, there are usually some food trucks behind the south end zone to supplement the offerings at the concession stand. Atmosphere 3 Attending a football game at Davidson is the quintessential small college football experience. Everybody in the home section of the stadium seating area tends to know the person sitting next to them. It is a more relaxed vibe than you would find at a major college football stadium. Both the student body and the school’s fan base are very well behaved, as the school has a very strict code of conduct in classes and at events held on campus. You will pass through the tailgating area just before entering the stadium. This is a festive atmosphere, with music, games and fans reuniting with fellow alums. There is also tailgating in the Baker Athletic Center parking lot. Seating is all on the home side of the field, as the far side of the field is hemmed in by campus buildings and a parking facility. All seats in the stands are metal bleachers, so it is a good idea to bring a stadium cushion with you. The stands have great views of the action, as even the top level of the seating area is still very close to the field. The service areas of the stadium, such ticketing and restrooms are found beneath the seating structure. The lone concession stand is positioned on the track and behind one of the end zones. One unusual aspect of the stadium is the patio at the north end of the stadium. The patio is attached to the Alvarez College Union Building and there is no restriction on patrons of that building to come out and watch the game from this outpost. It technically is outside the stadium and so it requires no ticket. The south end of the stadium features an alumni/booster tent and a rather dated digital scoreboard. Neighborhood 5 Richardson Stadium and Davidson College are in Davidson, NC. The town was founded in 1879 and presently has a population of 12,000 people. It is a true college town, with very close links with the school. The downtown area of Davison is adjacent to the school, within walking distance of the campus. The town is very pedestrian and bike friendly, with bike lanes and walking trails throughout the area. The downtown area is filled with mom-and-pop shops, restaurants and lodging facilities. No visit to Davidson is complete without a visit to the Soda Shop. It has been open since 1951 and serves the typical soda shop menu of hot dogs, milkshakes and fries. The Brickhouse Tavern is a favorite of both Davidson students and townspeople. It is housed in a building that formerly was a mill store. Another popular pub and restaurant is the Flatiron Kitchen and Taphouse. The town offers two lodging sites in the Davidson Village Inn and the Homewood Suites by Hilton Davidson. The town is located adjacent to Lake Norman, the largest manmade lake in North Carolina. There are numerous recreational activities available at the lake, including fishing, boating and swimming areas. Fans 4 The Wildcats have a very loyal fanbase made up of the Davidson student body and the townspeople. The alums make up a sizeable portion of the fans in the stands as well. This is because nearby Charlotte, NC is home to a large portion of the alumni who attended the school. While everything at a Wildcats football game is on a smaller scale than you would find at a major college game, the fans at Richardson Stadium are just as loud and proud of their school. The school band works very closely with the cheer teams to coordinate their actions to keep the fans stirred up throughout the game. Will E. Wildcat, the school’s mascot, is always on hand to encourage the crowd, while also entertaining the small fry. Access 2 Davidson College and Richardson Stadium are easy to reach via I-77. Directions from Charlotte: Take I-77 north for 19 miles to the Davidson exit (Exit 30). Turn left onto Griffith Street. Continue on Griffith Street to North Main Street. Turn right on Main Street, then left at Concord Road. Take Concord Road to Baker Drive. Turn left on Baker Drive and then right into the large parking lot for the Baker Sports Complex. After parking your car, you will walk across Baker Drive to Richardson Stadium. The restroom facilities are found underneath the seating structure. They tend to get very crowded during the breaks in the action, or at halftime. The concourses are rather narrow for the size of the crowd. There are no seats on the other side of the field, so you have a combination of both the home and visitor’s fan bases on one side of the field. Return on Investment 4 Attending a game at Davidson is very easy on your wallet. All seats at Richardson Stadium are general admission seats. Tickets are $13.05 for adults and $6.53 for youth (12 years old and younger. Parking at the Baker Sports complex is free. The concession prices are quite reasonable for the most part. Food trucks serving the stadium may have more expensive items for sale. Extras 4 Nearly 25% of the Davidson student body is involved in one of the NCAA sports at the school. The Wildcats have actually beaten the University of Georgia Bulldogs. The game took place in 1906, with a score of 15-0. Davidson used the recently approved forward pass to seal the victory over the Bulldogs. Davidson has the 4th smallest enrollment of any school competing in Division I football. Davidson is a member of the Atlantic 10 Conference in all sports except football. Final Thoughts A visit to a Wildcats football game at Davidson is small town Southern football at its best. Enjoy the cute downtown stores and restaurants before heading into the lovely, wooded campus of Davidson College. Enjoy the gameday experience at the century old Richardson Stadium while it lasts.

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Ives-Lemel Family Field Kings Creek Loop Brevard, NC 28712 Brevard Tornados website Ives-Lemel Family Field website Capacity: 1,000 Reap the Tornado! Ives-Lemel Family Field in Brevard, NC is home to D3 football’s Brevard Tornados, as well as the school’s lacrosse and soccer teams. With brand-new turf, stadium lights to allow night play, and dual grandstands seating 1,000 fans, the recent expansion represents a game-changer for Brevard sports. Food & Beverage 2 Ives-Lemel Family Field has a concession stand behind the main concourse, and while it doesn’t offer a lot, it does provide some local favorites and plenty to get you through the game. Serving up pizza, Chick-fil-A sandwiches (regular or spicy), and lots of snacks including popcorn, cookies, chips, peanuts, packaged candy, and cotton candy, as well as drink options beyond just soda and bottled water, the prices here won’t set you back. Poppy popcorn and Chick-fil-A sandwiches are the most expensive items and cost $6.95 and $6.50 respectively, but everything else is $3 or less. Atmosphere 4 The expanded facility at Brevard provides a great atmosphere for Tornados fans – plenty of bright blue and black signage greets fans as they arrive, and you will see a slew of fans tailgating in the parking lots next to the helmet tunnel. The crowd noise is a lot louder than you might expect from 1,000 fans, and the newness is a welcome experience for fans, with modern bathrooms, a stately press box, and comfortable seating including bucket-style chairbacks in the center of the main stands. The band and cheer squad do a great job entertaining fans as well – the only thing lacking, as yet, is a videoboard for instant replays. Neighborhood 3 Brevard, North Carolina is a small town located on the edge of the Nantahala National Forest, about 2 hours west of Charlotte and 1 hour south of Asheville. Brevard College is perhaps the mainstay of the town, and there are several restaurants within walking distance of the campus and the stadium, with a few more located downtown such as Big Mike’s (pizza) and the cleverly named Square Root (serving up international fare). There are only 3 hotels in town, but that is more than enough to accommodate any fans who want to stay the night. Ives-Lemel Family Field itself has student housing on two sides, making it easy for students to attend games, and the stadium is close to the school’s other athletic fields as well, with the rest of the campus buildings a little further out. Fans 3 The fans here are great – the students sit right next to the band and provide most of the noise and energy, but the other fans contribute as well. As I mentioned above the tailgating scene is solid, and the 2 team gear tents near the parking lot do a brisk trade in t-shirts and hats, so you can expect to see many of the Tornados fans decked out in school swag. Access 4 Except perhaps for how far Brevard College is off the beaten path, getting in and out of Ives-Lemel Family Field is a breeze. There is free parking on campus as you approach the field and wide-open space behind the main stands, with walking paths around the field if you need to get to the visitor's side. There are ticket tents set up behind each corner of the west end zone, including a bridge over the creek for fans coming from campus – the entrance behind the east end zone is reserved for fans with passes. Note that the only bathrooms and concessions are located underneath the main stands, so if you are sitting on the visitor side you will have to walk around. Return on Investment 5 Tickets to Brevard football games are only $10, either online or cash/credit card at the gate – this is a great return on investment for this brand-new facility. The atmosphere is great with a lot of energy from the fans, and the Tornado color scheme adds some great pops of color to the greenery around you. Extras 3 The scenery is very pleasant with all the trees surrounding the facility, providing an intimate feel. There is also a blue Tornado sculpture next to the athletics building on the north side of the field, and the game begins with the sound of a Tornado siren, not unlike the nearby Carolina Hurricanes, with a hurricane warning alarm as the key part of their intro. Fans can also stand along the fence to watch the game, and kids have plenty of room to play there – dogs are also welcome. Final Thoughts I would recommend a visit to Brevard College for a football game – Ives-Lemel Family Field is a nice little gem hidden in rural North Carolina. The Tornados began playing football in 2006 after a 50+ year hiatus, and the recent stadium expansion is surely helping move their program forward.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 JMU Convocation Center 895 University Blvd Harrisonburg, VA 22801 James Madison Dukes website JMU Convocation Center website Year Opened: 1982 (original)/2023 (renovated for volleyball) Capacity: 1,118 Return to the Convo The JMU Convocation Center on the campus of James Madison University first opened in 1982 as the home of the Dukes' men's and women's basketball programs. Following the 2019-20 season, The Convo closed as the team moved into its new arena, the Atlantic Union Bank Center . However, it would soon find a new purpose. The interior of the arena was completely renovated and turned into a new home for James Madison's women's volleyball team, which had previously played in Sinclair Gym. In 2023, the Convocation Center reopened, pretty much the same on the outside but entirely different on the inside. Food & Beverage 2 There is one concession stand at the JMU Convocation Center, located right next to the entrance. The menu is pretty simple. Hot dogs and nachos are the only meal options, while soft pretzels, popcorn, chips, and candy are also available. Soda and bottled water are sold as well. As at all Virginia public universities, the water comes in aluminum cans rather than plastic bottles, but this should not cause any problems. Prices are reasonable, with nothing costing more than $6. Atmosphere 4 Although the JMU Convocation Center looks pretty much the same on the outside as it did during its first life as a basketball arena, it is completely different on the inside. Walking in will put you in an open area with an indoor track and purple carpet. JMU athletics banners line all the walls, and purple chairback seats slope down towards the hardwood floor. James Madison's athletic department puts significant effort into promoting its volleyball program. The cheerleaders stand along the baseline, as does the school's mascot, Duke Dog. The PA announcer encourages fans to get loud and support the Dukes, and they answer his call. The Convocation Center is a sea of purple on gameday, with a great atmosphere to keep the fans engaged. Neighborhood 4 Harrisonburg is a beautiful college town nestled in the scenic Shenandoah Valley. Although it is not large, there is a lot to do here. Macado’s is a regional restaurant chain with several locations in the Valley and surrounding area, including one right here in Harrisonburg. They are known for their burgers, wings, and delicious hot sandwiches, as well as their large collection of local sports memorabilia. The Magpie Diner on West Gay Street is open for breakfast and lunch and is a local favorite. There are several hotels in the area along Route 33, including a Doubletree, a Clarion, and a Candlewood Suites. . Fans 4 The renovated Convo seats only about 1,100 fans, and it is mostly full for a typical home game. "Start Wearing Purple" is a theme song of JMU athletics, and the fans take it to heart, coming decked out in the school color. They are loud and boisterous despite the large amount of open space on each sideline which reduces the crowd noise. Every time the Dukes have a set point, the crowd rises to its feet and cheers as loud as possible to urge the team to finish the task at hand. Access 3 The campus of James Madison University is located just off Interstate 81. Several exits will ultimately get you where you're going - although the sign on the highway says to use Exit 245 to access the JMU campus, Exit 243 works better in most cases. However, it is not a huge enough difference to worry about it too much. Once you get on campus, parking is available in spacious lots next to the arena that were designed when the Convo had a much larger capacity. While parking was a problem when the arena was drawing 6,000+ fans for basketball, fans should have no problem parking close by for a volleyball game. There is one men's restroom and one women's restroom at The Convo, plus a single-person gender-neutral/family one. They are of a sufficient size for the crowd. However, there are a couple of issues here that bring this score down somewhat. A clear bag policy is in effect at JMU volleyball games, which seems unnecessary given the size of the crowd. Additionally, to get to the seats on one side of the floor, fans have to walk down to floor level and then back up. Most fans choose to sit on the other sideline for this reason. Return on Investment 5 There is no cost for admission to JMU volleyball games, and concessions are affordable as well. This makes a game at the Convo an excellent value. Keep in mind there may be an admission charge for Sun Belt Conference or NCAA postseason events. . Extras 2 One bonus star here for the murals and other displays honoring JMU athletics. There are free roster cards and other items available at a marketing table by the entrance. Final Thoughts When the JMU Convocation Center closed in 2020, it seemed like it was gone for good. Basketball had moved to its shiny new arena, and there was nobody left to play there. However, JMU has not just renovated but rejuvenated the Convo, and volleyball has made it its new home. Dukes fans have embraced the return, and instead of playing in an aging and cramped gym, the volleyball program has a home befitting of its excellence.

Renderings courtesy of the Tampa Bay Rays After years of potential stadium deals falling through and the constant threat of relocation, the Tampa Bay Rays announced this month a brand new stadium agreement to remain in St. Petersburg, FL. “This will be a transformative project for the Rays, St. Petersburg, and Pinellas County," said Tampa Bay Rays Principal Owner Stu Sternberg. "We have proudly served as Tampa Bay’s Major League team for 25 years, and we are thrilled to be in a position to do so for decades and generations to come.” To be located adjacent to the current Tropicana Field property, the new facility will feature a state-of-the-art 30,000-seat indoor baseball stadium. In addition, the new development will include 8 million square feet of mixed-use development, including dining, shopping, public green space, and residential space. “Our transformational development of 86 acres in the heart of St. Petersburg will benefit St. Pete and Tampa Bay residents for generations to come," said St. Petersburg Mayor Kenneth T. Welch. "The Rays are here to stay, and it’s also critical to underscore that this impactful work is much bigger than baseball and extends far beyond the 17-acre ballpark. We are duty-bound with our intentional efforts to honor the broken promises made to the Historic Gas Plant community, an incredibly special place that my own family called home. Our strong partnership with Pinellas County and the Hines-Rays group is coupling opportunity with hope, linking jobs to economic growth, fulfilling a commitment to minority business participation, and building thousands of residential units, including a significant number of affordable and workforce housing to uplift families and strengthen neighborhoods." The announcement of the new stadium deal draws to a close nearly a decade of relocation rumors and failed stadium proposals. With cities like Orlando courting the Rays to relocate, many thought that if a deal could not be reached, the team would likely leave, much like the Oakland Athletics had announced at the start of the year. The current home of the Rays, Tropicana Park , has routinely been rated one of the worst stadiums in the league and frequently ranked low on the average attendance list for MLB. Part of the proposal includes integrating the nearby community into the property, located in the historic Gas Plant neighborhood of St. Petersburg. The stadium project is reported to invest more than $6.5 billion in St. Petersburg over 20 years, making it the largest mixed-use development project in Tampa Bay history.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Busch Field 600 Brooks Street Williamsburg, VA 23188 William & Mary Tribe website Busch Field website Year Opened: 1990 Capacity: 2,271 Home of the Tribe Located in Williamsburg, Virginia, the College of William & Mary is one of the oldest universities in the United States. Founded by King William III and Queen Mary II of England in 1693, William & Mary predates the founding of the country by almost a century. Only Harvard University is older. W&M’s athletic programs are known as the Tribe, and they compete in the Colonial Athletic Association. The Tribe’s field hockey team has called Busch Field home since 1990. Anheuser-Busch Corporation donated a sizeable sum of money to build the field, and the name reflects that gift. It was previously the home of the soccer and lacrosse teams, although they now play at a different venue . Food & Beverage 0 There is no food or drink for sale at Busch Field. According to the Tribe website, outside food & beverages are prohibited, but this rule is ignored by everyone including security. However, you may run into trouble if you attempt to bring alcohol in despite the stadium effectively being sponsored by a brewing company. Atmosphere 3 Busch Field has one large set of bleachers on the far side of the field from the entrance. The front rows of the seats will be obstructed by the top of the scorers' tent, so most fans choose to sit high up. However, many of the seats at the top are underneath trees that hang overhead. While this will be nice on a hot day early in the season, once the leaves start falling it can get annoying. Fans can also watch the game from the Tribe Terrace, a rooftop overlook behind one of the goals. This provides an unobstructed view of the action, but there is very limited seating so you will probably have to stand. Some fans enjoy this, while most choose to sit in the bleachers. The Tribe's mascot, the Griffin, will often make appearances at the game. With the head of an eagle and the body of a lion, the griffin is a unique mascot within the world of college sports. Neighborhood 5 Williamsburg is a great city, and William & Mary's historic campus is right in the middle of it all. Colonial Williamsburg is about a five-minute drive away while the Busch Gardens amusement park is 15 minutes away. Williamsburg seems to have an inordinately large number of pancake houses for its size, so if you come in the night before, you will certainly find somewhere to grab breakfast. Originally, hotels catering to tourists did not serve breakfast and would instead recommend nearby pancake houses. While many hotels do now have restaurants, the pancake houses remain. Fans 4 William & Mary draws a few hundred fans a game for field hockey. While friends and family of the players certainly make their presence known, the stands are also filled with William & Mary students, longtime fans of the program, and youth field hockey groups from the Williamsburg area. The fans can get quite involved in the match, with some of them starting chants and encouraging the rest of the crowd to join in. Although the stands are much larger than they need to be, the crowd tends to cluster in the top few rows so this does not have the detrimental effect it otherwise would. Access 2 The William & Mary campus is conveniently located just off I-64 in Williamsburg. Once on campus, you will likely park in the lot next to Kaplan Arena and walk about 3-5 minutes to Busch Field. Parking in this lot is $2.50/hour on weekdays but free on weekends. There are some spaces closer to the stadium labeled Faculty/Staff Only. When Stadium Journey visited on a Sunday, these spaces were almost full, presumably with people other than faculty. While a couple of fans managed to park here without issue, most drove around in circles looking for a spot before giving up and parking in the arena lot. We recommend just heading there to start and saving yourself some time and gas. Standard restrooms are located underneath the Tribe Terrace behind the goal. Getting around from one part of the bleachers to another often requires going up and down some stairs, but it is easy to figure out what you need to do. There is a clear bag policy in effect, which is absurd for this level and brings this rating down significantly. Given the small crowds, there is no reason for this policy to exist. Return on Investment 5 There is no cost for admission to any William & Mary regular-season field hockey games. There may be a charge for conference and NCAA tournament events, as those are set by the organizers. Parking is free on weekends, so we suggest attending then to maximize your value. Extras 2 One star for the banners around the stadium honoring William & Mary field hockey. The Tribe Terrace provides a unique vantage point to watch a game and is worthy of a star here too. Final Thoughts William & Mary field hockey fans truly value their team, and the school has spent a lot of money and effort improving Busch Field. The result is a strong experience that any field hockey fan will greatly enjoy. Whether you are a fan of the Tribe or just a field hockey fan in general, Busch Field is well worth a visit on a fall afternoon.

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Protective Stadium 1020 24th St N Birmingham, AL 35203 Birmingham Legion website Protective Stadium website Year Opened: 2021 Capacity: 47,100 Protective Stadium - Birmingham Legion FC Birmingham has long been known for their deep history of American football. With the University of Alabama an hour to the west and Auburn University two hours to the south, there is no denying Alabama’s love of the sport. What flies under the radar though is the city of Birmingham’s passion for the international version of football, better known in the States as soccer. Food & Beverage 4 Stadium concessions can often be a constant rehash of the same thing from stadium to stadium – burgers, dogs, chicken fingers, and nachos. The food available at Protective Stadium for Birmingham Legion matches provides fans with all the stadium constants but provides a much wider variety. By bringing in several food trucks, the typical stadium choices have been expanded to include Italian-Mexican fusion creations of Ruscelli’s, who serve pizza-inspired tacos and quesadillas. In addition, Wasabi Juan's takes their spin on Japanese-Mexican fusion with sushi-styled nachos and raw and cooked burritos. Those with a sweet tooth have freshly made donuts from Chicks N Donuts, or the ever-popular shaved ice. Choices of alcohol are also plentiful; beers from Yuengling, Miller Light, Coors Light, Michelob Ultra, and Modelo are available, along with local craft brews Cahaba Brewing Company Blonde and Trim Trab Pale Ale. White Claw seltzers and several pre-mixed, canned, and hand-mixed cocktails are also available. Atmosphere 3 As with most soccer clubs, the game on the pitch is the focus of the match – there is not a lot by way of in-game entertainment while the match is going on, but pregame entertainment does make use of a game host to introduce pregame recognitions and give the fan a look at food and apparel stands around the concourse. At a capacity of 47,100 Protective Stadium is by far the largest stadium in the league, more than twice the size of the 20,000-seat Riccardo Silva Stadium . There is no denying the beauty of Protective Stadium, and the 18,000 to 20,000 fans for US Open Cup matches or during rivalry games with the MLS’ Atlanta United makes sense, but the atmosphere of the match seems to be swallowed up for league matches of 5,000 to 6,000 fans in such a large venue. Before moving to Protective Stadium, the Legion played on the campus of the University of Alabama-Birmingham's PNC Field. At a capacity of 5,000 seats, the size is more appropriate, but the college stadium lacks the professional feel that this level deserves. Short of a soccer-specific stadium being built, Protective Stadium is the best option for professional soccer in Birmingham. In all, Protective Stadium beautifully pairs with the adjoining development to provide all fans who might need to make a full day of attending a Legion match. Neighborhood 4 Protective Stadium is part of the larger "eat-stay-play" development in uptown Birmingham. The development provides all a fan might need without having to leave the area. Uptown consists of 6 to 8 restaurants, the Westin Hotel, a dog park, and pickleball courts. Much of this is located under the interstate bridges that pass just feet from the surrounding parking decks. For fans wanting to make a full day of activities before a match; Top Golf is directly across the street from the northeast end of the stadium, while the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame is just to the west. If looking for other sporting events around the same time, the Birmingham Squadron plays at Legacy Arena, located less than a half-mile from Protective Stadium; the Squadron will be finishing up its season in March as the Legion is just getting theirs underway. Birmingham is also well known for its long history of minor league baseball, and the AA Birmingham Barons of the Southern League play from April through September. Fans who love sports history, especially that of Negro League baseball, will want to make two locations a high priority on any visit to Birmingham, one being Rickwood Field , the oldest professional baseball park and one-time home of the Birmingham Black Barons of the Negro Leagues. The Black Barons fielded a young Satchel Paige from 1927-1930 and a teenage Willie Mays in the 1940s. Fans 3 Soccer is a sport in which the atmosphere is often dictated by the involvement and fervor of the club's supporters. Like any successful soccer club, supporters set the tone of the match. The Legion's crew, the Magic City Brigade, start their preparations for match day well before the stadium opens for fans to enter. On weekends, close to five hours before match time, members of the Brigade begin setting up a small collection of tents in the southernmost corner of the parking lot adjacent to Protective Stadium for a tailgate. Inside Protective Stadium the Magic City Brigade occupies sections 135-138, behind the north end goal. Supporters beat drums and wave flags throughout the match as other members lead chants, and even dress as Legion-themed luchadores in support of their club. A strong group of supporters can go a long way in creating a fun atmosphere for soccer. The unfortunate thing is despite the efforts of the Magic City Brigade, though their passion runs high, their numbers only run 50-100 per game. There is much potential to build on the Brigade's passion, but they just do not have the numbers at this time to help their enthusiasm spread around the stadium to other fans. Access 4 Given Protective Stadium’s location in Birmingham, getting there is rather easy. Those driving to town will see Protective Stadium directly off the Interstate 20-59 ramp, and fans flying in will find themselves less than 5 miles away. Many of the hotels in the area provide a shuttle from the airport, so those flying into Birmingham for a match have an easy time getting in and out of the area. Parking can be found all around the stadium. There are also a handful of parking garages on the southern side of the stadium, but getting out of parking garages following the game can be challenging. No matter the parking lot, prices range from $20 to $25. Limited street parking is available, however, free of charge for weekend matches. Half of the stadium is closed off during Legion matches, so most fans are directed to the southern entrance across from the Uptown district to enter the stadium – fans are funneled to the multi-tiered switchback ramp to access the main level concourse that runs above the seating. Return on Investment 3 At face value, tickets are well priced at $10 for general admission tickets at the north end of the stadium, and $17 for reserved seats along the western sideline. Where the issue comes in is that with tickets being sold through Ticketmaster, there is nearly a 70% markup on the face value of general admission tickets after fees, so the $10 ticket ends up costing closer to $17. The same 70% service fee markup applies to reserved seats also. The price for tickets does not make attending a match cost-prohibitive, but it is a bit disappointing there is such a markup from a third party. Extras 3 The Legion makes a concerted effort to positively impact the community which they represent. Throughout the season the team puts on youth clinics, recognizes the communities that are their biggest supporters, and honors those who make a difference in the lives of those in Birmingham through the Legion’s “99 Community Heroes” program. Legion players go out of their way to make sure to interact with young fans at field level as they exit the pitch following pregame warmups. While seemingly a minor gesture, these interactions go miles in the eyes of young fans. In one of the most fan-friendly parts of the evening, at the end of the match fans are allowed to come down onto the pitch to meet their heroes. Fans line up for photos, autographs, or just to pay their favorite player a compliment on the match. Final Thoughts Despite the love affair the state of Alabama has with football, there is a strong niche soccer following as well. While an initial glimpse of the stadium might give the impression there is a lack of fans in the stands, much of this perception is a byproduct of the size of Protective Stadium itself; 5,000 fans can easily get lost in a stadium so large. However, even with just a handful of aspects that might be considered drawbacks that might impact the overall atmosphere of a Legion match at Protective Stadium, the organization, the players, and their supporters create so many positives that it makes the drawbacks seem trivial.

Photos by Matt Colville, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Flora-Bama Beach Bar 17401 Perdido Key Dr. Pensacola, FL 32507 Flora-Bama Beach Bar website Bulls on the Beach website Year Opened: 2013 Capacity: 3,000 Bulls on the Beach A Rodeo at the World's Most Famous Beachside Honky Tonk Kenny Chesney once wrote "Sitting here at the Flora-Bama, 'bout to open a big old can of good times and unwind". You can't find more fitting lyrics – just ask anyone who's ever visited the place. The place goes by many nicknames, such as "The World's Most Famous Beach Bar" and "America's Last Roadhouse" just to name a few. It is a place where you will find millionaires and famous athletes having a cold one with the everyday joe; it is a place where time is almost forgotten, where you can forget about your worries while sipping on a bushwhacker and looking out over into the crystal-clear waters of the Gulf of Mexico. There is a reason why everyone from the Mannings, Toby Keith, Jimmy Buffett, and even “The Pirate” himself, the late Mike Leach, have made the venture to the hidden beach bar on a secluded beach paradise that straddles the Florida-Alabama line. Flora-Bama originally opened in 1964 and is technically on an island; the lush Perdido Key. Florida occupies about 80% of the island while Alabama occupies the other 20%. When a bridge and highway opened on the island in the early 60s Flora-Bama opened as a small liquor store right on the state line, but on the Florida side as the Alabama county was dry at the time. Due to development on Perdido Key and in neighboring Orange Beach/Gulf Shores, however, the small store grew into what it is today. After over 50 years and being destroyed by countless hurricanes, Flora-Bama has evolved into two stories with five stages for live music, four main bars, and three restaurants, with a personality that remains unmatched by any other watering hole in the world. In addition to the live music to be found 7 nights a week, Flora-Bama is also known for its wide and eccentric events; you name it, Flora-Bama has hosted it – everything from the Polar Bear Dip on New Year's Day to the Interstate Mullet Toss, where thousands of people have a competition to see who can throw a dead fish the furthest over the state line. Then in 2013, Flora-Bama began hosting its newest annual event, the Bulls on the Beach Rodeo. Partnering with 3R Rodeo Company, every September they construct a temporary rodeo arena right on the sand just steps from the ocean. Some of the best cowboys in the southeast come to the beach and saddle up for the Bulls on the Beach Rodeo. Food & Beverage 4 There are no concessions around the temporary rodeo arena – you are given a wristband and are then free to come and go inside the bar and rodeo arena. There are three full-service restaurants inside Flora-Bama, with plenty of food options for you to choose from. The Oyster Bar is the closest to the rodeo arena and features picnic tables and big-screen TVs, all with a delicious menu of burgers, wraps, fried shrimp, and a beachfront oyster bar. The famous 15-foot-high Flora-Bama rocking chair is in the Oyster Bar area and makes for a great photo op. Also, make sure you grab a famous bushwhacker while you’re here; the Bushwhacker is an island drink, and Flora-Bama is known for making some of the best bushwhackers in the world. In addition, if you aren't able to get a ticket to the rodeo they live stream it on a big screen TV from the Oyster Bar. Flora-Bama’s property also extends across the street to the bayside and features two full-service restaurants over there as well – Yacht Club and Ole River Grill are on the north side of the property. The Ole River Grill is a sit-down style restaurant overlooking the Old River with a beautiful waterfront view, open-air deck, and fantastic seafood, burgers, and po-boys; the grill has something for everyone, while Flora-Bama Yacht Club is another restaurant located overlooking the Old River. You can come to the Yacht Club by boat as there is a place to dock boats, and there is also one of those floating boat bars you can take out to the many sandbars located on the river. There are also four bars on Flora-Bama’s property, so no matter what you like to drink you should be able to find it inside. My suggestion if you eat across the street at Ole River Grill or Yacht Club would be to visit before the rodeo starts, as it can be a pain walking across the street each time. Then if you must eat you can walk back and forth between the Oyster Bar and the rodeo arena. Atmosphere 4 The Bulls on the Beach is truly a one-of-a-kind event. Several different rodeos in the country claim they are a rodeo on the beach, but they just take place in beach towns and are located further inland. The Bulls on the Beach at Flora-Bama is the only rodeo in the country that takes place directly smack dab in the middle of the sand, just steps from one of the most beautiful bodies of water in the country, the Gulf of Mexico – they set metal bleachers up in an oval right on the beach, with temporary stables brought in and placed in Flora-Bama’s parking lot. Bulls on the Beach takes place over three nights and is always the second weekend in September, the first weekend of the off-season for the beach towns. The action kicks off each night at 8 p.m. beginning on Thursday; a country music act or local band usually puts on a concert before the rodeo begins each night. You'll get to see all the usual rodeo events here: bareback riding, barrel racing, bull riding, calf roping, bronc & team roping, and steer wrestling. They also showcase some of the local riders and junior riders who compete on the circuit. Rodeo clowns are also a constant presence interacting with the crowd, and the rodeo announcer does a great job interacting and joking with the clowns and the crowd. As the rodeo begins the sun is usually setting for the evening and you can't beat the view; lights illuminated around the temporary rodeo arena reflect off the water, as you see and feel the waves creeping onto shore as nightfall begins. In the distance, you'll see hundreds of lights of the high-rise condos as far as the eye can see, and in the background, you'll hear live music overlapping from the live bands or singer who occupies one of the many bars inside Flora-Bama at any given time. The rodeo action lasts about two hours, and you are free to come and go as you please – I saw people going back and forth between the rodeo arena to visit the bars and/or the beach. Neighborhood 5 This area of the Gulf Coast is a prime vacation destination for millions of people every year. Three coastal beach towns make up this area of the Coast: Perdido (FL), Orange Beach, and Gulf Shores. Flora-Bama is located on Perdido Key, which is the less developed of the three communities; miles of unprotected beach and wilderness make up about 70% of the island, while the other 30% is taken up by condos, each with their private beaches and amenities. Other than the live entertainment that takes place nightly at Flora-Bama, people love vacationing in Perdido due to its peace and tranquility, as the beaches aren't as crowded and loud as the neighboring beach towns. For things to do on this stretch of the island there are a few seafood restaurants located here – the Cobalt is located nearby and remains a popular but expensive place to get some of the best seafood in Alabama. Several other places are nearby as well, such as the more casual Crab Trap located about half a mile away, which has a cool little outdoor seating area right on the beach. The Jellyfish remains another popular spot, as well as Lillian's Pizza offering the best pan pizzas in the area. There are also hundreds more restaurants located over the bridge headed west into Alabama (Gulf Shores and Orange Beach); there are too many to name, but the great thing about this area is you will not find any chain restaurants, just many local, mostly family-owned spots. You will find everything here from hole-in-the-wall seafood joints to five-star restaurants. Perdido is also a nature lover's destination – in the seclusion of the island you’ll find two State Parks, two championship golf courses, and a 7-mile undeveloped public beach. Perdido Key took a direct hit from Hurricane Sally in September 2020, so a lot of stuff is just being re-opened after three-plus years of closure. Big Lagoon State Park on the north side of Perdido is a perfect spot for camping or biking the many paved and off-road trails through the Florida marshland. You can even kayak in the Grande Lagoon, one of the only places in this area of Florida known to have manatees. If you're at Big Lagoon, make sure you climb the four-story observation tower for a view overlooking miles. In addition, Perdido Key State Park just re-opened, and features a public beach area with a visitor's center. Gulf State Park sits just over the bridge into Alabama and features over 30 miles of backwoods trails, with seven trails each through a different ecosystem and habitat of the Gulf Coast. Johnson Beach also makes for a great getaway if you want a beach to yourself for the day – 7 miles of undeveloped beachfront land await you on Johnson Beach. An abandoned Civil War fort called Fort McKree also sits at the far east tip of the island and makes for a great place to explore if you have a boat or kayak to get out there. You can rent boats, kayaks, or jet skis at Flora-Bama and go anywhere you want on the water. The two golf courses are some of the best around; Lost Key Golf Club is located on Perdido Key and was designed by Arnold Palmer. Lost Key features 18 holes around gorgeous dunes and the tall pines of the Island, while Perdido Bay Golf Club is located just over the bridge from Perdido, and was the former site of the PGA's Pensacola Open from 1978-1987. Fans 4 The temporary rodeo arena holds about 3,000 people and they sell out all three nights of the rodeo. Everyone from families and tourists to hardcore rodeo fans come out to Flora-Bama for Bulls on the Beach. What makes this rodeo stand out is that it is taking place on the beach, so, you'll encounter the regular rodeo crowd as well as people who just stumble upon Flora-Bama driving down the beach, and wonder what is going on. Flora-Bama also attracts a wide range of customers on a nightly basis, everyone from college kids to the older locals who've been coming here for years. A great place to watch the rodeo action is on the second-floor balcony that overlooks the rodeo arena. I saw a bunch of people up there watching the rodeo; on this balcony, you can get spectacular views of the rodeo arena, the beach, and the sunset. The event organizers also do a great job at making Bulls on the Beach a family-friendly event, although the inside of Flora-Bama can get a little too rowdy for some. Each of the bars has its particular theme, and on a Friday or Saturday you can see and hear some behavior that might be considered inappropriate from some of the people attending and the musicians playing – as long as you know that going in you should be all right; there is a reason Flora-Bama is 21 and over after 7 pm every night! But if you stick just to the rodeo, you shouldn't see any of the debauchery that goes on inside Flora-Bama. Access 2 There is no easy way to get to Flora-Bama; the bar is located at the extreme southern edge of Alabama and the far western point of Florida, and the coastal beach towns are not easy to get to either, as the closest interstate is I-10 about an hour away. If coming from Mobile take I-10 east for about 20 miles until you get to the Baldwin Beach Expressway at Exit 49 – you'll know you've reached the expressway when you see the giant Buc-ees, which makes for a great stop before you embark on the rural 30-mile road to the beach. Once on Highway 182, the main road that runs east and west along the beach, take it east over another bridge and you will see Flora-Bama on the right. Parking is across the street, and I recommend getting here early as the parking lot fills up quickly, and it can be almost impossible to find a spot after 5 p.m. The local condos will also tow your car if you park in their lots. There is also no public transportation in this area, so your only option is driving, though Uber or Lyft may be your best option for getting here. There are two separate entrances, one to the bar and one to the rodeo, and both of them back up the closer it gets to the dark. Get your rodeo seats early too, as they are all first come, first serve. Return on Investment 3 Tickets for Bulls on the Beach are $30 for general admission for each night's event, and you are free to sit anywhere in the grandstand. Tickets go on sale every year around July 4th and sell out rather quickly, so make sure you get your tickets early. I considered this a great event to attend just for its setting alone – nowhere else in the country will you experience a rodeo set-up like this on the beach, so you are coming to a one-of-a-kind event. You also just so happen to be at the world's most famous beach bar, and just being able to walk back and forth makes it well worth the return on investment. Extras 3 Bulls on the Beach is partnered with 3R Rodeo, one of the largest professional rodeo circuits in the southeast. 3R Rodeo is an affiliate of the International Professional Rodeo Association (IPRA), which is the second largest rodeo organization in the world; 3R is a feeder system for cowboys to move up to compete in IPRA. Also, a portion of the proceeds goes to St. Jude's Hospital each year. Even if you are not a big drinker, just do a walkthrough of Flora-Bama at some point while you’re here. The complex is huge and just looking at all the memorabilia on the walls, and the different musical acts, make it an interesting place, and you are bound to find something to pique your interest. As mentioned earlier Flora-Bama is home to a different event with something going on every night of the week – from bikini contests to fishing rodeos to golf tournaments and triathlons, Flora-Bama hosts it all. There's even stuff for all ages, such as the giant beach easter hunt egg hunt or the annual Santa Dip, where Santa Sky dives into Flora-Bama and takes a dip in the ocean. Kids come from all over to sit on Santa's lap from the comfort of his beach chair, and Flora-Bama even hosts a Sunday morning church service from under a tent on the beach. If you like the environment of Bulls on the Beach, then another event you must attend at Flora-Bama is the annual Interstate Mullet Toss. Held for three days every April, what started as just a reason to party has become one of the biggest beach parties anywhere, as over 30,000 attendees watch and/or participate in the throwing of a dead mullet across the state line to see who can throw it the farthest. We're referring to the fish, but you’ll find many people rocking the business-in-the-front-party-in-the-back hairstyle at the Mullet Toss. Hotel rooms are booked months in advance for this event, and for $20 anybody can participate and throw a fish. Awards and prizes are given as well, but mostly it's just an excuse for 30,000 people to have a beach party.

One of the most long-suffering fanbases can be found on the banks of Lake Erie in Cleveland, Ohio, and the citizens of Cleveland identify the most with the Cleveland Browns. A team deep in history, the Browns have had a rough go in their second incarnation, but what is a Browns game REALLY like? Grab a brew and join Paul and Dave for a trip to Cleveland Browns Stadium and the latest episode of Stadium Journey's Obstructed Views. 🏈🏈🏟️ You can find Stadium Journey's review of Cleveland Browns Stadium and the Cleveland Browns game day experience here.

Photo by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Lynn Family Stadium is home to Louisville City FC in the USL Championship. The soccer-specific venue holds 11,700 and is expandable to 15,304. It is one of the bigger soccer-only stadiums in the league and has become one of the league's best places to watch a match. You can check out Stadium Journey's written review or enjoy the video of the game-day atmosphere. ------- Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel . Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photo Courtesy of the Appalachian League Huntington, West Virginia, will be home to an Appalachian League in 2024 and call the stadium at Marshall University home. It marks the first time the city has been represented in the league since 1995. The news comes a month after reports of the Princeton Whistle Pigs ceasing operations. The ball club will play its home games at Jack Cook Field, the future home of the Marshall Thundering Herd baseball program. Currently under construction, the stadium is scheduled to open on March 1 for the school's first game. The last ballpark to house an Appy League club was the St. Cloud Commons, built in 1910. The Commons featured a covered grandstand, and a set of bleachers down the first base line but was well past its prime as a viable ballpark when the Huntington Cubs called it home. The stadium included a giant cardboard cub, named Harry Beary, in centerfield that would move up and down after the Cubbies scored a run or made a great play. The Cubs drew 66,402 to the stadium in its first season in 1990 and were among the league leaders, averaging crowds of 1,658 per game for the five seasons of operation. The Cubs pulled out of town in 1995 and were replaced by a co-op team named the River City Rumblers. Attendance fell to 20,631 for the year, with a dismal 616 fans per game. The independent Heartland League relocated the Altoona Rail Kings to town, but it folded midway through the 1998 season due to poor attendance figures. Huntington is 2.5 hours away from its nearest opponent in Bluefield, West Virginia, and 4 hours north from the cluster of teams in the Eastern Tennessee markets of Greeneville, Johnson City, Kingsport, Elizabethtown, and Bristol. When the Huntington Cubs called the market home from 1990-1994, the plan was for a new ballpark to be erected - 30 years later - a new stadium would be built. Stadium Journey readers and travelers will have the opportunity to visit a new team this summer, along with the university club, during the spring months of 2024. The stadium’s features will include an open concourse, synthetic turf, and a capacity for 3,500 people. Organized baseball has been around in town since 1910, and a slew of ball clubs have called the city home from the Boosters, Babes, Redbirds, Jewels, Aces, Blue Sox, Rail Kings, and the River City Rumblers. The organization will announce a team name and colors in the future, but it will use the Tri-State moniker. The Tr-City team is scheduled to open on June 15. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel . Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Emma Sutherland, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.29 Stoffer Fox Stadium 1150 Fulton St Newburg, OR 97132 George Fox Bruins website Stoffer Family Stadium website Year Opened: 2014 Capacity: 2,800 George Fox Football Located in Newberg, in Oregon’s beautiful wine country, Stoffer Family Stadium provides a great experience for college football. Built in 2014, the stadium holds 2800 fans and is home to the DIII Northwest Conference George Fox Bruins football. Food & Beverage 4 Local food trucks at each GFU football game provide several food and beverage options. While the vendors vary from game to game, you can typically find corn dogs, barbeque, Asian-style street food, and a local favorite: Hannah’s Popcorn, which sells several different specialty flavors of popcorn. Beverage options include water and Coca-Cola products sold by the stadium, as well as various drinks from each of the vendors. The boba tea from Bobablastic is my personal favorite! Alcohol is not permitted at the stadium, and therefore is not served at any of the vendors. Atmosphere 4 All three of the grandstands at Stoffer Stadium are close to the field to keep you in the game. While the general admission bleachers are not covered, the main grandstand for season ticket holders is covered. Fans are free to move around the stadium, and there is plenty of room at the end zones to stand and watch the game. The GFU Cheer and Stunt Team, as well as the Drumline, are located in front of the student section and keep the crowd cheering throughout the game. You may even spot Pennington, the school’s mascot, wandering throughout the crowds and ringing the bell when the Bruins score a touchdown. Pennington at Stoffer Family Stadium, Photo by Emma Sutherland, Stadium Journey Neighborhood 5 With downtown Newberg just a 10-minute walk away, Stoffer Stadium is close to several great restaurants and local shops. Newberg itself has been ranked as one of the safest places in Oregon, and with it being extremely walkable, everything you need is within a few blocks. Newberg provides a wide variety of dining options. A few personal favorites include Thai the Knot (just down the street from the stadium) and Old Town Bar and Grill . Several fast food restaurants are located on the other side of town, which is just a short drive away. Besides great restaurants, Newberg has several local shops, which include antique and clothing stores. Velour (vintage clothing and decor) and Wine Country Antiques are two of my favorite places to shop. A movie theater as well as a drive-in theater also can be found in Newberg. If you are looking to drive a bit, Portland is about 40 minutes from Newberg and has endless options for entertainment, including the zoo, OMSI , as well as many restaurants and bars. Options for lodging in Newberg include a Best Western and a Holiday Inn. Fans 4 Stoffer Stadium is full of excitement on Family Weekend, when student’s families have the opportunity to visit the university and attend the home game Saturday evening. Besides family weekend, each game has a theme where students dress up and pack the student section of the stadium. While family weekend attendance is more than usual, students and local fans will fill most of the stadium for a Saturday night game. Fans stay involved throughout the game, and if you are near the student section, it can get loud! Access 5 With Stoffer Stadium being on the smaller side, everything is extremely accessible. The food trucks are located right as you walk out of the stands, and restrooms are located close by in other campus buildings. Fans are welcome to walk around, and there is plenty of room to stand at both end zones. While there is no longer public transit service in Newberg, the town is small enough to be easily walkable anywhere around the stadium. Uber and Lyft rides are available in Newberg. Parking is available directly next to the stadium off of Fulton Street. Other parking lots are available around campus off of Villa and Meridian. Street parking is also available near campus, but usually fills up quickly. Ticketing gates open 90 minutes before games, and the only entry is located between the student section and the main grandstand. Tickets can be bought prior to the game. Getting through security is easy. There's no bag policy, though security personnel do random checks. Umbrellas are not allowed, and seat cushions can be up to 18 inches wide. Return on Investment 5 With ticket prices being $10 for adults and $5 for kids under 18, seeing a Bruin football game can be an affordable way to spend your Saturday afternoon. There is even a family pack option for $20 which includes 2 adults and kids. Season tickets range from $110-$120, and can be worth it for the covered seating area on rainy Oregon days. Parking on campus or in the neighborhood is free. Extras 3 Merchandise is available for purchase at games, located just outside of the stadium near the food trucks. During the autumn months, the GFU campus is full of beautiful fall colors. And did you even visit George Fox if you didn’t get a picture with Mama Bear, the large bronze bear statue? She is located in the Alumni Plaza on the south side of the stadium. Mama Bear at Stoffer Family Stadium, Photo by Emma Sutherland, Stadium Journey Final Thoughts Bruin Football at Stoffer Stadium is a great way to experience college football with a small-town feel. Newberg is a great community to visit, and the close proximity of the stadium to town makes everything you need within walking distance.

Courtesy of the Oakland Ballers There might be another ballpark to visit this summer for Stadium Journey readers. The Oakland Ballers have plans to keep baseball alive in town as an expansion club in the independent Pioneer League. The Oakland B’s expansion club is “stealing baseball back” and set to join the independent Pioneer League for the 2024 campaign. It is co-founded by Entrepreneur Paul Freeman and Bryan Carmel, a veteran writer and producer. They have scheduled a 2 p.m. ET news conference on Tuesday with Oakland Mayor Sheng Tao and other city officials. The B’s hope to play at Laney College's baseball stadium in downtown Oakland. The venue has a limited seating capacity and will be more than likely expanded for the new franchise. It is the site the A’s had once planned to build a new ballpark before announcing their decision to relocate to Las Vegas, NV. The franchise has raised $2 million from investors and started a fundraising campaign to invite others to become part-owners of the team. The ball club has introduced its primary logo and team colors of green and gold, similar to that of its major league counterpart. The B's will be the first California entry in the loop. The PL consists of 10 teams - spread across Montana, Idaho, Colorado, and Utah - and play a 96-game schedule from May to September. The emphasis is to draw more fans to home games this summer than the A's at the Oakland-Alameda County Stadium. "Unlike the A's, the B's vow to never leave The Town," the Oakland Ballers said in a statement. "The Oakland B's will be for Oakland, by Oakland, and forever in Oakland. The Oakland B's believe that sports teams should serve their communities — not the other way around." ---- Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel . Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Matt Colville, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Tori Bowe & Marshall Bell Soccer, Track and Field Complex 620 Meadowlane Drive Hattiesburg, MS 39401 Southern Mississippi Golden Eagles website Southern Miss Soccer Complex website Year Opened: 1997 Capacity: 1,500 Soccer at the Eagle's Nest The Southern Miss Soccer Complex opened in 1997, which was the first year of soccer at Southern Miss. For the first 25 years the Lady Eagles competed in C-USA, but beginning in 2022 Southern Miss athletics began their transition to the Sun Belt Conference. After 27 years of soccer action the Lady Eagles have advanced to 7 C-USA Tournaments and 1 Sun Belt Conference Tournament as of the 2023 season, with the best season being the 2018 season when they advanced to semifinals of the C-USA Tournament. Also located within the complex is the Marshall Bell Track, named after the former track and field coach at Southern Miss for 18 years. The track is home to the men's and women's track and field teams. In 2016 the entire facility was officially dedicated and renamed after Tori Bowie, the most decorated Olympic athlete from Southern Miss – the track and field star competed at Southern Miss from 2008-2012 and later won three Olympic Gold medals at the 2016 Summer Olympic Games. Food & Beverage 2 There is one food truck at the main entrance to the Complex and it just sells the basics. Sausage dogs, hot dogs, nachos, popcorn, peanuts, and candy round out the menu, and with prices ranging between $3 and $7 there is nothing that stands out or breaks the bank. Coca-Cola is the official soft drink provider of Southern Miss Athletics, and you can get bottled drinks for $5. However, my best advice for food options would be to instead get something to eat or drink next door at the Colludium Brewing Company, which is located in the parking lot probably 100 feet from the Soccer Complex. Atmosphere 3 The Soccer Complex is kind of hidden on the back side of campus, in quite a peaceful setting away from the noisy campus and the busy highway that runs right by it. The pitch runs north and south with an 800-seat grandstand located on the west side; 20 rows of metal bleachers make up the seating on that side. A small press box with a cool spiral staircase is located at the top of the bleachers – nothing really stands out regarding the seating except that all the seats are painted in the Southern Miss colors of black and gold. There is one main entrance into the Complex located under the bleachers, as well as a small gathering area behind the bleachers at the main entrance. The main entrance has a small table with posters and magnet schedules, and you can also find a plaque dedicated to Olympian Tori Bowie there as well. You can't beat the views from the bleachers – to the south you'll see the Long Leaf Trace bike trail that runs directly in front of the Complex. The Trace is a 44-mile paved trail that was once the site of a railroad that went into downtown Hattiesburg; the old looking building you can see to the south in the parking lot was once an old railroad storage warehouse. Today it has been renovated and is home to Colludium Brewing Company. To the north of the pitch you’ll see the locker rooms of the soccer and track teams. Once the match starts the atmosphere is pretty laid back, typical of a soccer match. They only play music during halftime and pre-game, and the PA announcer only speaks when Southern Miss scores. Don't come expecting any promotions or any fan engagement; instead the focus is squarely on the soccer match. Neighborhood 3 Hattiesburg (aka The Burg) is a decent-sized city of about 50,000 people, so it has everything you could want in a city and still retains that college town feel. The Burg has a wide selection of bars and restaurants, but unlike most college towns they are not located near each other – instead they are spread out throughout the city. Within walking distance of campus you'll find places like Patio 44, Brewsky's, and 4th Street Bar; if you’re looking for vintage Southern Miss memorabilia then 4th Street Bar is the place, located right on the Long Leaf Trace just down the street from the Soccer Complex in front of the Softball Complex . Another popular spot on the Trace and in the Soccer Complex parking lot is Colludium Brewing Company, Hattiesburg's newest brewery. Here they have a nice outdoor patio overlooking the Trace and the Soccer Complex, which makes for a great spot to have a beer before a soccer match. Closer to downtown you'll also find popular spots like Keg & Barrel, The Porter, Hattiesburger, Fairley Wings, and Nostalgia. In Hattiesburg there is also plenty to do for all ages – for families there's the Hattiesburg Zoo and Serenghetti Springs Water Park, while downtown has the popular Pocket Museum, Mississippi's tiniest museum. Located in an alleyway downtown, this popular museum has a different theme each month; we can't tell you where the alley is because that's part of the charm of the Pocket Museum, i.e. being able to find it. If coming to a match during October be sure to check out the Pocket Museum's Halloween display as well as Boo Zoo, located about a mile away from the Soccer Complex. For shopping in town there are plenty of chain stores, as well as Turtle Creek Mall. Another popular spot is the Lucky Rabbit – located downtown, it's a two-story vintage store with tons of antiques and different vendors with all kinds of little displays; this is a one-of-a-kind store and a must visit if you are coming to Hattiesburg. It also has a ton of Southern Miss memorabilia, and Hattiesburg also has a really cool Halloween theme with scary movies being shown in the street, plus giant skeletons all around town. If you are into the outdoors there is also Paul B. Johnson State Park, just south of Hattiesburg, which is an excellent spot for camping, while another popular pastime is rafting down the Okatoma River that runs right through Hattiesburg, all the way to the coast. Fans 3 You can usually find a couple hundred fans at a Southern Miss Soccer match; the grandstand holds about 800 seats and fills up pretty quickly, especially for weekend games. If you can't get a seat in the bleachers, the grass along the fence line makes for a great place to watch the game. I saw many fans bring folding chairs and sit along the fence line – you can even get closer to the action this way. Many of the visiting fans sit in the grass as well, to the north of the bleachers. The Southern Miss soccer team is pretty diverse, with the 2023 team having members from 7 different countries. A cool thing they do here is have flags of all those countries on display at the top of the bleachers, so as you enter the Soccer Complex you will be greeted by the flags of Hungary, Iceland, France, Ireland, England, Canada, and the U.S flying high above the bleachers. The Southern Miss student body also has many students from other countries who come out to support the soccer team – students from those countries are encouraged to bring their own flags as well, so you will see other flags flying such as Mexico or Sweden. Access 3 Getting to Hattiesburg shouldn't be a problem, as it is one of the more accessible cities in the state, located about an hour and a half from the coast, New Orleans, Jackson, or Mobile. If coming from out of town the main road into The Burg is I-59; once in town the main two roads in Hattiesburg are Highway 49 and Hardy Street, with Southern Miss’ campus sitting at the intersection of the two. Depending on the time of day Hattiesburg is notorious for traffic, especially on Hardy Street, so plan accordingly, as many of the weekday soccer matches start in the mid-afternoon. The Soccer Complex is tucked away on the back side of campus to the east of Highway 49. The best way to get to the venue is to take the 4th Street exit off Highway 49; when you see the softball field behind 4th Street Bar, go a little further east and you will see Colludium Brewing Company, with the Soccer Complex sitting behind it. For weekend matches parking is extremely limited – the Brewery shares a parking lot with the Soccer Complex, so when Colludium is packed it will be hard to find a parking spot. My recommendation would be to park at the Softball Complex and walk down the Long Leaf Trace to get to the Soccer Complex. Return on Investment 3 Tickets are free, parking is free, and concessions are cheap – the only issue is the limited parking in the parking lot, especially for weekend games. However, I consider this a good return on investment, and the facility being named after an Olympic Gold Medalist is always a plus. There isn't a lot going on besides the soccer match either, so don't come expecting a lot of music or giveaways, but you will get to watch a soccer match in a beautiful setting. Extras 3 One extra for the complex also housing the Southern Miss Men's and Women's track and field teams; the track also hosted the 1997 C-USA Outdoor Track and Field Championships, as well High School State Championship meets. Another extra for the facility being named after Tori Bowie – the Pisgah, MS native was a two-time NCAA long jump champion during her time here, followed up by winning three medals at the 2016 Summer Olympics (gold in the 4 x 100 m relay, silver in the 100 m, and bronze in the 200 m). She also took bronze and gold in the 100 m at the 2015 and 2017 World Championships. Sadly, Tori would pass away in April 2023 at the young age of 32; it is quite fitting that the most decorated athlete to come out of Southern Miss, and probably one of the most decorated Olympic athletes to come out of Mississippi, will forever have her legacy honored at the track where she had so many memorable runs en route to the Olympics. One extra for the Long Leaf Trace and Brewery providing the backdrop to the Soccer Complex; it is possible to bike here from almost anywhere in Hattiesburg via The Trace, and almost all the Southern Miss athletic venues are located along the old railroad which is now a paved trail. The Trace provides a scenic way to bike to the Soccer Complex, especially on a crisp cool fall night for a soccer match.

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Mountaineer Field at Milan Puskar Stadium 1 Ira Errett Rodgers Dr Morgantown, WV 26506 West Virginia Mountaineers website Mountaineer Field at Milan Puskar Stadium website Year Opened: 1980 Capacity: 60,000 Take Me Home, Country Roads The last time I attended a football game at West Virginia was in 2007 – several years before Geno Smith, five years before they joined the Big 12, and long before the 2016 stadium renovations. Since that time the football experience at Mountaineer Field has just gotten better and better; the fans are passionate, the concessions are solid, and the band is top notch. The only challenge is getting in and out. Food & Beverage 4 Mountaineer Field boasts a wide array of concessions items from football-themed stands, with names such as Red Zone Grill and Sideline Stands. However, stands with the same name have different items around the stadium, which means you will have to hunt around for the items you want – ranging from burgers, hot dogs, nachos, chicken tenders, pulled pork, pizza, and even pepperoni rolls. Besides the main stands you can also find smaller stands all around the facility, offering snack items such as peanuts, popcorn, glazed nuts, and ice cream, as well as stands selling beer, wine, and seltzer. The prices for all these items are very reasonable for this level of football – for example you can find hot dogs, popcorn, and candy for only $3.50, bottled water for $4, and alcohol starting at $8.50, which is a lot less than you will pay at many similar venues. Atmosphere 5 West Virginia has a great atmosphere, and it starts with the marching band – the band does all sorts of formations during pre-game and during halftime, for example the WVU logo, state flower, shape of West Virginia, and even a football. The best thing about these formations is that the band flips them around so both the home and visiting stands can see them right-side up; the band wears white with dark blue capes, so you will see the formations done in both colors as they switch between sides. Besides the band there are also plenty of pyrotechnics for fans to enjoy – cones of fire and smoke when the team comes onto the field, as well as fireworks during the National Anthem, whenever the Mountaineers score, and after the game. West Virginia also has a great mascot, and all the traditional fan engagement activities, such as field goal contests and a t-shirt Gatling gun to shower fans with swag. There are also two huge videoboards so you can watch all the replays. Neighborhood 4 West Virginia University hospital is right behind the north end zone, and there are a bunch of restaurants beyond that, including an Applebee’s; sports bars such as Kegler’s, Smokin’ J’s, and Buffalo Wild Wings; Sam’s Pizza; and plenty of fast food restaurants as well – all of these are within 1-2 miles of the stadium. Hotels are not quite as numerous as the restaurants, but you can find several well-known chains such as Marriott and Hampton Inn. Morgantown does lack a little in terms of attractions for those who want to spend the day or weekend, but you can find interesting stops such as the Don Knotts statue and the USS West Virginia mast and bell, as well as several parks for the nature lovers. Fans 3 There is a great tailgating scene at West Virginia – from inside the stadium you can see tents and tailgaters expanding out quite a ways, and many fans stay until the end to sing Country Roads and to watch the band march out. The stands are also pretty full – not a sellout by any means but not very many empty seats either, especially for Big 12 matchups. The stands do tend to thin out a little as the game goes on, though, so there will be fewer by the fourth quarter than you will see during the second. Access 3 I will be honest – getting to Mountaineer Field is tough. Morgantown is just off I-79, but a little far from other major towns, so it may take a while to get here depending on where you are coming from. Also you will probably have to park pretty far from the stadium – you can find parking starting at $10 near where the restaurants are if you are willing to walk a bit, and the prices go up from there the closer you get to the stadium. Note that you will need a pass to park on the hill next to the facility, and if you do park on that hill, it will still take time to get back to your car, either waiting for one of the shuttles or walking back up the hill. Once inside the stadium, the lines are long for the concessions and restrooms, even before it hits halftime, though the lines at the entrances are not too bad; there is a long line right before the gates open of all those who came early, but once that rush is over it gets easier. You can’t really see the game from the concourse due to the tunnels that go up and down to the seats, which block your vision of the field. On the plus side they have TV screens all along the concourse, so you can still keep track of the game while waiting in line to get food or use the restrooms. Getting out after the game is also a bit challenging – the local police try to help by re-directing traffic; blocking certain streets and making other streets one way, meaning both sides go the same direction, allowing some people to drive on the “wrong” side of the road as they exit. But having certain streets blocked means you may have to loop all the way around to go in the direction you want to go in, and traffic is pretty heavy nearby for 30-60 minutes after the game. One option to note is West Virginia does have an elevated train consisting of boxy little vehicles, which shuttle folks from campus to the stadium and back – due to the issues with driving mentioned above, if you are able to use that train it is probably worthwhile, and should save you some time. Return on Investment 4 Tickets to West Virginia football games start at $65 on their website (conference games), but you can likely find them on third party websites for a little cheaper given they don’t usually sell out (the stadium has a capacity of 60,000 – for most games lately they are at two-thirds or three-quarters of that). That is a fair price for big-time college football, and given the reasonable concessions and low cost parking options, makes attending a game at Mountaineer Field a good return on investment. Extras 3 Being able to see the band march out after the game is a plus, and the setting is very nice, with the hills and trees in the background. The scenery on the drive up is pleasant as well – through the mountains of rural West Virginia, a part of the country many folks have never seen; a nice break from the hustle and bustle of city living. Final Thoughts Mountaineer Field has a great atmosphere with lots of amenities for fans, especially the pyrotechnics, and the recent upgrades to the stadium have improved things quite a bit. As long as you plan ahead in term of getting in and out, you should have a great time.

Photo Designed by Jason Moragas This past November a series of baseball teams and leagues introduced new branding to the market in hopes of attracting fans to their organization and a few more to purchase merchandise. Each November brings out a wave of new franchises, rebranding, and logo updates. The month has become known as Logovember. Jason Moragas tracked down every league’s new styles on his Brand Identity Checklist and joined me on a recent episode of the Ballpark Hunter . Here is what we thought were the five best logos from the offseason, so far. Rome Emperors - South Atlantic League Marc - "I am not sure there is a negative complaint about this rebrand. The former Rome Brave ball club went from a vapid-sounding name to one that evokes that of Ancient Rome. The Studio Simon-designed emperor penguin has the right smirk on his face and dons enough aesthetics to make Julius Caesar blush. The colors of red, black, and gold have been a hit across the country, with merchandise sold in all 50 states." Jason -“Even among Dan Simon’s portfolio, this is some top stuff. The penguin logo appeals to little children, and the name is not over the top. It does a great job of appealing to everyone and isolating no one. I love the use of the old Roman columns, the wardrobe, and the penguin's smirk on his face. This brand writes itself.” Ft. Collins Foxesv - Rocky Mountain Baseball League Marc- "I was worried that after the ball clubs' hiatus, they might not return; instead, they unleash an update on an old classic and come very close to beating Rome in the Logovember Wars. The two shades of orange and the teal coloring make the logo pop. If you are doing a reboot with your club, this is how to get it started." Jason- “What a statement after taking last year off. The Foxes come back with a really impressive logo in a league that does offer powerful branding. The colors of orange and teal are electric. The real fox is commanding. This logo is the only one that could truly rival the Rome Emperors.” North Platte 80s - Pecos League Marc - "Leave it to the Pecos League to find one of its teams on this list and one that came out of the blue. The club isn’t named after a particular year but after "The Decade of Decadence". The logo looks like it was created in 1986, but it feels fresh for baseball fans to rock in on a trucker’s cap in 2024." Jason - “The 80’s is a good logo. It is one of my favorites of the off-season. It's like an 80s logo. They are trying to bring in the culture and the vibe of that era of baseball. That’s good and that sounds a lot of fun.” Saskatoon Berries - Western Canadian Baseball League Marc - "You can’t help but like the cute little logo of the expansion of Saskatoon Berries of the Western Canadian Baseball League. The emblem, designed by Brad McLeod, works for the company that owns the Berries, Sask Entertainment Group. The colors of purple and sky blue give this a fresh look for the club bringing back baseball fun in the summertime in Saskatchewan. Jason - “I love this one. It’s a nice, cute logo, but this little berry with the eye black, white cap turned backward like Ken Griffey, Jr., with his bat over his shoulder is great for the league. I’m a sucker for purple, and it’s a good logo for a baseball team. You love to see a logo like this for a collegiate summer league.” Northwest Arkansas Naturals - Texas League Marc - "I love the colors and secondary marks, and the rooster logo is a great addition to the new branding of the ball club. The oversized logos are not my cup of tea, but this new branding makes you realize how outdated the old logo was. There is a lot to enjoy from the Naturals new imagery." Jason - "The new Naturals logo dials back on the business of their old primary mark to create a new visual identity that puts the scenic views of NWA at the forefront. The blue, yellow, and red color scheme of the club creates a stunning portrait of a sunset sky over a natural landscape. I'm also a big fan of the oversized secondary marks that truly pop on caps. The oversized cap logo look seems to be in (see the Tampa Bay Rays Devil Ray throwbacks), and the Naturals certainly do not miss that mark. Overall, this is a massive improvement, in my opinion, and I cannot wait to see the new logo set hit the field." --- Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel. Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com Follow Jason Moragas on Twitter @jasonxxiv

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.29 New England Sports Village 1395A Commerce Way Attleboro, MA 02703   Johnson & Wales Wildcats hockey website   New England Sports Village website   Year Opened : 2016 Capacity: 1,000   Johnson and Wales Hockey Johnson and Wales University is a private university with its main campus in downtown Providence, RI. Founded in 1914 by Gertrude Johnson and Mary Wales as a business school, JWU has a total enrollment of over 7,000 students spread out over its four campuses. Today the school is best known for its culinary arts and hospitality programs. Several celebrity chefs, including Emeril Lagasse and Aaron Sanchez, are alumni of JWU. New England Sports Village is a community ice center containing two full-sized NHL rinks, a ¾ sized “studio rink” and a goalie pad. The hockey rinks at New England Sports Village were planned to be the first piece in a larger project that was to eventually contain facilities for soccer, tennis, and swimming in addition to a hotel and field house. However, this additional development has yet to materialize, and the owners of the complex filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in August 2021 to stave off a foreclosure auction.   Varsity hockey has been played at Johnson & Wales University since 1997. The team competes in the New England Hockey Conference, a Division Three hockey-only conference featuring teams from New England and New York. The Wildcats have yet to qualify for the national tournament.   Food & Beverage 2   The Blue Line Café, located in the main lobby, offers a basic menu for visiting Wildcats fans who need a snack. Hot dogs, breakfast sandwiches, muffins, and snacks can be purchased here. If your timing is right, you may find pizza slices, assorted sandwiches, or chicken tenders available. The prices are cheap and the quality is decent. Should the café be closed during your visit, there are several vending machines in the lobby.   Pepsi products are featured at NESV. Coffee and hot chocolate are popular items in the chilly complex. Fans are welcome to bring in their snacks if they wish.   Atmosphere 1   As you might expect in a simple community rink like the NESV, there’s not a lot to the game day presentation. The staff here does the best with the limited tools at their disposal, but are limited by a poor speaker system, which makes PA announcements almost unintelligible. A small scoreboard hangs at center ice, which displays basic game information. With youth hockey games going on at the other rink, you’ll be sure to find lots of kids running around the facility, giving the place a certain energy.   One of the best things about seeing a game at a small rink like the NESV is that you can hear the sounds of the game. You can hear coaches shouting instructions to their players, the officials making their calls, and the players chirping at each other. It’s very enjoyable for serious hockey fans.   Neighborhood 2   The New England Sports Village is located in a suburban neighborhood with nothing of interest in the immediate vicinity. Fans looking for a bite to eat can head to nearby Route 1, the primary business district in Attleboro, where multiple shopping and dining options can be found. Most of the options here are national chains. The local outpost of 99 Restaurant or Miller’s Roast Beef should suit your needs. If you are looking for fine dining, head to Providence, which is known as one of the better mid-sized cities in the country for dining options.   Fans looking for nearby lodging will find several options along this same stretch of Route One, including a Best Western, a Holiday Inn Express, and a Hampton Inn.   If visiting during the holiday season, a trip to LaSalette Shrine is a must. The facility is decked out in lights and is a popular local destination during the holidays.   Fans 1 At Stadium Journey we often use the term “friends and family” to describe smaller crowds. A JWU hockey crowd certainly fits this description. Stadium Journey attended a game on a Saturday night, and a crowd of under 100 fans were in attendance. On the plus side, you know that virtually everyone in attendance will have a personal connection with the athletes down on the ice and will be very knowledgeable and enthusiastic in their support. Since the NESV is so far from campus, you won’t find many students here. With the Wildcats’ schedule featuring mostly local teams, you’ll find a good turnout from visiting team fans as well.   Access 4 The New England Sports Village is located in Attleboro, MA, a Providence suburb located about 12 miles from the Johnson & Wales campus. The facility is located just off Interstate 95, making access to and from the facility easy. The parking lot and the main entrance are located at the rear of the building as you approach from Commerce Way.   The Wildcats usually play in the “Premier Rink,” which is straight ahead as you enter the building. Since they are not the primary tenants at the NESV, their games may occasionally be shifted over to the secondary rink. Seating consists of metal bleachers without backs raised about eight feet over the ice surface. Nets run the length of the rink, obstructing views from all seating areas. There is a bit of standing room available at ice level. Fans wishing to escape the cold of the rink may choose to watch the action from tables located in the lobby, which have a view of the ice.   The cafeteria and restrooms are located in the main lobby. While the three ice surfaces here are in constant use, lines are not an issue and the facility is clean and attractive.   Return on Investment 5   There is no charge for Wildcat hockey games at the NESV, and parking in the adjacent lot is also free. Concessions are inexpensive, which all adds up to a very affordable night of entertainment for local sports fans.   Extras 1   An extra point is awarded for honoring local high school player A.J. Quetta by naming the premier rink for him. Quetta was a local high school player who suffered a spinal cord injury in a 2021 game at the facility. There's also an inspirational quote from Quetta on the rink's wall. "If there is a will, there is always a way, my friend."   Final Thoughts   It’s not unusual to see teams at this level of play utilize community rinks as their homes. While the New England Sports Village may not be the most convenient place for this downtown Providence school to be playing, it serves as a decent home for the Wildcats. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter  and Instagram  @PuckmanRI.

The home of the Orlando Magic and Orlando Solar Bears is getting a new name. After Amway's title sponsorship was not renewed, Kia, the NBA's official auto sponsor, has been named the new naming rights holder for the arena. The Kia Center, as it will now be called, will give the venue a new name for the first time since it opened in 2010. “The Orlando Magic and Kia America have been proud partners for several years and we share in the excitement of Kia’s success and growth,” Magic CEO Alex Martins said. “We look forward to our expanded partnership which allows Kia to drive its brand forward and deliver a direct, impactful message to our fan base and beyond using the power of the NBA.” Amway, owned by the DeVoss family, which also owns the Magic franchise, had been the name of the arena and its predecessor facility for nearly two decades. Signage for Amway has been slowly removed over the past few weeks ahead of the new Kia partnership announcement.

When discussing the Baltimore Ravens, the guys welcome pinch-hitter, Stadium Journey's Richard Smith to discuss the most poetic team in the NFL. Is the experience as good as the Orioles? Is Baltimore a football or baseball town? Grab a beer and join Dave and Paul and settle in for the latest episode of Stadium Journey's Obstructed Views. 🏈 You can find Stadium Journey's review of M&T Bank Stadium and the Baltimore Ravens game day experience here.

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 The Coliseum 325 W Georgia Drive Carrollton, GA 30117 West Georgia Wolves website The Coliseum website Year Opened: 2009 Capacity: 7,000 The Coliseum – University of West Georgia Wolves The University of West Georgia Wolves christened their new home, The Coliseum, in 2009, which serves as the home of the West Georgia basketball and volleyball teams. The 2023-24 season will mark the final season for the Wolves as a part of the Gulf South Conference and NCAA’s Division II, as they make the jump to Division I as members of the Atlantic Sun Conference.   Food & Beverage   2 There are two concession stands built into the arena, but only one seems to be typically used. The stand is conveniently located in the northwest corner of the concourse, just around the corner from the main lobby. The menu does seem a bit limited with hot dogs and nachos being the main courses; candy, chips, and popcorn are also available.  When it comes to beverages, Coca-Cola products, Powerade, and bottled water are the go-to choices. Even though the options are not overly eye-opening, there are no menu items over $3 – these low prices make grabbing a bite to eat a bit more enticing.   Atmosphere   3 The Coliseum is a rather modern-looking facility that incorporates a glassed entryway into a high-ceilinged, open lobby. As soon as they pass through the doors, fans are greeted with the unmistakable squeak of sneakers on hardwood, the repetitive thud of the ball on the floor, the blasts of referee whistles, and the arena horn. The entry point lobby is open to the playing area, so one of the first glimpses of the court fans have is of the large four-sided video board that hangs above the center court; the board gives fans a feed of the live broadcast. A second video board is suspended high above the eastern end of the court and shows live statistical totals, and in addition to these first two impressive video boards, smaller scoreboards that provide time and score information are affixed to the inside walls of the sideline seating. The Coliseum is probably bigger than it needs to be for West Georgia basketball, but the facility is also used for many events throughout the year, including the high school state basketball playoffs, concerts, graduation ceremonies, and several other large community events. So, while the size of the arena does make for a bit of an empty feel during basketball games, the fans here do well in making the stands seem much fuller than they are. Most breaks in the action are accompanied by a performance from West Georgia’s large (more than 30 members) cheer squad, typically followed by a short musical interlude from the West Georgia pep band – the combination creates a classic basketball atmosphere. Neighborhood   4 The Coliseum is less than 2 miles from downtown Carrollton, which is sneaky exciting with several shops, restaurants, and a brew house. On weekends the area is frequently bustling with activity, from the local eateries to town events. Maple Street, which runs along the front of the West Georgia campus toward downtown, also has several restaurants along its length. The Coliseum is tucked into the back of West Georgia’s campus, neighbored by the school’s baseball stadium, Cole Field, and several of West Georgia’s administrative buildings; the location does help promote a “college campus” feel and fanfare that makes college basketball so special.   Fans   3 An initial look at attendance numbers may make it seem like the Wolves struggle with fan support, but that is not necessarily the case. Attendance tends to be five to six hundred per game, which for the Gulf South Conference is just about in line with other programs.   What boosts the Wolves’ basketball experience, though, is that despite what appears to be a lack of attendance, there is a very supportive fan base. The most ardent of fans tends to be a group of students near court level across from the visiting bench, who are ready to celebrate each 3-point basket and dunk from the Wolves. Students tend to populate the southern seating area, while fans from the community and alumni typically sit in the northern bleachers, which are across from the main entrance. Access   3 The West Georgia campus is in the Georgia town of Carrolton, in the outer reaches of metro Atlanta.  For those heading to West Georgia from outside of the immediate area, getting to Carrolton can be a bit of a challenge, as many fans would likely be using Interstate 20. For weekday games, this can take more than a handful of patience, as Atlanta traffic is notorious for its unpredictable and uncooperative nature. Once on the West Georgia campus, a large parking lot sits just across the street from The Coliseum, just a short walk away from the venue. Upon approaching the front doors, a sandwich board instructs fans to scan a QR code to purchase tickets, since there is not a staffed ticket office selling them. Just after passing through the main entry, a table is set up to scan the entry tickets – the process is not difficult, but it might be wise to try and purchase tickets ahead of time just to not have to deal with the hassle of setting up a Wolves purchasing account. Once in the arena, the main lobby is very spacious and easy for groups to navigate. Alums and fans from the community usually sit behind the team benches by proceeding to the concourse straight ahead, while students occupy much of the seating across from the team benches, accessible by taking a sharp left upon entering the facility. There are no designated seating areas for students and alums, but the seating seems to shake out that way anyway. The concourse is open to the court from the baseline around the top of both sides. Though the concourse does continue completely around the arena, it is a bit deserted around the walkway at the opposite end.   Return on Investment   5 Seating is general admission and runs $10, which is extremely reasonable for college basketball tickets. If those rates are not good enough, West Georgia also offers ticket deals like ticket four packs for just $30. When factoring in free parking and the concession prices, it would be difficult to find a better deal in college basketball, short of free.   Extras   3 Banners celebrating the successes of the University of West Georgia athletic programs line the rafters along both sides of the court; included are banners from the NAIA National Championship the basketball program won in 1974. A trophy case just to the right of the lobby area displays the hardware of much of the Wolves' successes as well. The Red Clay Rivalry is an all-sport competition between the Wolves and the Valdosta State Blazers – the basketball portion of the rivalry creates a fun atmosphere, as the passion of the fans is a bit more amped up during those contests than normal. The West Georgia mascot, Wolfie, is a frequent participant in welcoming fans to the arena and during pregame festivities. Wolfie also makes several appearances with the cheer squad for off-court activities on the concourse, as well as for some of the on-court routines. Final Thoughts The Coliseum is a beautiful facility and should fit in seamlessly as the Wolves move from Division II to Division I. As with several programs in similar situations, there are typically growing pains that go along with such a move, but the Wolves of West Georgia appear to have solid footing upon which to build.

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 Jerry Richardson Stadium 8701 Phillips Rd Charlotte, NC 28223 Famous Toastery Bowl website Jerry Richardson Stadium website Year Opened: 2013 Capacity: 15,314 A Toast to the Famous Toastery Bowl There are two perspectives one could take when reviewing the Famous Toastery Bowl – the first looks at what is missing. When the Bahamas Bowl  needed to be relocated for a year due to ongoing stadium construction and renovations at Thomas Robinson Stadium , ESPN Events chose Jerry Richardson Stadium in Charlotte. The home of the Charlotte 49ers , the stadium seemed like a perfect fit for a smaller bowl like this one. However, many of the things one expected were not here; there was little sponsor activation, signage around town was minimal at best, and the massive crowd wasn’t exactly filling every open seat. A change of perspective can alter your perception, though – everything at the stadium was immaculate, the staff was friendly and welcoming, tailgating was in full force even in the parking garages, game logos were all over the place, and they even had a celebrity coin tosser in Daytona 500 winning NASCAR driver Michael McDowell. By the end of the game, many in the stands were echoing what had become a common thought: “I hope they keep this game here for next year”.   Food & Beverage   4 For a smaller stadium, the food and beverage options here are numerous. Multiple concession stands exist in the stadium and all of them are open. The main draw is the Bojangles stand where you can get their famous chicken in baskets ($9.50) and have mac and cheese bacon bites ($8) or jumbo pretzels ($5 + $2 for cheese). Large souvenir cups with free refills of soda or iced tea run $6.25, while bottled water ($4-$6), Powerade ($4), and Monster Energy ($5) are also available. Beer ($8-$9) and wine ($9.50) are also available, including a local brew themed after the Charlotte 49ers. In addition, various other food carts are located throughout the concourse offering similar options.   Atmosphere   4 The stadium itself is simple enough; a single level to the bowl, fans enter the facility along what is currently the upper concourse, meaning you walk down to your seats. The architecture matches that of the buildings on campus nearby, a mix of classic colonial aesthetic and “Morrocroft Special” brickwork from Hanson Brick. The new LED scoreboard is visible from almost every seat in the stadium, and most seats are backed bleachers or individual chairback seats. The backdrop of the stadium features stunning campus buildings and trees – the campus itself is heavily wooded, making for a verdant college look.   Neighborhood   4 UNC Charlotte is a beautiful campus, filled with lakes and forested areas over 1,000 acres. Immediately across the street from the stadium is a Marriott hotel. The immediate neighborhood of University City features plenty of shopping, dining, and lodging for visitors, and the campus itself is beautiful to walk around. In downtown Charlotte, you can visit the NASCAR Hall of Fame, as well as various race shops in the cities to the north in Mooresville.   Fans   3 The fan attendance at the Famous Toastery Bowl is smaller than some of those at bigger bowls, partially a result of the game’s tie-ins, which usually result in smaller schools from mid-level conferences being invited – Old Dominion  and Western Kentucky  highlighted the most recent match-up. Fans nonetheless can get a taste of the pageantry of bowl games. Also, the smaller stadium means the fans fill in a lot more than at larger facilities, putting them closer to the action. n. Everyone in attendance also made the most of their attendance, making for roars during scoring plays that could be heard far away from the stadium itself, despite its smaller size. Access   5 Getting to the Famous Toastery Bowl is incredibly easy; located equidistant from I-85 and I-485, the stadium lies right off the main roads of Highway 29 and Route 24. Parking is plentiful on-site, and signage on the nearby roads directs fans to the entrances. Additionally, pre-game info on stadium parking and entrances for various lots was readily available for fans and was well communicated.   Return on Investment   5 Tickets to the Famous Toastery Bowl are incredibly affordable, starting at just $25 for end zone seats and topping out at $60 for sideline seats at the 50-yard line. Parking is also available, with various lots and garages around the stadium open, as well as having fan shuttle service available. With this in mind, the Famous Toastery Bowl may be the best value for bowl season.   Extras   4 The stadium features a large statue outside Gate 3 sculpted by artist Jon Hair – the “Go Long” statue honors the team’s ongoing history in college football, and serves as a great photo spot for fans. The game also features various giveaways, both for fans entering the game and for fans inside. You also can purchase Bowl Game merchandise at several sales stands around the facility, and finally, the stadium features plaques around the venue honoring university benefactors who helped fund its construction, as well as those whom the stadium was named after.   Final Thoughts The Famous Toastery Bowl has the potential to be a great bowl game in the future. Should it become a new bowl and remain in Charlotte, there is little doubt it will become a great option for sports fans. Incredibly high affordability offers fans the option to take in a bowl game without breaking the bank, and the stadium itself is a wonderful site.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Audi Field 100 Potomac Avenue Washington DC 20024 DC United website Audi Field website Year Opened: 2018 Capacity: 20,000 A Real Stadium For United D.C. United is a charter member of Major League Soccer, joining the league for its inaugural 1996 season. For the first two-plus decades of their existence, the Black & Red played in cavernous, run-down RFK Stadium, which also served as a baseball and football stadium at various points in its existence. After many discussions of a new stadium, D.C. United finally got one in 2018, moving into Audi Field, a soccer-specific stadium located on Buzzard Point. This long-awaited home was intended to revitalize the atmosphere at D.C. United games, and for the most part, it has done so. Food & Beverage 5 Audi Field has a wide range of concessions that should satisfy any fan’s palate, many of which are provided by celebrity chef Jose Andres. In addition to classic options such as burgers and pizza, fans can pick from more unique options such as pupusas and arepas. Given that soccer’s fanbase skews towards those of Latin American descent, it is nice to see concessions that reflect this diversity. Prices can be quite high, with one meal costing $20-$25 between the meal and a soda or water, even more if you are planning to drink alcohol at the game. Atmosphere 4 Other than the Supporters’ Section (more on that later), every seat in Audi Field is a chairback, and no matter where you watch the game from, you will have a great view of the action. There are two levels, although 200-level seats are only located on one sideline, above the suites. There is a large videoboard behind the Supporters’ Section, although fans on that side of the field may have to turn around to look at it. There is a board on the other side which also shows score and video, but the video is very small and almost impossible to see from all the way across the field. As for the Supporters’ Section, this is where a lot of the energy is. Due to popular demand, the club converted these sections behind the north goal from benches to safe standing a couple years ago. The Supporters (with a capital S) in this section are loud, raucous, and rowdy for the whole game, cheering, waving flags, and really contributing to the atmosphere. The energy in the stadium is less than it was when it first opened and the place was routinely selling out, but is still palpable. That being said, when compared to other MLS stadiums built around the same time, the experience at Audi Field is much more basic, both in terms of the energy and the fan amenities. Neighborhood 4 Audi Field is located in an up-and-coming part of D.C., near Buzzard Point. There is currently a lot of construction going on around the stadium, so expect it to improve even more in the future. For now, All About Burger is a popular local burger place located a few blocks of the stadium, and there are other options closer to Nationals Park. Of course, you are in Washington, D.C., so there is plenty to do if you head towards the National Mall, and much of it is free. Just keep in mind if you want to tour the White House or Capitol, you will need to book that in advance. Fans 3 With D.C. United finishing towards the bottom of the league table the last few years, they are not drawing the crowds they used to. Many of the fans have been following the club since its inception in1996, while others are newer to the team. That being said, the real fan energy comes from the Supporters Section. There are several Supporters Groups, including Barra Brava, District Ultras, 202 Unique, La Banda del Distrito, Rose Room Collective, and Screaming Eagles. These fans are located in Sections 135-137 and can be expected to stand, cheer, chant, wave flags, bang drums, and more for the entire game. The Supporters bring raucous energy for the full 90 minutes, although they no longer fill the section like they once did. For many games, they will make a tifo (large, handmade banner) that they unveil pregame to support the team or various team-related causes. Other fans can get involved too, of course. D.C. United fans, in general, are knowledgeable about the game and the team, and while they’re not afraid to get on the refs’ case when a close call doesn’t go their way. All fans will celebrate D.C. United goals (except for traveling supporters of the visiting team, of course) but none get into it like the Supporters Section. Access 3 When going to Audi Field, your best bet is to use public transit or a rideshare service like Uber or Lyft. If taking Metro, take the Green Line to Navy Yard-Ballpark and walk about ten minutes to the stadium. Keep in mind, however, that there is often trackwork on Metro, particularly on weekends and during the summer, resulting in single tracking and/or the closing of stations entirely. Be sure to check in advance. If driving in, you can park at one of the stations in suburban Maryland and take Metro from there so you do not have to contend with D.C. traffic. Crowds will be large on the train after the game, although if you park at the Branch Avenue station in Southern Prince George’s County, you will be taking the Green Line in the opposite direction from most fans so it will be far less packed once you board. If you do arrive at the stadium by (whether one driven by you or an Uber/Lyft driver) there is a lot of construction surrounding the stadium right now so it may be hard to figure out how to get right there, although an Uber/Lyft driver should be able to get you close. Parking is very limited and can be purchased in advance through SpotHero, but the cheapest spots will cost about $45 and can be located a 15-minute walk from the stadium. To get closer will cost you twice that. There is still no dedicated team-run parking lot, in contrast to the spacious lots at RFK. Return on Investment 2 Tickets are sold with dynamic pricing, so the exact price will depend on the day you go and the opponent, but in general, they range from somewhat affordable to ridiculously expensive depending on where you sit. The cheapest seats are behind the goals and can cost about $30-$50 depending on the game. Keep in mind many of the “seats” behind the north goal are actually safe standing in the Supporters Section. These are clearly marked when buying through the team, but if you buy these, prepare to stand for the entire game (there aren’t even any seats to sit in) and possibly have your view obstructed by flags at times. However, if this is not for you, there are plenty of seats available behind the south goal for roughly the same price. Sideline seats will start at about $60-$80 depending on the game, and go up to about twice that. Premium seats such as suites will cost you even more but may come with food and beverage. These prices are slightly more expensive than most MLS ticket prices, and with D.C. United being a middling team in a stadium far less advanced than others built around the same time, there is little to justify this. Getting to the stadium will be extremely pricey if you do not want to deal with Metro delays, and concessions are expensive as well. While good value can be had if you are willing to go on a weeknight, for the most part a trip to DC United game is quite the pricey endeavor. Extras 3 One bonus star for the murals throughout the stadium honoring DC United history as well as the history of other soccer teams that have played in Washington throughout the years. The Heineken Rooftop Bar behind the north goal provides a unique vantage point to watch a game. A third star for the many unique concession options here. Final Thoughts D.C. United fans had been waiting a long time for a true soccer stadium by the time Audi Field opened in 2018. While Audi Field is a vast improvement over RFK Stadium, it has sadly left off many of the developments seen at successful MLS stadiums built around the same time. The team has remedied some of these, such as by honoring the history of soccer in the nation's capital, but Audi Field remains below the standard we have seen at other venues in the league recently.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium info FANFARE Score: 2.71 James A. Calhoun Gymnasium 1678 Asylum Ave West Hartford, CT 06117 University of St. Joseph men's basketball website James A. Calhoun Gymnasium website Year Opened: 2021 Capacity : 800 A Tiny Gym With a Big Name   Jim Calhoun is a legendary figure in college basketball. As coach of the University of Connecticut men’s basketball team, he won three national championships, in 1999, 2004 and 2011. He finished his career with 873 victories in Division One, good for 11th all-time at the time of his retirement. Considered to be one of the best coaches in the history of college basketball, Calhoun was elected to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2005.   The University of St. Joseph was founded in 1932 by the Sisters of Mercy Connecticut. Originally known as Saint Joseph College, it is a private Roman Catholic university located in West Hartford, Connecticut. This small school was founded as a women-only college, becoming co-educational in 2018. The school currently boasts an enrollment of just under 2,500 students.   Jim Calhoun was hired as coach of the newly formed men’s basketball program in 2018. Calhoun coached the team for three seasons. A member of the Great Northeast Athletic Conference, the Blue Jays have qualified for three NCAA Division III tournaments in their short history, advancing to the sweet sixteen in 2023.   Food & Beverage 1    There is no concession stand at the O’Connell Center. Fans needing a snack during a Blue Jays game can bring their own into the facility or utilize the vending machine located in the lobby.   Atmosphere 2   Stadium Journey visited USJ for their annual Holiday Tournament during the 2023 semester break, which might have held down attendance and excitement. Fans who frequent Division Three basketball games will find a familiar, low-key game presentation here at Calhoun Gymnasium.   Missing during Stadium Journey’s visit were the student body, cheerleaders, pep band, mascot and most of the extras that breathe life into a small college gymnasium. The gym features a modern, crystal-clear sound system over which music is played during stoppages. Scoreboards at either end of the gym provide basic game information.   With its intimate setting, it’s easy to see how Calhoun Gymnasium could provide a great home-court advantage when filled with boisterous Blue Jays fans. Otherwise, it’s a clean, comfortable place to catch some affordable, quality college basketball.   Neighborhood 4   The University of St. Joseph is located in a residential neighborhood in affluent West Hartford. Niche.com recently named West Hartford the best place to live in Connecticut. Downtown Hartford is a short ten-minute drive away. For visitors looking to stay outside the city, West Hartford Center is located just a couple of miles away and contains many dining and shopping options. More options are available at the newly developed Blue Black Square. More information about things to do in West Hartford can be found here .   Fans 3   As mentioned earlier, Stadium Journey visited USJ during the semester break, which held down attendance despite the tournament setting. During Stadium Journey’s visit, crowds were small, estimated at about 200 fans by the eyeball test. Many of the fans present were there to support the other teams in action. This could very accurately be described as a friends and family type of crowd.   While interacting with several students who were working at the game, they spoke of the gymnasium being packed with standing room only crowds for big games in recent years. We’ll take them at their word and split the difference with our rating.   Access 4   The University of St. Joseph is located in West Hartford, a town of 64,000 residents. The USJ campus is just 3.5 miles from downtown Hartford. In fact, if you follow Asylum Street to the east, you’ll find yourself at the XL Center in about ten minutes. The town center is located just a couple of miles from campus. USJ’s suburban campus in a residential neighborhood is easily reached via Interstate 84. For fans using public transportation, CT Transit  serves the USJ campus. Maps, directions and local points of interest can be found here .   USJ’s 84-acre campus contains 19 buildings designed in the Georgian architectural style by the Olmstead Brothers. The Calhoun Gymnasium is located in the O’Connell Athletic Center on the northern edge of campus alongside the school’s other athletic facilities. Parking is available in lots adjacent to the O’Connell Center.   Seating consists of molded plastic bleachers on either side of the court. There is no seating on either end of the court. This intimate gym seats only 800 fans, so all seats feature excellent views of the court. Rest rooms and vending machines are located nearby in the lobby.   Return on Investment 4   Tickets to basketball games at Calhoun Gymnasium cost $10. During conference games, one ticket is good for admission to both the men’s and women’s games. Parking is available at no cost in lots adjacent to the O’Connell Center.   Extras 2   There is a trophy case in the O’Connell Center lobby which displays the hardware won by various Blue Jays teams over the school’s history. Flags commemorating championships and tournament appearances by the men’s and women’s basketball teams and volleyball teams hang on the gymnasium walls.   Another extra point is awarded for the upgrading of the school’s facilities. The new gym, opened in 2021, doubled the size of the old facility and was dedicated to Coach Calhoun upon his retirement.   Final Thoughts   The University of Saint Joseph is a new basketball program with an already impressive resume. With a gym named for a basketball Hall of Famer and multiple post-season appearances under its belt, this cozy facility is a great place to catch some quality basketball at an affordable price in an intimate setting.   Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter  and Instagram  @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Capital One Arena FANFARE Score: 2.86 Capital One Arena 601 F St NW Washington, DC 20004 Georgetown Hoyas website Capital One Arena website Year Opened: 1997 Capacity: 20,356 Georgetown A-Hoya The Georgetown Hoyas are one of the most storied programs in college basketball history. With players like Allen Iverson, Dikembe Mutombo, Patrick Ewing, and Alonzo Mourning, the Hoyas dominated the Big East for many years. They have reached five Final Fours, including a national championship victory in 1984. For many years, the Hoyas played on campus at McDonough Arena but moved off campus to the Capital Centre in Landover, MD in 1981 to accommodate the bigger crowds. McDonough is still home to the Hoyas’ women’s basketball team. In 1997, the Hoyas moved back to the District into what was then called the MCI Center and is today known as Capital One Arena. This arena is also the home of the Washington Wizards of the NBA and the Washington Capitals of the NHL. Georgetown’s colors are blue and gray and were chosen after the Civil War to promote unity between northern and southern students, many of whom had served in battle for one side or the other. Blue and gray were, of course, the colors of the Union and Confederate military uniforms, respectively. Food & Beverage 3 Seeing as Capital One Arena is a professional sporting venue, it does have quite a wide selection. However, the flip side of this is that what they have is quite expensive for a college venue. Additionally, many of the stands, including most of the specialty stands, will be closed for most games due to the smaller crowds compared to the Wizards and Capitals. That being said, fans certainly won’t go hungry. Main course selections include cheeseburgers and chicken tenders well as items such as sausage and hot dogs. Snacks include popcorn and hot pretzels. Drinks include bottled water and fountain soda.. Keep in mind that fountain beverages no longer come with lids or straws at Capital One Arena in an attempt to reduce environmental waste. Since Capital One is an off-campus arena, it is not too surprising that alcohol is available as well. Prices are very high, as this is a professional arena. As part of the naming rights deal, all Capital One credit or debit cardholders get a 10 percent discount on concessions throughout the arena, but this does not come off automatically and you must notify the cashier. Atmosphere 2 Capital One Arena is a perfect example of why bigger isn’t always better. Although the arena seats over 20,000 fans, it is rarely even close to full. Although the Hoyas’ former on-campus home is way too small at only a few thousand seats, it seems like there should be a happy medium somewhere. The arena is far too big and has a tendency to mask the crowd noise from the few thousand fans who show up. That being said, there are no plans to build a new arena on or off campus at any point in the future and the Hoyas seem content with playing at Capital One despite the thousands of empty seats at each home game. The Hoyas do at least try to keep fans engaged. Before each game, the Hoyas are introduced as spotlights and strobe lights light up the court. These lights continue during all media timeouts, which can get quite annoying, although they do not turn the lights out in the arena except at the beginning. There is a pep band as well as cheerleaders and a dance team to pump up the crowd, and contests on the court during TV timeouts. The Hoyas’ mascot is a bulldog named Jack, and there is both a costumed version and a real live dog version. The most popular Georgetown chant is “Hoya Saxa,” which literally means something to the effect of “What rocks!” in a combination of Greek and Latin. Fans can expect to hear it several times a game. Neighborhood 4 Capital One Arena is located in the Chinatown neighborhood of DC, though the area has gentrified significantly since the arena was built. The Greene Turtle is a popular sports bar located right around the corner. while the Gallery Place shopping mall is also right around the corner and includes numerous stores and a movie theater. Unfortunately, a lot of other businesses in the area have closed in recent years, between COVID and rising crime in the area. The neighborhood is still pretty safe despite public perception to the contrary, but you are in a major city so be aware of your surroundings. Your best entertainment options will involve traveling a bit away from the arena, but not far. That’s because you’re in DC, the nation’s capital, and there’s a lot to do. The best part is that most of it’s free. Whether it’s checking out the many memorials and monuments on and around the National Mall, visiting one of the numerous museums, or simply taking in the historic sights, there’s something for everyone here. All government-run attractions are free to the public, though some private ones are not. Keep in mind, however, that if you wish to tour the Capitol or the White House, you will need to book that in advance. Fans 2 Georgetown only draws a few thousand fans a game in a 20,000 seat arena, which is not a good look. Gone are the days when the Hoyas dominated college basketball and played before large crowds. The fans who do show up can get loud at times, but there simply aren't that many of them, especially in such a large arena. It is unfortunate to see just how far this fan base has fallen. Access 3 Capital One Arena is located just steps from the Gallery Place-Chinatown Metro station on the Red, Green, and Yellow lines. While this may seem like an amazing thing, the unfortunate reality is that Metro is difficult at the best of times and unusable at the worst. The last few years have seen numerous construction projects shut down several stations for weeks or even months at a time. Even if one of these isn’t ongoing, there is track work almost every weekend that increases headways on many lines and often closes several additional stations. The result is that there could be 24 minutes or more between trains, and that’s assuming everything functions properly, which it frequently doesn’t. The good news is that even people coming from outside the immediate DC area can take the Metro by parking at one of the suburban stations. Keep in mind that you will need to pay for parking with the same SmarTrip card you paid your fare with or you will be subject to a much higher rate at certain stations. If you don’t want to chance it with Metro, you can drive to the game. Ample garage parking is available but is costly. The exact cost varies by the day and based on availability, but expect to pay at least $20 and probably much more. You can also take a rideshare such as Uber or Lyft. Once you’re in the arena, the concourses are wide enough to allow for easy navigation. There can be long lines at concessions or restrooms during halftime, but if you leave as soon as the half ends, you should be back in your seat by the time the game resumes. Of note, Capital One Arena has a no bag policy. Even clear bags are not allowed, unless they are wallet sized or required for medical reasons. Bags which meet these narrow requirements are allowed whether they are clear or not. This makes things extremely difficult for fans. Return on Investment 3 The Hoyas use a dynamic pricing method for their tickets, meaning pricing varies based on demand, opponent, and other factors such as the day of the week the game is being played. Good seats can be had for as little as $10 for non-conference games against lower-tier opponents, but if you want to see a top-level Big East school like Villanova, expect to pay at least $30, and possibly over $100 if you want lower-level seats. If you don’t care who you see the Hoyas play, you can have a chance to watch Big East basketball and get great seats for far less than what a comparable location would cost for other events in the arena. Tickets are still relatively affordable for the bigger games, but you’ll be paying more for worse seats. All that being said, you can often find better deals on the secondary market, especially closer to game time or if Georgetown is playing a weak opponent. Concessions are extremely pricey as well, this being an NBA arena and all. When combined with the mediocre fan experience, a Georgetown basketball game is average value at best. Extras 2 A team store is located on the 100-level concourse and sells Georgetown gear. :The pregame introductions, with spotlights illuminating the court, are impressive, though the continued use of light shows during all media timeouts gets irritating. Final Thoughts The Georgetown basketball program has fallen on hard times in recent years. Attendance is down, performance on the court is down, and this has all contributed to significantly reduce the quality of the fan experience here. Georgetown plays its home games in a cavernous arena that is mostly empty for the typical game, and that is simply not conducive to a good fan experience.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 Reitz Arena 4501 N Charles St. Baltimore, MD 21210 Loyola (MD) Greyhounds website Reitz Arena website Year Opened: 1984 Capacity: 2,100 Greyhound Hoops Loyola University may not be as well-known as Loyola in Illinois. Or Loyola in New Orleans. Or Loyola Marymount in California. But this university began in 1852 as Loyola College in Maryland. It is a Roman Catholic, Jesuit private university located in Baltimore, Maryland. Previously an all-male college, Loyola became coeducational in 1971, following its joining with Mount Saint Agnes College. Currently, Loyola is located right next door to Notre Dame of Maryland University, which also just became a coed school in 2023. Loyola has a strong liberal arts program, as well as a fine education school and the Joseph A. Sellinger School of Business and Management. Reitz Arena replaced the original 1926 Evergreen Gymnasium on the campus. Notable alumni include Tom Clancy, author of The Hunt for Red October, Mark Bowden, author of Black Hawk Down, and ABC Olympics commentator Jim McKay. Food & Beverage 1 You should try and eat before the game. Why? There is a simple temporary food table set up in the entranceway to the game. There is no real lobby to the arena, so there is no room for additional offerings. The small amount of food sold is done so at a good price, but just too limited. Atmosphere 4 The arena changed the seats from all bench seating to a mixture of chairs with seatbacks and plastic bench-type seating. The arena is small and there is not much space. That means it is loud if there is any type of crowd. There is just not always a big crowd. Reitz Arena’s scoreboard layout is extremely impressive, especially for an arena of its size and age. There is not a center-hung scoreboard. Instead, there are four large video boards, one in each corner of the court. One board on each baseline displays time, score, and informative stats. The adjacent board shows replays and close-up shots when appropriate. Neighborhood 3 Loyola is in a very good part of Baltimore City. The problem is that there is just nothing much around the local neighborhood. Luckily Baltimore is a big city that is not too big to get around. Miss Shirley’s at 513 West Cold Spring Lane is noted for their great breakfast and down-home food. Also relatively close to the university is the Mt. Washington neighborhood that straddles I-83 South (known as the Jones Falls Expressway, or the JFX, by locals). The Mt. Washington Tavern is an excellent restaurant with both a fine food and bar food type of menu. The place is large, and there always seems to be room for more. Parking is the biggest problem here, so it would be worth paying the nominal valet charges. Radisson Hotel at Cross Keys is the closest hotel and has a lobby restaurant which is another option. Venturing further from campus, one may want to try out the suburb of Towson with its variety of shops and restaurants. Try the Charles Village Pub (19 W Pennsylvania Ave) in the heart of downtown Towson for good food and drinks. Fans 3 Reitz Arena usually does not fill, but it can still get intense during a tight game. The fans are very supportive of their Greyhounds, which once again is a product of a tight-knit religious school. We attended a game between semesters so it was light on students. A semester game will see much more of a student presence. Reitz Arena will get as loud as any other mid-major arena in crunch time of a hotly contested game. Access 2 Reitz Arena certainly has issues with access. First, the campus is located in a quiet north Baltimore neighborhood. That means that getting to the campus is not easy. The best route is to travel I-83/The JFX, south and get off at Cold Spring Lane. Other options include exiting I-695, the Baltimore Beltway, and driving south via York Road or Charles Street. York is the busiest route, but may be easier than the high-speed curves of Charles Street. Second, when you get to campus, you will need luck finding parking. Not only will you have trouble finding close parking, but you may have trouble finding any parking. If it is a weeknight game during the semester, you may be sorely out of luck. Look for spaces on Cold Spring Lane or one of the small lots around that area. There is a small paid visitor lot right off Cold Spring Lane. Then once you have found that parking space, you will need to find the arena. There are very few markings for Reitz Arena. Look for the Andrew White Student Center. The arena is actually above the art gallery and the campus cafe in the student center. And it gets even weirder at times, as the ticket windows are far away in the student center and not at all near the arena doors. The doors to the arena itself are a pair of doors back near the cafe. Frankly, finding an arena should not be this difficult. Return on Investment 4 Tickets are relatively decent for a Division I program. You should be able to get a ticket for less than $20. You may have to pay for parking, but the price may not be that high. Extras 2 The maze of an entrance is almost an extra on its own, as it is so unique. But seriously, look at Diane Geppi-Aikens Field just outside the Andrew White Student Center. This is the former home to the men’s and women’s soccer and lacrosse teams. Geppi-Aikens was a former star athlete and women’s lacrosse coach at Loyola who died of brain cancer in 2003. Located just outside of the Reitz Arena, the field is a valuable space, so visit it while you can. Hopefully, if they do remove the field, the university can still find a way to honor the beloved former coach. The Loyola campus was designated an accredited arboretum by the Morton Register of Arboreta. The 80-acre campus boasts more than 2,200 trees that represent 84 varieties. Final Thoughts Reitz Arena is a small arena hidden away on a pretty campus. The small size of the facility can make it a nice place to see a game if you can find your way to the arena.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Centre Wellington Community Sportsplex 550 Belsyde Ave Fergus, ON N1M 2W5 Fergus Whalers website Centre Wellington Community Sportsplex website Year Opened: 2023 Capacity : 1,200 Hail To The (Junior C) Whale In Ontario, hockey can be found all over the province, in all manner of size and shape. Junior hockey is often the lifeblood of the small town and in 2023 it returned to Fergus, Ontario. Northwest of Guelph, Fergus can be found in the Township of Centre Wellington and boasts a modest population of just over 20,000. Junior hockey had been absent from Fergus since the departure of the Fergus Devils in 2015, partially due to travel issues. Jason Baier brought the expansion Whalers to Fergus and the Provincial Junior Hockey League where they compete for the Schmalz Cup at the Junior C level. Home for the Whalers is the Centre Wellington Community Sportsplex.  It's a larger community hub that also houses a second ice pad, gym, meeting rooms and a pool has been added on and renovated a few times.  The main ice pad, Pad A, was built in the seventies and then was added on in the two-thousands.  Fergus is famous for its annual Scottish Highland Games and the Whalers are counting on being a big part of life in Fergus. Food & Beverage 2 Concession options at Centre Wellington Sportsplex are fairly minimalistic. A concession stand outside of the ice pad, in the rec centre that was not open during the game that was reviewed. Many fans brought their own fare from Tim Hortons or Starbucks. Drink and snack vending machines are available outside of Pad A. Other beverages, including beer and spirits are sold in the beer garden in the upper end of the arena. Atmosphere 3 The Centre Wellington Community Sportsplex, like many venues in junior hockey, is part of a larger community hub which includes a variety of sporting facilities.  The exterior is fairly nondescript with a long brick and grey siding exterior where the original arena was.  The main entrance, accessible from Belsyde Avenue, is clearly a more modern addition.   Upon entering the Sportsplex, the ice surfaces will be on the right, while opposite the arena entrance is the donor wall, which brings some artistic value to the area with a natural rock look to it.  Immediately to the right upon entering the Sportsplex is the Community Hall of Fame, a long hallway on the northwest side of the arena complete with numerous trophy cases full of artifacts from various Fergus sports.  It is clear that lacrosse is quite popular in the area.  Fergus product and NHL player Jamie McGinn has a framed jersey and entry into the Fergus Sports Hall of Fame.  Outside of the ice pad entries, the Whalers play in Pad A, temporary tables are set up for fans to purchase tickets and programs.  Entering Pad A, fans will immediately notice the change in temperature as the arena is quite cold.  The ice surface runs from northeast to southwest with seating on the northwest side, wooden benches on concrete steps.  Fans should select their seat wisely and situate themselves under the propane powered heaters or bring their own blankets.  The simple hockey score clock hangs at the top of the southwest side of the arena.  The opposite wall from the seating is where numerous youth hockey banners hang, as well as the Intermediate C Champions banner from the 1980-81 Fergus Flyers.  A unique feature of the Sportsplex is the lounge at the northeast end of the ice.  The glass that looks out to the ice surface is the same glass that is along the boards.  Trophy cases are also found in the lounge, which is a good place to watch the game and avoid the cold, as well as a framed jersey of Dan Crone, a former Fergus Devil player who died in 1993 while a member of the team.  Above the lounge is the Beer Garden, which also allows for the game to be watched in a warmer temperature. The gameday production at the Whalers game is very simple.  Promotions include the 50/50 draw, chuck-a-puck and program raffles.  The PA system in Pad A is not terrific and it is difficult to hear the announcements at times.  Music is played during down times, but the Whalers have latched on to their roots with The Fables’ “Heave Away” as their goal song, a nod to their Scottish roots.  Also, the team enters the ice to the classic Hartford Whalers tune “Brass Bonanza.” Neighbourhood 3 Fergus is a small town of 20,000 and has small town offerings. The CW Sportsplex is on the east end of town a few blocks from Highway 6, where most of the commercial options are found. Many chain and fast food restaurants are found on Highway 6, but for those looking for some less corporate options, Offside Sports Bar and The Goofie Newfie are choices to consider. The Whalers are pretty much the only sporting option in town for spectators. In the summer months the Junior C lacrosse Fergus Thistles may be of interest. Otherwise, heading southeast to Guelph for other sporting options would be the best other option. As far as other tourist options, Fergus is most well known for August’s Fergus Scottish Festival and Highland Games. The Fergus Theatre may also be of interest. For those wishing to stay in Fergus, the Best Western is available. Fans 3 In their first season, the Fergus Whalers have drawn between 150 and 350 fans per game. The top teams in the PJHL draw between 500 and 1000 fans per game. By no means are the Whalers at the bottom of the league in attendance, there is plenty of room for growth. Fans in attendance are pretty quiet, which is not unusual for Ontario fans.   Access 4 Getting to the Centre Wellington Sportsplex is not difficult.  It is located on the east side of Fergus not far from Highway 6, the main entry to the town.  Traversing through Fergus will be required and fans should be careful of passing the school zone with its slow speed limit on the way to the game.  There is plenty of parking at the Sportsplex and there is no charge for it.  There is no public transit in Fergus, which is not surprising due to the size of the town.  Getting around the Sportsplex is no problem at all and the washroom facilities are very good.  Ticketing is done at a temporary table outside of the entry of Pad A.  There are no physical tickets or online ticket purchasing options. Return on Investment 5 PJHL hockey offers great value for the dollar.  Tickets for the Whalers are only $10 for adults and $7 for students and seniors.  Parking is free and there isn’t much in the way of concessions.  The product on the ice is decent and fans will have a good time watching the Whalers.  Extras 2 An extra mark for the return of junior hockey to Fergus. An extra mark for using the most underrated goal song ever, Brass Bonanza . Final Thoughts Time will tell if the Fergus Whalers will be a long term success in the PJHL.  It is a great opportunity for Fergus residents to take in some hockey.  Catching a game at the Centre Wellington Community Sportsplex is a great way to spend an evening in small town Ontario. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube , Twitter , Threads  and Instagram @profan9.

Photos by Lance Sutehall, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Devlin Fieldhouse 6811 Freret Street New Orleans, LA 70118 Tulane Green Wave website Devlin Fieldhouse website Year Opened: 1933 Capacity: 4,100 Roll Wave The oldest active college basketball arena in the south is Tulane’s Devlin Fieldhouse. In use since the 1930s the Devlin Fieldhouse is the home of Green Wave basketball and volleyball. It was built with the proceeds from the football team’s appearance in the 1932 Rose Bowl and the nickname “Rose Bowl Gym” was given to the venue as a result. The Tulane Green Wave men’s basketball program was involved in a point-shaving scandal in the 1980s that led to the program being dissolved for four seasons. In 1989 the program was revived with the arena getting a renovation and was named for Tulane alum Avron Fogelman.  The Green Wave made the NCAA Tournament in 1992, 1993, and 1995. The Green Wave has not made the big dance since the 1990s but with Ron Hunter at the helm of the program things are looking up. They compete in the D1 American Athletic Conference. Food & Beverage 3 There are two concession stands in the arena with one being in the lobby while the other is in the upper concourse. Standard stadium fare includes popcorn ($5), nachos ($5), hot dogs ($5), burgers ($7), peanuts ($4), and pretzels ($4). Coca-Cola is the soft drink provider with bottled drinks costing $4 and beer is also sold for $8. The concession stands are cashless. Atmosphere 4 Devlin Fieldhouse is a small arena and if not for the fact that a sign says “Devlin Fieldhouse” you would not know you are entering a Division One college basketball arena. The lobby inside is small with a bell and a Tulane logo before you walk through a glass door to the seating bowl.  There is a lot of green in the arena including the out-of-bounds area on the court, the seats, the walls, and the banners. The seats are all close to the court with the furthest seat on the sideline only 14 rows away, thus creating an intimate atmosphere for Green Wave basketball games.  The students are on one side of the court and they give opposing teams a lot of grief. The band and cheerleaders also definitely play their part in keeping the energy up during games. I will add an extra point for the LED light shows during breaks in game action. Neighborhood 5 Tulane University is located in one of the top tourist destinations in the United States. On the campus of Tulane is Yulman Stadium, the home of Green Wave football. Yulman Stadium was built on the site where Tulane Stadium used to be and where three Super Bowls, Saints games, and Sugar Bowls were played. Across the street from the campus of Tulane University is Audubon Park and the Audubon Zoo. This area is perfect for a family-friendly outing. Restaurants near the Tulane campus include Jamila’s Cafe for Tunisian food, Ted’s Frostop Diner for burgers, and Dat Dog for hot dogs. Bars to check out include The Boot, Phillip’s, and Bruno’s Tavern. Lodging options a couple of miles away include the Adler Hotel, Hampton Inn, and St. Charles Inn.  If you are planning to stay in New Orleans for a few days you should consider heading towards downtown and the French Quarter for the full New Orleans experience. Fans 3 Tulane does not have the largest fanbase and the Devlin Fieldhouse is not always packed. The game I attended had a packed crowd but at least a third of the crowd was pulling for the visiting team. That being said the fans that do pull for the Green Wave get invested in the game and cheer and jeer when appropriate. I will give a point for some of the chants the students gave the refs.  Access 3 To get to the campus of Tulane University from I-10 Westbound you turn off Exit 234C onto Highway 90. Turn left onto State Street before making another left on Freret Street. From I-10 Eastbound turn off on exit 232 onto Carrollton Street before turning left onto Nelson Street and an immediate right on Short Street. Turn left on Claiborne Avenue and make a right on Broadway before making a left on Freret.   Free parking is at the Loyola RecPlex garage which is across the street from the Tulane campus. There are enough restrooms inside but the lobby can get cramped during a game with lots of spectators and there are only two concession stands. Return on Investment 5 Tickets go for $8 for bench seating on the baselines or $18.50 for chairback seating by the sideline. With free parking, reasonable concession prices, and a historic venue to check out this is a great deal! . Extras 4 In 1969 and 1970 the venue was home to the American Basketball Association’s New Orleans Buccaneers.  President Gerald Ford announced the end of the Vietnam War in Devlin FIeldhouse in 1975. Ford would not be the only President to speak at Devlin as then Senator Barack Obama gave a speech in 2008 during his presidential campaign. During the 2021-2022 season, the arena was home to the NAIA’s Loyola Wolf Pack basketball teams. The Wolf Pack men’s team ended up winning the 2022 NAIA National Championship. Final Thoughts Catching a Tulane Green Wave game at Devlin Fieldhouse may not be the first thing on your list when visiting New Orleans. However, it is an underrated venue and experience given that you are attending the oldest active Division One men’s basketball arena in the South.

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Jerry Richardson Indoor Stadium 601 Cummings St Spartanburg, SC 29303 Wofford Terriers website Jerry Richardson Indoor Stadium website Year Opened: 2017 Capacity: 3,400 Jerry Richardson Indoor Stadium – Wofford Terriers The roots of what is now the home court of the Wofford Terriers started on the gridiron during the mid to late 1950s, when tight end Jerry Richardson established himself as a standout on the field for the Terriers. It was in the business world though where Richardson would experience his greatest professional achievements – after starting multiple successful businesses and serving as a CEO, Richardson brought professional football to Charlotte, North Carolina as owner of the Carolina Panthers . Through all the professional successes Richardson enjoyed, he gave much of the credit to the time he spent at Wofford. Jerry Richardson’s accomplishments in the business world put him in a position to give back to the college he held so dear; Richardson would give an estimated $250 million back to Wofford, including the $40 million to build what would end up being Jerry Richardson Indoor Stadium. Since joining the Southern Conference at the start of the 1997-98 season, the Terriers have established themselves as one of the top teams in the conference, tied with Chattanooga for the most NCAA tournament appearances (5) during that span. The crowning moment for Wofford came in 2019 when the 7th-seeded Terriers stunned the Big East's Seton Hall Pirates to reach the NCAA Tournament's Round of 32 for the first time in program history.   Food & Beverage   4 Jerry Richardson Indoor Stadium houses two concessions stands with a decent variety on their menu, offering chicken sandwiches and tenders, burgers (including a veggie option), Papa John’s pizza, and several snacks. The real eye opener on the menu, though, has to be the fried pickles, which you are not going to find at most stadium concessions stands. The 51 Club, exclusive to Terrier Club donor season ticket holders, provides fans with some bit higher end food options, along with beer, wine, and mixed drinks. Coca-Cola products are the beverage of choice, with Powerade and Dasani bottled water offered throughout the general seating area. Other than the suites and the 51 Club, alcoholic beverages are not available.   Atmosphere   4 The exterior of Jerry Richardson Indoor Stadium oozes sophistication – limestone and sleek black accents frame tall, narrow windows, creating a modern yet classic feel, while the soaring foyer welcomes fans with a marble floor, emblazoned with a simple “W” underscored with “Wofford”. Staircases flank each side of the entrance leading to the concourse level. Ticket offices can be found on either side of the main level. The charm of the parquet floor with the Wofford W at center court perfectly complements the overall elegance of the arena. In a time when gaudy floor designs appear to be in vogue, the simplicity and classic feel of the parquet almost seems comforting. Rather than the center hung, four-sided scoreboards common at most arenas, Jerry Richardson Indoor Stadium has four large rectangular boards, one hung in each corner, providing fans with a live feed of the game and real time statistics. Each one also has a ribbon board below giving the time, score, and team foul information; this definitely opens up the playing area, keeping it from feeling too small. Wofford provides diverse seating choices throughout the arena, ranging from traditional courtside chair backed stadium seats to the student section bleachers dubbed, “The Boneyard”. In addition, luxurious, open-air suites are situated in each of the corners, which have the feel of theater box seating. A second level of seating along the sidelines provides fans with a view not often seen in the Southern Conference. Additionally, a drink rail encircles the seating area, providing a convenient option to enjoy the game without a feeling of being confined to your seat.   Neighborhood   4 Wofford College is situated within 2 miles of downtown Spartanburg, providing a number of dining, accommodation, and entertainment options just minutes away from the campus. West Main Street, running alongside Morgan Square, has been transformed by the closure to make way for parklets, enhancing the appeal of the lively downtown district. Within the campus, the athletics district on Wofford's eastern edge hosts Jerry Richardson Indoor Stadium, along with Russell C. King Field  for baseball and Gibbs Stadium ,  which serves as the home of Wofford football. The Wofford campus is amazingly designed with stunning architecture and meticulously maintained grounds.   Fans   3 Typically, attendance ranges from 1,200 to 1,800 fans, but in-state rival Furman draws near sellout crowds of students, alumni, and opposing fans, creating an electrifying atmosphere. Casual fans planning to attend a Wofford game would want to mark this particular match-up as a must see. On a game-by-game basis, Wofford students consistently turn out and contribute significantly to the game's atmosphere right from the tip. With an undergraduate enrollment of just over 1,800 students, the student section, consisting of around 300 students, represents a substantial portion of the student body.   Access   4 Located at the crossroads of two significant interstates, Spartanburg, South Carolina benefits from I-85 connecting Atlanta and Charlotte, as well as I-26 linking Columbia, South Carolina, to Asheville, North Carolina. With these key arteries running through the southeastern region, the area is readily accessible. Parking is plentiful at Jerry Richardson Indoor Stadium in the gravel and grass lot opposite the stadium, requiring only a brief walk. The grassy parking may be a bit tricky for some, particularly if contending with rainy conditions. Upon entering, ticket scanners for fans are positioned on both sides of the grand entry point, which serves as the sole entrance to the arena. Majestic staircases on each side of the entryway guide visitors to an internal concourse encircling the top of the main seating area. Visitors with mobility limitations can access the second level by use of the escalator on the left side of the foyer. The concourse level gives fans plenty of space to navigate. The area above The Boneyard, where students gather before heading to their seats, around to the 51 Club can become somewhat narrow, especially with fans standing along the drink rail. While these obstacles may not pose an issue for most games, popular match ups that draw large numbers of fans can lead to some congestion.   Return on Investment   4 Starting at $10 for kids and $16 for adults, ticket prices are reasonable but on the higher side for SoCon – when factoring in free parking, however, the overall cost is in line with expectations for the conference. Additionally, concessions are reasonably priced, making the overall experience a worthwhile investment.   Extras   4 A tribute to Jerry Richardson, whose financial support and commitment to Wofford College served as the driving force behind the construction of the $40 million facility, includes a replica of his Wofford football jersey and a brief biography detailing Richardson's journey from Wofford tight end to NFL player, to co-founder of Hardee's which ultimately led to becoming the owner of the NFL's Carolina Panthers . This tribute is situated in an alcove overlooking the grand entry. On the opposing side of the entry foyer, a matching alcove proudly showcases the trophies and nets that the Terriers cut down, commemorating the five Southern Conference Tournament titles they have won. As a tribute to Wofford, after the game players, staff, and the cheer squad line the 3-point arc, joining the students of The Boneyard and the WOCO BAND in singing the school's alma mater. Unlike many colleges and universities whose pep bands are made solely of students, the WOCO BAND includes not just students but also alumni, fans, local high school students, and other community members looking to make a commitment.   Final Thoughts Jerry Richardson Indoor Stadium is a facility that if you didn't know what you were looking for, could be easily overlooked as the campus basketball arena – at first glance its majestic architecture may give the impression that it is one of the college's buildings designed for hosting formal galas, rather than basketball games and volleyball matches. The elegance and sophistication of the building is evident in nearly every aspect of the arena, from the entrance to the suites to the general seating, and even down to the meticulous detail of the fully encircling drink rail. The entire game experience at Jerry Richardson Indoor Stadium goes beyond giving fans a basketball game in a beautiful facility; it highlights everything there is to love about college basketball.