Photos by Lance Sutehall, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Alabama A&M Events Center 4200 Memorial Pkwy NW Huntsville, AL 35210 Alabama A&M Bulldogs website Alabama A&M Events Center website Year Opened: 2022 Capacity: 6,000 The Bulldogs Got A New Building In the city of Huntsville sits the campus of Alabama A&M University, one of the largest historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) in the state. The athletic teams are known as the Bulldogs and since moving to Division One in 1998 the school’s athletic programs compete in the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC). The Bulldogs basketball program played basketball at the T.E. Elmore Gymnasium from 1974 until 2022. The basketball program succeeded at the Division Two level with ten NCAA tournaments and four elite eight appearances before jumping to Division One. The Bulldogs won the 2005 SWAC tournament. The basketball teams moved to the new Alabama A&M Events Center in 2022 leaving behind the volleyball team that continues to call Elmore home. The Bulldogs hope their new venue will help raise the profile of their basketball program. Food & Beverage 2 Three concession stands are selling classic stadium concessions such as hot dogs ($3), chicken tenders ($6), nachos ($4), popcorn ($3), peanuts ($1), and Coca-Cola brand beverages ($4). Alcohol is not sold at the arena and the stands are cashless. Atmosphere 4 The venue's exterior includes a brick Alabama A&M logo on the ground and a main entrance with glass doors. The students walk upstairs passing by an Alabama A&M logo on the wall to enter the student section. Once inside the main entrance, there is a giant maroon and white Alabama A&M logo that you pass by before walking a flight of stairs to head to the seating bowl.  The seats are all chair backs and there are only twenty-one rows meaning that there is not a bad seat in the house. The floor has a bulldog logo at center court and the out-of-bounds area is maroon. There are two scoreboards with each one being behind a basket. Alabama A&M has a very proud and loud band that plays during the breaks in action and has a halftime show that is so loud you can’t hear yourself talking. An emcee also walks around the arena throughout the game to help keep the energy going throughout the game. The cheerleaders and dance team also do their part to keep the atmosphere at a high level. Neighborhood 3 Huntsville is one of the South’s rising cities but to get the most out of a trip to Huntsville you will need to go 4 miles south of the Alabama A&M campus and head downtown. Attractions downtown include the Huntsville Depot Museum, Big Spring International Park, and Huntsville Escape Rooms. If you are willing to travel 5 miles west of downtown I highly recommend spending some time at the U.S. Rocket and Space Center.  Dining options in Huntsville include Big Ed’s for pizza, Jack Brown’s for burgers, and Thai Garden. Bars include Catacomb 405, Baker & Able, and Miller’s Tavern. For lodging accommodations, chain hotels such as Hampton, Spring Hill, and Embassy Suites are available. Fans 3 The fans are very passionate about the Bulldogs and show their appreciation for their efforts on the court. The band, cheerleaders, dance team, and emcee all help the fans keep a high amount of energy throughout the game. Access 3 From I-65 you turn onto I-565 and drive until you get to exit 19B in Huntsville when you merge left onto Highway 431. The arena will be on your right and is very obvious when driving by the venue. There is free parking in a field by the arena (parking directly by the arena was reserved when I visited). After walking by the side of the arena and entering the lobby the walkways were wide enough, there were enough restrooms, and the concession stands did not have long lines. The only complaint is leaving the field parking after the game takes a long time as there is only one exit point. Return on Investment 3 Adult general admission tickets go for $20 and typically include both a women’s and men’s game. Children can attend for $10 provided a parent or guardian accompanies them. If you pay $10 for concessions that means you pay $30 for a day of SWACtion. A date night at the Events Center will be $60 while a family of four is likely to drop around $100. You are getting two games and performances from one of the most proud bands in the country for your money. Extras 2 As of the writing of this article, this is the newest college basketball arena in the state of Alabama.  Final Thoughts Alabama A&M has a modern arena that can be a tough place for opponents to play at. The fans hope that the new arena can help the Bulldogs become a more competitive basketball program.

Photos by Andrew Kulyk, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Westoba Place 1175 18th St Brandon, MB R7A 7C5 Brandon Wheat Kings website Westoba Place website Year Opened: 1972 Capacity: 6,042 Westman Place in Brandon The arena for the Western Hockey League Brandon Wheat Kings is called the Westman Communications Group Place, a mouthful of a corporate name, which is a 6,042 seat arena built as part of a larger convention/exhibition complex called the Keystone Centre. It was built in 1972 and has undergone numerous renovations. Editor’s Note: Since the publication of this review, Westman Place was renamed Westoba Place. The facility is referred to by its former name in this review. Food & Beverage 3 Food presentation is not one of the stronger features here. It is the typical ballpark fare of fresh popped popcorn, hot dogs, smokie dogs, a Pizza Hut stand, soda pop and draught beer (17 oz – $6.25, 12 oz – $5). So weren’t we surprised to find an elaborate and well appointed coffee concession in the place, the menu of which would rival any urban coffee house bistro. Named “Forbidden Flavors”, the stand offered lattes, espressos, mochaccino, various steamed teas and hot chocolates, iced coffee drinks and ice cream. The baristas were working hard behind the counter and doing their thing to move the long line of customers. Atmosphere 2 Considering this is the only game in town, the place seemed a bit dead. Granted, the visiting team rolled over the Wheat Kings on the night of this visit, giving the locals little to cheer about. A nice four sided HD scoreboard shows great videos, but little in the way of cool clips or team montages to get folks into the game. Neighborhood 2 All of Brandon is pretty much a sterile, suburban style bedroom community. The arena complex sits on a six lane highway (18th st), directly across from a plethora of strip plazas and eateries. Casual dining chains Applebees and The Keg Steakhouse are right there, and a Boston Pizza is right around the corner. We were lucky to stumble upon an awesome sports bar, right near the arena, called Joe Beeverz. Their Canadian based menu includes such awesome dishes as “Hangover Poutine,” a poutine loaf topped with fried eggs and bacon. They even add bacon to the maple sauce on the cheesecake. We also heard good things about Gulliver’s Grill on Park Ave. Fans 3 The venue was the host for the 2010 Memorial Cup, and that distinction is awarded to teams that have a solid base of fan support. The team ranks in the upper end of attendance in the Western Hockey League (WHL). This is no small feat considering that the Wheat Kings are the easternmost of the franchises in the WHL, and the only one in Manitoba, depriving them of natural rivalries. Access 4 There are acres of parking lots on the Keystone Centre property, offering ample parking for visitors. There is no public transportation option in Brandon, so getting here via car or by foot is the way to go. At this point we should probably mention the poor entry/exit design of the building itself. The poorly marked main entrance is attached to the larger exhibition hall, but there are multiple sets of doors on the other three sides of the arena, accessed at the top of long stairs. Only problem is, those doors lead directly into the concourse, meaning that every time the doors remain open, blasts of cold air pour into the venue. They control that to a point by stationing guards at the door and they open and quickly close them as guests come into the building. Return on Investment 5 Single game tickets for adults run $17. Seniors and students tickets are $12-$14. Couple that with the free parking and the very reasonable concession prices, and this all amounts to a cheap night out. Extras 1 Small showcases of jerseys and memorabilia can be found in the main entrance lobby. That is also the end of the building where the Wheat King’s championship banners hang in the rafters. **Andrew Kulyk is a stadium travel expert. Follow all of his journeys at The Ultimate Sports Road Trip .

Photos by Greg Venuto, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Mullett Arena 411 S Packard Drive Tempe, AZ 85281 Arizona Coyotes website Mullett Arena website Year Opened: 2022 Capacity: 4,600 Temporary in Tempe, Coyotes To Flee Arizona The story of Mullett Arena must be told in two parts: The first part is the impending departure of the Arizona Coyotes from not only Mullett, on the campus of Arizona State University in Tempe, but from the state of Arizona and winding up in Salt Lake City, Utah to play in the Delta Center next season (2023-24). The second part is the actual review of Mullett Arena which may never host a professional game again and could soon turn back into a college arena for its original intended purpose. First let’s tackle the sudden departure of the Coyotes, who play in the NHL’s Central Division. A new arena was first turned down by voters in Tempe last May which scuttled a potential new home. Then, owner Alex Meruelo, announced a plan to bid on land off the 101 Loop in Phoenix on the border of Scottsdale to build a new majestic home which was planned to open in fall of 2027.  The NHL Board of Governors got impatient with a plan that included much uncertainly including the Coyotes having to first win an auction on June 27 to construct a new arena and entertainment district.  It gets even stranger as Meruelo is expected to have a five-year window to bring an expansion team back to the Phoenix area if they can win the auction on the 110-acre site.  Meruelo will keep the name and trademark for that time. It was a crushing blow for Coyote and Arizona hockey fans and stunned many of the team’s employees and players.  The Yotes have been a part of the Phoenix area for 18 seasons. For what it is, Mullett offers a charming setting for fans who can get close to the action and see and hear everything up close.  It is not an NHL venue, but seeing top-flight players in such an intimate setting is fabulous.  Mullett also hosts ASU men's and women’s hockey, women’s gymnastics, men’s wrestling, and occasional concerts and shows (5000 capacity). The facility is named in honor of Donald and Barbara Mullett, two of the university's benefactors. The building also houses the Mountain American Community Iceplex, offering public ice skating sessions. If the Salt Lake City plan goes forward, the Coyotes will be the first NHL team to relocate since the Atlanta Thrashers moved to Winnipeg in 2011. Food & Beverage 3 The food is basic fare since it is a college venue.   Attendees can bring in one unopened water bottle.  Otherwise, a Dasani runs $5 and the price is $6 for bottled soda (Coca-Cola products). The food options include Sparky’s Hot Spot with Nachos, Bratwurst, and Philly Cheesesteaks, Big Chicken (founded by Shaquille O’Neal), Neighborhood Burger Joint, and a Pizza Place (Venezia’s).  Hot dogs run $6, beer is $14 and a burger costs $16. Atmosphere 4 The atmosphere is all about the proximity to the playing surface.  Since the building is not large it can get loud. There's a drum corp behind sections 115 -116 all game, so it can get a bit loud if you're at the back of those sections. The howl of the Coyote and the Coyote's goal song “I’m Howling For You” by the Black Keys gets the joint jumping. The cheerleaders also contribute by dancing in the aisles during stoppages and attempting to energize the fanbase. Howler is the mascot and is often seen roaming the arena. One of the coolest parts is if you go through the main entrance, there's a large concession stand on the left and a merch kiosk on the right. On the left, there is a glass wall where fans can watch the visiting team enter/exit their locker room between periods up close and personal. One drawback is fans cannot go completely around the arena as there is restricted access to The Club area behind sections 119, 120, 101, 102, & 103. Sections 114-117, which is the ASU student section, is bleacher seating with no seat backs. The center-hung scoreboard seems so small compared to the typical big boards at standard NHL venues. Navigating the narrow concourse is a constant challenge since the venue was not designed for a professional team. Neighborhood 4 Mullett Arena is located in the city of Tempe which is a college town.  It is a great place for both pre and post-game activities with a plethora of bars, restaurants, shops, and hotels.  The bar/restaurant scene is most vibrant on Mill Avenue.  There are also two great places for burgers: The Chuckbox at 202 E. University Drive and In-n-Out Burger at 920 E Playa Del Norte Drive. A Marriott Residence Inn and Hyatt House/Place are just outside the confines of Mullett Arena. Another great activity is to Hike Tempe Butte which is just three minutes away from Mullett. The hike is only 0.7 miles up and back with great vistas at the top.  Remember to bring water and enjoy the majestic views of Tempe and downtown Phoenix (including Sky Harbor Airport and Chase Field). Fans 3 The Coyote fans who come to Mullett are enthusiastic but the problem is there are not enough of them in the building. With the inordinate price tag, the tickets are often bought by visiting team fans on vacation to the Phoenix area.  A good chunk of Coyote fans most likely sell their seats on the secondary market to make some money on the high-priced tickets. On this occasion, the arena was filled with probably 85-90% New York Rangers fans many clad in their traditional red, white, and blue. The Coyotes have developed a hard-core group of followers in the Phoenix area who will be following future happenings in hopes of a new iteration of their team returning soon. Access 4 Driving to Mullett Arena is easy with the ASU Campus located just off the 202.  Fans can enter off N. Scottsdale Road or Mill Avenue which runs north and south.  Parking outside the arena is $25 at an ASU-owned lot.  Another option is ParkWhiz, which Stadium Journey used for this visit and paid only $8.48 (booked in advance), for an indoor lot at 117 East 5th Street and was a 12-minute walk.  The greater Phoenix area has one of the best light rail systems in the country, covering over 28 miles and going from north of downtown out to Mesa, with a stop just a few minutes away from Mullett Arena. The cost is only $2 per ride. Return on Investment 1 Ticket prices are astronomical since the Coyotes had to make up for a lack of revenue due to the size of the building.  Standing room ranges from $60-$100 depending upon the opponent. The benches behind the goal that the opponents shoot at during the first and third periods start at about $125-$170.  Center ice seats are $225-$400 depending on the opponent and how close to the glass one sits. Food prices are about average for the NHL maybe a little bit less. Extras 1 The only extra point goes to being so close to the action which is something that is never experienced at the NHL level. The arena allows all fans to feel in touch with the excitement and speed of the game. The other benefit is the arena is new but the highlights end there.  Final Thoughts April 17 could be the last time Mullett ever hosts an NHL game as The Coyotes face the Edmonton Oilers. Mullett Arena was a great experience for NHL fans who had a chance to see a game there.  Still, Mullett is worthy of a Stadium Journey for college events and anything else held there in the future. Follow Greg Venuto’s stadium journeys on   Twitter  @VenutoGreg and Facebook .

Photos by Andrei Ojeda, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Firestone Fieldhouse 24255 Pacific Coast Highway Malibu, CA 90263 Pepperdine Waves website Firestone Fieldhouse website Year Opened: 1975 Capacity: 3,104 Catch Some Waves Sitting atop a hill overlooking the ocean, Pepperdine University with its trees, grass, and other of nature’s beauty surrounding its campus, without a doubt has to be one of the most scenic campuses in the country. Should you find yourself driving north on Pacific Coast Highway, as you approach Pepperdine you may notice a tall tower marked with a cross overlooking PCH. That is Phillips Theme Tower, one of the more recognizable landmarks on campus. Though this holy landmark does its best to bring positive vibes, it has also been involved in its share of controversy . Not far from the tower and a stone’s throw from Firestone Fieldhouse is Alumni Park, a grassy hill overlooking the ocean that makes for a nice tranquil pregame destination. Just kick back, bring the picnic basket full of goodies along with the picnic blanket, and become one with the cool ocean breeze. Then, of course, there is Firestone Fieldhouse, an intimate venue with a capacity of just over 3,100, perfect for a school with a small student enrollment. That’s not to say that support for the local five is not in evidence, as crowds here can be vocal. Food & Beverage 3 There is only one concession stand that serves the entire venue. Your basic stadium fare is available including hot dogs ($3) bratwursts ($3.50), frozen lemonade ($3), popcorn ($2.50), and chips ($1.50). Aside from the standard fare, specialty sandwiches are also available, including a Caprese sandwich for any vegetarians ($7.50). Vending machines are also on site dispensing bottled Coke products for $1.50, the norm for what you would probably pay for a bottled soda at any vending machine. Kudos for not hiking up the prices on the sodas as most any venue would do. Atmosphere 4 Fans show a great amount of enthusiasm, often times stomping on the wooden floors of the bleachers during various moments to create added noise in their attempt to help halt the visiting team. One of the nice things about watching a game in such an intimate venue is that the seats are never too far away from the floor, and interactions between the coaches, players, and officials can definitely be heard. Because of the close proximity between the stands and the court, officials are never too far away from any in-game commentary fans may have. Neighborhood 5 Words just can’t describe the scenery that surrounds this intimate campus. One of my favorite on-campus sites is Alumni Park, a 30-acre grassy hill that overlooks the Pacific Ocean with breathtaking views of Pacific Coast Highway looking northward. The park is open to the general public so if you should have time to kill before a game (I highly recommend that you do), you may want to bring a picnic blanket, lay it out over the grass, and just soak in the local scenery. Alumni Park also makes for great recreational use, as evidenced by the locals playing a little soccer and football. Also nearby for those of you who are into ancient art and architecture is The Getty Villa, located about 10 minutes south of campus on Pacific Coast Highway. Duke’s Malibu is a popular spot among the locals. Various drink specials are offered every night after 4 PM for Aloha Hour. Depending on the time of year, with its beachside location, you may even see some of the ocean’s wildlife as whales and dolphins can be seen out onto the distant waves. Fans 4 During my most recent visit, it was an afternoon where no pep band or mascot would be spotted, but the fans that did show up proved that they would not need either to get them involved, as they made plenty of noise on the wooden bleachers throughout the entire contest. The fact these fans did not need much to maintain their high energy level throughout the contest speaks highly of those in attendance. Access 3 Though there is really only one major route to arrive by, the view driving along PCH, especially when driving in the afternoon, can be worth the drive to Malibu alone. Unfortunately, Malibu is far from any major locations in Los Angeles. With practically no lodging options nearby campus, chances are great that your drive will be quite a distant one. Also, because you will be arriving via PCH, if arriving from Los Angeles, Santa Monica or points south, traffic can also be an issue, especially if driving during the week, so be ready for your patience to be tested. As you do arrive on campus you will be driving up a hill toward the parking area. The lot, offering free and ample parking, is highlighted by the markings of numerous basketball courts on the black asphalt. I imagine the lot is also used for recreation as well with hoops set up on each court during non-game events. The seating areas are divided by two levels. The lower level is made up of wooden bleacher seating on both sides of the court. While the bleachers can be great for creating noise, the seating is pretty cramped and walking the aisles can also require quite an effort. The upper level, not far from the court, offers actual seats. However, some of those seats can be obstructed by television camera crews. Overall, the seats up here offer a great value and are the best choice. On the south end is a crystal clear video board that also acts as the main scoreboard. While there are scoreboards located on each end of the court, the one on the south end is the most informative, displaying player stats throughout the game. Return on Investment 3 With tickets ranging from $15-$25 the costs, especially for the $15 general admission seats in the upper level, are pretty reasonable. While its scenic location may be worth the drive, the downside to that is that for many, the drive will be quite a distance. Should you make the effort to catch a game here at Pepperdine, I highly recommend that you make a day of it by taking in some of the local pre/postgame spots mentioned. This would be a great way of rewarding your effort in coming out to Malibu. Extras 3 Inside the venue, as you walk through the lobby is a display of Pepperdine’s National Championships, mostly accomplished by their men’s volleyball teams. Banners of their National Title accomplishments are also displayed on the south end inside the arena. If there was ever a category for originality, the pep squad would definitely rank high just for the fact that they come dressed in orange jumpsuits. Final Thoughts I left impressed by the school’s spirit squads, from their yell squad decked out in orange jumpsuits to the dance team, known as the Pom Squad. Of the various dance teams I’ve had the chance to observe, not including USC or UCLA, Pepperdine’s Pom Squad would rank at the top when it comes to originality in both dance routines and presentation. Given the venue’s small capacity, you will never be far from the action. While the commute to Firestone Fieldhouse can take a toll if done regularly, the scenery surrounding the campus and an enthusiastic atmosphere for the home team will certainly be a more than rewarding experience.

One of the best aspects of a new baseball team is its branding. Today, we are delighted with creative designs or something with a little nod to the history or tradition of the game. The main objectives are to provide a pleasant-looking aesthetic, durability for the players, and merchandise sales across the nation. Several ball clubs in both minor or partner leagues introduce their uniforms long before the season begins, but that was not the case for one independent ball club a little over 25 years ago. They debuted at home with nothing on their jerseys. The East Chicago Conquistadors were members of the Mid-America League in 1995. The four-team league had all of its clubs in Indiana (Anderson, Merrillville, and Lafayette). Team owner Richard Grottanelli stepped down as president of another independent loop, Mid-South League, to purchase the Conquistadors for $15,000 after the original investors stepped down due to a lack of funds four months before the start of the season. File Photo/The Times The Conquistador name was picked by Grottanelli, even though there was a fan vote that resulted in 120 submissions. A few of the names suggested were the Zebra Mussels, Steelers, Blockbusters, Harbor Lights, and the Harbor Fugitives. When asked why he chose a name, Grottanellis stated that he liked it and it would fit well with the local population. A few of the names suggested were the Zebra Mussels, Steelers, Blockbusters, Harbor Lights, and the Harbor Fugitives. When the Q’s took the field in front of 1,648 people at Block Stadium on June 13, they came out wearing white pinstriped pants, gray tops with green block numbers on the back, and a cap with a cursive Q insignia. There wasn’t any identification whatsoever on the front of the jersey. The only exception was the dark caps that featured an attractive cursive “Q”. The fans must have questioned the person next to them in the stands about their home club’s peculiar look. The plan was to have green, red, and black tops with a big ‘Q’ across the front–perhaps on the right chest of the jersey. The team did feature a massive ‘Q’ letter in its logo, but it is unknown whether the planned design would have been that logo or the cursive ‘Q’ that adorns caps. File Photo Yvette Marie Dostatni/The Times The official logo also incorporates a morion helmet on top of the letter ‘Q’ with two pointed lances crisscrossing behind the helmet. The rest of the wording was in the standard blockish font. It was not a creative logo, and one would assume the club would have made the Zebra Mussel look bland. Grottanelli assured that the team uniforms would be ready soon, but he was not sure when they would arrive. He attempted to contact the team’s supplier-Wilson-but did not have much luck getting through with anyone. He added that he was “terminally on voice mail.” Photos from the Munster Times during the season show photos of the vapid jerseys, absent of team identification or nickname. It had to be odd for both players and fans to witness the drab jerseys that clashed with gray tops and white bottoms. The Q’s did not appear to have road uniforms, based on a photo from a game at Loeb Stadium against the Lafayette Leopards. The same jersey design appears to be identical to what they wore at home. However, there was a lot more for him to deal with that maiden season, which included manager Drayton Patterson’s termination and Grottanelli taking over the position, only to turn it over two weeks later to outfielder Jerrone Williams. Grottanelli accused Merrillville Muddogs pitcher Chris Hall of scuffing balls during a doubleheader and was rejected from both games. This prompted Muddogs manager Ron Kittle to say that “he belongs in the circus”. The franchise was sold to Dave O’Neill on July 23, who also owned the Anderson franchise. A few days later, the team debuted its new uniforms, described by new GM Jennifer Blatt as a reflection of its new image both on and off the field. Photo Frank Oliver/Lafayette Journal and Courier There was a slight mishap from its supplier, Main Sporting Goods, which had a few youth sizes in the shipment. The three players, who were assigned those numbers, opted for extra adult sizes with different numbers instead of squeezing into the youth tops. The club debuted the new red pinstripe white jerseys in a doubleheader sweep against Anderson. They would win the very next game to make it 3-0 in the new pinstripes. David White smacked his first home run of the season and the following to say after the doubleheader. “Now that we have the new uniforms it is like a whole new season for us. Baseball is very much a mental game for us in that new uniforms can change a whole team’s attitude.” Unfortunately, the new uniforms’ mojo wore out very quickly as things came to a head during a doubleheader on August 13. Williams quit as manager, center fielder Darrio Green also left the team, and Jackie Robinson left the club after a player he instructed did not steal a base. Robinson watched the game from the stands at Block Stadium, but he did return for the nightcap. The night concluded with backup catcher Ed Lewis escorted from the stadium by East Chicago Police after he allegedly assaulted Blatt. The next day in a game against Lafayette, players forfeited the second game of another doubleheader due to a lack of players and safety for the remaining ones playing out of positions. File Photo Yvette Marie Dostatni/The Times The Q’s failed to make the playoffs, but the league canceled the season when Lafayette pulled out of the postseason. East Chicago had a 23-35 record, attracting 5,444 fans on the season. Their uniforms, which they only wore for 18 days, were either taken home by players or stashed away by ownership. The East Chicago Conquistadors were a small blip in the history of independent minor league baseball; anyone who witnessed a game at Block Stadium that season has long forgotten about them. However, the formation of new independent leagues has not ended 26 years later, but none will ever, at least I hope not, have such a look as the Q’s did during their lone season. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel . Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

This summer, the state of Vermont is all about the Vermont Green FC (VGFC), which plays in the USL2. In short, attending a Vermont Green FC match at Virtue Field in Burlington, Vermont is a pure joy. Their stellar color commentator, Matt Monteil, took a few moments before the team's Eastern Conference Final showdown this Friday night to answer a few questions. STADIUM JOURNEY: For the uninformed, what is the USL2? Is it professional soccer? Semi-pro? As I understand it, it's a summer league composed of elite college players, but please educate. MATT MONTEIL:  The USL2 league is technically a pre-professional league. It's primarily made up of the higher than average quality collegiate players in the country, but you also have some players that are no longer part of their collegiate programs but still able to play and contribute at this level. The USL2 league is also very much similar to a college ID camp. In the four years I've been covering VGFC, I've seen players recruited and signed by professional clubs nationally and internationally mid or late season, and that is in part based on their collegiate and USL2 performances. At the very least, the league is a developmental platform for collegiate players to improve and play at a similar or higher standard in the offseason than what they're used to in their respective collegiate divisions/conferences.  STADIUM JOURNEY: So how special is it to attend a Vermont Green FC soccer game? Have you ever experienced anything like it? What can you compare it to? MATT MONTEIL:  It's kinda surreal to stand on the other side of the field covering the match with Brian and see a sold out crowd of 2500 plus. I grew up in DC about six blocks away from RFK stadium where DC United used to play all of their home matches. I've been to hundreds of DC United matches and whilst it is one of the founding members back in mid 90s, only the lowest tier of seating ever got filled. Soccer hadn't really taken off just yet, but those who attended were all from the surrounding community in southeast DC, and it had a very close knit family feel. Everyone knew everyone more or less. That's the vibe I get with VGFC. Everyone involved in starting this club tapped into something that's been waiting to be released, and it clearly shows. There are numerous development clubs in the immediate and surrounding area such as Capital SC, Nordic, Far Post, and they all do great work with the youth from 5-18 years old. But outside of UVM men and womens soccer, there wasn't really anything in our community at a higher level. VGFC shows the youth what they can potentially achieve later on in their development as a player. STADIUM JOURNEY: What's unique about this year's team? What makes them go? MATT MONTEIL: We've been blessed with some really good teams from the club's inception. I think the overall levels this season in every position has been 8 to 10s, roughly. I can't really think of a weak spot and I mean that. I think maybe something I noticed about this team from the midway point and onward was that the goals come from everywhere. Everyone contributes. When Tattevin was out injured for a while, the team collectively was able to supplement his goal contributions, and they never missed a beat. Another metric I've noticed is the technical floor is actually really high with this team. Soccer has increasingly become more and more about a player's physical attributes, and whilst this team is outrageously athletic, they have so much quality on the ball across the roster. I never fail to mention on the stream with Brian when substitutions are being made, just how much of a luxury it is that I can't see a drop off in quality for the player swap. So much credit needs to go to Adam P. and this coaching staff for their recruitment. It's also worth mentioning you can tell just how much this group of players have all bought into Chris Taylor and his staff's system and ethos of how they want to play. They exude patience in what can be frustrating stretches of a match and even when we've seen them recently go 0-2 down, they don't panic. I could be wrong, but I also think these guys just actually like each other and have formed a brotherhood. That goes a long way when things aren't working out at times.  STADIUM JOURNEY: It's the toughest ticket in town. When were the on field seats added? Have the new amenities at Virtue gone into effect? Will new bleacher seats be added for next season? MATT MONTEIL:  So VGFC has been selling out home matches consistently now for multiple seasons. The community's appetite is ravenous and the commitment unrelenting. The extra seating on the field was set up to further accommodate the demand, especially considering the playoffs and the traveling fans for visiting teams. I don't know much about 'new amenities' and what or when those will be added. As you know, this is UVM's property, and thus they have the final say on whether they want to expand the facility to have another whole section of seating. Considering UVM's men's soccer are national champions and VGFC is consistently selling out the venue, I would imagine the prospect of expanding has jumped a few levels up in priority.  STADIUM JOURNEY: Discuss your playing background. What was your position? What were you like as a player? How did you get into broadcasting? MATT MONTEIL:  Nothing noteworthy, ha ha. As I mentioned earlier, I grew up in south east DC. From as early as five years old, I was playing in what was and still is the DC Stoddart league. I primarily played as a full back both on the left or right and occasionally left or right wing. I played both sides because I had a coach from a very early age that demanded we be able to utilize both feet, and thus I kind of was all over the place. I played for my high school and bits and spurts collegiately but I actually primarily played rugby in college. I would play indoor leagues during the long winters. After college I started coaching for Capital SC year round and I started playing with their men's team for roughly a decade. What was I like as a player? I'd like to think my one quality, and it aint much, was I had an engine. I could run like a dog for 90 minutes and still have gas left in the tank. I think I've given this false perception during the broadcasts about how I like the 'blood and thunder' days of soccer and that must mean I was like that as a player. I wasn't really. I think I was very vocal, had a decent soccer brain and had overall endurance. Like I said, nothing noteworthy, but it's been a blast and I've made so many friends and valuable contacts through soccer and I couldn't be more grateful. To answer your question regarding how I got into broadcasting: It fell into my lap. To this day I still don't know who referred me, but it was someone I've played with over the years in the soccer community. The founders reached out to me one day via email and asked if I was interested. We had a long chat about soccer, our backgrounds, the vision of the club, etc. Next thing I knew, I was sitting next to a bonafide professional in Brian, with an overwhelming fear I was going to make a fool of myself to thousands of listeners. Still feel that way to this day at times, but I'd like to think I've gotten better and learned more and more about how to discuss the details and story of the match since then. Here's Stadium Journey's interview with Matt's broadcast partner, Brian McLaughlin STADIUM JOURNEY: Vermont soccer is definitely having a moment, to say the least. First the University of Vermont wins a national title and now Vermont Green FC is keeping it going. Can you even start to explain why and how this is happening?  MATT MONTEIL:  UVM seemingly has consistently been building up to that pinnacle of college soccer for the last four years. Good recruiting, consistent coaching staff and messaging and it definitely helps having someone like Bazini leading the line to add just that extra quality in front of goal. VGFC has an eerily similar timeline of growth. Knock on wood they keep going to the promised land. Whilst this is Chris Taylor's first year as manager and an entirely new staff, Adam still oversees the recruitment and works closely with the coaches to provide them what they need to take it to the next level. Putting together a succesful or title-winning team in collegiate or USL2 format when you've never won it all, takes years to build brick by brick. You don't have the national player pull yet and without consistently winning titles throughout the years, your program has a tough time growing. I'd argue most title winning teams from collegiate-to-premier league level clubs, have a strong backroom staff top to bottom that backs the manager and gives them the tools they need. There is probably also an argument that can be made about whatever soccer energy is in the air in Vermont right now it's influencing the recent form. Winning is infectious.  STADIUM JOURNEY: So someone's coming to Burlington, what are the must pre-game and post-game spots?  MATT MONTEIL: You're asking the wrong man, as I have become comfortably lame and don't go out often anymore. My finger is very much off the pulse. That being said, for me a great spot for pre/post match festivities is Zero Gravity Brewery. Big beautiful open space for crowds with lots of screens broadcasting matches throughout the year. Good vibes, good beer, good food.  Jon Hart is @manversusball

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.29 The Hatchet House 608 E Walnut St Washington, IN 47501 Washington High School Hatchets website The Hatchet House website Year Opened: 1966 Capacity: 7,090 The Hatchet House is a Truly Special In a state that is known for its high school basketball fieldhouses, it may be hard to stand out among the mammoth-size facilities that dot the state from the Ohio River to Lake Michigan. However, in the small town of Washington, Indiana, in the southern part of the state, there is an impressive basketball arena named simply the Hatchet House. The 7,090-seat arena was dedicated on November 23, 1966, and replaced the original Hatchet House that was built in 1925. The arched roof building with its wooden bleacher seats, corner views, retired jerseys, and seven state championship banners is something special to walk into for the first time and when it’s near capacity, the acoustics are a perfect soundtrack to Hoosier Hysteria. The Washington High School basketball program began to play in 1906 and was known as the “Old Gold and Black” until it adopted the name “Undertakers” after star player James (Bud) Gill’s father loaned the team his business’s hearse to travel to games. The name was not popular with some of the town’s populace and a local newspaper columnist for the Washington Democrat, Harold Brouillette, opted to change the name to “Hatchets” after mentioning the team cutting through the opposition just like George Washington’s “hatchet” cut through the cherry tree. When the basketball team opened its new home in 1925, they took the court as the Hatchets and the name has become synonymous with Washington basketball ever since. The program has captured 46 sectional championships, 20 regionals, 6 semi-state, and 7 state championships in school history. It has also produced four, tied for most in the state, Indiana Mr. Basketball players including the Zeller brothers: Luke, Tyler, and Cody. Food & Beverage 4 The arena offers various points of sale concession stands from top to bottom. There are small concession stands on the upper concourse of the interior seating bowl and larger tables on the exterior concourse that wraps around the building. The usual products can be found here, but there are a few varieties that make for a nice change of pace at The Hatchet House during a basketball contest. There is freshly made ice cream by local institution Scoops, Polish sausages, freshly popped popcorn in specially designed Hatchet bags, soft pretzels, mucho nachos with all the toppings, and coneys with chili on top. However, if you enjoy a box of candy, nachos with cheese sauce, and a regular hot dog with mustard, you have that as well. Atmosphere 5 The nanosecond you walk into the building you feel the aura of various championship teams that have played on the court since its inception, the echoing of the crowds, and the smell of the thick wooden bleachers mixed in with the odor of old popcorn, flat soda, and stale hot dog buns. The Hatchet House is as advertised, a perfect example of a Hoosier Temple. The crowds are at near capacity for regional and sectional games, fans travel throughout the state to pack the gym to near capacity levels. The sound of the thundering fans from their seats, the chants from the student section dressed in unison, and the energy from the cheerleaders who hover over the railings of the gym create an ambiance that is found at other gymnasiums but is woven together perfectly for basketball games. This might be because the facility was built to be a basketball arena first and its appearance favors the Hinkle Fieldhouse in many ways. The seating is broken up into two sections that provide great sight lines from various points in the building, even when you are underneath the golden banners that at times swing back and forth from the movement of fans seated below. The upper-level seats behind each basketball hoop act as a porch that puts fans up close and personal with the players on the court. The arena features an electronic scoreboard above the center court that has old-school digital imaging of players and school logos. Although not at tournament games, the school’s mascot “Hatch” is a high-end mascot that entertains fans at regular home games. The wide-eyed hatchet is very impressive at the high school level. Neighborhood 3 The town of Washington, Indiana has a population of a little over 11,000 and is located two hours south of Indianapolis and 45 minutes north of Evansville. The downtown features a few places to visit including the Indiana Theater, built in 1928. It offers balcony seating and ticket prices of $5 and $6 each for first-run movies. The White Steamer has been in business since 1937, offering breakfast and hamburgers from 5 AM to 4 PM. Another favorite among the populace includes Mason’s Root Beer Stand serving root beer in frosty mugs, coney dogs, onion rings, and skyscrapers, a four-patty hamburger. It's a busy location creating homemade ice cream in copious flavors; long lines form during the warmer months of the year. Fans 4 A collection of family members, alumni, town citizens, and students all get a case of Hoosier Hysteria during hole-in-the-wall local restaurants in February and March. Their sounds echo throughout the arch-shaped building and when working in unison, create a deafening harmony that ranks among some of the better venues in the state. There was also a time when 5,000 would pack the Hatchet House for Washington High School basketball games a little over 10 years ago. Those crowds have diminished somewhat due to the play of the basketball team, but it is safe to say that when More local restaurants are the various Hatchets return to prominence you’ll see the larger crowds back. Access 5 The Hatchet House is a very simple facility to get around for patrons and includes an outer concourse that brings fans to various entrances of the seating bowl. The exterior concourse features staircases that bring fans to the upper deck area offering another main concourse that wraps around the entire building. The concession stands and bathrooms are marked at both levels of the arena. The only complaint is the limited amount of parking available for large tournament games. True, one does have to park on the street but it’s only a few short blocks away and there is always a spot to find on the street. Once again, reminding me of taking in Butler Bulldogs games at the Hinkle Fieldhouse. Return on Investment 5 The Hatchet House is worth the trip and may depend on how far you want to travel to see a pristine facility. The price for regular season games is $5 and tournament games range in price between $8-$10. The concessions are plenty at all levels of the building and the arena feels more like a college basketball venue than a high school gym. Extras 4 The arena gets a star for the multiple sale points of concession stands. From top-level corners to outer concourse stands, the volunteers at The Hatchet House have you covered with all your snack needs. There is even a group of students who walk around the top rows selling freshly baked cookies. A second star for the vast amount of history on display in the building. There are 7 state championship banners for boys' basketball hanging from the rafters and 6 retired basketball jerseys. There are also numerous photos of past championship teams from both the boys' and girls' programs neatly displayed on the outer concourse walls. A third star for the original Hatchet House that was erected in 1925 and is still in use next door to the arena as a middle school gymnasium. The first game that took place at the gym was against Martinsville High School featuring a young man named John Wooden. A fourth point is for the acoustics in the building that provides much of its soundtrack. The arched roof creates a beautiful look to the place and provides a canvas for cheering fans and basketball players on the court. Final Thoughts The Hatchet House had been on my list for the last three years as a place to review for Stadium Journey. The arena feels more like a collegiate venue than a high school gym. The place is as advertised; a true classic in any state, any sport, or any decade. If you happen to be in the area during tournament time, the Hatchet House is worth a visit.

Photos by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Harmon Stadium 1 UNF Dr Jacksonville, FL 32224 North Florida Ospreys website Harmon Stadium website Year Opened: 1991 Capacity: 1,000 Shore Birds Swinging for the Fences The University of North Florida is located in Jacksonville, Florida and has a student body of more than 16,000 students. It is a relatively young school within the Florida University System, as it opened in 1972. A majority of the student body comes from the surrounding Jacksonville/Duval County area. It offers more than 52 areas of study and 28 different master’s programs. The UNF athletic program is even younger than the school, as sports were not added at the university until 1992. The school teams compete at the Division I level as a member of the Atlantic Sun Conference and are known as the Ospreys (a hawk-like raptor native to the coastal regions of Florida). The Atlantic Sun Conference includes such neighboring schools as Jacksonville University, Stetson University and Florida Gulf Coast University. The baseball program at UNF has been quite successful in its short existence. The team has won six conference championships at the NAIA level, six conference championships in Division II (finishing #2 in the country in 2005) and one Atlantic Sun Conference Championship since joining Division I. The Ospreys call Harmon Stadium at Dusty Rhodes Field their home stadium. The facility was built in 1988 and has a capacity of 1,250. It is located within the athletics complex on the UNF campus. Five Osprey players have gone on to play in the MLB. Food & Beverage 4 There is one central concession stand for Harmon Field. It is located on the outer concourse of the stadium, and is staffed well enough that no backup should occur. While the items sold at the stand are your typical fare, we award one extra point for having a person on hand to grill your order to your specifications . The menu includes hot dogs ($2.50), burgers ($4), chicken sandwiches ($4.50), nachos ($4), pretzels ($4), popcorn ($5), fries ($4), peanuts ($4), and candy ($1.50). Beverages include Coca-Cola brand sodas ($3), bottled water ($2), 16 ounce domestic drafts ($5) and 24 ounce domestic drafts ($7). Atmosphere 3 Harmon Stadium is one of the nicer stadiums in the Atlantic Sun Conference. It features the gray and blue colors of the school throughout the park. The facility includes a concession area, a very spacious press box, a newly installed video board/scoreboard and seating elevated above the field. The seats immediately in front of the press box and behind home plate are chair backs, while the remainder of the stadium features bench back seating. A special seating area, the Osprey Nest, is located along the first base line. The Osprey Nest features an enclosed, climate-controlled environment, with space for groups or VIPS up to 100 people. This provides a wonderful break from the hot and humid spring days along the Florida Coast. This facility also houses the Osprey Baseball Wall of Fame. The Osprey Nest, Photo by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Neighborhood 3 The University of North Florida campus is very isolated, as a substantial portion of its acreage is dedicated as a nature preserve, so there is no development except university-related buildings. That being said, the campus is extremely modern, with less than 50% percent of its buildings more than 10 years old. It is a beautiful campus, with wonderful landscaping, fountains, nature trails and eye-catching architecture. It offers plenty of support facilities for the portion of the student body that does live on campus. Two popular forms of transportation on campus are using bikes or the popular shuttle bus system. The bus system also has routes that take students to the nearby St. John’s Town Center shopping complex. Fans 3 Despite its very successful baseball history, the Ospreys have difficulty in filling the stadium. Even though the students can attend games free of charge, the stands are often only 30% full. There are a number of reasons why the program does not draw well: 1) more than half of the student body are commuter students who leave campus once their classes are over, 2) the Atlantic Ocean and Jacksonville Beach are less than 5 miles from the campus (which would lure any college student away), and 3) due to the relatively young age of the school there is not a large number of alumni to attend the games. Most alumni are still of working age and cannot get away for afternoon games. Harmon Stadium does draw well for specific games. UNF and Jacksonville University are only a few miles apart. The two schools take part in what is known as the River City Rumble. This is an academic year-long competition where points are awarded for victories in every competition held between the schools, no matter what sport. Since baseball is a spring sport, if the competition is close… the stands are full. Access 4 The UNF campus is located more than 10 miles from downtown Jacksonville. However, as long as you have a car, it is easy to get to. The school is located just off I-295, the ring road around Jacksonville. The exit is shown as the University of North Florida /Town Center Parkway and the entry gate for the school is just a few feet away. Once on campus, there is an information kiosk where you can pick up a campus map. There is a parking deck across from UNF Arena that also is used for baseball parking. There is no charge for baseball parking. Return on Investment 5 UNF baseball games provide an excellent return on investment. Seating is all General Admission, with a ticket cost of $5 ($3 for seniors) You will usually not have to fight anyone for a good seat and the bench back seating allows you to spread out. The concessions at Harmon Park are very reasonably priced and parking is free. . Extras 3 The field at Harmon Stadium is named for Dusty Rhodes, a former major league ballplayer who coached the Ospreys through their first 20 seasons. The St. John’s Town Center shopping area is located just a mile from the campus entrance. This open-air mall is a major shopping destination for the Jacksonville area. It has more than 150 stores and restaurants ranging from Tiffany’s to Walmart. In case of a nice spring day, you can enjoy a day at the nearby beach and still have time to make the first pitch at Harmon Stadium. Final Thoughts The University of North Florida is one of the fastest growing schools in the Florida university system. In just a short time it has proven itself to be a power to reckon with in the Atlantic Sun Conference. Being a new school has its advantages as the sports facilities found at UNF are sure to enable recruiting of a higher caliber of athlete in the near future .Harmon Stadium celebrates its past with exhibits about its past successes, but it is always looking forward to the future. The Osprey Nest along the first baseline is sure to attract the attention of athletes within the UNF recruiting zone.

Photos by Jason Bartel, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.29 Don Haskins Center 151 Glory Road El Paso, TX 79902 UTEP Miners website Don Haskins Center website Year Opened: 1976 Capacity: 12,222 A Trip Down Glory Road “You’ll play basketball my way. My way is hard.” – Don Haskins The 1966 Texas Western College men’s basketball team is arguably the most important college basketball team in the history of the sport. That Texas Western team took down Adolph Rupp’s Kentucky Wildcats to win the NCAA National Championship, and became the first team to start five black players. Though they didn’t play at Don Haskins Center (opened 10 years later), the presence of that team is felt throughout the arena. It was only one year, and it happened nearly 50 years ago, but it is still quite breathtaking to see everything that is associated with that team throughout the building. In 1967, Texas Western changed their name to University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP). Haskins stayed at UTEP until 1999, and then passed away in 2008 in El Paso. UTEP currently competes in Conference USA, with the likes of Memphis and SMU. The Miners current head coach is Tim Floyd, most notably the former head coach at USC during the OJ Mayo days. Floyd is looking to return UTEP back to national prominence, and he has quite the historical building to do that in. Food & Beverage 2 “Taco? Nacho? Burrito?” “No, I’m looking for el hot dog-o.” One of the things missing from Don Haskins Center is a decent food selection. Yes, they serve beer at all of the concession stands for $7-$10, which is weird for me to see coming from Arizona. Other than that, they have $4 hot dogs and sodas, nachos, candy, and that’s pretty much it. The concourse is essentially an octagon around the entire arena, with a concession stand in each of the 8 hallways. A couple hallways have stands set up by “Delicious Mexican Food.” The Delicious people also do a giveaway during one of the media timeouts where they have a guy in a Mexican wrestling costume come out on to the court and throw burritos to lucky fans. Atmosphere 5 There truly is no bad seat at “The Don.” There are no aisles that run through the seating area, so every section goes continuously from the floor to the ceiling. This allows 12,000 fans to fill up the stands and be close to the action, even at the very top. The UTEP logo at center court faces the west side, with the UTEP bench in the southeast corner, and the visiting bench in the northeast corner. The north end of Don Haskins Center is the student section, where the students, their guests, and the band sit. That area is general admission, but the rest of the arena is assigned seating. The pep band and dance team, which has a very unfortunate name (Gold Diggers), take up a pretty large chunk of the center section of the student area. The band doesn’t do too much during the game, it was mostly stuff played over the PA that got the crowd more into the game. The dance team is enormous, and performs during media timeouts pretty regularly. Almost every media timeout also has some kind of contest or promotion. There are four scoreboards, one in each corner, with different stats for either the team or individual players depending on the scoreboard. The actual score of the game is not very easy to find sometimes among all the numbers that they can display. Each end has a video board, which do show some replays during the game, but not too many. They also use it for different in-game videos to get the crowd more pumped up. I recommend entering the arena through the south entrance. The concourse on the south side is full of historic memorabilia. When you enter, you’re greeted by a huge painting of Don Haskins, as well as the 1966 National Championship banner, and banners representing the induction of Don Haskins, as well as the entire 1965-66 team into the National Basketball Hall of Fame. There are also trophy cases for all of the sports in this area, including the 1966 trophy. The building is very simple with no overwhelming features, sort of resembling the man himself, Don Haskins. Neighborhood 5 The Don is located on the corner of Glory Road and Mesa St. Mesa St. has a ton to offer for pre and postgame activities. Within walking distance of the arena, you can find almost any kind of cuisine that you are looking for. To the north, there isn’t as much, but there is Cabo Joe’s, and my favorite name, The Hoppy Monk. Most of the options are to the south, including Aroma, The Palomino, Mesa Street Grill, Rib Hut, Yamato Japanese, and much, much more. Once again, they’re all within just a few blocks of Don Haskins Center. It’s a very diverse and unique street that doesn’t look too promising if you are driving from the north, but it gets better as you go just south of the arena. Fans 4 The student section, the “Miner Maniacs,” is a pretty entertaining group of people. I did go to a winter break game against UNLV, but there were still quite a few people in the student section, and they brought an army of big heads. The best one was an enormous cutout of center John Bohannon, which had working arms and everything to try and distract the opponent’s free throw shooter in the second half. Outside of the student section, everyone was still very into the game the entire time; even when UTEP was down big early in the second half. The fans never gave up, never stopped cheering, and it got ridiculously loud when the Miners almost came back to beat the Rebels at the end of the game. It appears Tim Floyd has restored some hope in the Miner faithful, and brought them back to expecting good things to happen when they go to The Don. Access 4 Getting to Don Haskins Center is fairly easy. The easiest ways are to either take Executive Center Blvd. or Schuster Ave. east from I-10 to Mesa St., and then taking Mesa St. to Glory Road. The Glory Road parking garage is just across the street from the arena, and costs 10 dollars to park on game day for the general public. There are a lot of surface lots in the area, but they are all permit only. There are a lot of handicap parking spots on Glory Road. The building is sort of built into a hill on the north and west sides. If you are coming from that direction from the Sun Bowl or other sports facilities, you may miss it because you can only see the roof. Also, if you are trying to walk from that direction, it is not very handicap accessible, and has a lot of stairs to walk down to get to the entrance doors. The concourse itself is not very wide, which can cause some problems at halftime and after the game. The concession stand lines move sort of slow, causing them to back up into the concourse, and causing a lot of congestion at halftime. Definitely worthwhile to get your food during a media timeout rather than at halftime. The bathrooms have the same problem, there are a lot of them, but they are all small, so lines end up in the small concourse, adding to the traffic jam. Return on Investment 5 Don Haskins Center is really a must-see for any college basketball fan interested in the history of the game. Tickets for UTEP games are very affordable, ranging from $8-$30. With the low ticket prices, sort of low food and drink prices, and 10 dollar parking, it is basically the same price as going to a museum, which is essentially what the arena is. Extras 5 I’ve touched on all the historical significance already, but seeing it all in one place was remarkable. As I mentioned, the south hallway of the concourse is really where you need to start. National Basketball Hall of Fame banners, trophy cases full of memorabilia, and the 1966 Championship banner. In the main area, the rafters are lined with every NCAA and NIT tournament appearance, every WAC and now Conference USA tournament appearance and championship, and the national championship banner. The south end is filled with retired numbers, including those from the 1966 team, plus others such as Tim Hardaway and Nolan Richardson. The campus area around Don Haskins Center is also a sight to see. All of the athletics facilities are sort of built into a hill, especially the Sun Bowl. Just taking a walk around the area is fantastic, and also to go see Memorial Gymnasium, where the historic season took place. One last extra. The dance team’s name is the Gold Diggers.

Photos by Matt Finnigan, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Ed Robson Arena 820 N Nevada Ave Colorado Springs, CO 80903 Colorado College Tigers hockey website Ed Robson Arena website Year Opened: 2021 Capacity: 3,407 Worth the Wait: Ed Robson Arena The hockey team at Colorado College, located just north of downtown Colorado Springs, has a long, storied history. Since starting play in 1938, the Tigers have qualified for 20 NCAA Tournament Appearances and four NCAA Tournament Frozen Fours, winning national championships in 1950 and 1957. The program has produced two Hobey Baker Award winners, seven Olympians, and more than 40 players who later played in the National Hockey League. In the program’s 93 years, however, CC never played its home games on campus – or anywhere near it. From their inception in 1938 until 1994, the Tigers played their home games in a converted barn behind Colorado Springs’ renowned Broadmoor resort hotel, five miles southwest of campus, called the Broadmoor Ice Palace (later renamed the Broadmoor World Arena). The Tigers next played “home” games at the United States Air Force Academy’s Cadet Ice Arena , about 15 miles north of campus, between 1994 and 1998 during the construction of the program’s third home. That home was the World Arena (later renamed the Broadmoor World Arena after a sponsorship deal with the hotel), which opened before the 1998-99 season approximately six miles southeast of campus. Broadmoor World Arena II seated 7,750 and had an Olympic-sized rink (100 feet wide). This four-score-and-13-year itinerancy ended in the fall of 2021 when the Tigers moved into Ed Robson Arena on the CC campus. The arena is named for a former CC player who was granted leave from the United States Marine Corps to play hockey for the silver medal-winning United States at the 1956 Winter Olympics in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy. Robson also donated $8 million for the construction of the building that now bears his name. Robson Arena occupies what was once a full city block just south of campus, across Cache la Poudre Street from the college’s South Hall dormitory and Nava Quad. Students can attend CC games simply by buying a student ticket and crossing the street. The $52 million structure also has a team shop, CC’s health services facilities, a campus mail center, classroom space, and an adjacent parking structure. Robson seats approximately 3,400 fans and is a long-overdue addition to CC’s beautiful campus. Food & Beverage 3 There’s nothing fancy about Robson Arena’s food and beverage offerings. Cheeseburgers, hot dogs, chicken strips, and fries are all available at the concession stands along with pretzels, nachos, candy, and drinks. Robson Arena is a Pepsi and Anheuser-Busch facility, with all soft drinks sold in plastic bottles and beer sold either in cans or on tap. Robson Arena’s best food can be easy to miss. Local ice cream shop Josh & John’s has a cart on the concourse in the arena’s southwest corner. There are five, hand-scooped flavors available for $5 apiece. Josh & John’s has even created a flavor, CC Tiger Stripe (golden yellow cake striped with brown sugar caramel), especially for games at Robson Arena. Atmosphere 4 Fans enter Robson Arena on ground level through the main entrance at the building’s northwest corner, located at the corner of Cache la Poudre and Tejon Streets. Once inside, fans can either visit the team store at ground level or proceed via stairs or a nearby elevator to the concourse level. Robson Arena’s concourse circles the rink, and is where concession stands and restrooms are located. The concourse is atop the seating bowl. Robson Arena is intelligently designed to create an excellent college hockey atmosphere. Its size harkens to the late, great AMC Pacer: small but roomy. There is not a bad seat in the house, all of them having unobstructed sightlines to the action. No seat is more than 10 rows from the ice. Robson is noticeably smaller than Broadmoor World Arena II. Robson seats 3,700 – approximately half of what BWAII seats. Fans at Robson sit much closer to the ice, creating an intimate feel that provides the Tigers with a profound home-ice advantage. Additionally, Robson has an NHL-sized rink, which is 85 feet wide – a 15-foot reduction from the Tigers’ rink at Broadmoor World Arena II. The seating bowl is steep, creating the feeling that the fans are on top of the ice. The new confines can be unfriendly for visiting teams. “The atmosphere is much better than their old rink,” the University of North Dakota defenseman Ethan Frisch told the Grand Forks Herald’s Brad Elliott Schlossman on December 11, 2021. CC has placed its student section behind the east goal, where the Tigers attack in the 1st and 3rd periods. Students fill the section and are engaged in the action, “welcoming” opponents during pregame warmups and calling attention to opponents’ misdeeds. The visiting team’s fans sit in Section 101. The building’s primary concession stand is on the south concourse with smaller concession stands in the northeast and northwest concourses. Club seating and the pressbox are a floor above the main concourse on the arena’s south side. The club level has its concession stand. Seats farthest from the ice might be the best in the house. The “Top Shelf” Bar Rail runs along the circumference of the concourse and sits at the top of each seating section, offering ticketholders a high-top table and chair, and unobstructed views of play. Some fans eschewed their chairs in favor of standing. This bar-style seating provides a surface to eat other than one’s ap. There are locations along the concourse for fans to stand while watching the game. The arena has a state-of-the-art sound system that hair metal bands and audiophiles will envy. With 103 speakers, the sound is crisp and clear. Sound can also be loud and startling, however, particularly during pregame player introductions. Fans with auditory sensitivities and those who just don’t like loud music will want to bring headphones or earplugs. A primary scoreboard with four-way, high-definition video screens (493,920 pixels) hangs over the center ice, adorned with CC’s new logo and branding. The video screens do not display any advanced statistics, just the score, time, period, shots on goal, and penalties. But the video display is as sharp as can be found at any venue. Smaller scoreboards have been placed on the walls behind each goal. Robson Arena’s north wall includes large exterior windows that provide natural light and, after sundown, an ethereal quality to the arena as car lights speed by outside on Cache la Poudre Street. Neighborhood 4 Robson Arena is located on the south edge of the 90-acre Colorado College campus, about a mile north of resurgent downtown Colorado Springs. The campus has several buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places, with the Pikes Peak Greenway Trail just west of campus. That 16-mile trail runs and connects with other trail systems. The Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center is also part of the CC campus. Downtown Colorado Springs is enjoying somewhat of a renaissance, thanks in part to the “City for Champions” project that provided funding for the construction of several facilities (including funds to build Robson Arena). One of those is the new United States Olympic and Paralympic Museum , which has received high praise since opening in July 2020. The museum is across the street from another such facility: the 8,000-seat Weidner Field, home of the USL Championship’s Colorado Springs Switchbacks and host of the 2021 NCAA Division II Women’s Soccer Championship. The United States Olympic Committee also moved downtown from its former offices at U.S. Olympic Training Center, east of downtown. There are non-sports-related reasons to visit downtown Colorado Springs, as well. Denver’s Tattered Cover bookstore will open a store in downtown Colorado Springs in 2022. Several new restaurants and shops have opened downtown, as well. Yet downtown still has well-established places to eat and drink, such as the Phantom Canyon Brewing Company and MacKenzie’s Chop House. Italian restaurant Panino’s is a short walk south of Robson Arena on Tejon Street, where CC hockey fans have flocked since 1991. Fans 5 Colorado College has a staunch following of fans who make the Robson Arena experience as good as it is. The Tigers opened the 2021-22 season with eight sellouts (and counting) during which fans have filled Robson’s seats. The best time to visit concession stands and restrooms is during play because fans stay in their seats to watch the game. Again, the student section keys the energy for the rest of the crowd. Access 3 Robson Arena is not difficult to find. From Interstate 25, take the Uintah Street exit and proceed east less than a mile to Nevada Avenue. Head south on Nevada; the arena sits at the corner of Nevada and Cache la Poudre Street. Fans can come to Robson on Mountain Metro’s No. 19 bus route, which travels north and south along Nevada and has a stop a few steps away from the arena at Nevada and Cache la Poudre. Because Robson is part of a college campus, plenty of bike racks are available within a short walk for those cycling to a game. Parking for Robson appears to be available only for pass holders. Fans without passes will not find open parking lots near the arena, perhaps because season ticket holders with parking passes account for a high percentage of Robson’s seats. Parking for a game at Robson is nonetheless easy. Metered and non-metered parking are on the streets to the east and south of Robson. Along Tejon Street, meters cost $1.25 per hour until 10:00 p.m. nightly. Once inside, fans have sufficient room to move and at no point does the arena feel claustrophobic. The concourse is wide enough for fans to congregate without blocking anyone else. Wheelchair-accessible seating is located along the concourse, including from north to south along the center ice, and in the northeast and northwest corners. Return on Investment 2 Robson’s small size cuts two ways. On one hand, it allows fans to sit near the ice to create an intimidating atmosphere for visitors. On the other hand, tickets can be hard to come by, triggering a real-life example of supply and demand. Ticket prices for a recent, Friday night game against perennial power North Dakota ranged from $48 in a corner to $163 for a seat six rows above one of the blue lines. Those prices will likely fall as Robson ages. But tickets will certainly be at a premium when the Tigers are winning or hosting rivals – both of which occur regularly. Food and drink prices align with other college hockey venues. Hot dogs ($5), nachos ($6), pizza slices ($6 for pepperoni, $5 for cheese), fries ($3), and pretzels ($5) are all sold at the arena’s primary concession stand. Robson Arena is a Pepsi facility, with soda and water selling for $4 a bottle. These prices are right in line with other collegiate rinks. Extras 3 Robson Arena’s design merits an additional point. Its smaller size puts fans surprisingly close to the ice without compromising sightlines. This enables the CC faithful to provide a significant jolt of energy to what happens on the ice. A point also goes to the Tigers’ mascot, RoCCy, for not only being a great skater but an adept stick handler. Roy demonstrated serious skill while assisting during a recent teddy bear toss for charity. Josh & John’s ice cream earns a point for creating a flavor specifically for CC and selling it at Robson. All the better is that it’s quite tasty. Final Thoughts College sports are at their best with student support and involvement. For almost a century, CC has had one of college hockey’s premier programs. Students can now enjoy that program’s games without having to arrange travel to other parts of Colorado Springs. It took the Tigers a long time to bring their games onto campus and they now have a sparkling new home that certainly belongs in any mention of college hockey’s finest home facilities. ------ Follow Matt Finnigan’s stadium journeys on Twitter @mattfinniganco .

Photos by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Hohokam Stadium 1235 N Center St Mesa, AZ 85201 Map It! WAC Baseball Tournament website Hohokam Stadium website Year Opened: 1997 Capacity: 12,500 Learn • Compete • Inspire Attending a championship tournament is an exciting, special outing. The emotions, excitement, ups and downs, disappointments, and triumphs are the same for a WAC (Western Athletic Conference) baseball tournament as for any other ‘higher league’ conference. The WAC baseball tournament began in 1982. The criteria for the tournament participants have varied over the years, with some seasons using the top finishers in the conference and others using top teams in each of the two divisions. In 2023, the top eight teams participated in the tournament. A team is eliminated after losing two games. The tournament winner receives an automatic bid to the NCAA Division I Baseball Tournament. Historic Hohokam Stadium in Mesa AZ has hosted the WAC baseball tournament for the last eight years. Hopefully, it will continue to do so in the future. The stadium is more commonly known as the spring training facility of the Oakland Athletics . The city-owned venue hosts a variety of other tournaments and events throughout the year. Food & Beverage 2 The event manager hires local Arizona food trucks to service the visiting fans. Two trucks are available each game, one offering dessert choices, the other lunch or dinner options. The trucks vary each day. Kudos for hiring local businesses for the event! For dessert, choices in 2023 included Udder Delight (yummy ice cream treats), Maui Wowi (smoothies and coffee refreshments), and Kona Delights (flavored shaved ice, sorbets, etc.). Lunch and dinner choices comprised Brightside Burgers (several choices of juicy burgers), Macology (16 assortments of mac and cheese), and SuperTruck (Mexican-inspired dishes). Water, Gatorade, and soda in cans or bottles are all available for sale at the food trucks. The venue does not serve adult beverage products at this tournament. A very popular lemonade stand was open during the 2023 tournament. Outside food and beverages are allowed during the tournament. We recommend bringing several bottles of water, as it does get hot, especially during the day games. Atmosphere 4 Hohokam Stadium provides an impressive morning, afternoon, and evening out for the tournament. Only Gate C is open for the competition, and fans enter the stadium through the welcoming air-conditioned spring training team store. The inner concourse is only open on the third base side (closed the other way). The stadium offers two levels of seating with a small walkway between the two. The seats are the green stadium-style, fold-down seats with cupholders and decent legroom. Handrails are available for striding up and down the seating areas. Bleachers with backs occupy the last three sections on each side in the 200 level, rarely used at this tournament. A recommendation for visiting fans, bring a towel or two – one to sit on so you don’t stick to the seat from the heat, and to wipe off dust and cobwebs as the seats may be dirty from lack of use. Two covered picnic areas sit down on both the left and right field baselines. Both are good places to eat your meals or snacks between the games. Something a bit uncommon is “horizontally stacked” bullpens in right field. Nets extend across all the infield seats except the very far sections down each baseline. It gets hot at these tournaments in Arizona towards the end of May. Expect temperatures to be in the 90’s °F / 32+ ° C. Sit in the upper level (200’s) behind home and on the first base side for the shade for day games. A recommendation is to sit underneath the press box (one with an open window). You’ll get a breeze from the air conditioner every once in a while (and you get to hear any radio broadcasts and official game staff discussions). A merchandise table is in the entrance area selling conference t-shirts. Suggestion – if you want one, get it early in the tournament; sizes sell out as the series progresses. A crisp, clear video board shines in left field. It shows the line score, the player at bat’s name, number, and photograph. A whole variety of music is played, from Christian to Country to Latino to Hip Hop and more at a loud volume. Bring earplugs if this grates on you. It’s not quite so loud in the first level of seats but those sections get the sun for the day games. Players have walk-up music. Neighborhood 4 The stadium is in a residential area, and while there’s not a whole lot in the immediate area, the stadium is less than two miles from downtown Mesa which has developed significantly over the last several years. Three breweries ( 12 West Brewing – which serves tasty food, Beer Research Institute – which has a classic arcade in it, and Oro Brewing Company ) are downtown, as is a cidery ( Cider Corps ). Chupacabra Taproom is also downtown and offers beer and wine and a place to hang out before or after the ballgames, as is Diamond’s Sports Grill which has traditional sports bar food. For local restaurants, we recommend the delicious New Mexican fare Blue Adobe Grille which is only a four or five-minute drive from the ballpark, and the Que Chevere (Venezuelan cuisine) on Main St. downtown. Tourist things to see and do in Mesa are the Arizona Museum of Natural History or the engaging i.d.e.a Museum (excellent for kids) or visit the popular cultural Mesa Arts Center . The Mesa Historical Museum has an exhibit on the Arizona Cactus League and Arizona Spring Training, as well as Mesa-specific historical exhibits. Though a little distance from Hohokam Stadium (about 5 miles), fans may want to visit Organ Stop Pizza with its Wurlitzer Theater organ, which some say is the world’s largest pipe organ. Hotels are not within walking distance of Hohokam Stadium. The Delta Hotels by Marriott Phoenix Mesa is one and a half miles away. A few lower-priced hotels like Quality Inn or Baymont Inn are three to five miles from the stadium. Other sports near Hohokam Stadium during the end of May tournament can include the Pac-12 baseball tournament played at Scottsdale Stadium. And, depending on schedules, fans can visit Chase Field and see an Arizona Diamondbacks game or the Footprint Center and watch the WNBA Phoenix Mercury or IFL Arizona Rattlers . Fans 3 For the 2023 WAC tournament, every team was represented well by their fan base. The crowds are generally family, friends, and students. Parents, grandparents, siblings, and girlfriends are there cheering on their favorite player. Some residents watch the games as well. Most fans only visit when ‘their team’ is playing, but some stay on to watch the other games. Less than 1,000 fans are in the stands. The biggest fans are the players themselves. Some teams’ fans complain way more about the umpiring than others. Umpires have a thankless job. The fans from GCU (Grand Canyon University), a local team, came out in force to support their players. UTRGV (University of Texas – Rio Grande Valley) had a huge Kade York fan club present. Seattle U fans were a small but mighty bunch. Sam Houston fans were thrilled their team took home the tournament championship. Access 4 The ballpark is located in a neighborhood. Roads getting there are two or four lanes. It is 1 ½ miles south of the 202 (Red Mountain Freeway). Traffic congestion in and out of the stadium is not an issue for the WAC tournament. The city does not charge a parking fee for the event. The closest airport is Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport (about 12 miles distance); a smaller regional airport, Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport, maybe another pick if arriving via Allegiant Airlines. Public transportation is available via Valley Metro , but be sure to check return availability. Bags of any size are allowed. They don’t need to be plastic or clear. One set of restrooms is open on the third base inner concourse with signs marked. The ladies’ room has a changing table (I’m not sure about the men’s room). The bathrooms are old but kept extremely clean and stocked during the tournament. Moving around the concourse and walkways is easy. Return on Investment 5 An all-tournament ticket is $40; single-day tickets are $15. WAC students get in for free. The venue does not charge for parking. For the 2023 tournament, fans could only purchase tickets online. If they don't buy tickets in advance, the stadium has signage with a QR code to scan to buy them on your phone. Attending this tournament is well worth your sports entertainment investment. You just don’t know what you’ll see: a walk-off grand slam in the 11th inning, a DH who also pitched three innings, two mercy rule games, a game that ended in 2 hours 11 minutes, and another at 3 hours and 51 minutes. You get to witness a player’s last-ever game (seniors who are graduating). And, the excitement of the players on the field after winning the championship. All of that is priceless (except maybe the close to a 4-hour game). . Extras 3 Applause to the event manager for hiring local business food trucks for the tournament. It’s nice going to a ballpark and not worrying about which bag type is allowed and how many bottles of water to bring. New for the 2023 season was the use of the pitch clock. And, plays were challenged. The challenges took a long time so hopefully, the timing of those can be minimized next season. Four umpires judge the championship games; three do so during the regular season (so I’m told). All games were televised on ESPN+ this 2023 season. Press Assistant Final Thoughts It’s exciting watching a conference tournament. Although not one of the newer, fancier spring training venues in the East Valley, Hohokam Stadium is worth visiting when the WAC baseball tournament is in town. I recommend the city of Mesa promote it more.

Photos by Ed Pelle, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Joe Nathan Field Circle Rd Stony Brook, NY 11794 Stony Brook Seawolves website Joe Nathan Field website Year Opened: 2011 Capacity: 1,000 Shock the World Stony Brook University officially began competition in NCAA Division I athletics in 1999 with little to no fanfare. In the years that followed several of the programs made strides in adapting to the new, more difficult level of competition, but the athletics department lacked a singular defining win that would make news on a national level. The men's soccer team did qualify for the NCAA Tournament three times prior to 2012, as did the men's lacrosse team, with a 2010 run to the NCAA Tournament Quarterfinals. The Stony Brook baseball team had also been a successful program with three conference titles prior to 2012, but the culmination of the 2012 baseball season saw the Seawolves make an improbable run to the College World Series in Omaha as the lowest seeded team remaining in the field. No team from the Northeast had accomplished this feat in 26 years and even Big Ten power conference commissioner Jim Delaney had previously complained that teams from the north would not be able to compete with their rivals from the South, demanding changes to the NCAA structure of college baseball. The team adopted the simple mantra of "shock the world" and won on the road at a regional in Miami, Florida and then again at a Super Regional at LSU. After defeating LSU on the road some fans of the prohibitive favorite from Louisiana even began to display "Geaux Seawolves" signs at the College World Series in a gesture of respect. The run to the College World Series is to date the most well-known accomplishment of Stony Brook Athletics and made the program known to more casual fans who resided outside of the Long Island area. Stony Brook baseball plays its games at Joe Nathan Field, which is dedicated to former MLB player and the most prominent baseball figure in the program's history after a large donation by Nathan to upgrade the facilities. The renovations were completed prior to the 2011 season. The current configuration of the field seats 1,000 and has a full FieldTurf playing area. Although Joe Nathan is known for his career as a relief pitcher for several MLB organizations, he began his professional career as a shortstop and was converted to the position despite protesting against the switch. Food & Beverage 1 As is usually customary in the Northeast where there are usually no concessions, supporters bring food for the team. What is unusual at Seawolves games is that supporters tend to bring food for everyone in attendance. The phrase "you can't complain if it is free" seems apt here, though incoming athletic director Shawn Heilbron has stated in interviews that he would like to address this issue by adding better seating and amenities for baseball. Atmosphere 3 Located at the northern most corner of campus adjacent to the softball field, Joe Nathan Field is a symmetrical playing surface 330 feet long down the foul lines and 390 feet from home plate to dead center. There is a bullpen along the third base side and a bullpen behind right field. If you were to circumnavigate the park you would not be able to watch the action from the outfield area as it is fenced off. Fans tend to cluster in the stands behind home plate, though some will prefer to stand along the foul lines. Along the third base line bullpen are large signs highlighting each victory stage in the 2012 post season run. The field of play is entirely artificial which is a significantly better approach than those baseball fields which only have an infield diamond artificially installed. The seating provided for the fans is of the aluminum bench variety with a small press box at the top of the stands behind home plate. Neighborhood 3 Located on the north shore of Long Island, Stony Brook is a quiet town that is very close to the Long Island Sound. Historically the north shore of Long Island had been home to some of the most influential aristocrats and many of these historic estates are still in existence. One such estate belonging William Vanderbilt has been turned into a museum in nearby Centerport. Admission is $7 for adults, $6 for seniors and $3 for children under 12 years of age. There is also a planetarium that Suffolk County, who oversees the property, built there in 1970. For pre or post game libations there are two great sports bars within walking distance of Joe Nathan Field on the other side of the train tracks. The Bench Bar and Grill has several large televisions placed throughout the establishment with sports programming always on. They have 25 beers on tap daily and a full menu of lunch and dinner dishes. Some highlights are steak and mushrooms ($19.99), St. Louis BBQ ($18.99), bourbon glazed pork chops ($16.99), seared tuna ($17.99) and rigatoni chicken alfredo ($15.99). Jake Starr Cafe is located one block east and has a similar set up with sports themed television programming, a full bar and an extensive menu. I would highly recommend a deluxe burger platter here with several combinations at starting at $11.75. Fans 3 Interest in all things Stony Brook has been on the upswing in the last few years. Since the 2012 post season run, baseball fans have turned out in larger numbers than ever. Often visitors to campus on other business will ask if the baseball team is in, and the location of the field hoping to see the Seawolves play while they are in town. Access 3 One of the great things about the Joe Nathan Field is its proximity to a Long Island Railroad terminal. It is very easy to walk from the station to the game. Most people in attendance will drive in headed north on Nicolls Road. Once you make a left on North Boundary Road right before the train trestle you are looking at the center field fence of Joe Nathan Field. Parking is available right next to the field without charge. You could even travel to, or from Southern Connecticut easily on the Bridgeport-Port Jefferson auto ferry which is a sponsor of Stony Brook Athletics. The terminal is only four miles away in neighboring Port Jefferson. Return on Investment 5 There is no charge for baseball games and parking adjacent to the field is also free. The only costs here would be transportation to and from the venue. The opportunity to see high level NCAA Baseball up close for free cannot be understated. Extras 2 Behind the grandstand is a tree with two flat large rocks next to it. This shady outpost is constantly one of the most popular spots to watch the action from, though it may not have even been placed there by design. Stony Brook has a very large, interesting campus filled with modern buildings, large outdoor art pieces and a hospital on the eastern side of campus. Taking one of the free campus buses through the University would give you a sense of just how much is going on here. Final Thoughts After the post season run in 2012 the pressing question was, could this success be the product of a team that had all its parts magically come together at the right time or was this run the dividend of many years of hard work by the people involved with Seawolves athletics. As a few seasons have passed since 2012 it seems apparent that a consistent high level of play is the new benchmark for the baseball team. The future seems bright as the University has taken a renewed interest in providing a better experience for the fans in every athletic program.

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Sebring International Raceway 113 Midway Dr Sebring, FL 33870 24H Sebring website Sebring International Raceway website Year Opened: 1950 Twice ‘Round the Sebring Clock The historic Sebring 12 Hour sportscar race began in 1950 and has grown into one of the world’s most revered motorsports events during its long history. Now in 2021, the Creventic 24 Hour series has brought their annual American 24 hour race to the facility. The Sebring 24 Hours features a race twice as long as the annual IMSA event, featuring many of the same cars on track. Food & Beverage 4 There is no shortage of food vendors around the track at Sebring. From the main paddock and the ever popular Track Shack (get the Beast…it is probably the best item you can eat at the track and is only known on the secret menu at Sebring) to the various drink and snack stops around the track, you never have to go too far to get something to quench your thirst or ease the pain of hunger. The cost of everything is also what one may consider to be moderately fair, as food and snack items range from just a few dollars to $12-$14 for bigger items at the Snack Shack. Atmosphere 5 Nothing compares to Sebring – words are barely able to even describe it either. This is one giant party for everyone who attends. Some wild stories can be told of the goings on at Green Park (the infield area on the north side of the track), and perhaps it may be best to keep the young ones away from that part of the course at night. This event is unlike the 12 Hours , however, as it is much more laid back. Featuring support races and fan laps on track, this race feels more like a celebration of motorsports than the high intensity of the IMSA event. This also features a more family-friendly environment. Neighborhood 3 There isn’t exactly anything around Sebring International Raceway, as it is quite literally located in the middle of nowhere. Sebring itself is a town located in the middle of Florida, at least an hour and a half away from the nearest major city or population center. Thus, while the town of Sebring itself may have some shopping and dining as well as a few hotels, you are likely better off camping at the track and staying there the whole weekend. Fans 4 The fans at Sebring are insane! Not only are they very sport knowledgeable, but they know how to decorate their campsites. Some have gone as far as erecting massive scaffolding at their camping sites to get a better view of the action, while others prefer a ground-level chair next to a campfire. There are even make-shift bars that pop up around the facility that are fully operational and open to anyone who wants to come visit. The majority of these fans have been coming to the race for years, introduced by their parents to the event, and are now passing it on to their kids. Unlike the Sebring 12 Hours , the Creventic 24 Hours is much more family friendly. The paddock is open to all fans and there are less drunk fans roaming the grounds. Families can worry less about bringing their kids to this race, that features twice the amount of endurance racing as the more expensive event in March. Access 3 The roads in and out of Sebring aren’t exactly major highways, with the biggest road being US-27 running towards Miami to the south and Orlando to the north. There is plenty of parking at the track, however, and trams help take you from parking lots farther away from the main grandstands and paddock to points of interest around the track. You never feel like you are too far from anywhere either, as there are several perfectly placed crossover bridges around the track to get you to points of interest throughout the weekend. Any fan can also come down to the paddock and get up close to the stars and cars of the Creventic series who are in attendance. Return on Investment 4 There really is nothing like Sebring – a weekend ticket gets you into all the action Wednesday through Saturday and you can come and go as you please. While ticket prices can soar over $100 a person for the 12 Hours, tickets for the new Creventic event are much less expensive, meaning you can easily bring a family of four to this event for the same price for one person at IMSA. Extras 5 Taking in the race at Sebring has its perks for fans, with various autograph sessions being held throughout the race weekend. In addition, fans also have the opportunity to get into the paddock area of the track free of charge, giving you an up-close view of the teams as they prepare for one of the biggest races of the year. Before the main event on track, all the teams bring their cars out to the front stretch for a fan walk before the race starts, and fans can come see the cars and drivers up close before they head out onto the track. Then after each race, the victory celebration is held in the new victory lane complex at the track, giving fans access to an area of the track that was previously farther away on pit road. Final Thoughts Thinking about visiting a sports facility of great historic value with incredibly exciting action for you to see during the entire event? Look no further than the Sebring 24 Hours. This race has it all, and you get twice the amount of racing as you would for the annual IMSA race in March. It is hard to put into words what a weekend at Sebring feels like, but as the sun sets each day and the roar of engines fills the air, you can understand why this track has become one of the biggest draws in all of sports, let alone racing.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Kokomo Memorial Gymnasium E Superior St Kokomo, IN 46901 Kokomo Wildkats website Kokomo Memorial Gymnasium website Year Opened: 1949 Capacity: 5,200 The Kats Are Back! Kokomo Memorial Gymnasium was dedicated on October 20, 1949, and was named in honor of the men and women from the town who lost their lives in World War II. The 7,200-seat physical education building was one of the largest in the world when it first opened, ushering a new era of bigger and better high school basketball gyms, but subsequent renovations have brought it down to its current capacity of around 5,200 people, ranking it as the 33rd largest high school gym in the world. The home of the Kokomo High School Wildkats basketball programs cost $680,000 to build. It replaced the venerable Hawthorn Gymnasium that stood for 21 years before burning to the ground in the wee hours of March 22, 1944. The team would find a temporary home at the Kokomo National Guard Armory for the next five seasons, while the town contemplated building a new facility. Basketball had always been a hot ticket in town and a new gym was constructed to convince state officials to host regional tournaments to raise revenue. The opening of the modern and more spacious gymnasium gripped the town with a fever known as “Hoosier Hysteria.” Fans would line up overnight to purchase tickets. Standing room only was the only option for those without tickets, according to a former Wildkat who starred in the late 1950s. He added that when he walked into practice on Saturday mornings, there would be lines of people in the frigid cold bundled up and waiting for the ticket window to open. Game nights would be packed and the Wildkats would build off that momentum earning three trips to the state Final 4 championships in 1959, 1961, and 1962. They won it all in 1961. The girls' team captured back-to-back state titles in 1992 and 1993 and a championship one in 2003 The Art Moderne architectural building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2005, complete with a memorial marker on the corner of Apperson and Superior Streets. It was designed by architect Elmer Dunlap who also helped design various schools, courthouses, and parks in Indiana that are now also on the National Register of Historic Places. Food & Beverage 3 Two small concession stands look as if they have not changed since the gym opened. The items for sale include hot dogs, nachos, popcorn, pickles, candy, chips, and Coca-Cola products. On busy nights, the lines can get long and stretch through the lobby. Atmosphere 5 The play of junior center Flory Bindunga has attracted fans from all over the city to the historic gym this season. He is among the state’s leaders in block shocks, and the student cheer section has created a dunk meter for him, as he can average several a night. He has also been offered scholarships to 15 colleges and universities, with Michigan State’s Tom Izzo making an appearance the day before our review. As a result, Kokomo has experienced unprecedented levels of noise, fan reaction, and excitement in decades. Some say it reminds them of the old days when fans would wait outside in the cold and the gym would be crammed to the rafters. Memorial Gym is a small, cozy, and comfortable facility that is not your typical basketball gymnasium. It is packed with delightful colors, signage, banners, and other little nooks and crannies. Tickets are taken at the door from workers sitting down at tables at one of the four entrances to the building, conversations are brewing among friends young and old, and students line up to grab a bite to eat at the concession stands. The bleacher seating is separated into two sections on the south side and into three sections on the opposite end. All upper-level sections are reachable by stairs and ramps directly from the lobby. On both ends are two more seating sections that are above the playing court and operate as balconies; one of these sections is populated by the band. All of the seats, except the third level section, are pull-out bleachers. The sturdy wooden permanent seats on the third level are cornered off at the ends which makes for a little abnormality of seating style, but one that is welcomed. All around the gymnasium are banners and signage that celebrate the multiple accomplishments of both the men’s and women’s basketball programs, highlighted by the 1961 boys' state championship and 1992, 1993, and 2003 girls' state championship banners. At one end of the arena, it reads “Home of the Kats” on the wall, and Kats are spelled out in one of the upper sections of seats as well. A basic scoreboard hangs above the center court, while a few more pictures and photos add to the aesthetics of the building. The venue is one of only a handful to include a video board that was installed in 2019. Neighborhood 3 You’ll find a variety of chain restaurants and retail outlets on US-931 in Kokomo, which is not too far from the gymnasium. However, if you are looking for a few interesting sites to see or places to eat, then there are some local suggestions. Harvey Hinklemeyers features great pizza and sandwiches and is also great for the kids. Half Moon Restaurant and Brewery is a great stop for a bite to eat or enjoy a craft beer after the game. Enjoy a giant tenderloin sandwich at Windmill Grill or Artie's Tenderloin. A tenderloin sandwich is a giant breaded piece of pork that is deep-fried and big enough for two. Ray’s Drive-In is a funky little place that makes a killer beef Manhattan sandwich. Dan's Variety Bakery is a popular destination that opens at 1 AM featuring hot, freshly baked donuts. Fans 3 There is a great abundance of fans who attend Kokomo High School games, but not like the good old days when they used to pack the house to the gills. However, enough fans are out here supporting their local basketball team to easily confirm that there is still a lot of love for the Wildkats in Kokomo. Fans are supportive, dedicated, and interested in the game at hand. Access 3 Arriving at the gymnasium is also fairly simple. There is plenty of signage directing visitors towards the historic facility with parking available on the streets or in one of the small lots outside of the gym. Once inside the gym, the number of people will impact the accessibility during the game. There are points of the two main levels where walkability is easy, but there are sections where it ends due to seating arrangements. The outer hallways outside the seating bowl make it easy to move around, but it does not wrap around the building. Bathrooms and concessions are located on the main floors of the outside lobby. Many of the signs posted appear to date back to the gym’s early years, providing a time portal for fans and visitors to the venue. The one thing to keep in mind, at this time of writing, is that regular season games are near sell-outs many nights; it is advisable to arrive early for games to find parking on the streets or in the main lots near the gymnasium. Return on Investment 5 Adult tickets are $6 for all home games which is on par with other high school games in the state. The parking is free, concession prices are extremely affordable, and it makes for a great night of high school basketball hoops in a historic and cozy basketball gymnasium. The level of play the Kats are playing around this time, including the number of people attending games, and providing the soundtrack, makes this one of the best nights out for sports in the state. Extras 5 The exterior of the Kokomo Memorial Gymnasium is noteworthy for a few reasons. The historic building design features photos and headlines from when the team won the state title in 1961 above the main exterior entrance. There is also a bronze statue of a wildkat and a historical marker describing the facility. The John Turner Memorial Room is located at the west end of the main lobby and was dedicated by his parents, Earl and Ellen Turner. Turner was an All-State basketball player who died during battle in World War II. The room features a portrait of Turner in uniform draped by two U.S. flags, while furniture from that era is set up behind a rope fence. On the opposite wall are three stained-glass windows listing every major battle of the war. Visitors walk through the area to look around and take photos, but no one is allowed to sit in the chairs or couches. The school features a taxidermy wildkat encased behind a glass cube. It is wheeled out to center Court during warm-ups by a group of students and then wheeled back to the John Turner Memorial Room until it is ready for the next basketball game. The wildkat dates back to 1951. The overall aesthetics of the gymnasium are pleasing to the eyes. The red and blue banners hang proudly from the rafters, the seats are also colored red and blue, and little touches on the walls make it a visually pleasing facility for the first-time visitor. It is a classic Indiana fieldhouse. The video board hovers over the center court and features a four-sided video panel that displays ads, photos, scores, and other information. It is one of only a handful of gyms in the state that offers a video display board. Final Thoughts Kokomo Memorial Gymnasium is the perfect-sized facility for high school basketball in Indiana. It is dripping with nostalgia, brimming with history, and a wonderful place to watch basketball in the 21st century. If these walls could talk, they would have a lot to say about the history of basketball. ---- Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel . Email at marc@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.43 Tucson Arena 260 S Church Ave Tucson, AZ 85701 Map It Arizona Wildcats Hockey website Tucson Arena website Year Opened: 1971 Capacity: 6,521 Bear Down Rise Up The Arizona Wildcats hockey team (University of Arizona) plays their home games at Tucson Arena.   The Wildcats share the arena with the Tucson Roadrunners of the AHL (American Hockey League) and the Tucson Sugar Skulls (IFL – Indoor Football League).    The Arizona Wildcat s are in the ACHA (American Collegiate Hockey Association) as part of Men’s D 1 in the WCHL (Western Collegiate Hockey League) conference.   The team hoisted back-to-back WCHL championship banners in the 2018 – 2019 and 2019 – 2020 seasons.  You wouldn’t believe it based on how they played the day of Stadium Journey’s visit in late 2023.  Arizona Wildcats Hockey History Display, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Built in 1971, Tucson Arena, part of the Tucson Convention Center, was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2015.   Updated features within the last few years include:   ·       Small ribbon boards on each side of the video board ·       Video boards on th e back side of t he camera wells ·       Loge boxes (used for Roadrunner hockey) ·       An upgraded plaza area outside ·       New parking garages ·       Additional party areas (again, used for the Roadrunners)     Before 1979, the team was a student-run sports club.   From 1979 – 2011, the team became the Arizona IceCats.  It was a founding member of the ACHA.  In 2011, the University of Arizona took over the administration and changed the name to the Wildcats.  Food & Beverage 2 Only one  of the two permanent concession stands is open for a Wildcats game. Only a few portable stands are operational.   This suits the lower attendance crowd.  It’s enough to get you by if you’re hungry.   Choices include macho nachos, regular nachos, hot dogs, pretzels ($7 - $12), and snacks like chips and candy.   Other munchies include kettle corn ($5), cotton candy ($5), and lemonade. A well-needed coffee/expresso cart is on one concourse, which sells a variety of coffee, expresso, chai, lattes, and more.   Pepsi products are the soda of choice ($5/$6), and beer and alcoholic beverages are offered ($8 - $18).    One big downside… staff at a table on the outer concourse require showing ID to get a drinking age verified wristband, certainly not uncommon and much smoother than pulling out ID at a drink cart. The table attendees insist on putting the band on the right wrist even if a paying visitor wants it on their left.  There’s no debate, not even a question asking whether it’s a medical need.  This response demonstrates awful customer service, which the Arizona Wildcats or the Tucson Arena game day operations need to revisit. Atmosphere 3 Seating is U-shaped with rows of seats on three sides; the concourse is above the seating area, and the game is in view the entire time when walking the concourse.   The best seats are on the sidelines, and I’d recommend the second level to get a better look at the whole ice surface.   The seats are tight, have cupholders on the sides of the seats, and there’s enough legroom.   The arena does not have a center-hung scoreboard.  Instead, a video scoreboard is on the top end of the U, while a standard stat board is on the wall above the bottom of the U.  Neither shows the shots on goal stat.   They do announce the shots on goal after the end of each period.  The PA announcer does a fantastic job.  His voice is clear and understandable.   The arena temperature is freezing.   Be sure to wear and bring extra layers including a hat, gloves, a scarf, and a blanket.  The ceiling at the top of the U proudly hangs the two WCHL championship banners and two retired Wildcat jerseys. There’s minimal indication that the Arizona Wildcats play at Tucson Arena.   The arena is  all about the Tucson Roadrunners.   Pregame, the video board shows a nice interview with Coach Chad Berman. The video staff displays a fantastic Bear Down intro before the start of the game.   Between periods, the video board shows pre-recorded player interviews, and there’s a Chuck-a-Puck contest at every game where the winner gets something, like a free meal at Rudy’s Bar-B-Q (a sponsor).    Arizona Wildcats Hockey Banners, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Honestly, the play of the game I saw on this visit was ghastly.   Passes didn’t connect.  Wildcats’ players couldn’t clear the zone.  The players were not aware of where the other players were positioned on the ice.  The opposing team scored short-handed goals against them.   They have had great teams.  As of this writing, their record is 8 – 10, so I guess they just had a very bad day when we visited.   Neighborhood 4 Visiting Tucson is a treat.  It is not as commercialized as the Phoenix area, and it maintains much of its natural beauty by not building and destroying its land and natural settings and landscape. The arena is downtown near El Presidio Park, the old county courthouse, and the Pima County courthouse.  Several museums are within walking distance, including the Children’s Museum and the Museum of Contemporary Art.  Or, if it’s a pleasant fall day, walk the Turquoise Trail, a historical walking tour of downtown Tucson.  A good place for a pregame dinner within walking distance (1/2 mile) of the arena is the El Charro Café .  Other places include The HUB (ice cream, food, and drinks), Miss Saigon Downtown (Vietnamese), or Empire Pizza & Pub (New York-style pizza). Tucson offers several breweries near the arena.  Barrio Brewing, Pueblo Vida Brewing Company, and Iron John’s might be worth a visit if craft breweries are your thing. Not walking distance but worth visiting when in the Tucson area are the Mission San Xavier del Bac (founded in 1692), the Saguaro National Park (home to the nation’s largest and most abundant cacti), or t aking a drive up to the top of A Mountain (Sentinel Peak) for a beautiful view.   The biggest event in Tucson is the Gem and Minera l Show a t the end of Jan / beginning of Feb each year. One hotel, Double Tree by Hilton Tucson Downtown Convention Center, is right next to the hot el,   but it’s pricey.  We recommend Hotel McCoy about 2.5 miles from the arena.  It is a reasonably priced hotel and has all sorts of nifty items. Other sports to see during hockey season include the Tucson Roadrunners (AHL) , and the A rizona Wildcats (University of Arizona) football , basketball , and baseball teams.  Fans 1 Not a whole lot of fans show up for Wildcats games.   Crowds are much larger when rival ASU comes to town. Those in attendance groan, moan, and applaud at the appropriate times . Access 3 Currently, quite a bit of construction is in process around the area. Click here  for a parking map.  Visitors first enter a wide outer concourse which contains the ID check table. Then, they enter the inner concourse through additional glass doors. Parking is available right next to the arena for $10, which is ludicrous for club hockey. Other lots and garages a little further away run $3 - $5. Street parking is available a few blocks away for free.  Tucson has a Sun Link Streetcar service (a light rail) that drops fans off just a few blocks from the arena, which is an alternative option to get to Tucson Arena for a game. The nearest airport is Tucson International Airport, about 8 miles south of the arena.  Tucson is about a two-hour drive from Phoenix.    Upon entering the arena, fans must go through a metal detector and security check.  Backpacks and large bags are not allowed. Standard sports clear bags (14” x 16”) are permitted, though security does ask you to open everything inside your bag (but does not provide a table to place your bag while trying to maneuver this).   I’m not quite sure the reason for the clear bag if they’re going to make you take out and open everything anyway.  Security procedures at arenas always baffle me. Doors open 60 min before puck drop.   Fans enter at the top of the concourse and head  down to the seating areas. The seating areas provide handrails in the middle of the steps. Sufficient wheelchair-accessible seating is on the top of the seating bowl with good views of the action on the ice.   Once inside, walking the concourse is easy as few fans attend Wildcats hockey games. Tucson Arena Ice Hockey Corner View, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Well-kept and clean bathrooms are at each end of the U and downstairs at the bottom end of the U.  Return on Investment 3 Be sure to check promos on their website.   And ask about them when purchasing tickets at the ticket office.  The Wildcats offer Kids Day, Senior Day, Bogo Tickets, and more.   Tickets generally run $13; games against ASU (Arizona State University) are $18. Seniors, kids, and the military get in for $7.   The first 200 students with a CatCard (University of Arizona identification card) get in for free.  Tickets are general admission.   Concession prices are what is expected for an AHL-first arena.   Parking in the garage is astronomical for club hockey.  The best games to attend are against ASU, as there’s some heated competition during those. Extras 1 Be sure to pick up a single-page roster sheet of both teams when entering the rink .   Final Thoughts Tucson, AZ is a fantastic city to visit.   The Arizona Wildcats hockey clu b has ha d great success in previous years.    If in the area in the fall/winter, check their schedule to see if you can attend a game.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Kastles Stadium at Union Market 1309 5th Street NE Washington, DC 20002 Washington Kastles website Kastles Stadium at Union Market website Year Opened: 2019 Capacity: 700 Kastle In The Sky The Washington Kastles are a team in World TeamTennis (WTT), a tennis circuit that runs for approximately three weeks every summer. WTT employs some different rules from the tennis you’d see on the ATP or WTA Tour. Each match consists of five sets which are five different types of play – men’s singles, women’s singles, men’s doubles, women’s doubles, and mixed doubles. All sets are to five games with a best-of-nine point tiebreak at 4-4. The winner is whichever team wins the most games over the five sets. Lets are playable (and may be played by either partner in doubles) and all calls except foot faults are made electronically by the Hawk-Eye system. As for the Kastles, they previously played at the Charles E. Smith Center, which is also the home of George Washington University basketball, as well as a couple temporary facilities around the city. However, in 2019, the team moved to a brand-new stadium on the roof of Union Market. The team sold out every game this 2019 season in the new, more intimate environment, and it has been a huge success. Food & Beverage 5 The concession situation is a bit unusual here. The stadium is on the roof of Union Market, and your best bet is to head there to grab something to eat before heading upstairs to your seat. There are too many options to list in this article, but they include everything from arepas to pizza to Korean tacos to Ethiopian food to an old-fashioned New York-style soda shop. All food and beverage except alcohol may be taken into the stadium, and many fans will opt to do this. If you must buy something after you get upstairs, there is one stand behind the grandstand that offers select items from Union Market. However, the selection is much more limited and more expensive than it is downstairs. Beer is available for $8, wine for $9, and cocktails for $12, and these must be purchased upstairs if you want alcohol. Water and lemonade are available for $4 each. Atmosphere 4 As the emcee put it, this isn’t Wimbledon, it’s World TeamTennis. While traditional tennis tournaments are quiet, subdued affairs with polite clapping, the atmosphere at a WTT match is more comparable to other professional sports in the United States. The team encourages fans to be as loud as possible in between points, with music and cheers played over the PA system as well. The stadium itself is quite small, only 700 seats, and most of the seats consist of folding chairs arranged in rows. There is one small scoreboard behind one of the baselines, but fans sitting on that side have no way of knowing the score except for keeping track of it in their heads and listening for the occasional announcement. Neighborhood 5 Union Market is located in the NoMa neighborhood of Washington, D.C., which stands for “North of Massachusetts. ” Although this wasn’t always the nicest neighborhood, it has improved a lot in the last few years and is perfectly safe. The main attraction is Union Market, located right underneath the stadium. There are also many other attractions throughout D.C., including many monuments, memorials, and museums. All of the government-run attractions are free, though some of the private ones are not. Just keep in mind if you want to tour the White House or Capitol, you will need to book in advance. Fans 4 Every Kastles game has been a sellout this year, and these fans aren’t the kind of crowd you’d get at a typical tennis match. They are raucous, rowdy, and always ready to cheer on their Kastles throughout the match. They stay until the end, and seem knowledgeable about the team, the sport, the league, and all its quirks. If you’re expecting typical tennis fans, you’ll be in for an unpleasant surprise, but if you’re looking for a crowd like other professional sports, you’ll find it here. Access 4 Union Market is located only a few blocks from the NoMa-Gallaudet station on the Red Line of the Washington Metro. While this may seem convenient, keep in mind Metro is constantly doing construction and track work so expect delays if you choose to go this way. Check the WMATA website to make sure no stations you use will be closed. If coming from the suburbs, you can park at a Metro station in Maryland or Northern Virginia. Parking ranges from $3 to $6 depending on the station and is free on weekends. There is also a lot right next to the stadium, but this serves all of Union Market and parking can be a challenge. Once you arrive at the stadium, use the entrance at 6th and Penn Streets. Once you scan your ticket and go through security, you will be able to take an elevator or stairs up to the roof to access the stadium. Restrooms are located on the second floor, and are also accessible in the same way. Return on Investment 1 The cheapest tickets range from $60 to $90 depending on the night and go up to over $150. This is by far the most expensive ticket in WTT. Tickets also sell out very quickly due to the small size of the venue, so don’t expect to wait until the last minute. While it is understandable that tickets are in high demand due to the small size of the venue, these prices are a bit ridiculous. Extras 5 There are free programs available at the entrance. Children 16 and under can get autographs from the Kastles and their opponents after every home game, and children 12 and under can get a free tennis racket at the entrance once per season. Two more stars for the unusual rooftop setting and the wide range of amenities at Union Market. Final Thoughts Kastles Stadium at Union Market is certainly unique, on many levels. First, there’s the uniqueness of World TeamTennis itself, and then there’s the idea of having a tennis stadium on the rooftop of a market. It’s certainly an unusual place. It is unfortunate that the ticket prices are so high, but other than that, Kastles Stadium at Union Market is a top experience not to be missed.

Photos by Bradlee Ross, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 BOK Center 200 S Denver Ave Tulsa, OK 74103 Tulsa Oilers website BOK Center website Year Opened: 2008 Capacity: 17,096 The BOK Center Delivers in Tulsa The BOK Center, home of the Tulsa Oilers, opened on August 30, 2008. It offers 19,199 seats for concerts, with 17,096 of that available for its hockey games. It is owned by the city of Tulsa itself and was designed by the famous architect Cesar Pelli. In addition to the Oilers, it also hosts the Tulsa Shock of the WNBA. The Tulsa Oilers currently play in the ECHL and have played their home matches at the BOK since it opened in 2008. The current incarnation of the team was founded in 1992, though the first hockey team in Tulsa nicknamed the Oilers was established way back in 1928. Food & Beverage 4 The quality and variety of concessions available at the BOK is top-notch. Regular concession stands sell some great items like burgers, chicken tenders, shrimp, and fish and chips. They also sell Pepsi products exclusively and have plenty of beers on tap. The prices at these regular stands are a bit high, but the quality makes it worth it for most items. It is important to note that not all of these stands have the same menu. Items like pizza and chips and dip vary. But, for those fans who are looking for other things to snack on, there are plenty of options. This arena has a specialty popcorn stand, The Dog House which sells gourmet hot dogs and many other foods. Fans who are looking for adult beverages also won’t be disappointed. Stands selling beer, tequila, and frozen drinks are also easily found. Atmosphere 4 When it comes to atmosphere, fun is the most important thing. The BOK has nailed this aspect of the sports experience. A real effort is made to sell team merchandise and get fans involved in promotions with huge booths. They play music over the PA during breaks in the action, and not the old stale music you will often hear in arenas. There is also a great jumbotron hanging above the ice that makes it easy to follow the action. There are quite a few promotional booths for area businesses that allow fans to get involved in promotions and contests and a first aid center, something all venues should have. Overall, the BOK has an energetic, lively air to it that makes it an enjoyable sports experience for all sports fans. Neighborhood 4 The BOK is located in downtown Tulsa and stands out as a beacon in the area. However, there are still some great things to do while in the area. The Brady Theatre, Cain’s Ballroom, and the Tulsa Performing Arts Center are the places to check out for performances musical or theatrical. There are also plenty of hotels and restaurants to make use of. The Hyatt Regency and the Doubletree are very close to the arena. Boston Avenue Grill, Casa Laredo, and Caz’s Showhouse are just a few of the excellent restaurants that are nearby. Fans 4 The Oilers draw a nice crowd, particularly in a city that is not traditionally all that crazy about hockey. It also strikes a good balance between young people looking to have a good time and families with children. The venue does a good job of catering to both. The arena usually is at least half full, maybe a little less on a slow night. Fans are not super intense about the action on the ice, but they have fun and get involved at key moments. Access 3 The concourse and aisles are spacious enough to allow one to get around easily, even with a large crowd. The seating is comfortable and provides plenty of room for any fan. The bathrooms are too small for the size of the arena, but they are kept immaculately clean. Handicapped seating is also plentiful, and the entire arena is very handicapped-friendly. Downtown Tulsa can be hard to navigate at times, depending heavily on the time of the day and construction (which seems to always be going on somewhere). There is a lot of parking around the arena, but it can be hard to find for free. However, after 5 pm, all metered parking is free. Return on Investment 4 The BOK is a bit more expensive than other sports venues in the area. However, it is worth it given the rise in quality when compared to those other arenas. It truly is top-notch in almost every way possible. Its fun and festive atmosphere combined with great concessions and high-quality facilities make it worth the bump in price. Oklahoma isn’t known for its hockey, but the BOK makes hockey fun for anyone. Extras 2 This venue receives one extra point for its promotion honoring survivors of breast cancer. Not only did they have promotional booths, but they also had many of their employees and the Oilers players wearing pink. Final Thoughts This venue BOK Center is more than just an ECHL venue. It is a place for entertainment from fan excitement and the action on the ice.

Photo Courtesy of Wikipedia Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Caesar Uyesaka Stadium 600 Stadium Rd Isla Vista, CA 93117 UC Santa Barbara Gauchos website Caesar Uyesaka Stadium website Year Opened: 1964 Capacity: 1,000 UCSB Baseball While baseball is often synonymous with beautiful spring and summer days, few venues can compete with the weather and surrounding natural settings of Caesar Uyesaka Stadium in Santa Barbara. With the city being located on an east to west strip of the coast, it has a rather comfortable Mediterranean climate. Being one of the few campuses located on the Pacific Ocean, the ballpark is exposed to cool ocean breezes and stunning views of the Santa Ynez Mountains beyond the outfield wall. When the stadium opened in 1964, it was originally known as Campus Stadium. A UCSB booster named Caesar Uyesaka had larger visions for the program and ultimately led the charge for major renovations. The stadium would later be renamed for his efforts in 1994. Many outside fans visiting Santa Barbara often inquire about the team's nickname, one of the most unique in college sports. The UCSB website states that the Gaucho, or "Argentine cowboy," dates back to 1936 when it was inspired by the 1927 film known as The Gaucho . Fans have embraced this nickname, often swinging boleadoras in the air, tossing tortilla onto the playing surface, and wearing sarapes or sun hats. Food & Beverage 2 When facing home plate, fans will find a single concession area on the left side of the grandstand. The items offered here include the Gaucho hot dog ($4), Gaucho nachos ($4), soft pretzel ($3.50), peanuts in shell ($3.50), cracker jacks ($3), sunflower seeds ($3), cotton candy ($3), chex mix ($3), honey roasted peanuts ($3), candy ($2), and finally potato chips ($1). The beverage options include Monster Energy ($4), Powerade ($3), apple juice ($3), iced tea ($3), lemonade ($3), soda ($3), and Dasani water ($3). Single dessert option for those warmer Santa Barbara days is frozen lemonade for $4. Atmosphere 4 It's difficult to imagine a setting much better for baseball than the one at UCSB baseball games. On most days, fans are treated to clear blue skies, the cool ocean breeze, and spectacular views of the Santa Ynez Mountains. I love the seating structure as it really gives a great vantage point to see all of the plays develop and standing in the lower concourse is an interesting novelty; as fans can envision his or her self as the batter with the pitcher straight ahead at eye-level. While the "Thunderdome" (home of the UCSB basketball team) has a more raucous crowd and atmosphere, Casear Uyesaka Stadium is certainly a more reserved, relaxed atmosphere. While some may want a little more engagement from the crowd, there will be no complaints from me as I watch the baseball unfold below in front of the Santa Ynez Mountains. Neighborhood 4 The UCSB campus is probably one of the most unique in all of America. On one side, it faces the Santa Barbara Municipal Airport/Santa Ynez Mountains and on the other side the Pacific Ocean. Visitors to campus can walk around the UCSB Lagoon and admire the many varieties of bird life taking refuge here. From the campus beach, or even the nearby Goleta Beach County Park, visitors can spot the Channel Islands of California. While the campus itself is located west of downtown Santa Barbara, a short ten minute drive will allow visitors to take in the delights of the "American Riviera." Popular attractions include Mission Santa Barbara, downtown red tile walking tour, Stern's Wharf, Museum of Natural History, and Lotusland. Should a visitor not have time to visit the downtown attractions, there are still plenty of options in terms of bars and restaurants in the nearby town of Isla Vista. Some of the more popular options include the Beachside Bar-Cafe, Silvergreens Restaurant, Woodstock's Pizza, McMaster's Steak and Hoagie, or the Elephant Bar Restaurant. Whether fans are on State Street in downtown or Embarcadero Del Mar, they are sure to find a variety of food and shopping options. Fans 3 The stadium is a smaller venue in terms of the Southern California college baseball venues, so the fans do seem a bit more muted than others I've experienced. There is a rather notorious portion fan base known as the "Hammerheads." These fans got their nickname years ago after wearing cardboard concession carriers on their heads. The sideways orientation made them resemble the head of a hammerhead shark and while the look is less practiced today, the lore is still there. The fans are engaged throughout the game, cheering for their team at the appropriate times. Many of them are also active in participation of the UCSB trivia conducted between innings. Access 3 The UCSB campus is difficult to miss along Route 101, or the Coastal Highway 1, as it is seated by the freeway, the airport, and the ocean. The parking is a bit confusing as there is a single meter among a large parking lot outside of the stadium. It's easy to miss the sign stating that fans need a permit to park and it seems that the cost varies from day to day. It seems that parking is actually higher on weekdays with the influx of students, but the fee on the Saturday that I was there was merely $3. The restroom options are limited to three portable toilets down the first base side. Due to the small size of the crowd, accessing them is never a difficulty, but you would like to see a more permanent option for a Division I program. Return on Investment 4 Fans of the Gauchos can see their team play for just $7 per ticket and just $4 for youth/senior tickets. There are a variety of package deals that provide incentive to buy more, including season tickets for just $75. The season tickets are a great option because fans get 27 games and a $25 credit towards UCSB merchandise. There is also a great program for fans with younger children known as the "GKids." A small fee gets the children a tshirt, coloring book, and free admission to most sporting events. Reasonable ticket prices, reasonable concessions, and reasonable parking provides great reason for fans to visit the UCSB campus and take in a baseball game. Extras 4 The first of the extras is evident upon entering the ballpark. To your left upon entering the stadium, fans will find a large baseball with a Gauchos logo on it and a plaque beneath. The plaque reads "An invincible determination can accomplish almost anything and in this lies the great distinction between great men and little men. Gino Filippin was a great man who through love, honor, friendship, generosity, and hard work helped to shape UCSB's athletic heritage." Next is the large imagery of Gaucho players of the past all displayed all over the grandstand. Michael Young, Skip Schumaker, and Ryan Spilborghs are just a few of the past players from UCSB that are shown in contrasting blue colors. I would also be remiss to not simply mention the design and location of the stadium. As I've probably stated too many times in this review, the stadium is a five minute walk from the Pacific Ocean and the seating stares directly at the towering Santa Ynez Mountains. In regards to the stadium design, when fans first enter the grandstand, they are below the bleachers standing at field level. After climbing a set of steps, the seating area is situated higher than the dugouts, with fans looking down upon the field. Lastly in terms of extras, is the concourse that resembles a botanical garden as fans walk the paths. Here fans can admire the ferns, palm trees, red flowers, lavender plants, and birds of paradise as they walk to their seats. If fans need to step away from the action for a moment, this is certainly the perfect spot. Final Thoughts What is possibly most exciting is that the program is hoping to upgrade Caesar Uyesaka Stadium. As fans enter the stadium, they will notice a sign showing the "Campaign for Gaucho Park." The program is attempting to raise $1.8 m to add a plaza, more landscaping, Gino's corner (tribute to Gino Filippin), Big Leaguers Lane (paying tribute to Gauchos in the majors), Hammerhead wall, field upgrade, and adding lights to allow for night games. All of these additions would certainly be a huge plus for Gauchos' baseball (and the summer baseball team known as the Santa Barbara Foresters) fans and players at the stadium. Even without the renovations, I still consider the UCSB campus one of the prime spots to catch a college baseball game in Southern California.

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 J.I. Clements Stadium 2476 Southern Dr Statesboro, GA 30458 Georgia Southern Eagles website J.I. Clements Stadium website Year Opened: 2005 Capacity: 3,000 Hail Southern! When considering some of the top college baseball experiences in the nation, teams from the ACC and SEC often come to mind, and rightfully so. However, teams in some of the less spotlighted conferences in the south also offer top-notch baseball experiences. In the southeast Georgia town of Statesboro, the Georgia Southern University Eagles of the Sun Belt Conference have quietly established themselves as one of the best-kept secrets in NCAA college baseball. Food & Beverage 4 Concessions offer more than just the typical ballpark fare. While you will find the stadium classics like hot dogs, peanuts, candy, chips, and soda, the options extend further to include burgers, chicken fingers, and fries. Also available is the uniquely southern delight, boiled peanuts in classic and Cajun flavors. This idea of boiled peanuts might raise an eyebrow, but after getting past the initial unfamiliarity, they do tend to become a bit addicting. Cocktail carts on each side of the concourse offer a wide selection of alcoholic beverages, including canned cocktails, wines, hard seltzers, and local craft beers such as Golden Road Brewing’s Mango Cart and Fire Maker Brewing Company’s Georgia Southern, the latter branded Hail Southern Golden Ale. Concession rates are kept reasonable, which makes them that more inviting. The only drawback is a lack of local eats that seemingly could easily be incorporated into the food options, but on the whole the concessions are done rather well. Atmosphere 4 The brick exterior of J.I. Clements Stadium is quite simple, mainly consisting of the press box tower, which also incorporates a section of suite seating. The remaining exterior of the stadium is filled out by the back walls of the restroom and concession buildings. In 2017 the outfield wall underwent a significant makeover, with the transformation of right field into the 24-foot "Blue Monster”. Similar to its taller relative in Boston , the famed Green Monster, this shorter, southern version has the ability to turn potential doubles or home runs into singles – it adds an interesting element to line shots hit to right field. The dimensions of the outfield wall create a field that plays a bit short up the middle, measuring 360 feet to the power alleys and just 385 feet to center field. Each foul line extends 330 feet, with the right field wall making it a bit more challenging than getting one out to left field. The game's presentation is low-key, maintaining the focus on the game itself. While there are a handful of concourse and scoreboard games, fans are not bombarded with them constantly throughout every half-inning break. The stadium is built into the natural contours of the land, with seating running from the home plate side of the Eagles dugout around to the end of the visiting dugout, along the first baseline. Much of the seating consists of aluminum bleachers with back support, while the three sections directly behind home plate feature individual seatback chairs. A grassy section beyond the visiting dugout is designated as standing room, but it's often filled with kids playing. The seating bowl offers little relief from the sun during day games, with only a small part of the concourse behind home plate providing shade. As the game progresses, the seats behind home plate and toward the third base side receive shade first, while those toward the first base side remain in the sun for most of the game. If looking to view the game from different vantage points around the stadium, ushers guard their sections rather thoroughly. Tickets are checked promptly upon sitting in a section, regardless of how empty the seating may appear. For a unique stadium experience, just beyond the right-center field wall is the YellaWood Deck – this standing room only section offers fans an outfield view of the game, but also allows them to bring their own items to grill. While the deck is an intriguing concept, it does pose some logistical challenges when it comes to accessing the rest of the stadium. Neighborhood 4 The recently revitalized Blue Mile, connecting campus to downtown Statesboro, features several bars and restaurants. Notable establishments such as the renowned BBQ joint Dolan's, as well as the popular nightlife spot Gnat's Landing, are found along this path. On the opposite side of campus, Dingus MaGee's is another favorite spot for grabbing a bite and a pint. Across from the athletics parking lot, a cluster of chain restaurants lines Fair Road. Options include Arby’s, Cookout, Papa John’s, Dunkin’, and Zaxby’s. Among these, Cookout offers the most diverse menu, with its drive-in style and wide selection of milkshakes. Sports enthusiasts visiting Statesboro may have the opportunity to catch a match of the South Georgia Tormenta FC of the USL League One, or the women’s squad in the USL W League. Both teams play at Optim Sports Medicine Field, just off the southwest corner of campus. For those craving a larger city atmosphere, the Georgia port city of Savannah is approximately an hour east on I-16. Fans 4 Statesboro is a community known for its strong support of local teams, particularly the Georgia Southern Eagles. Fans consistently fill the stands at J.I. Clements Stadium, with typical attendances hovering around 2,500 fans per game, putting the stadium at over 80% of its full capacity. This level of attendance creates an electrifying atmosphere throughout the game. Students typically occupy the sections behind the visitor dugout, and enthusiastically voice their opinions about every miscue by the opposing team. While their energy adds to the liveliness of the game, the student section sometimes crosses the line with their taunts. This can create some awkwardness, especially since the visitor seating is in the neighboring section. To manage any potential conflicts, an usher is stationed at the edge of the dugout to intervene if necessary. Access 3 Getting to Statesboro can be a bit challenging due to its distance from major cities. Savannah, the closest big city, is still an hour's drive away, while Macon, the next closest Georgia city, is almost a 2-hour drive. Those traveling from central and northern Georgia will become well acquainted with the Georgia countryside along Interstate I-16. Once in Statesboro, the heart of the Eagles athletics district is wedged into the northern reaches of the Georgia Southern campus on the south side of town. Parking is available in a large lot along Fair Road, located next to Georgia Southern Softball Complex and behind the tennis complex and the recently retired Hanner Fieldhouse . Another parking lot is situated closer to the stadium, but may be trickier to locate if you are unfamiliar with the area. The stadium has two main entry points, one along the first base side of the field and another behind home plate. Both entrances lead directly to the concourse encircling the top of the seating bowl, making it easy to access seats. Return on Investment 5 Tickets start at $10, which is comparable to the average ticket price within the conference. This rate becomes even more appealing due to the availability of free parking in the lots surrounding the stadium. For those looking to save on ticket prices, tickets can sometimes be found on the secondary market for as low as $1, though fees typically bring the total closer to $6. With reasonable concession prices and no parking fees, attending a baseball game at Georgia Southern offers fans great value for their money. The main expense would be the costs associated with simply traveling to Statesboro. Extras 3 J.I. Clements Stadium pays homage to the rich history of baseball at Georgia Southern. Plaques on the concourse narrate the stories of the stadium’s namesake J.I. Clements, coach Jack Stallings' 23-year career, and contributor Lamar Hennon. Additionally, photos of the 1973 and 1990 Georgia Southern teams that advanced to the College World Series in Omaha adorn the concourse. The beloved Georgia Southern mascot, Gus, would not miss a chance to support his Eagles. Gus makes his rounds through the stadium during the game interacting with kids, fans, and giving the visiting fans a bit of good natured razzing. The team clubhouse, situated along the first base side of the stadium, commemorates the Eagles’ NCAA regional appearances, and also features the ret Final Thoughts Currently, a fundraising campaign is underway to complete upgrades to the Eagles clubhouse and player development facilities, as well as to add seating along the top of the home dugout. These renovations aim to modernize the stadium and enhance its overall appeal. Georgia Southern baseball consistently fields a highly competitive team that frequently contends for the Sun Belt Conference regular season title. While the Sun Belt may not get as much attention as some of the larger conferences in the south, the league undoubtedly plays a high level of baseball. From a well laid out stadium in an intimate setting to a game presentation where the action on the field is kept the focus of attention, J.I. Clements Stadium offers fans a high-level baseball experience. Georgia Southern baseball is also well supported both by the town and the college community, which complements the overall atmosphere.

Photo Courtesy of Coastal Carolina University Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Springs Brooks Stadium 965 Landon Loop Conway, SC 29528 Coastal Carolina Chanticleers website Springs Brooks Stadium website Year Opened: 1981 Capacity: 2,500 The Real Teal Deal Supporters of the Coastal Carolina Chanticleer baseball program really have something to crow about, as the team has moved into the new $10.2 million Springs Brooks Stadium. The stadium has seats for 2,500, but will be able to hold up to 6,000 fans once an extensive system of berms down the baseline and a boardwalk spanning the areas behind the outfield walls are completed after the 2015 season. The new roost boasts a three-level layout, with locker rooms on the first level that connect directly to the dugouts, a second level dedicated to a majority of the seats, concession areas and merchandise sales and the top level dedicated to private covered verandas and luxury suites. These changes allow Coastal Carolina to move the NCAA Regionals it has hosted many times back on campus, instead of using the nearby Myrtle Beach Pelicans’ minor league stadium . An added bonus to the new construction is the addition of a new indoor training facility. The Coastal Carolina baseball program has been very successful over the years, taking part in 10 NCAA Regionals, two NCAA Super Regionals and nine Big South Conference Championships. 45 Chanticleer players have been drafted by Major League Baseball over the history of the program. In addition to its conference schedule, Coastal takes on baseball powers including Georgia Tech, FSU, Michigan, Clemson and North Carolina. Food & Beverage 4 There are two concessions stands in the stadium, with a much broader offering of foods than most college parks. Entrees include hot dogs ($3), grilled chicken sandwiches ($6), brats ($6), cheesesteaks ($6.75) and nachos ($4). In addition, they have waffle fries ($5), popcorn ($2), Cracker Jacks ($4), peanuts ($4), chicken tenders ($3) and pretzels ($3). Drink selections are sodas ($2 or $4 depending on size) and water at $2.50. You certainly will not go home hungry from this ballpark! Atmosphere 4 Springs Brooks Stadium can be very favorably compared with its sister stadium, TicketReturn.com Field at Pelicans Ballpark, in Myrtle Beach. The seating is what you would find in a major league or minor league park, as they have molded plastic seating with cup holders on the back (premium seats behind the plate even have a padded seat, which is easy on your bottom). In addition, the field has several corporate suites on the top level. There is a picnic area on the end of the third base concourse and a covered veranda on top of the stadium along the first base side. This is a really great place to watch a game on a hot, humid afternoon in South Carolina. The school also utilizes these areas to promote its great baseball pedigree, as pennants line the front facing of the upper levels for each of the Chanticleers’ conference championships or NCAA tournament appearances. The audio visual package for this stadium is also above what you typically see in a college stadium. The sound system is close to concert quality, and the scoreboard is entertaining, as well as informative. The whole package has been a huge hit with the fans, and there has been a large increase in attendance thus far. Neighborhood 4 Springs Brooks Stadium is located on the 620-acre Coastal Carolina campus. More than 9,000 students attend the school, mostly in Liberal Arts Studies. However, Coastal is also well known for its Marine Sciences and Wetland Biology curriculum. The campus is located in Conway, South Carolina, a suburb of Myrtle Beach, and has a population of 16,000. You are probably going to spend most of your time in Myrtle Beach (see the Myrtle Beach Pelicans stadium review referenced above for a list of things to do on the Strand) but you owe it to yourself to spend at least one evening in Conway. It has a much quieter, more laid-back feel compared to the “Beach.” As far as places to eat and drink, I recommend the Crafty Rooster, a restaurant with a broad menu and great selection of craft beers. For shopping, I suggest the old fashioned PaPa’s General Store, which stocks items you probably haven’t seen since your childhood. The Blackwater Market on Main Street offers both shopping and dining options in an old historic mansion. For a truly wonderful and peaceful night, the Cypress Inn B&B is hard to beat. It overlooks the Waccamaw River and is located very close to the marina, where you can take a two-hour river cruise or walk on Conway’s Riverwalk. Fans 4 Coastal Carolina fans love their sports, and why not? Both the basketball and baseball teams have a long history of success in the NCAA playoffs. Getting a ticket has not been easy in the past, as the Chanticleers have a large season ticket base between the students and the many retirees in the area. However, with the new stadium, the capacity has been increased threefold. You will also find that the alums and retirees prefer the reserved seats, while the student body gravitates toward the picnic area and the food counters that line the top of the concourse. You will hear lots of rooster calls during a rally or when Chauncey the Chanticleer gets up on top of the dugout to lead cheers. (Explanation: Coastal Carolina once was a division of the University of South Carolina… the Gamecocks. When Coastal Carolina gained its independence, it simply crossbred the Gamecock with a teal seabird and it resulted in a Chanticleer.) Access 3 Coastal Carolina University is located along the Grand Strand area of the South Carolina coast. It is located 15 miles from Myrtle Beach, 95 miles from Charleston, 150 miles from Columbia and 173 miles from Charlotte. The most scenic and direct way to reach the area is US Highway 17, also known as the Coastal Highway. You would then get on Highway 501, which will take you directly to Coastal Carolina University. Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR) is served by many airlines and is about 12 miles from the campus. The large increase in seating exceeds the parking area immediately surrounding the field. To remedy this situation, fans can park for free in the school’s commuter student lot and ride a free trolley, which circulates every 15 minutes between the stadium and the commuter lot. Once you reach Springs Brooks Stadium, you will immediately appreciate that being a new stadium, accessibility is a priority. The leg room is much more comfortable than in most stadiums and the concourse/boardwalk areas are wide enough to prevent gridlock. Elevators run from field level to the top of the stadium, and every section has seating for persons with disabilities on the concourse level. Return on Investment 3 As you can tell, Coastal Carolina has not cut any corners in constructing this beautiful stadium. However, this does come at a financial cost. The concession offerings are as varied as any college facility I have been to, but the prices are also higher than average. Ticket prices are tiered at $10-$20, which is also higher than most college parks, but most parks do not match the amenities that Springs Brooks has. The parking is free, and you will definitely see some well played baseball when the Chanticleers are at home. Extras 3 World famous Myrtle Beach is only 15 miles from the campus and offers numerous beach activities, great restaurants and its own Boardwalk . Coastal Carolina is also surrounded by more than a dozen golf courses within a 20-minute drive of the campus, so you can play a round in the morning and make the game in the afternoon. The weather is another great extra, as many teams from the Northeast play their early spring games in Myrtle Beach due to its very temperate climate, and their fans travel well to the area to escape winter’s wrath. Final Thoughts Coastal Carolina University is going to be a tough team to recruit against once college prospects see Springs Brooks Stadium. Add to that a great baseball heritage and an excellent academic tradition on a very modern campus with a beach less than 20 miles away, and it’s an offer that will be tough to refuse.

Photos by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Santa Ana Star Field 1155 University Blvd SE Albuquerque, NM 87106 New Mexico Lobos website Santa Ana Star Field website Year Opened: 2013 Capacity: 1,000 Lobo Baseball The New Mexico Lobos baseball team is a Mountain West Conference (MWC) - NCAA D1 member.   T he University of New Mexico was founded in 1889, an d its  first baseball game played was in 1899.  The team played in the former Skyline Conference from 1951 – 1962, then moved to the WAC (Western Athletic Conference) in 1963.  The Lobos transitioned to the MWC in 2000 a nd have since  seen several winning seasons.  The Lobos have made it to the NCAA Regionals six times, most recently in 2016.  Fourteen former Lobos have played in MLB. The Lobos play their home games at Santa Ana Star Field on campus in Albuquerque.  The aging field received extensive upgrades in 2013.  The organization installed lights in the fall of 2013, and a new clubhouse opened at the end of 2016.  It sits in a complex with the Lobo Softball Field and the McKinnon Family Tennis Stadium, making for a beautiful complex near all the other sports arenas in Albuquerque. It is a very pleasant stadium in which to watch nine innings. Food & Beverage 2 The stadium has a small food truck just across from the restrooms.  Lobo Louie’s Frito Pie ($11) and BBQ pulled pork sandwiches with chips ($11) are th e main dishes.  Hot dogs, nachos, and popcorn run $5 - $7.  Soda (Pepsi) and water are $5.  Beers cost $11 - $14, with Bud Light being the official beer sponsor.  Only credit and debit cards are accepted.  It’s a limited offering but enough to keep you hydrated and full. Fans can bring in a sealed bottle of water. Santa Ana Star Field Concessions, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Atmosphere 4 Bleachers run from first base to third base; the venue does not have seating down the lines or in the outfield. Two sections behind home plate are chairbacks. The sun sets behind home plate. The structure does not offer shade for afternoon games, so come prepared with sunblock and a hat. A thin net runs from dugout to dugout, protecting the fans in the seating area from foul balls. A standing area down the third baseline is net-free. The entire playing surface is FieldTurf®; only the pitcher’s mound is real dirt. The scoreboard is in left-center and shows the basic line score. It is pleasantly easy to read, even with the sun shining on it. Fans can see an amazingly spectacular view of the Sandia Mountains and the UNM football stadium beyond the outfield. Game day operations play walkup songs for Lobos players and music between innings, all at a comfortable volume (as it should be). Nice job. The announcer’s voice is clear and easily understood. Neighborhood 4 The ballpark sits adjacent to the UNM softball field and tennis courts.  It is next to The Pit ( UNM basketball ) and just down the road from Isotopes Park, where the Albuquerque Isotopes (MiLB) and the New Mexico United (USL-C) play.  It is a mile from the Nob Hill neighborhood, a vibrant area full of brewpubs, eateries, taquerias, pizzerias, local boutiques, and small art galleries.  Sounds from music bars fill the late-night air in this neighborhood. For breakfast, try Frontier.  A hidden gem for Korean food is Soo Bak Seoul Bowl.  For authentic, tasty New Mexico flare, visit Cocina Azul – even the rice and beans are yummy.  Unbeknownst to the rest of the country, Albuquerque is a hopping local brewery town.   Recommended breweries close to Santa Ana Star Field  (though not necessarily within walking distance) are 377 Brewing, Gravity Bound Brewing, and Marble Brewery.  And  there are plenty more to visit. Things to see and do while in Albuquerque include Sandia Peak Tramway, Old Town Albuquerque, Petroglyph National Monument, ABQ Zoo and Botanical Gardens, and, of course, a ride in a hot air balloon. For places to stay when in town, plenty of hotels are available at the intersection of Gibson Blvd and Yale Blvd (about a mile from the park), ranging from La Quinta to Marriott brands to Holiday Inns, many with shuttles to and from the airport. Fans 2 A good mix of fans attend the Lobos baseball games:  alumni, retired folks, students, and families. Fans howl when the Lobos score ; some stomp their feet on the bleachers  to make additional noise.  The Lobos draw between 500 and 600 fans a game, with even more in attendance when they play in-state rival New Mexico State .  Access 4 Approaching Santa Ana Star Field is relatively easy as it is less than a mile off I-25.  When entering the parking area, GPS will direct you towards the right field side.  The entrance is on the other side.  Follow the signs for the softball field and tennis courts ( at the back side o f The Pit).  Bus Route 16 has a stop by the ballpark.  An Amtrak Station is about 2 miles from Isotopes Park.  The closest airport is the Albuquerque Sunport Airport, about a 5-minute drive to the ballpark. The ticket office and the gates open one hour before the first pitch.  The ticket office is at the back of The Pit across the parking lot.  Clear sports bags 12” x 6” x 12” are allowed, as are small clutches. Once inside the complex, the baseball stadium has a long high ramp that allows fans who can’t manage steps to get up to the seating area.  The ramp may be uncomfortable for those afraid of heights.  The complex has clean restrooms with plenty of stalls. Santa Ana Star Field Ramp to Stands, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Return on Investment 3 Attending a Lobos baseball game is very affordable. First, there’s free parking. Second, tickets are $6 general admission; you can sit wherever you want. And kids under 12 get in free. A Lobo Pride Pass ($57) gets you into all NM Lobo women’s soccer, baseball, volleyball, track & field, and softball home games. The concession prices are what is to be expected. The game day experience is excellent: good announcer, decent play on the diamond, and supportive fans. It’s well worth your sports entertainment dollar. Extras 3 The team provides good-looking rosters and stat sheets. Throughout the season, the team also offers plenty of promotions: poster, pom-pom, and t-shirt giveaways, Bark in the Park, Kids Run the Bases, and more. Be sure to check the schedule for promotion dates. And, like most other athletic facilities on campus, a wolf (lobo) statue is present. Wolf Statue near Santa Ana Star Field, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Final Thoughts Attending a Lobos baseball game is a worthwhile and affordable day or evening out in Albuquerque, NM. Be sure to visit when in the area in the springtime.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57 Bob Warn Field 931 N 1st St Terre Haute, IN 47807 Indiana State Sycamores website Bob Warn Field website Year Opened: 1978 Capacity: 1,000 A Fine Facility for the Wabash Valley Bob Warn Field at Sycamore Stadium debuted in 1978 but was renovated and transformed in 2009 into a more luxurious facility. The home stadium for the Indiana State University baseball team has never looked better and with a capacity of 1,000 seats, it is a much larger venue that has also attracted the Terre Haute Rex of the Prospect League during the summer months. The field gets its name from longtime ISU baseball coach Bob Warn who piloted the program from 1976-2004 and led the Sycamores to their only College World Series appearance in 1986. On campus, Warn is a legend and he now has a stadium with his name and will leave a lasting legacy to future ballplayers. From the outside, the field looks especially elegant with a beautiful salmon stucco finish. Still, on the inside, it is the familiar aluminum bleacher seating resembling what the ballpark had during its first 30 years of service. Do not get me wrong, Terre Haute has a great baseball tradition that almost vanished during the summer of 1956, and with renovations to the stadium, Indiana State has created a very impressive ballpark for the college and the city to use. Food & Beverage 2 There is one concession area near the main entrance of the stadium. There are few choices and prices range from moderate to high. For example, the super nachos are $6. The area is behind the seating concourse and one would need to step away from the game for a few moments to get something to eat or drink. Atmosphere 3 The Sycamores attract a nice crowd to their home games. You do not have your standard friends and family of the players on the field. The local supporters are proud of their new facility and seem to enjoy watching from comfortable views from the grandstand. Neighborhood 2 The stadium is north of campus and is adjacent to a cemetery. Before renovations, the tombstones were highly visible from behind the outfield walls. The stadium sits on 3rd Street, the main artery of town, where you will find a collection of local proprietors and national restaurant chains. The stadium is located about three miles north of I-70, where many of these options are located, but downtown Terre Haute is close and has the potential of becoming a burgeoning hot spot in town. J Gumbo’s is my destination for cheap eats and creative thinking; try the Black and bleu dip with nachos, bumblebee stew, Cajun nachos, Jean Lafitte po’boy, and creole ratatouille. Across the street is the Coffee Grounds, which used to be my old hangout during my first year as an undergrad at college. A good cup of coffee is also expected with conversation. Fans 3 The Sycamores attract their fair share of the casual and dedicated fan base. Many in attendance are friends and families of the ballplayers. However, they are students of the game and are focused on the diamond. If you are interested in great baseball conversations with a few hundred fans, this is the place to be during the warm or cool spring nights in Indiana. Access 4 Bob Warn Field is located two and a half miles north of I-70. The best way to get there is to exit onto 3rd Street from the interstate and continue north. You will pass the campus to your right and once you cross over the bridge, the stadium is on your left. The parking is free and close to the entrance of the stadium. Return on Investment 3 Tickets to games are $10 and are not a bad price to watch college baseball. There are discounts for both students and military service men and women. Extras 1 Bob Warn Field is a fine facility to watch college baseball in the spring, or collegiate wood baseball during the summer in Terre Haute. It is a much-needed upgrade from the original structure that once stood at the same location.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.57 Audi Field 100 Potomac Avenue SW Washington, DC 20024 Washington Spirit website Audi Field website Year Opened: 2018 Capacity: 20,000 Catch the Spirit The Washington Spirit are a National Women’s Soccer League charter member, beginning play in the inaugural 2013 season. From 2013 to 2017, the Spirit played all their home games at the Maryland Soccerplex in Boyds, Maryland, but as the popularity of women’s soccer in the United States grew, they began to outgrow the 4,000-seat venue. In 2018 and 2019, the Spirit played most of their games at the Plex but played a handful in downtown Washington, D.C. at Audi Field, also home of MLS team D.C. United. For 2020, the plan was to play four games each at the SoccerPlex, Audi Field, and Segra Field in Leesburg, Virginia, before moving out of the Plex in 2021. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, they were unable to follow through with their plans in 2020 but split their time between Segra Field and Audi Field in 2021 and 2022. Beginning in 2023, the Spirit plays all home games at Audi Field. Food & Beverage 5 Audi Field has a wide range of concessions that should satisfy any fan’s palette, many of which celebrity chef Jose Andres provides. In addition to classic options such as burgers and pizza, fans can pick from more unique options such as pupusas and arepas. The stadium's concessions seem more designed for the demographics of soccer fans than football fans, but there is still plenty to enjoy. . 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 5 Other than the Supporters’ Section (more on that later), every seat at Audi Field is a chairback. There are two levels plus suites, although the upper level is typically closed for Spirit games unless they are expecting a large crowd. There is a large video board behind the Supporters’ Section, and a much smaller board on the other end. If entering Audi Field through Gate A, this will put you directly in front of the Spirit Stage, which features pregame performances by everyone from drag queens to high school bands. If you turn left and head onto the concourse, you will find SpiritVille, featuring a kids' play area, face painting, a photo booth, and a merchandise tent. There are also picnic tables with big screen TVs for the adults to hang out at and watch the game while their kids play. The Spirit has a mascot, an eagle named PK, and does a lot to promote the atmosphere during the game, ranging from on-field contests at halftime to giveaways at the gate. Before each match, the teams walk onto the field flanked by pillars of smoke, setting the stage for what is to come. As is normally the case in soccer, the real energy here comes from the fans. The Supporters' Section is located behind the north goal, and members of the various Supporters' Groups will stand, bang drums, and cheer for the full 90 minutes. Other fans get into it as well, with chants being heard throughout the game. This makes a Spirit game an electric atmosphere. 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 from the stadium, Bonchon serves up Korean-style fried chicken nearby, 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 5 As noted above, the Washington Spirit has an outstanding fan base. There are four core Supporters' Groups at Spirit games, located behind the north goal. They stand for the entire game, banging drums, waving flags, and starting chants urging their team to victory. The Spirit Squadron was the original Supporters' Group, supporting the team since its inception. Rose Room Collective was created by and for people of color, while 202 Unique aims to support LGBTQ fans and their allies. Buzzard Point Social is an up-and-coming group that has entered the Supporters' scene in the past few years. Although the groups each have their own members and target audience, they join together to support the Spirit on matchday and are a major part of the experience here. The other fans help bring the energy too, joining in with the Supporters or even starting their chants. When the Spirit scores, expect the whole crowd to rise to its feet and make Audi Field extremely loud. Supporter's culture is a big part of soccer, and it is great to see the Spirit finally getting the love they deserve. The Spirit have broken attendance records again this year, and routinely draw near-capacity crowds to Audi Field. This is a far cry from just a few years ago, where they were drawing about a thousand fans a game to the Maryland SoccerPlex in Boyds. Women's sports have come a long way in the last few years in terms of fan support, and the Spirit are no exception. Access 4 When going to Audi Field, your best bet is to use public transit or a rideshare app like Uber or Lyft. If taking the Metro, take the Green Line to Navy Yard-Ballpark and walk about ten minutes to the stadium. If arriving at the stadium by car (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 $25 and can be located a 15-minute walk from the stadium. To get closer will cost you two to three times that, if not more. There is no dedicated stadium parking lot like there was at Segra or the SoccerPlex. A limited amount of metered street parking is available but arrive early if you want to park close. Restrooms are located throughout the concourse and are of a more than sufficient size for the crowds. Closed caption boards show PA announcements, but do not show Supporters' chants like at some other soccer stadiums. These are a major part of the soccer experience, and it is disappointing that they are not accessible for all to experience. The Spirit do have an ASL performer sign the national anthem simultaneously to the vocal or instrumental performance, and show them on the video board so that all fans, not just those sitting on that side of the stadium, can see them. The ASL performer is given equal recognition to the vocal performer when announced beforehand, which the Spirit didn't start doing until recently, so this is nice to see. Return on Investment 5 Tickets start at around $23 for seats in high rows in the corners or behind the goals and go up to about $70 for seats near midfield or even more for suites. Just keep in mind if you buy the cheap seats that the Supporters Section is behind the north goal and that area is safe standing only, so you will be standing for the full 90 minutes. You may also have your view obstructed by waving flags at times. However, there are plenty of other seats available for a comparable price if this is not your thing. Many games have additional discounts available, such as a $38 deal for two tickets, two hot dogs, two bags of chips, and two glasses of water, or a ticket and a beer for $15. Check the promotions page on the Spirit website for more details. For all home games, further discounts are available to college students, tickets, and first responders Concessions can also get quite expensive, but the food is good. The club seats come with free food and beverages, but you will only be able to get these seats from the team if you buy season tickets. If you want to go this route, it can be a great deal. Otherwise, you will need to buy them at resale prices, which will result in you paying significantly more, particularly with fees. Given the matchday experience is spectacular, a Spirit game is a great value, although the Ticketmaster fees are frustrating. Extras 4 Look for the painted sculptures outside the stadium of a cherry blossom and a soccer ball. The Spirit Stage and SpiritVille are each worthy of an extra star here for being places for fans to hang out before the game. A fourth and final star for the many places in the stadium selling Spirit merchandise. If you are concerned your favorite option will be sold out, you can buy online in advance and pick up in the stadium on matchday to avoid shipping fees. Final Thoughts Women's soccer has been steadily growing in the United States for many years, and the Washington Spirit is no exception. Fans are turning out to watch them in record numbers, and there is an excitement surrounding this team that has never been seen before. Since the Spirit moved into Audi Field full-time, the atmosphere there has been electric. The fan support is phenomenal, the product on and off the field is incredible, and a Washington Spirit game is a great way for the whole family to spend an afternoon or evening.

Photos by Gregory Koch and Marc Viquez Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Charles E Smith Center 600 22nd St NW Washington, DC 20052 George Washington Revolutionaries website Charles E Smith Center website Year Opened: 1975 Capacity: 5,000 Raising High with George Washington Note: In June 2023, George Washington University changed its team name from the Colonials to the Revolutionaries. The Charles E. Smith Center is located on the campus of George Washington University in Washington, D.C. The arena portion of the Smith Center is home to that school’s basketball, gymnastics, and volleyball teams, and it also contains a swimming pool that hosts the Colonials’ swimming and water polo programs. The arena opened in 1975 and is named after local philanthropist Charles E. Smith, who was also a university trustee at GW. George Washington basketball had a few good years in the mid-2000s, including a 27-3 record in 2005-06 and three straight tournament appearances. Since then, the Colonials have fallen on harder times, though they did win the NIT in 2016. Food & Beverage 3 There is one concession stand at the Charles E. Smith Center, located in an out of the way area down a flight of stairs from the main entrance. The selection here is very limited, serving items such as pizza, chips, candy, and popcorn. The good news is that everything is very affordable – entrees will cost around $5 or $6, while snacks will cost less. However, between the limited selection and the difficult time getting to and from the concession stand, we recommend you eat before or after the game if possible. Atmosphere 4 Entering the Charles E. Smith Center will put you into one of the four corners of the arena. From there, you will walk around the concourse then up or down to your seat. All seats are chairbacks, although there is limited legroom. Keep in mind that a small portion of the court will be obstructed if you are sitting in the upper baseline seats, but you should still be able to see the vast majority of the action. There is a big videoboard over center court that also shows player and team stats, and smaller scoreboards in two of the corners that only show the basic information. GW does a good job at keeping fans entertained during breaks in the action. There is a decently-sized band called the Colonial Brass as well as recorded music played during timeouts. Perhaps unsurprisingly, the costumed mascot is a cartoonish version of George Washington, who roams the crowd throughout the game interacting with fans. There are also cheerleaders and a dance team called the First Ladies. There is a nice light show during pregame introductions, but depending on where you are sitting, the spotlight may be shining right in your eyes, making it very difficult to see. Neighborhood 5 George Washington is located in the Foggy Bottom neighborhood of DC, about half a mile west of the White House. This is one of the nicer and older neighborhoods in DC and there is plenty nearby. Local restaurants include Bobby’s Burger Palace, owned by celebrity chef Bobby Flay, and Founding Fathers DC, a farm-to-table restaurant that is wildly popular with some locals but which the Washington Post infamously gave a rare zero-star review . The Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts is also nearby. If you’re willing to stray outside the neighborhood, there is so much to do elsewhere in the District, and the best part is that most of it’s free. Whether it’s visiting the numerous monuments and memorials or one of the many museums, there is something for everybody here. All government-run attractions are free, but some privately run ones are not. Just keep in mind if you want to tour the White House or Capitol, you will need to book in advance Fans 4 GW fans show up in decent numbers – the arena certainly isn’t deserted, but it isn’t anywhere near full either. However, the fans who are there are passionate and get very into the game. They’ll cheer their team, applaud for good plays, and aren’t afraid to get on the referees’ case if they think there was a bad call. There are times where the Smith Center gets very loud, in part due to the fact that the compact layout helps trap the sound. All in all, the crowd is more passionate than many at this level, but that doesn’t change the fact that there are frequently large banks of empty seats. Access 3 Getting to the Charles E. Smith Center is relatively easy if you’re willing to take public transportation. Just take the Silver, Orange, or Blue Line to the Foggy Bottom-GWU station, then walk a few blocks to the arena. If you’re coming from outside the DC area, you can still drive to a suburban station and park there, then take the Metro the rest of the way. Keep in mind, however, that Metro frequently has delays and closures, especially on weekends, but some which last for weeks or months at a time. Unfortunately, this can make getting anywhere a frustrating experience. Check the WMATA website ahead of your visit to be sure nothing is going on that will impact your trip. If you do choose to drive, there is street and garage parking surrounding the arena, but it is very expensive. While getting to the arena is easy, getting around it is somewhat harder. The narrow concourses make it difficult to move around, and the concession stand and restrooms are in out of the way places that seem to be wherever they found room to put them. With such a compact design due to being in the middle of a city, it is understandable that options were limited. Nevertheless, this can make moving around difficult. Return on Investment 4 Tickets range from $20 for upper-level baseline seats to $50 for courtside seats. Regular lower-level seats at center-court are $35, while upper-level sideline seats are $25. These prices are relatively close to the average for the A-10. However, you can get a much better deal by taking advantage of a discount package. The “Family Four-Pack” offers four upper-level seats for $8.75 each. Mini-plans start at $10/game for three, five, or nine games, while season tickets start at $100, which works out to about $5.50 a game. Keep in mind that these multi-game packs need to be purchased well in advance to ensure the best selection. While attending a GW game is not a bad deal regardless, it can go from an OK deal to an excellent one by taking advantage of a discount package. . Extras 4 One bonus star for the banners hanging down from the roof of the arena showing the Colonials’ accomplishments, including the 2016 NIT. A second one for the flags behind the GW bench showing all the countries that the team’s players come from. A third for one of the more amusing traditions in college basketball. Before the game, when the PA announcer reads the standard announcement that smoking is prohibited in the arena, the band will yell “Except on the court!” If you can make a tradition out of something that boring, you deserve a bonus star. A fourth and final bonus star for the graphics shown on the videoboard during the national anthem. This footage of various monuments, memorials, and other significant national sites throughout DC is a very moving tribute to this country. Final Thoughts There are really three tiers to Division I college basketball in the Washington, DC area. The first tier is national powerhouses Georgetown and Maryland. George Washington is in the second tier along with fellow Atlantic 10 school George Mason. The third and lowest tier is low-majors Howard and American. While George Washington doesn’t have the same prestige as the top-tier schools, a visit to the Charles E. Smith Center to see the Colonials can still be an enjoyable experience at an affordable price for the whole family.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Fireman’s Field 250 S Nursery Ave Purcellville, VA 20132 Purcellville Cannons website Fireman’s Field website Year Opened: 1903 Capacity: 2,000 Purcellville Baseball The Valley Baseball League is a collegiate summer wood-bat league located in Virginia’s scenic Shenandoah Valley, in the western part of the state. With 11 teams from Winchester to Covington, the league has become a hub for collegiate summer ball over the years. The Purcellville Cannons have a storied history in the league, though not all of it has been based out of Purcellville. Originally in Luray, the team moved to Charles Town, West Virginia as the only non-Virginia team in the league before moving to Purcellville in 2015. The team plays its home games at Fireman’s Field, on the site of a historic picnic site and meeting grounds known as The Tabernacle. In 1939, The Tabernacle was converted to a roller skating rink that still stands adjacent to the stadium. For those unfamiliar with Purcellville, the town has a rather counterintuitive pronunciation – the first two L’s are silent and it is pronounced more like “Percival” as in the former Angels’ closer Troy Percival. Fireman’s Field is also used for youth football in the fall, but unlike many dual-purpose stadiums, the sightlines are designed for baseball and ideal for the sport. Food & Beverage 4 There is a concession stand in a passageway under the press box which sells basic options. Meal choices include hot dogs ($3) and hamburgers from local vendor Millcreek Farm ($5, 75 cents extra for cheese.) Snacks include kettle corn for $4.50, assorted candies for $2, popcorn for $2.50, and various other items for about $1 each. Bottled water is available for $1, Gatorade for $2, and various Coke products for $1.50 each. Ice cream sandwiches are $1.50 and freeze pops are 50 cents. If these were the only options, Fireman’s Field would get a purely average score in this category. However, they are not. The Cannons partner with a local ice cream vendor, Auntie Ra Ra’s, to sell homemade ice cream out of a truck down the left-field line. Prices are higher than they would be at the concession stand, but you get what you pay for ultimately as this is top-notch ice cream. Additionally, unlike in most of the Valley League, alcohol is available at Fireman’s Field, at a separate stand in the courtyard behind the press box run by a local brewery. Prices range from $6 to $8 a drink depending on what you get. Atmosphere 5 The Cannons put on a top-notch atmosphere from start to finish. Starting with an enthusiastic PA announcer announcing the starting lineups to a cheering crowd and continuing with between-inning contests and even a mascot race, the Cannons really know how to put on an experience. The team’s mascot is a Dalmatian who is appropriately named Cannon, and he can be seen throughout the ballpark. The Cannons promote a lively atmosphere here and that is reflected in the energy in the building during a game. As for the stadium itself, walking in will put you in a courtyard of sorts which has concessions available. There are two sets of main metal bleachers, one on each side of the press box, with smaller secondary bleachers further down the lines. A scoreboard is in the outfield which shows the line score and other basic information. It is important to note one particular Valley League tradition. Fans are not permitted to keep foul balls as they would be at a professional game. However, they can turn them into the concession stand for a free ice pop, and in many cases a coupon from a local sponsor as well. Every time a foul ball is hit out of the playing area, you will see kids running after it hoping to get some free food. Neighborhood 3 Fireman’s Field is located in a residential area so there isn’t much to do in the immediate vicinity. Your best bet is to head right up the road to Main Street in downtown Purcellville where you will find many options. Market Burger Fries & Shakes seems to be a local favorite and there are quite a few barbecue places, including Monk’s and Smokin Willy’s. Old 690 Brewing Company is a team sponsor and if you want to try some more of their beers after the game, they are about a ten-minute drive from the ballpark. There are very few hotels in town, so if staying overnight your best bet is to stay in nearby Leesburg. Fans 5 Cannons fans pack the stadium night in and night out and cheer on their team loudly and proudly. On any given night, one will find the stands mostly full of a mix of old-time baseball fans and younger families. Fans really get into the action and can get quite loud despite the small size of the stadium, especially when the Cannons are doing well. Although the attendance won’t rival that of the affiliated ball, the turnout is quite high for this level, and the fans are very passionate. Access 3 A trip to Fireman’s Field may involve taking State Route 7 at least part of the way. Other options include State Route 287 and coming from the north, taking State Route 9 before heading south on a secondary road into town. If coming from the east in the D.C. area, you may end up taking State Route 267, a toll road, part of the way, although there are free options available if you are willing to deal with traffic lights. Once you get to the stadium, parking is available in a lot right outside with additional parking available nearby if that fills up. The concourse is more than wide enough to accommodate the number of fans, with the open courtyard improving things, but the bathrooms can be a bit small at times. Return on Investment 5 Tickets are $5 for adults, $3 for children and seniors, and free for kids in Little League jerseys. Considering the quality of play and atmosphere here, that is an excellent deal. Sometimes local sponsors will partner with the Cannons to make admission free for a certain number of fans, so make sure to look for offers like that and arrive early if you plan on taking advantage of it. Concessions at the main stand are affordable, and while they’re more expensive at the secondary options from local vendors, you ultimately get what you pay for in that regard. Extras 3 Free programs are available at the entrance to the stadium where you get your ticket. In the middle of the fifth inning of every home game, there is a mascot race where Cannon the Dalmatian mascot will race against several mascots of local businesses down the first baseline. A third and final star for the local food vendors in addition to the main concession stand. Final Thoughts If you’re ever in the Northern Shenandoah Valley, be sure to check out a Purcellville Cannons game while you are there. The Valley League is full of unique ballparks in scenic settings and Purcellville is no exception. While it’s a bit off the beaten path, a visit to Fireman’s Field is well worth it for any baseball fan in the area.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 M&T Bank Arena 305 Sherman Ave Hamden, CT 06518 Quinnipiac Bobcats men’s basketball website M&T Bank Arena website Year Opened: 2007 Capacity: 3,570 Hoops in the Shadow of the Sleeping Giant People’s United Center was the first building constructed in Quinnipiac University’s $360 million project to develop its York Hill campus, located about a mile from the school‘s main Mount Carmel campus. The facility contains basketball and hockey arenas joined by a common lobby area and university club. Completed in 2007 at a cost of $52 million, it was designed to be a drawing point for potential student athletes. Building the facility involved moving 615,000 tons of earth and rock, all of which remained on campus to construct roads for the development of the 250-acre campus. Basketball has been played at Quinnipiac since 1951. A longtime member of NAIA, the team elevated its athletic programs to Division Two in the mid-70s and to Division One in 1998. After competing in the Northeast Conference, the Bobcats moved to the Metro Athletic Conference in 2013. The team has yet to qualify for the NCAA Tournament as a member of Division One. Note: The name of the arena changed to M&T Arena in April 2022. Food & Beverage 2 “The Den” is located in the main lobby in between the basketball and hockey arenas. It offers a limited menu consisting of hot dogs, chicken tenders, nachos and assorted snacks. Items are affordable, with most items priced under five dollars. Pepsi products are sold at People’s United Center. No alcohol is sold at this on-campus facility. The Den, Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Atmosphere 3 At most college venues, the atmosphere is driven by the student body. Unfortunately, there is not much of a turnout by the student body here at Quinnipiac basketball games. This is in stark contrast to the student section at hockey games, which are packed to the brim with excited students. Despite the lack of noise from a student section, the folks at the People’s United Center put on a good show. The school’s pep band performs throughout the game, filling the arena with noise. The cheerleaders and dance squad perform during play stoppages and there is a mascot who wanders the crowd interacting with fans. There is a large video board hanging at center court which is put to good use with replays, game stats and graphics. Additional scoreboards in the corners of the arena display updated game stats throughout the game. T-shirt tosses and contests for the younger fans in attendance keep the more casual fans interested. Neighborhood 2 People’s United Center is located in the university’s York Hill campus, about a mile from the main campus. Quinnipiac is located adjacent to Sleeping Giant State Park, a popular destination for hiking and other outdoor activities. If visiting Hamden when the weather is nice, the many trails here are worth a look before heading over to the game. Hamden is a typical suburban community, with many local eateries and national chain restaurants located along Whitney Ave. near campus. If you follow Whitney Ave. for a few miles south, you will find yourself in downtown New Haven on the campus of one of Quinnipiac’s chief athletic rivals, Yale University. While Hamden is a lovely community, it can hardly be considered a destination location. Many visitors to the area will likely spend their time in nearby New Haven, which has a well-deserved reputation as a foodie hotspot. Connecticut’s capital city, Hartford, is located a half hour north of Hamden. The state’s twin casinos, Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun, are located less than an hour to the east. Fans 3 Quinnipiac averages between 1,200 and 1,500 fans per game at the People’s United Center. Crowds fluctuate wildly depending on the opponent and day of week you are attending. Bobcat basketball fans are not the rowdiest bunch you’ll come across, but they are knowledgeable about their team and enthusiastic in their support. There isn’t much of a turnout by the student body, leaving the student section empty save for the presence of the pep band. Those students who do show up tend to spread out around the seating bowl, negating any energy they would bring to the arena. The majority of the crowd is made up of locals out to see some quality hoops at an affordable price. Access 4 The suburb of Hamden is located directly to the north of New Haven. Once named as one of the “best small cities” by CNN Money, Hamden and Quinnipiac University are easily reached via Interstate 91. Take exit 10 (Route 40) and follow it approximately a mile and a half to the QU campus on Mount Carmel Road. Fans enter the TD Bank Sports Center into the shared central lobby, which contains the Bobcat Den concession stand and a pair of restrooms. The basketball court is on your left. Fans enter Quinnipiac’s basketball court onto the concourse located at the top of the seating bowl. This concourse completely encircles the arena, offering excellent views of the court from all points. In fact, many fans choose to take in the action from spots around the concourse. Section 101 will be directly in front of you as you enter the arena at the corner of the basketball court. There are 16 sections, each containing between 12 and 14 rows of blue folding stadium seats. The seating bowl is steeply pitched, creating great sight lines of the game from all points. A section of luxury boxes is located above the entrance to the arena. With the smaller crowds present, it’s pretty easy to get around, even at halftime. There are a pair of restrooms located in the corners of the arena, and another pair in the lobby. Lines do form at restrooms and concession stands at halftime, but they move fairly quickly. With only one road leading to the arena, don’t be in a rush to leave after the game. The lots can take a little while to empty. Return on Investment 4 Tickets for Quinnipiac basketball games cost $15 for all seats. Seniors can purchase tickets for $8 and youth for $6. Parking is free in the lots adjacent to the facility. Add in inexpensive concessions and a night at a Bobcats basketball game is an affordable entertainment option for Connecticut basketball fans. Extras 2 Outside the entrance to the facility is a statue of a Bobcat, the school’s mascot. When the school made the decision to change their name from the politically incorrect Braves to the Bobcats, students developed the legend of the Bobcat, which guards the Quinnipiac campus while the sleeping giant does his thing over at the state park. The legend can be read on a plaque next to the statue. Banners hang throughout People’s United Center honoring the school’s championships and tournament appearances for both the men’s and women’s teams. Additional banners honoring 1,000-point scorers can be found on the walls of the arena. Final Thoughts People’s United Center is an attractive facility that fits the needs of this mid-major team perfectly. While the basketball team at Quinnipiac has yet to experience the success that the hockey team has enjoyed, the basketball court compliments the neighboring hockey rink perfectly. When the Bobcats start to improve on the court, expect the crowds to grow here in the shadow of the Sleeping Giant. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Ochsner Sports Performance Center 5800 Airline Dr Metairie, LA 70003 New Orleans Saints website Ochsner Sports Performance Center website Year Opened: 1996 The Saints Home Away from The Dome Every late July/early August you can feel it in the air. School is just getting ready to get back in session, and summer is winding down, which can only mean one thing – we just have to get through this unbearably hot month of August and then football season will be here. For the NFL's 32 teams they are getting ready to go to battle for the upcoming season, as all 32 teams report to training camp around the last week of July, and the beginning of the dog days of summer. Some teams stay close to home and use their own practice facilities for camp, while others practice in other sites away from home. For the New Orleans Saints, in 2017 they moved their training camp back to their official practice facility, Ochsner Sports Performance Center. The Saints have moved their training camp a lot in their 57-year history; 10 different locations all over the country have hosted Saints Training Camp over the years. San Diego (CA), Hattiesburg (MS), Vero Beach (FL), La Crosse (WI), Thibodaux (LA), and Jackson (MS) have served as some of the hosts over the years, and from 2014 to 2016 the Saints even practiced at Greenbrier Resort in West Virginia, before moving back closer to home. The Performance Center originally opened in 1996 in the New Orleans' suburb of Metairie, as the home to the Saints throughout the year; the Saints have held training camp here from 2003-2005, 2010-2013, and now continuously since 2017. In 2013 the New Orleans Pelicans moved their official training center here as well, and the facility was renamed the Ochsner Sports Performance Center, after the New Orleans-based hospital. For the 2023 season the Saints announced that six outdoor training camp practices would be open to the public. In years past practices would be two hours long, but due to excessive heat they would later trim the outdoor practices to one hour (10-11 am). Food and Beverages 3 There is one tent set up selling concessions as soon as you enter the grounds; prices are surprisingly cheap for an NFL venue, with everything ranging from $2 to $6. Hamburgers, hot dogs, jumbo pretzels, and chips are just some of the main options on the menu, while for local fare they do offer jambalaya for $6, something you must eat if you visit Louisiana. For 2023 the training camp gates open at 9 am, so if you come hungry you can also grab breakfast – bacon, sausage, and chicken biscuits sell for $5, and you can grab a muffin for $3. For drink options, Coke is the official soft drink provider of the New Orleans Saints, so you will find bottled Coke products for sale for $2, which is cheaper than you will find in a gas station. For alcohol, Bud Light and Miller Lite are sold, and they even have your morning coffee fix for $3. Dasani bottled water and Gatorade products are sold for $3 – make sure you stay hydrated as it will be extremely hot in the Louisiana sun. Raising Cane's is also on hand as well, providing fans with free lemonade. However, if you come to a Saints practice, you won't be here long as practices only last an hour. So even though this is New Orleans, the practice facility isn't a place where you necessarily need to splurge on food. Atmosphere 4 The Ochsner Sports Performance Center is the official headquarters of the Saints and the New Orleans Pelicans . The first phase of the facility opened in 1996 when the Saints moved their administrative offices here, and opened a practice field where they would practice throughout the year. Today the facility has been expanded to include a 19-acre campus with a 77,504-square-foot multi-purpose center that includes locker rooms, physical therapy and treatment area, doctor’s office, media studio, museum, and the operations & administrative offices. The centerpiece of the facility is the 75,000-sqaure-foot indoor practice facility that rises 78 feet in the air. The indoor facility is home to a full-length football field, full-service cafeteria, and gym, but is not open to the public. Outside the indoor facility are two football fields, and this is where the outdoor portions of training camp practices happen. The two fields face east and west, with the huge indoor practice facility to the south providing the backdrop to the bleachers on the north sidelines. There is also bleacher seating behind the end zone on the west side. As mentioned the players spend the first hour (9-10 am) practicing indoors because of the excessive heat; the gates open at 9 so you have the first hour to walk around and check out everything. Next to the concessions area they have a merchandise tent selling Saints gear cheaper than you would find at a game, and the Pelicans and Saints both even have booths set up with ticket execs, out in full force trying to sell ticket flex plans. Seats are first come first serve, so the front rows fill up quickly. At 10 am the players come out one by one and begin doing various stretches, before moving onto their drills. It can be kind of confusing to watch, as the players break up into their positions and do positional drills on different sides of the two fields. The sightlines aren't the best, so if you came to the see the quarterbacks there is a chance they could be on the far side of the field. There is only so much they can do in an hour, but the cool thing is no matter where you sit you are guaranteed to be right up close to at least some of the players. The offensive line, running backs, and special teams players were practicing on my side the last time I came, roughly 15 feet in front of me, and after practice the players come right up to the bleachers and sign autographs – not all the players are there, but most of them will come up and sign. The only problem is it’s completely random which players you will get to meet. Neighborhood 3 The Ochsner Performance Center is about a 15–20-minute drive from the Caesars Superdome in the large suburb of Metairie. The facility is located out near the Airport, and unfortunately there is not a lot to do in the immediate area. However, there is plenty to do in Metairie itself – the town of about 150,000 is typical of large city suburbs, with a lot of shopping and chain restaurants. Metairie also has a lot of the wealthier neighborhoods of the metro area, and is where many of the Saints and Pelicans players live. A few miles over the railroad tracks to the south is the Elmwood Shopping Center, a large outdoor shopping mall with over 50 stores. Also, a few miles closer to Lake Pontchartrain to the north is the Lakeside Shopping Mall, the largest shopping center in the metro area with over 150 stores. The Rivertown neighborhood in Kenner is about 5 miles away as well, and makes for a great place to visit, known for its local shops and restaurants right on the Mississippi River. For outdoor lovers Metairie also has over 40 parks, the largest being Lafreniere Park, which makes for a great morning stroll before heading to watch practice. There is also a pretty cool bike trail that runs from the airport along Lake Pontchartrain, and into the French Quarter and along the Mississippi River – it'll take a couple hours to complete this trail though. Most of the restaurants in Metairie are chain and fast food, however, there is a cool local spot near Airline Drive called Dennis' Seafood – inside you can find all the famous Cajun food Louisiana is known for, and then out back you can feed 'Neuty', the giant pet nutria rat the owner rescued a few years ago. Neuty was almost removed by the state health department, until the citizens gathered over 20,000 petitions to keep him. Nutria rats gain a bad reputation as swamp rats and pests, but they are more closely aligned and look more like beavers and otters than rats. And of course, while at practice you are only about 20 minutes from one of the most famous cities in world in New Orleans. I could go on for days about all the things to do in the Crescent City – you can go to the morning practice and then venture into the city and walk around. July and August are not a very busy time for the city, as it is often extremely hot, so there are not a lot of visitors; you will find not as many tourists, shorter lines at restaurants, and cheaper parking and hotel rooms during this time. I highly recommend a visit to the city if you have never visited New Orleans before. Fans 4 The Saints fan base is one of the rowdiest and most dedicated fan bases in the NFL; the Saints have a dedicated group of supporters who have supported this team through thick and thin. This fan base has seen is it all, from the days of wearing paper bags on their heads during the ‘ain’ts’ period, to when Mike Ditka traded away all their draft picks to get Ricky Williams. And the fans certainly remember Aug 29, 2005, when they were left without a home stadium to play in after Hurricane Katrina. But through it all this diehard fan base has continued to support the black and gold, with no signs of slowing down. There is a wait list for season tickets backed up for years, and single game tickets are hard to come by or extremely expensive. For years there was talk of relocation for the team, but that kind of talk hasn't been heard since the Sean Payton/Drew Brees era began. Tickets are free for practices, but people will snatch the tickets up, and training camp tickets often sell out the day they go on sale – that is how much in demand it is just to watch the Saints practice. Fans are into practice and are very knowledgeable about the players, so when a big player makes a big catch the crowd will cheer. People on the Gulf Coast love their Saints, and I would say 95% of the people there were in some sort of Saints gear. Access 3 The Performance Center is located on Airline Drive, the main highway that connects downtown New Orleans to the airport. If traveling from the city it may take a while with red lights, so I recommend taking I-10 and getting off at Clearview Pkwy, at Exit 226, then travel south for about 2 miles and you'll reach Airline Drive; go west another mile and the facility is on the left. Airline Drive is a busy highway, but you can’t see the field from the highway, as it is surrounded by trees. The only thing you can see is the huge indoor practice facility with ‘Saints’ written on it. Most of the practices are on weekend mornings, though, so you won't be fighting much of the metro traffic on the interstate. There is no official parking at the complex, so you must park at the Shrine on Airline parking lot at the next intersection – the Shrine on Airline is now called the Gold Mine, and is home to Major League Rugby's Nola Gold; from 1997-2019 it was called Zephyr Field, and was home of the Triple A New Orleans Zephyrs/Baby Cakes. There are enough spaces to offer plenty of parking at this stadium, and there are also about 15 shuttle buses transporting people to the practice field, with the buses dropping fans off right at the main entrance to the field. Return on Investment 4 As mentioned tickets are free, parking is free, and you get to be up close with some of the best players in the NFL, so I consider this a good return on investment. At most major sporting events you have to fight traffic and parking to get there, but coming here is not like that, and you don't have to give up your whole day to come here either, as practice is only an hour, so it is possible to be home by noon. So if you are a fan of football and live on the Gulf Coast, I recommend coming out to watch the Saints practice for at least one of the practices each year. Extras 3 Perhaps the greatest achievement in Saints history occurred on Feb 7, 2010, when the Saints won their first and only Super Bowl. To honor that achievement, the Saints installed a giant LED 'Super Bowl XLIV Champions' sign on the side of the indoor practice facility, which you can see from the road. As you drive down Airline Drive the only thing you see from the road is the giant indoor facility saying, 'Home of the New Orleans Saints', and right under that the Super Bowl XLIV Champs logo. Also right under the Super Bowl sign is a small sign of a black umbrella with the letter TB under it – this is dedicated to longtime owner Tom Benson, who passed away in 2018. Benson was famous for celebrating Saints wins by dancing around with his umbrella, while a jazz band played 'When the Saints Go Marching In'. Benson's legacy will always be a part of the New Orleans Saints history. The Ochsner Sports Performance Center is also the only training facility in the country which is home to both an NFL and an NBA team. In 2012 Tom Benson purchased the New Orleans Hornets, and as part of the new branding the team changed its name to the Pelicans – he would later move the team's operations to the Saints’ home base. Therefore, in 2013 the Sports Performance Center added a $10 million addition which included a 45,000-square-foot building to house two practice courts and the Pelicans ' administrative offices; it's also common to see Pelicans players come out to Saints’ practices. Another extra just for the fact that training camp is the one place where you can get up close and personal with your favorite NFL players – at games you are not going to meet players, but at training camp you can. The Saints organization does an excellent job with their fan engagement and letting fans attend several training camp practices; perhaps this is why Saints tickets are so hard to come by.

Photos by Eric Moreno, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Choctaw Stadium 1000 Ballpark Way Arlington, TX 76011 Arlington Renegades website Choctaw Stadium website Year Opened: 1994 Capacity: 48,114 Arlington Renegades – Choctaw Stadium In 2020, WWE Owner and Chairman Vince McMahon relaunched the XFL, bringing a team to the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. Then the pandemic happened and the XFL, like much of the rest of the world, shut down. In 2023, Dwayne Johnson and his business partners relaunched the league and returned a team to north Texas with the Arlington Renegades . The 2023 iteration of the Renegades will once again call Choctaw Stadium their home field. Formerly the home of MLB’s Texas Rangers until 2019, Choctaw Stadium (nee Globe Life Park, among other names) was retrofitted in 2020 for use for football and soccer. As the XFL finds its footing, it seems to have found one of its anchor franchises in Arlington. Choctaw Stadium has also adapted well to this new sports chapter of its existence. Read on to learn more about the Renegades in north Texas. Food & Beverage 4 When it comes to food and beverage choices, the options at Choctaw Stadium are above and beyond the norm. The stadium has carried over many of the options from its MLB days into its new existence, and this puts it on another level. You can always find your typical game day options such as hot dogs (although gourmet options are offered as well), burgers, nachos, popcorn, soft pretzels, etc. There are numerous stands along the main concourse for these. Fans can also opt for fish and chips, gussied up mac and cheese (Philly cheesesteak mac and cheese, for example), barbecue sandwiches (chicken, brisket, and pulled pork), ice cream and milkshakes, and quesadillas. There are also lots of beer vendors and a couple of Irish pubs for those looking to imbibe some adult beverages. Atmosphere 2 When it comes to atmosphere at XFL games, at least the ones I’ve attended so far, there is quite a bit of room for improvement across the league. While the stadium was, as mentioned, retrofitted to accommodate football, there are still tons of vestiges from its former baseball life present. It is, honestly, a little awkward. There are team merchandise stands set out across the main concourse, and the Renegades have also taken advantage of using the physical team store. In addition they set up a DJ and video screen for fans in one of the end zones, but beyond that, there is not much else. Neighborhood 4 When it comes to the neighborhood, Choctaw Stadium is in a prime spot. It is literally next door to the new Globe Life Field and lies in the shadow of AT&T Stadium , home of the Dallas Cowboys . While (by design) the Cowboys season will be over by the time the Renegades begin play each season, the Rangers will be starting their season at the tail end of XFL play. So, there is a chance that you can double-dip on games when you visit Arlington. What really works in Choctaw Stadium’s favor is the new entertainment district surrounding all the stadiums called Texas Live! This mixed-use area features restaurants, shopping, hotels, and additional entertainment options. Dining options include numerous spots with local flare, including Troy’s , a high-end family eatery from Hall of Fame quarterback Troy Aikman. Also on-site is Pudge’s Pizza , a pizzeria from Hall of Fame catcher Ivan “Pudge” Rodriguez. There is also Guy Fieri’s Taco Joint and the Lockhart Smokehouse among your dining choices. Texas Live! will also be home in the near future to the National Medal of Honor Museum , giving visitors one more option for things to do and see when they take in games at Choctaw Stadium. The museum will preserve and tell the stories of the select few service members to earn our nation’s highest military honor. It is under construction and is slated to open in the fall/winter of 2024. The compound around Choctaw Stadium is also the site of the largest theme park in the state and its sister water park, Six Flags Over Texas and Six Flags Hurricane Harbor . For fans of roller coasters, wave pools, costumed characters, and inner tubes, you can get passes for the day when you visit Arlington to take in a Renegades game. For lodging, as mentioned, Texas Live! has options for that. The main option now is Live by Loews Arlington , which is on the higher end of the spectrum in terms of cost. On the lower end is Courtyard by Marriott Dallas Arlington/Entertainment District , which, while not within walking distance, is less than five minutes away. Fans 3 The Renegades are currently drawing around 12,000 fans per game at Choctaw Stadium. That’s a pretty good number, especially with all the other options entertainment-wise that the Metroplex has to offer. At the most recent game I attended there were a ton of fans sporting Renegades gear, both officially licensed and homemade varieties. The fans were engaged from the jump and were loud throughout the game (which honestly was a bit of a snooze fest). Despite the challenge of the on-field action, the fans never lost interest. They even got a wave going, which was honestly one of the better ones I’ve seen in recent years. Access 3 The city of Arlington is just over a 20-minute drive from both Dallas and Fort Worth. It’s also a three-hour drive from Austin and just about four from both San Antonio and Houston. Choctaw Stadium is right around 15 minutes away from DFW International Airport (one of the largest and busiest in the United States) and just over 20 minutes away from Love Field Airport. Once there, parking is plentiful. If you’re choosing not to drive to Renegades games, your options are a little limited outside of rideshare programs. There is a trolley service in the entertainment district that will shuttle you from spot to spot, including Choctaw Stadium. But however you choose to get there, Choctaw Stadium is easy to find. Return on Investment 3 Single game tickets for the Arlington Renegades at Choctaw Stadium start at just $11 per person; this is the real bargain in the whole enterprise of attending a game. Parking, which again is plentiful, will run you between $20-$30 if you park in one of the designated lots around the stadium. Concessions, while not exactly cheap, aren’t on the same pricing scale as they were when the Rangers were in the building. I think, however, if you’re a football fan this is still going to be far more cost effective than going to a game at nearby AT&T Stadium . Extras 1 In terms of Extras there is not much offered up to fans at Renegades games – there are no cheerleaders nor mascots, and no effects like fireworks or pyro. The team has partnered with a local motorcycle club, and they do ride out before the team at the start of the game, though. The lack of extras is all probably an effort to keep costs down for the XFL as a whole, but more will need to be done going forward. Football games are events and need to be presented as such. Final Thoughts If you’re a football fan, like I am, you’re hoping that the XFL is able to make it stick this time around. There is plenty of room for growth, both with the league overall and with the Renegades at Choctaw Stadium. The product overall will hopefully get better, but if you’re a football fan, you’ll be able to find enjoyment in it. Follow Eric Moreno's Stadium Journey on Twitter at @EricMoreno6477 .

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Benjamin Humphreys McGee Field at Eugene O. Harris Stadium Florida Ave Sewanee, TN 37375 Sewanee Tigers website Benjamin Humphreys McGee Field at Eugene O. Harris Stadium website Year Opened: 1891 Capacity: 3,000 The South’s Oldest College Football Field Sewanee’s McGee Field is the South’s oldest college football field in its original location, and the fourth oldest in the nation. In the first game ever played there, with the field then called Hardee Field, on November 7, 1891, Sewanee lost to Vanderbilt, 22-0. In 1897, Sewanee held John Heisman’s Auburn Tigers to a scoreless tie on this spot. The most famous football team at Sewanee was the 1899 team. With just 13 players, the team known as the “Iron Men” had a six-day road trip with five shutout wins over Texas A&M, Texas, Tulane, LSU, and Ole Miss. Sports Writer Grantland Rice called the group “the most durable football team I ever saw.” McGee Field is the home of the Sewanee Tigers football and lacrosse teams and was dedicated with its current name during homecoming on October 22, 1977. Before then the stadium was known as Hardee Field, named for Lt. General William J. Hardee of the Confederate States of America. The stadium itself was named for Eugene O. Harris in November, 1957. Sewanee was a charter member of the Southeastern Conference upon its formation in 1932. Currently they participate at the Division III level in the Southern Athletic Association offering 11 varsity sports for men and 13 for women. Sewanee has produced 26 Rhodes Scholars, which puts them in the top four nationally among American liberal arts colleges. It is owned by 28 southern dioceses of the Episcopal Church. The full name of the school is Sewanee: The University of the South. Food & Beverage 4 There is a simple food stand behind the grandstand. The offerings are simple hot dogs and burgers, but the prices are cheap. There may also be a food truck in the same general area, such as the Shenanigan’s truck that was there when we attended the game. Their grilled cheese is an excellent sandwich. Atmosphere 3 The football team has not been great over the last few years but the school and its supporters have a great deal of school pride and offer a good small ball atmosphere. The stadium has a main grandstand along the home side that is made up of two newer metal bleachers, as well as a historic stone grandstand. There is also a small visitor stand on the opposite side of the field. You will see the “Yea Sewanee’s Right” slogan on the press box and may wonder what that is all about. You will also likely to hear some of the louder students chanting this as well as part of a longer team chant : “Rip `em up! Tear `em up! Leave `em in a lurch. Down with the heathen. Up with the Church. Yea, Sewanee’s Right!” Neighborhood 5 Sewanee, Tennessee is a small town with a population of 2,311. The town and the university is all the same place. U.S. Route 41A and Tennessee State Route 56 connects the community with Monteagle to the east. Monteagle is located along Interstate 24 between Chattanooga and Nashville. There are just a few restaurants in Sewanee as well as a few others in Monteagle. Fans 3 The fans tend to be either older alumni or the younger college students. The students do seem to be less interested in the game and more interested in looking forward to the next party. Of course, that may be the case at many schools, but it was very much evident during our visit. Access 4 Sewanee can feel pretty isolated as it is top of their mountain. But realistically it is not far from Nashville, Chattanooga or even northern Alabama. Parking is not going to be a major problem and traffic should be reasonably easy to navigate. Return on Investment 4 Games are now free, as they used to charge for attending the game, but have chosen to remove that from the experience. The school is now charging for close to the field parking, as well as using the nearby tailgate lots. Extras 3 The traditions of the University of the South, as represented by its long football history or the “Yea, Sewanee’s Right” chant is a great extra all on its own. Make sure to look at the stone markings acknowledging the 1899 team past the one end zone. Drive or walk around the very pretty campus before the game. The school has one of the best looking college campuses that you may ever encounter. All Saints’ Chapel is an amazingly beautiful building. Opened in 1910, the building also has some amazing stained glasses, including one that depicts a Volkswagen Beetle. Final Thoughts The football team at Sewanee may not be on the level of the 1899 team, but the traditions of the team, as well as the historic football grounds, make a visit here a must for any sports fan.

Photos by Matt Colville , Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Larry Doleac Baseball Complex at Tatum Park 101 Parkway Blvd Hattiesburg, MS 39401 Dixie Youth Baseball website Larry Doleac Baseball Complex at Tatum Park website Year Opened: 2008 Capacity: 5,000 Welcome to Baseburg The drive from the Mississippi Gulf Coast to Hattiesburg is about an hour and a half north on rural Highway 49. As soon as you get to the 'Burg and take the turn onto Hardy Street, the city's major east-west highway, you will see the Southern Miss campus on the right with a giant banner that says, "Welcome to Baseburg" – by 2023 the Hub City nickname was unofficially replaced by Baseburg thanks in part to the city's recent success in the sport. Southern Miss recently finished 2023 with a second consecutive trip to the Super Regionals, with Hattiesburg hosting both tournaments. Though the Golden Eagles came up short both years, the contests brought over 50,000 people to Hattiesburg and did wonders for the city in terms of revenue. Not to be outdone, just down the road William Carey University also hosted the NAIA Super Regionals and advanced to the NAIA World Series, where they finished third in the country in 2023. Another part of Hattiesburg's baseball success is their Dixie Youth Baseball program, which dates back to 1955. The Dixie Youth World Series is the South's version of the Little League World Series, as Dixie Youth Baseball is played in 12 southeastern states. Hattiesburg Dixie Youth Baseball has won six Major World Series championships, which is more than other Dixie Youth league. DYB is separated into five different age divisions: T-Ball (4-6), Coach Pitch (7-8), Minors (9-10), O-Zone (11-12), and Majors (13-14). In 2023 Hattiesburg hosted the 8U-Coach Pitch Division World Series, which would mark The Burg's third time hosting the World Series (1989, 1998, and 2023), with the 1989 and 1998 series being Majors. The 2023 Series was set up in two divisions; Division I-A is the larger cities in the state while Division I-AA is the smaller cities in each state. The Series was played at the beautiful Larry Doleac Youth Baseball Complex, which opened in 2008. Located inside Tatum Park, the park includes 23 soccer fields, tennis courts, a disc golf course, four softball fields, and the baseball complex sitting in the southeast corner of the park – Larry Doleac owns a local electrical engineering company. Food & Beverage 3 The complex features four main fields set up in a quad, with a press box and concession stand located in the middle of the quad; it is the typical layout found at a local rec league complex. There is one main stand open for the tournament called Gateman Grill. The usual selection can be found here, and prices are extremely cheap – sausage dogs, hot dogs, hamburgers, nachos, peanuts, and popcorn round out the menu, with the most expensive item being the sausage dog at $3 (hamburgers only cost $2.50). The drinks are where they get you, with all drinks (bottled water included) costing $3; I thought they could have made the bottled water prices a little cheaper since this was the middle of July, and there is no water fountain on property. They did have two misting tents set up, however, in between fields #2 and #4 to keep fans cool – this is also the only place on the property to get decent shade. They also have a few food trucks set up in between fields #2 and #3; the 24/8 Grill & Catering truck serves fried chicken tenders and catfish baskets, while Nannie Mac's, a popular Hattiesburg eatery, sells tacos, nachos, burgers, and hot dogs. There are also several more food options set up out in Tatum Park by the soccer fields, including a full indoor concession area called The Grill at Tatum on this particular weekend, and they also had a street taco food truck set up on the property. Atmosphere 4 The Dixie Youth World Series is a four or five-day event that officially kicks off on Thursday with the opening ceremonies – the opening ceremonies are held at Southern Miss baseball’s Pete Taylor Park . All 12 states in the league were represented, with a parade of teams that entered the field Olympic style. The famous Pride of Mississippi marching band was on hand, as well as Southern Miss mascot Seymour. Former MLB All-Star and Southern Miss baseball star Brian Dozier threw out the ceremonial first pitch, while comedian Steve Max entertained the crowd with a unique game of 'Simon Says' with the audience and kids. The event is run by Hattiesburg Parks and Recreation and Visit Hburg, and they do a great job running the operations of the Tournament. As soon as you arrive you will see the Visit Hburg tent set up with various brochures on the city; Hattiesburg Zoo even had a tent set up with several animals you could touch. You can also tell that Hattiesburg loves capitalizing on the Baseburg nickname – there were several merch tents set up on the grounds selling Baseburg and Dixie Youth shirts. Another cool vendor stand I saw set up was a company called D-Bat selling baseball apparel such as gloves, bats, cleats, etc.; D-Bat is a popular indoor batting cage facility in Hattiesburg, and makes for a fun place to visit. There is something special about attending an event like this – the look of joy on the boys' faces as they entered the opening ceremonies is something that can't be replaced. The parents and family, many of whom traveled hundreds of miles to get here, are just as excited as the boys are. Though these boys are quite young, they are still the best 8-year-old ballplayers in their respective state, so you won't see the kid sitting in the grass in the outfield, or the kid picking his nose when he comes up to bat. Even at 8 years old the kids playing understand the importance of playing in this Tournament; it may be the Dixie Youth World Series, but to these kids and to some of their parents, it may as well be the MLB World Series. The first games begin at 10 am Friday morning, with 6-inning long games taking place every hour and a half. Division I-A games take place on Fields #1 and #2, while Division I-AA games take place on Fields #3 and #4, with games usually lasting until around 6 or 7 pm each night. The field dimensions of each field are normally 200 feet to dead center, but for the World Series a temporary fence is installed in the outfield to trim the field to 180 feet. Neighborhood 3 Tatum Park is located on the south side of the city, in an industrial area where there is not a lot to do. Most of the out-of-towners will likely come for the games and then leave to go 10 minutes north into the city. Hattiesburg is a typical college town of about 50,000 people, and you will find many options to keep you busy if in town for the week and you are looking for a break from the games. Historic downtown Hattiesburg has been seen a revitalization over the years, with many of the abandoned buildings being turned into local businesses – download the Visit Hburg app to view the different walking tours they have here, including an art trail, a HattiesBurger trail featuring popular restaurants in the city, and a historic downtown walking tour. Hattiesburg also has many family-friendly options as well; make sure you check out the Pocket Museum if in downtown. Its location is purposely hidden, as you are supposed to find it by walking around looking for clues; it's hard to explain, but the Pocket Museum is considered Mississippi's tiniest museum and is located in alley near the Saenger Theatre. Down the alley are hundreds of tiny figurines and displays set to a particular theme that changes each month. The Pocket Museum has become a big attraction for all ages, and is not hard to find anymore as you can just look for the line of people coming out of an alley. Another popular place to visit downtown is The Lucky Rabbit, a huge two building vintage antique store. It’s also hard to explain what this place is, but trust me – it's well worth a visit as it is no ordinary antique store. On your way back to Tatum Park for more games, or if headed to your hotel room for the night, you'll pass the Hattiesburg Zoo, which also makes a great visit for the family. The Zoo is affordable for the whole family and quite big for a city like Hattiesburg; you can't miss the zoo as you will see the giraffes from the side of the road. The Zoo is also opening a water park scheduled to open in Spring 2024. You can find plenty of restaurants in Hattiesburg, as well as plenty of shopping, while for hotels there are many chains lining the I-59 exit near Hardy Street. Fans 4 The cool thing about an event like this is all the different people from out of state it attracts. The 2023 World Series pumped $4 million into the local economy, mostly from players' families who made the trip down. Because this is the best of the best at this level of youth baseball, the baseball parents are into the game from start to finish, so much so you almost forget you are at a kids baseball game. It can even get a bit heated between some of the hardcore parents, as you would expect – most of these more extreme parents sat in the metal bleachers. The fields are 200 feet but have temporary fencing at 180; a lot of the more relaxed parents were sitting out there in the 20-foot gap between the warning track and temporary fence. All along the outfield fence you will see various tents set up of people mingling and hanging out, almost like a college baseball game. In fact, it was as close to an SEC baseball atmosphere as you can find, and if people could drink beer then they would be drinking out there. You will see 30-40 people from a small town in Alabama standing under Crimson Tide tents in left field, and in right field you would have 30-40 people from a small town in Louisiana mingling under LSU tents. Then you can walk one field over and see Virginia playing Texas and the same thing would be going on in that field; it was cool seeing all the different fanbases all on one site – you could even go up to an outfield tent and strike up a conversation with almost anyone. Access 3 Getting to Larry Doleac Youth Baseball Complex at Tatum Park can be kind of difficult if you are not familiar with the area. The Complex is located on Highway 11 just off Highway 49, on the south side of the city away from all the main attractions. If coming from out of town, more than likely your hotel will be closer to Hardy Street/Highway 98 at Exit 65. Your best option would be to get on I-59 from Hardy Street, then travel south about five miles on the interstate, until you get to Highway 11 at Exit 60. Take this and the park will be right there on the right – Larry Doleac Baseball Complex sits at the very southeast end of the park, so you will have to drive a good bit past the soccer fields until you get to the baseball fields. Once on property you are free to move from field to field, and you can also come and go all day. Return on Investment 4 Tickets are $10 for the daily pass, which allows you to come and go as you please. You can also purchase the Series Pass for $30, which allows entrance to all the games of the World Series. Counting the opening ceremonies, the tournament could last a total of six days, so you'll be saving $30 by purchasing the Series Pass, and you also get a cool Baseburg lanyard with your purchase. I enjoyed coming out every day to watch the games; the atmosphere is pretty fun with all different fans from each state bringing their own customs and cultures to Hattiesburg. These are also the best 8-year-old baseball players in their states – these kids have a long way to go, but I guarantee at least a couple of them will make it to the big leagues one day. Extras 3 Another cool thing they do here is have the state flags of all 12 teams lined up along the outfield fence – the flags of the two states currently playing are in center field next to the American flag, while the other state flags are around it. The complex and park are also named after some of Hattiesburg's most successful families. Larry Doleac, along with his brother, own an electric engineering company that has been a family-run business here for over 50 years. Larry is also the President of the Hattiesburg Dixie Youth Baseball League, and the uncle of country singer and former Southern Miss baseball star Adam Doleac. Willie Tatum was a former mayor and lumber mill operator, and is the namesake of Hattiesburg's largest park, where the Larry Doleac Baseball Complex is located. Field #1 at the complex is also named Bobby Myrick Field after the former New York Met outfielder, and former Hattiesburg High outfielder. Another plus for the Hattiesburg Dixie Youth League holding the record for the most Dixie Youth World Series wins; in the 1960s and 70's Hattiesburg also had an intense little league scene, as well as a Dixie Youth League. The only team from Mississippi to ever advance to the Little League World Series in Williamsport, PA was the 1977 Hattiesburg little league team – at that time only 8 teams in the world played in the Little League World Series, and the Hub City little league team was one of three teams from the U.S. who played in the tournament, which was won by Taiwan. That team was led by a 12-year-old third baseman named Charlie Hayes, who 19 years later would be playing in the World Series for the Yankees as they beat the Braves in six games to win the 1996 World Series; Charlie is also the father of former Houston Astro and current Pittsburgh Pirate Ke'Bryan Hayes.